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de Kort WWB, de Ruiter EJ, Haakma WE, Driehuis E, Devriese LA, van Es RJJ, Willems SM. p-mTOR, p-ERK and PTEN Expression in Tumor Biopsies and Organoids as Predictive Biomarkers for Patients with HPV Negative Head and Neck Cancer. Head Neck Pathol 2023; 17:697-707. [PMID: 37486536 PMCID: PMC10514008 DOI: 10.1007/s12105-023-01576-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Survival rates of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have only marginally improved in the last decades. Hence there is a need for predictive biomarkers for long-time survival that can help to guide treatment decisions and might lead to the development of new therapies. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway is the most frequently altered pathway in HNSCC, genes are often mutated, amplificated and overexpressed causing aberrant signaling affecting cell growth and differentiation. Numerous genetic alterations of upstream and downstream factors have currently been clarified. However, their predictive value has yet to be established. Therefore we assess the predictive value of p-mTOR, p-ERK and PTEN expression. METHODS Tissue microarrays (TMA's) of HPV-negative patients with oropharyngeal (n = 48), hypopharyngeal (n = 16) or laryngeal (n = 13) SCC, treated with primary chemoradiation (cisplatin/carboplatin/cetuximab and radiotherapy), were histologically stained for p-mTOR, PTEN and p-ERK. Expression was correlated to overall survival (OS), disease free survival (DFS) and locoregional control (LRC). Also p-mTOR was histologically stained in a separate cohort of HNSCC organoids (n = 8) and correlated to mTOR-inhibitor everolimus response. RESULTS High p-mTOR expression correlated significantly with worse OS in multivariate analysis in the whole patient cohort [Hazar Ratio (HR) 1.06, 95%CI 1.01-1.11, p = 0.03] and in the cisplatin/carboplatin group with both worse OS (HR 1.09, 95%CI 1.02-1.16, p = 0.02) and DFS (HR 1.06, 95%CI 1.00-1.12, p = 0,04). p-ERK expression correlated significantly with DFS in univariate analysis in the whole patient cohort (HR 1.03, 95%CI 1.00-1.05, p = 0.04) and cisplatin/carboplatin group (HR 1.03, 95%CI 1.00-1.07, p = 0.04). PTEN-expression did not correlate with OS/DFS/LRC. Better organoid response to everolimus correlated significantly to higher p-mTOR expression (Rs = - 0.731, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS High p-mTOR expression predicts and high p-ERK expression tends to predict worse treatment outcome in HPV negative HNSCC patients treated with chemoradiation, providing additional evidence that these markers are candidate prognostic biomarkers for survival in this patient population. Also this study shows that the use of HNSCC organoids for biomarker research has potential. The role of PTEN expression as prognostic biomarker remains unclear, as consistent evidence on its prognostic and predictive value is lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- W. W. B. de Kort
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - E. J. de Ruiter
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - W. E. Haakma
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - E. Driehuis
- Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - L. A. Devriese
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - R. J. J. van Es
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, Utrecht Cancer Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - S. M. Willems
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
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Karati D, Kumar D. A Comprehensive Review on Targeted Cancer Therapy: New Face of Treatment Approach. Curr Pharm Des 2023; 29:3282-3294. [PMID: 38038008 DOI: 10.2174/0113816128272203231121034814] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is one of life's most difficult difficulties and a severe health risk everywhere. Except for haematological malignancies, it is characterized by unchecked cell growth and a lack of cell death, which results in an aberrant tissue mass or tumour. Vascularization promotes tumor growth, which eventually aids metastasis and migration to other parts of the body, ultimately resulting in death. The genetic material of the cells is harmed or mutated by environmental or inherited influences, which results in cancer. Presently, anti-neoplastic medications (chemotherapy, hormone, and biological therapies) are the treatment of choice for metastatic cancers, whilst surgery and radiotherapy are the mainstays for local and non-metastatic tumors. Regrettably, chemotherapy disturbs healthy cells with rapid proliferation, such as those in the gastrointestinal tract and hair follicles, leading to the typical side effects of chemotherapy. Finding new, efficient, targeted therapies based on modifications in the molecular biology of tumor cells is essential because current chemotherapeutic medications are harmful and can cause the development of multidrug resistance. These new targeted therapies, which are gaining popularity as demonstrated by the FDA-approved targeted cancer drugs in recent years, enter molecules directly into tumor cells, diminishing the adverse reactions. A form of cancer treatment known as targeted therapy goes after the proteins that regulate how cancer cells proliferate, divide, and disseminate. Most patients with specific cancers, such as chronic myelogenous leukemia (commonly known as CML), will have a target for a particular medicine, allowing them to be treated with that drug. Nonetheless, the tumor must typically be examined to determine whether it includes drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipanjan Karati
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Techno India University, Kolkata 700091, West Bengal 900017, India
| | - Dileep Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Poona College of Pharmacy, Bharti Vidyapeeth, Pune, Maharashtra 411038, India
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Ainiwaer J, Zhang L, Niyazi M, Awut E, Zheng S, Sheyhidin I, Dai J. Alpha Protein Kinase 2 Promotes Esophageal Cancer via Integrin Alpha 11. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:7676582. [PMID: 35813220 PMCID: PMC9259355 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7676582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background As a common disease around the world, esophageal cancer (EC) primarily includes two subclasses: esophageal adenocarcinoma and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Mortality has been rising over the years; hence, exploring the mechanism of EC development has become critical. Among the alpha protein kinases, alpha protein kinase 2 (ALPK2) presumably has a connection with EC, but it has never been revealed before. Methods In this study, IHC analysis was used for ALPK2 expression quantification in ES tissues. TE-1 and Eca-109, which are both human EC cell lines, were used for in vitro analysis of cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and colony formation. Results ALPK2 was found to have an abundant expression within EC tissues (P < 0.001), as well as in the two selected human EC cell lines (P < 0.05). The data showed that ALPK2 depletion suppressed EC cell proliferation, migration, and colony formation, meanwhile stimulating apoptosis (P < 0.001). The in vivo experiments also displayed inhibitory effects caused by ALPK2 depletion on EC tumorigenesis (P < 0.001). It was further validated that ALPK2 depletion made the phosphorylation of Akt and mTOR, as well as CDK6 and PIK3CA levels downregulated (P < 0.001). Mechanistically, we identified integrin alpha 11 (ITGA11) as a downstream gene of ALPK2 regulating EC. More importantly, we found that ITGA11 elevation promoted cell proliferation and migration and rescued the suppression effects caused by ALPK2 depletion (P < 0.001). Conclusions ALPK2 promotes esophageal cancer via integrin its downstream gene alpha 11; ALPK2 can potentially act as a target for the treatment of EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julaiti Ainiwaer
- School of Public Health, Xinjiang Medical University, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, China
| | - Liwei Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, China
| | - Maidiniyeti Niyazi
- The Clinical Medicine Research Institute, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, China
| | - Edris Awut
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, China
| | - Shutao Zheng
- The Clinical Medicine Research Institute, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, China
| | - Ilyar Sheyhidin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, China
| | - JiangHong Dai
- School of Public Health, Xinjiang Medical University, China
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Li N, Chen J, Liu Q, Qu H, Yang X, Gao P, Wang Y, Gao H, Wang H, Zhao Z. Prognostic significance and tumor-immune infiltration of mTOR in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11901. [PMID: 34458019 PMCID: PMC8378334 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11901] [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: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), a serine/threonine kinase involved in cell proliferation, survival, metabolism and immunity, was reportedly activated in various cancers. However, the clinical role of mTOR in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is controversial. Here we detected the expression and prognosis of total mTOR and phosphorylated mTOR (p-mTOR) in clear cell RCC (ccRCC) patients, and explored the interactions between mTOR and immune infiltrates in ccRCC. The protein level of mTOR and p-mTOR was determined by western blotting (WB), and their expression was evaluated in 145 ccRCC and 13 non-tumor specimens by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The relationship to immune infiltration of mTOR was further investigated using TIMER and TISIDB databases, respectively. WB demonstrated the ratio of p-mTOR to mTOR was higher in ccRCC than adjacent specimens (n = 3), and IHC analysis elucidated that p-mTOR expression was positively correlated with tumor size, stage and metastasis status, and negatively correlated with cancer-specific survival (CSS). In univariate analysis, high grade, large tumor, advanced stage, metastasis, and high p-mTOR expression were recognized as prognostic factors of poorer CSS, and multivariate survival analysis elucidated that tumor stage, p-mTOR and metastasis were of prognostic value for CSS in ccRCC patients. Further TIMER and TISIDB analyses uncovered that mTOR gene expression was significantly associated with numerous immune cells and immunoinhibitors in patients with ccRCC. Collectively, these findings revealed p-mTOR was identified as an independent predictor of poor survival, and mTOR was associated with tumor immune infiltrates in ccRCC patients, which validated mTOR could be implicated in the initiation and progression of ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Li
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Department of Urology, Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Hongyi Qu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Engineering and Technology Research Center for Pediatric Drug Development, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaoqing Yang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Peng Gao
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yao Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Huayu Gao
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Engineering and Technology Research Center for Pediatric Drug Development, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Hong Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zuohui Zhao
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Engineering and Technology Research Center for Pediatric Drug Development, Jinan, Shandong, China
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Ponte LGS, Pavan ICB, Mancini MCS, da Silva LGS, Morelli AP, Severino MB, Bezerra RMN, Simabuco FM. The Hallmarks of Flavonoids in Cancer. Molecules 2021; 26:2029. [PMID: 33918290 PMCID: PMC8038160 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26072029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Flavonoids represent an important group of bioactive compounds derived from plant-based foods and beverages with known biological activity in cells. From the modulation of inflammation to the inhibition of cell proliferation, flavonoids have been described as important therapeutic adjuvants against several diseases, including diabetes, arteriosclerosis, neurological disorders, and cancer. Cancer is a complex and multifactor disease that has been studied for years however, its prevention is still one of the best known and efficient factors impacting the epidemiology of the disease. In the molecular and cellular context, some of the mechanisms underlying the oncogenesis and the progression of the disease are understood, known as the hallmarks of cancer. In this text, we review important molecular signaling pathways, including inflammation, immunity, redox metabolism, cell growth, autophagy, apoptosis, and cell cycle, and analyze the known mechanisms of action of flavonoids in cancer. The current literature provides enough evidence supporting that flavonoids may be important adjuvants in cancer therapy, highlighting the importance of healthy and balanced diets to prevent the onset and progression of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Gustavo Saboia Ponte
- Multidisciplinary Laboratory of Food and Health (LabMAS), School of Applied Sciences (FCA), University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Limeira, São Paulo 13484-350, Brazil; (L.G.S.P.); (I.C.B.P.); (M.C.S.M.); (L.G.S.d.S.); (A.P.M.); (M.B.S.); (R.M.N.B.)
| | - Isadora Carolina Betim Pavan
- Multidisciplinary Laboratory of Food and Health (LabMAS), School of Applied Sciences (FCA), University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Limeira, São Paulo 13484-350, Brazil; (L.G.S.P.); (I.C.B.P.); (M.C.S.M.); (L.G.S.d.S.); (A.P.M.); (M.B.S.); (R.M.N.B.)
- Laboratory of Signal Mechanisms (LMS), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (FCF), University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo 13083-871, Brazil
| | - Mariana Camargo Silva Mancini
- Multidisciplinary Laboratory of Food and Health (LabMAS), School of Applied Sciences (FCA), University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Limeira, São Paulo 13484-350, Brazil; (L.G.S.P.); (I.C.B.P.); (M.C.S.M.); (L.G.S.d.S.); (A.P.M.); (M.B.S.); (R.M.N.B.)
| | - Luiz Guilherme Salvino da Silva
- Multidisciplinary Laboratory of Food and Health (LabMAS), School of Applied Sciences (FCA), University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Limeira, São Paulo 13484-350, Brazil; (L.G.S.P.); (I.C.B.P.); (M.C.S.M.); (L.G.S.d.S.); (A.P.M.); (M.B.S.); (R.M.N.B.)
| | - Ana Paula Morelli
- Multidisciplinary Laboratory of Food and Health (LabMAS), School of Applied Sciences (FCA), University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Limeira, São Paulo 13484-350, Brazil; (L.G.S.P.); (I.C.B.P.); (M.C.S.M.); (L.G.S.d.S.); (A.P.M.); (M.B.S.); (R.M.N.B.)
| | - Matheus Brandemarte Severino
- Multidisciplinary Laboratory of Food and Health (LabMAS), School of Applied Sciences (FCA), University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Limeira, São Paulo 13484-350, Brazil; (L.G.S.P.); (I.C.B.P.); (M.C.S.M.); (L.G.S.d.S.); (A.P.M.); (M.B.S.); (R.M.N.B.)
| | - Rosangela Maria Neves Bezerra
- Multidisciplinary Laboratory of Food and Health (LabMAS), School of Applied Sciences (FCA), University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Limeira, São Paulo 13484-350, Brazil; (L.G.S.P.); (I.C.B.P.); (M.C.S.M.); (L.G.S.d.S.); (A.P.M.); (M.B.S.); (R.M.N.B.)
| | - Fernando Moreira Simabuco
- Multidisciplinary Laboratory of Food and Health (LabMAS), School of Applied Sciences (FCA), University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Limeira, São Paulo 13484-350, Brazil; (L.G.S.P.); (I.C.B.P.); (M.C.S.M.); (L.G.S.d.S.); (A.P.M.); (M.B.S.); (R.M.N.B.)
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Yang YM, Hong P, Xu WW, He QY, Li B. Advances in targeted therapy for esophageal cancer. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:229. [PMID: 33028804 PMCID: PMC7542465 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-00323-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 214] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Esophageal cancer (EC) is one of the most lethal cancers in the world, and its morbidity and mortality rates rank among the top ten in China. Currently, surgical resection, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are the primary clinical treatments for esophageal cancer. However, outcomes are still unsatisfactory due to the limited efficacy and severe adverse effects of conventional treatments. As a new type of approach, targeted therapies have been confirmed to play an important role in the treatment of esophageal cancer; these include cetuximab and bevacizumab, which target epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), respectively. In addition, other drugs targeting surface antigens and signaling pathways or acting on immune checkpoints have been continuously developed. For example, trastuzumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2), has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a first-line treatment of HER-2-positive cancer. Moreover, the PD-L1 inhibitor pembrolizumab has been approved as a highly efficient drug for patients with PD-L1-positive or advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). These novel drugs can be used alone or in combination with other treatment strategies to further improve the treatment efficacy and prognosis of cancer patients. Nevertheless, adverse events, optimal dosages and effective combinations still need further investigation. In this review, we expound an outline of the latest advances in targeted therapies of esophageal cancer and the mechanisms of relevant drugs, discuss their efficacy and safety, and provide a clinical rationale for precision medicine in esophageal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ming Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pan Hong
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen Wen Xu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Qing-Yu He
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Bin Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
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Zhu DS, Dong JY, Xu YY, Zhang XT, Fu SB, Liu W. Omipalisib Inhibits Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Growth Through Inactivation of Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase (PI3K)/AKT/Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) and ERK Signaling. Med Sci Monit 2020; 26:e927106. [PMID: 32804918 PMCID: PMC7450785 DOI: 10.12659/msm.927106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a life-threatening digestive tract malignancy with no known curative treatment. This study aimed to investigate the antineoplastic effects of omipalisib and its underlying molecular mechanisms in ESCC using a high throughput screen. Material/Methods MTT assay and clone formation were used to determine cell viability and proliferation. Flow cytometry was conducted to detect cell cycle distribution and apoptosis. Global gene expression and mRNA expression levels were determined by RNA sequencing and real-time PCR, respectively. Protein expression was evaluated in the 4 ESCC cell lines by Western blot analysis. Finally, a xenograft nude mouse model was used to evaluate the effect of omipalisib on tumor growth in vivo. Results In the pilot screening of a 1404-compound library, we demonstrated that omipalisib markedly inhibited cell proliferation in a panel of ESCC cell lines. Mechanistically, omipalisib induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. RNA-seq, KEGG, and GSEA analyses revealed that the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is the prominent target of omipalisib in ESCC cells. Treatment with omipalisib decreased expression of p-AKT, p-4EBP1, p-p70S6K, p-S6, and p-ERK, therefore disrupting the activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR and ERK signaling. In the nude mouse xenograft model, omipalisib significantly suppressed the tumor growth in ESCC tumor-bearing mice without obvious adverse effects. Conclusions Omipalisib inhibited the proliferation and growth of ESCC by disrupting PI3K/AKT/mTOR and ERK signaling. The present study supports the rationale for using omipalisib as a therapeutic approach in ESCC patients. Further clinical studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Shan Zhu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China (mainland)
| | - Jing-Yao Dong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China (mainland)
| | - Yao-Yao Xu
- The Bethune Institute of Epigenetic Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China (mainland)
| | - Xin-Tong Zhang
- The Bethune Institute of Epigenetic Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China (mainland)
| | - Shi-Bo Fu
- The Bethune Institute of Epigenetic Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China (mainland)
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China (mainland)
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8
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Javadinia SA, Shahidsales S, Fanipakdel A, Mostafapour A, Joudi-Mashhad M, Ferns GA, Avan A. The Esophageal Cancer and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Regulatory microRNAs: a Novel Marker for Prognosis, and a Possible Target for Immunotherapy. Curr Pharm Des 2019; 24:4646-4651. [PMID: 30636576 DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666190110143258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT/Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) pathway has a critical regulatory role in cell biology including translation, transcription, and autophagy. Dysregulation of this pathway is involved in the pathogenesis, development, and prognosis of esophageal cancer that has been assessed in the recent years and its potential as a target in therapy. This report summarizes the current knowledge about PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and its cross-talk with a focus on the value of targeting this pathway as a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of esophageal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed A Javadinia
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Cancer Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Azar Fanipakdel
- Cancer Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Asma Mostafapour
- Metabolic syndrome Research center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mona Joudi-Mashhad
- Cancer Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Gordon A Ferns
- Department of Medical Education, Brighton and Sussex Medical School Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Division of Medical Education, Falmer, Brighton, Sussex, United Kingdom
| | - Amir Avan
- Metabolic syndrome Research center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Wang X, Cheng G, Zhang T, Deng L, Xu K, Xu X, Wang W, Zhou Z, Feng Q, Chen D, Bi N, Wang L. CHST15 promotes the proliferation of TE‑1 cells via multiple pathways in esophageal cancer. Oncol Rep 2019; 43:75-86. [PMID: 31746400 PMCID: PMC6908928 DOI: 10.3892/or.2019.7395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a common type of esophageal cancer and is prevalent worldwide. Understanding the mechanisms underlying its formation and the search for more effective therapeutic strategies are critical due to the occurrence of chemotherapeutic drug resistance. The aim of the present study was to determine the functional relevance and therapeutic potential of carbohydrate sulfotransferase 15 (CHST15) in ESCC. CHST15 levels were measured in different ESCC cell lines and evaluated in ESCC tissues using tissue chip immunohistochemistry. Cell growth and apoptosis assays, 3‑(4,5‑dimethylthiazol‑2‑yl)‑2,5‑diphenyltetrazolium bromide assays, and clonogenic assays were conducted using TE‑1 cells and lenti‑shCHST15 virus constructs were used to investigate the function of CHST15 in cell proliferation and apoptosis. mRNA microarray analysis was performed to determine the underlying mechanism of CHST15 regulation in TE‑1 cell proliferation and apoptosis. The results showed that knockdown of CHST15 inhibited TE‑1 cell growth and proliferation, but induced cell apoptosis. CHST15 was more frequently detected in ESCC tissue compared with that in normal esophageal tissue. Microarray data analysis indicated that the inhibition of cell proliferation and activation of cell apoptosis in CHST15‑knockdown cells may be caused by altered CHST15/ILKAP/CCND1 and CHST15/RABL6/PMAIP1 signaling axes, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, P.R. China
| | - Guowei Cheng
- Department of Radiotherapy, Huanxing Tumor Hospital, Beijing 100023, P.R. China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, P.R. China
| | - Lei Deng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, P.R. China
| | - Kunpeng Xu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, P.R. China
| | - Xin Xu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, P.R. China
| | - Wenqing Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, P.R. China
| | - Zongmei Zhou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, P.R. China
| | - Qinfu Feng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, P.R. China
| | - Dongfu Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, P.R. China
| | - Nan Bi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, P.R. China
| | - Luhua Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital and Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518116, P.R. China
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Shi N, Yu H, Chen T. Inhibition of esophageal cancer growth through the suppression of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Onco Targets Ther 2019; 12:7637-7647. [PMID: 31571914 PMCID: PMC6756275 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s205457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is implicated in several cancers. AKT allosteric inhibitor MK2206 and dual PI3K and mTOR inhibitor BEZ235 are promising drug candidates with potential anti-tumor effects. Purpose In this study, we aimed to detect the activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and assess the efficacy of MK2206 and BEZ235 in inhibiting esophageal cancer growth. Materials and methods We used three different systems including carcinogen-induced animal model, human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cell lines, and xenograft mouse model. Results Our data indicated that components of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway were overexpressed and activated in esophageal SCC. MK2206 and BEZ235 inhibited cell proliferation, enhanced apoptosis, and induced cell-cycle arrest through downstream effectors SKP2, MCL-1, and cyclin D1 in esophageal SCC cells. MK2206 and BEZ235 also inhibited tumor growth in xenograft mice through the inhibition of AKT phosphorylation. MK2206/BEZ235 combination showed greater anti-tumor effect than MK2206 or BEZ235 alone. The enhanced efficacy of the combination was associated with the inhibition of phosphorylation ATK on both Thr308 and Ser473. Conclusion The combination of MK2206 and BEZ235 exhibits potent antitumor effects and may have important clinical applications for esophageal SCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ni Shi
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Hao Yu
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Tong Chen
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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11
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Wu K, Hu Y, Yan K, Qi Y, Zhang C, Zhu D, Liu D, Zhao S. microRNA-10b confers cisplatin resistance by activating AKT/mTOR/P70S6K signaling via targeting PPARγ in esophageal cancer. J Cell Physiol 2019; 235:1247-1258. [PMID: 31267531 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
It is well known that the acquisition of chemoresistance is a major obstacle for the effective treatment of human cancers. It is reported that microRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in chemotherapy resistance of various malignancies. miR-10b was previously proved as an oncogene in multiple malignancies, including esophageal cancer. However, its biological significance in regulating cisplatin (DDP) resistance in esophageal cancer is still elusive. Here, we observed that miR-10b expression was upregulated and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) expression was downregulated in esophageal cancer tumor tissues and cells. PPARγ was proved as a functional target of miR-10b. Moreover, suppression of miR-10b enhanced the chemosensitivity of esophageal cancer cells to DDP in vitro and in vivo. In addition, PPARγ-mediated DDP sensitivity was weakened by miR-10b overexpression. Furthermore, miR-10b-activated AKT/mTOR/p70S6K signaling pathway through targeting PPARγ. Inactivation of AKT/mTOR/p70S6K by AKT inhibitor (GSK690693) attenuated miR-10b-induced DDP resistance in esophageal cancer cells. Taken together these observation, miRNA-10b-mediated PPARγ inhibition enhanced DDP resistance by activating the AKT/mTOR/P70S6K signaling in esophageal cancer, suggesting a potential target to improve therapeutic response of patients with esophageal cancer to DDP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Wu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, China
| | - Yamei Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, China
| | - Kanglu Yan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, China
| | - Yu Qi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, China
| | - Chunyang Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, China
| | - Dengyan Zhu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, China
| | - Donglei Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, China
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12
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Xu S, Hui L, Yang N, Wang Y, Zhao N, Jiang XJ. Upregulation of microRNA‑194‑5p inhibits hypopharyngeal carcinoma cell proliferation, migration and invasion by targeting SMURF1 via the mTOR signaling pathway. Int J Oncol 2019; 54:1245-1255. [PMID: 30720112 PMCID: PMC6411369 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2019.4711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypopharyngeal carcinoma (HPC) is an aggressive malignancy with the worst prognosis among all head and neck cancers. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the development of many human cancers, and may function as oncogenes or tumor suppressors. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of miRNA (miR)-194-5p on the proliferation and invasion of HPC cells and to identify the potential regulatory mechanism. First, miR-194-5p and Smad ubiquitin regulatory factor 1 (SMURF1) expression levels were examined in HPC tissues. Subsequently, to explore the effects of miR-194-5p on SMURF1, a dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was performed to verify the target relationship. To define the role of miR-194-5p in HPC progression, miR-194-5p upregulation and depletion were used to evaluate its effects on cell viability, invasion and migration. SMURF1 silencing and rapamycin [an inhibitor of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway] treatment were also used to analyze the regulatory mechanism in HPC. Finally, tumor growth was assessed in xenografted tumors in nude mice. SMURF1 was demonstrated to be highly expressed, whereas miR-194-5p was poorly expressed in HPC tissues; SMURF1 was identified as a target gene of miR-194-5p. FaDu hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma cells treated with miR-194-5p mimics exhibited decreased viability, invasion and migration. The results indicated that miR-194-5p may inactivate the mTOR signaling pathway by targeting SMURF1. In addition, the in vivo experiments further verified these regulatory effects. These data suggested that miR-194-5p-targeted SMURF1 inhibition may be involved in the disruption of HPC progression through the repression of the mTOR signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Xu
- Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, P.R. China
| | - Lian Hui
- Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, P.R. China
| | - Ning Yang
- Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, P.R. China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, P.R. China
| | - Ning Zhao
- Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, P.R. China
| | - Xue-Jun Jiang
- Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, P.R. China
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Liu TT, Yang KX, Yu J, Cao YY, Ren JS, Hao JJ, Pan BQ, Ma S, Yang LY, Cai Y, Wang MR, Zhang Y. Co-targeting PLK1 and mTOR induces synergistic inhibitory effects against esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. J Mol Med (Berl) 2018; 96:807-817. [PMID: 29959473 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-018-1663-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Revised: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Both polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) and mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) are attractive therapeutic targets for cancer therapy. However, the efficacy of the combined inhibition of both pathways for treating esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), an aggressive malignancy with poor prognosis, remains unknown. In this study, we found that suppression of PLK1 by specific siRNA or inhibitor attenuated mTOR activity in ESCC cells. Phosphorylated S6, a downstream effector of mTOR signaling, was significantly correlated with overexpression of PLK1 in a subset of ESCC. These data suggest that PLK1 activates mTOR signaling in vitro and in vivo. More importantly, the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin synergized with PLK1 inhibitor BI 2536 to inhibit ESCC cell proliferation in culture and in mice. Notably, combined treatment with BI 2536 and rapamycin produced more potent inhibitory effects on the activation of S6 and AKT than either alone. Further analysis reveals that PLK1 modulates both mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2) cascades. Therefore, dual inhibition of PLK1 and mTOR yields stronger antitumor effects, at least partially due to synergistic abrogated the activation of S6, eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1), and AKT by cooperatively blocking mTORC1 and mTORC2 cascades. These results provide evidence that the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin synergistically enhances the antitumor effect of PLK1 inhibitor BI 2536 in ESCC cells. Simultaneous targeting of PLK1 and mTOR may thus be a novel and promising therapeutic strategy for ESCC. KEY MESSAGES PLK1 potentiates both mTORC1 and mTORC2 activities in ESCC cells. PLK1 expression positively correlated with mTOR activity in a subset of ESCC. Co-targeting of PLK1 and mTOR produced stronger antitumor effects partially due to synergistic inhibition of AKT, 4E-BP1 and S6 through cooperatively blocking mTORC2 and mTORC1 cascades. Combination targeting of PLK1 and mTOR may be a novel and promising therapeutic strategy for ESCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Ting Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 17 Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Kai-Xia Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 17 Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Jing Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 17 Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Ying-Ya Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 17 Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Jian-Song Ren
- Program Office for Cancer Screening in Urban China, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Jia-Jie Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 17 Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Bei-Qing Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 17 Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Sai Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 17 Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Li-Yan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 17 Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Yan Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 17 Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Ming-Rong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 17 Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021, China.
| | - Yu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 17 Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100021, China.
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NGAL is Downregulated in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Leads to Increased Survival, Proliferation, Migration and Chemoresistance. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10070228. [PMID: 29996471 PMCID: PMC6071146 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10070228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral cancer is a major public health burden worldwide. The lack of biomarkers for early diagnosis has increased the difficulty in managing this disease. Recent studies have reported that neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), a secreted glycoprotein, is upregulated in various tumors. In our study, we found that NGAL was significantly downregulated in primary malignant and metastatic tissues of oral cancer in comparison to normal tissues. The downregulation of NGAL was strongly correlated with both degree of differentiation and stage (I–IV); it can also serve as a prognostic biomarker for oral cancer. Additionally, tobacco carcinogens were found to be involved in the downregulation of NGAL. Mechanistic studies revealed that knockdown of NGAL increased oral cancer cell proliferation, survival, and migration; it also induced resistance against cisplatin. Silencing of NGAL activated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)signaling and reduced autophagy by the liver kinase B1 (LKB1)-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-p53-Redd1 signaling axis. Moreover, cyclin-D1, Bcl-2, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) were upregulated, and caspase-9 was downregulated, suggesting that silencing of NGAL increases oral cancer cell proliferation, survival, and migration. Thus, from our study, it is evident that downregulation of NGAL activates the mTOR pathway and helps in the progression of oral cancer.
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Mei LL, Qiu YT, Zhang B, Shi ZZ. MicroRNAs in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: Potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Cancer Biomark 2018; 19:1-9. [PMID: 28269750 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-160240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Esophageal cancer is a common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the major histological type of esophageal cancer in developing countries including China, and the prognosis is very poor. Many microRNAs are involved in several important biological and pathologic processes, and promote tumorigenesis. To better understand the prognostic and therapeutic roles of microRNAs in ESCC, we reviewed the diagnosis and prognosis associated oncogenic microRNAs (e.g. miR-21 and miR-17-92 cluster) and tumor suppressor microRNAs (e.g. miR-375, miR-133a and miR-133b), and diagnosis and prognosis associated oncogenic target genes (e.g. PDCD4 and CCND1) and tumor suppressor target genes (e.g. EZH2 and PDK1). We also summarized the prognostic microRNA and target gene pairs (e.g. miR-296 and CCND1, miR214 and EZH2). Taken together, our review highlights the opportunities and challenges for microRNAs in the molecular diagnosis and target therapy of ESCC.
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Li SH, Lu HI, Chang AYW, Huang WT, Lin WC, Lee CC, Tien WY, Lan YC, Tsai HT, Chen CH. Angiotensin II type I receptor (AT1R) is an independent prognosticator of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and promotes cells proliferation via mTOR activation. Oncotarget 2018; 7:67150-67165. [PMID: 27564102 PMCID: PMC5341864 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the angiotensin II/ angiotensin II type I receptor (AT1R) and angiotensin II type II receptor (AT2R) signaling pathway in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods Immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate the expression levels of AT1R and AT2R in tissues from 152 surgically resected ESCC patients, and those expression levels were then correlated with treatment outcomes. The angiotensin II/AT1R/AT2R signaling pathway and its biological effects in the context of ESCC were investigated in vitro and in vivo. Results In human samples, AT1R overexpression was univariately associated with inferior overall survival and remained multivariately independent (hazard ratio=1.812). In vitro, angiotensin II stimulated the growth of ESCC cells in a dose-dependent manner. Treatment with irbesartan or AT1R-RNAi knockdown but not treatment with PD123319 significantly decreased the level of angiotensin II-induced ESCC cell proliferation. Angiotensin II also caused mTOR activation in a dose-dependent manner, and everolimus or mTOR-RNAi knockdown significantly suppressed the level of angiotensin II-induced ESCC cell proliferation. Furthermore, AT1R-RNAi knockdown suppressed the activation of mTOR. Clinically, AT1R expression was also correlated with phosphorylated mTOR expression. In a xenograft model, local angiotensin II injection enhanced tumor growth, and this effect could be decreased by treatment with irbesartan or everolimus. In a 4-NQO-induced-ESCC murine model, irbesartan significantly decreased the incidence of esophageal tumor. Conclusions These findings suggest that AT1R overexpression is an independent adverse prognosticator for patients with ESCC and that angiotensin II/AT1R signaling stimulates ESCC growth, in part through mTOR activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shau-Hsuan Li
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hung-I Lu
- Department of Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Alice Y W Chang
- Institute of Physiology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Ting Huang
- Department of Pathology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Che Lin
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Chang Lee
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Yu Tien
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Chun Lan
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Ting Tsai
- Institute of Physiology, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan, Taiwan.,Institute for Translational Research in Biomedicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chang-Han Chen
- Institute for Translational Research in Biomedicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Applied Chemistry, and Graduate Institute of Biomedicine and Biomedical Technology, National Chi Nan University, Taiwan.,Center for Infectious Disease and Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Molecular mechanism of inhibitory effects of bovine lactoferrin on the growth of oral squamous cell carcinoma. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0191683. [PMID: 29381751 PMCID: PMC5790278 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0191683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Lactoferrin (LF), a member of the transferrin family, recently has been demonstrated to have anticancer effects on various cancers including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). However, little is known about the underlying mechanisms of its effects on OSCC. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the mechanism of the suppressive effects of bovine LF (bLF) on the growth of OSCC cells. Methods In the current study, HSC2, HSC3, HSC4 and normal human oral keratinocytes (RT7) cell lines were tested with bLF 1, 10, and 100 μg/ml. The effects and detail mechanisms of bLF on proliferation and apoptosis of cells were investigated using flow cytometry and western blotting. Results We found that bLF (1, 10, and 100 μg/ml) induced activation of p53, a tumor suppressor gene, is associated with the induction of cell cycle arrest in G1/S phase and apoptosis in OSCC. Moreover, bLF downregulated the phosphorylation of Akt and activated suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3), thereby attenuating multiple signaling pathways including mTOR/S6K and JAK/STAT3. Interestingly, we revealed that bLF exerted its effect selectively against HSC3 but not on RT7 via different effects on the phosphorylation status of NF-κB and Akt. Conclusion This is the first report showing that bLF selectively suppresses proliferation through mTOR/S6K and JAK/STAT3 pathways and induction of apoptosis in OSCC. This study provides important new findings, which might be useful in the prevention and treatment of OSCC.
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Chiappini PBO, de Medeiros IUD, Lima LGC, Fregnani JH, Nonogaki S, da Costa WL, Coimbra FJF, Silva MJDBE, de Mello CAL, Pinto CAL, Begnami MD. Prognostic implications of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT signaling pathway activation in gastric carcinomas. Arch Med Sci 2017; 13:1262-1268. [PMID: 29181056 PMCID: PMC5701681 DOI: 10.5114/aoms.2016.60394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway plays a critical role in carcinogenesis and resistance to anticancer drugs. In this study, gastric carcinomas (GC) were investigated and statistical analyses were performed concerning the correlation between the clinicopathological features and activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway. MATERIAL AND METHODS Immunohistochemistry for p-AKT, p-mTOR and PTEN was performed in 239 GC and 200 non-neoplastic gastric tissues. The clinicopathological parameters were recorded from the medical charts. Statistical significance was defined by a p-value < 0.05. RESULTS High p-AKT expression was observed in 10% of the normal gastric tissue and in 90% of GC, and it was significantly associated with tumor size (p < 0.001), T3/T4 tumors (p < 0.001), and presence of metastases (p = 0.02). Similarly, p-mTOR positivity was found in GC cells, but not in the normal gastric mucosa, and was correlated with perineural invasion (p = 0.02) and T3/T4 tumors (p = 0.03). On the other hand, PTEN expression was weak and focal in the tumor cells, while in the normal gastric tissue this staining was strong and diffuse. Importantly, the expression of p-mTOR and PTEN was associated with overall survival. CONCLUSIONS The results of the present study, characterized by the loss of PTEN expression and higher expression of p-AKT and p-mTOR in the majority of tumor cells, apparently are implicated in the carcinogenesis and progression of GC. The identification of p-mTOR and PTEN expression as prognostic factors corroborates the identification and use of potential target drugs that could be more efficient for the treatment of these patients.
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Wang C, Wang J, Chen Z, Gao Y, He J. Immunohistochemical prognostic markers of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a systematic review. CHINESE JOURNAL OF CANCER 2017; 36:65. [PMID: 28818096 PMCID: PMC5561640 DOI: 10.1186/s40880-017-0232-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is an aggressive malignancy, with a high incidence and poor prognosis. In the past several decades, hundreds of proteins have been reported to be associated with the prognosis of ESCC, but none has been widely accepted to guide clinical care. This study aimed to identify proteins with great potential for predicting prognosis of ESCC. Methods We conducted a systematic review on immunohistochemical (IHC) prognostic markers of ESCC according to the 2009 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Guidelines. Literature related to IHC prognostic markers of ESCC were searched from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library until January 30th, 2017. The risk of bias of these original studies was evaluated using the Quality in Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool. Results We identified 11 emerging IHC markers with reproducible results, including eight markers [epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), Cyclin D1, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Survivin, Podoplanin, Fascin, phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR), and pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2)] indicating unfavorable prognosis and 3 markers (P27, P16, and E-cadherin) indicating favorable prognosis of ESCC. Conclusion Strong evidence supports that these 11 emerging IHC markers or their combinations may be useful in predicting prognosis and aiding personalized therapy decision-making for ESCC patients. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40880-017-0232-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunni Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Science Building, No.17 Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, PO Box 2258, Beijing, 100021, P. R. China
| | - Jingnan Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Science Building, No.17 Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, PO Box 2258, Beijing, 100021, P. R. China
| | - Zhaoli Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Science Building, No.17 Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, PO Box 2258, Beijing, 100021, P. R. China
| | - Yibo Gao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Science Building, No.17 Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, PO Box 2258, Beijing, 100021, P. R. China.
| | - Jie He
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Science Building, No.17 Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District, PO Box 2258, Beijing, 100021, P. R. China. .,Center for Cancer Precision Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, P. R. China.
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Li SH, Chien CY, Huang WT, Luo SD, Su YY, Tien WY, Lan YC, Chen CH. Prognostic significance and function of mammalian target of rapamycin in tongue squamous cell carcinoma. Sci Rep 2017; 7:8178. [PMID: 28811537 PMCID: PMC5558018 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-08345-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite improvement in preoperative imaging, surgical technique, and adjuvant therapy, the prognosis of patients with tongue squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is still unsatisfactory. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) play a key role in the regulation of tumor cell proliferation and survival. However, the significance of mTOR on the prognosis of tongue SCC remains largely undefined. In the present study, immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate the expression of phosphorylated mTOR (p-mTOR) in 160 surgically resected tongue SCC, and correlated with survival. Univariate analysis revealed that p-mTOR overexpression (P = 0.006) was associated with inferior overall survival. In multivariate comparison, p-mTOR overexpression (P = 0.002, hazard ratio = 2.082) remained independently associated with worse overall survival. In vitro study, tongue cancer cells treated with everolimus, the specific mTOR inhibitor, or transfected with mTOR-mediated siRNAs dramatically attenuated the abilities of cell proliferation by MTT and BrdU assays. In 4-NQO-induced tongue cancer murine model, mTOR inhibitors significantly decreased the incidence of tongue SCC. In conclusion, p-mTOR overexpression was independently associated with poor prognosis of patients with tongue SCC. In vitro and vivo, mTOR inhibition showed the promising activity in tongue SCC. Our results suggest that inhibition of mTOR signaling pathway may be a novel therapeutic target for tongue SCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shau-Hsuan Li
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Yen Chien
- Department of Otolaryngology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Ting Huang
- Department of Pathology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Dean Luo
- Department of Otolaryngology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yan-Ye Su
- Department of Otolaryngology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Yu Tien
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Chun Lan
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chang-Han Chen
- Institute for Translational Research in Biomedicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. .,Department of Applied Chemistry, and Graduate Institute of Biomedicine and Biomedical Technology, National Chi Nan University, Chi Nan, Taiwan. .,Center for Infectious Disease and Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
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21
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Liang Y, Chen X, Liang Z. MicroRNA-320 regulates autophagy in retinoblastoma by targeting hypoxia inducible factor-1α. Exp Ther Med 2017; 14:2367-2372. [PMID: 28962169 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2017.4779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinoblastoma (RB) is the most common malignancy in children. Due to refractory mechanisms of chemoresistance and the toxicity of chemotherapies, novel therapies for RB treatment are urgently required. MicroRNA-320 (miR-320) is believed to be associated with the tumorigenesis of RB, although the mechanism remains unclear. Considering the hypoxic intratumoral region, the roles of miR-320 and hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in the regulation of autophagy were investigated in 30 human RB samples and WERI-RB1 cells. The results demonstrated that HIF-1α was the downstream target of miR-320, and decreased miRNA-320 or HIF-1α lead to the inhibition of autophagy in WERI-RB1 cells. Compared with WERI-RB1 cells that were not transfected, silenced HIF-1α caused a 1.41-fold increase (P<0.01) in p62, a 2.71-fold decrease of Beclin1, and inhibited miRNA-320. Silenced HIF-1α also resulted in 7.29- and 7.43-fold increases in phosphorylated-mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) and mTOR, respectively. In conclusion, the present results suggest that miRNA-320 may regulate the development of autophagy by targeting HIF-1α and autophagy-related proteins in RB under hypoxic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Liang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Ninth People's Hospital of Chongqing, Chongqing 400700, P.R. China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Ninth People's Hospital of Chongqing, Chongqing 400700, P.R. China
| | - Zhu Liang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Ninth People's Hospital of Chongqing, Chongqing 400700, P.R. China
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Jiang Q, Chen J, Zhang B, Niu J, He Y. Prognostic Significance of Periostin and Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) in Locally Advanced Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Med Sci Monit 2017; 23:3200-3208. [PMID: 28665915 PMCID: PMC5503232 DOI: 10.12659/msm.904992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Periostin and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) are involved in several cancers. This study aimed to evaluate the expression level of periostin and mTOR in locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and to analyze their correlations with prognostic value. Material/Methods Expression levels of periostin and mTOR were examined by immunohistochemistry in locally advanced ESCC and corresponding adjacent normal tissue of 71 patients. The expression of periostin and mTOR were correlated with clinicopathologic characteristics by χ2 test or Kruskal-Wallis analysis. The prognostic factors of periostin and mTOR on overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were assessed using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression methods, respectively. Results The high expression of periostin was significantly correlated to tumor stage (P=0.000), vascular invasion (P=0.027), differentiation (P=0.002), invasion depth (P=0.023), and lymph node metastasis (P=0.017). The high expression of mTOR was associated with tumor stage (P=0.001), lymphatic metastasis (P=0.014), and differentiation (P=0.036). Expression levels of periostin and mTOR was positively correlated (r=0.416, P=0.000). The OS and DFS in patients in the high-periostin group were significantly shorter than those in the low-periostin group, (both P<0.001). Similar results were found in mTOR analysis. Moreover, Cox regression analysis showed that the expressions of periostin and mTOR, along with tumor stage, were the independent factors affecting the survival time of ESCC patients. Conclusions Expressions of periostin and mTOR are related to multiple clinicopathologic features. High expression of periostin and mTOR were independent risk factors of ESCC patients, which might offer a potential target strategy for ESCC treatment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Jiang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Anhui Provincial Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China (mainland)
| | - Jingjing Chen
- Department of Pathology, Anhui Provincial Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China (mainland)
| | - Boyun Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China (mainland)
| | - Junyang Niu
- Department of Pathology, Anhui Provincial Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China (mainland)
| | - Yifu He
- Department of Medical Oncology, Anhui Provincial Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China (mainland)
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Li S, Wang Z, Huang J, Cheng S, Du H, Che G, Peng Y. Clinicopathological and prognostic significance of mTOR and phosphorylated mTOR expression in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Cancer 2016; 16:877. [PMID: 27835987 PMCID: PMC5106813 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-016-2940-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a serine/threonine protein kinase responsible for regulating ribosomal biogenesis and protein synthesis. Dysregulation of mTOR contributes to tumorigenesis, angiogenesis, cellular growth and metastasis but its roles in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) are controversial. Therefore, the objective of this study is to evaluate the prognostic and clinicopathological significance of mTOR/p-mTOR expression in ESCC. METHODS Literature retrieval was conducted by searching PubMed, EMBASE and the Web of Science for full-text papers that met our eligibility criteria. Odds ratio (OR) and hazard ratio (HR) with 95 % confidence interval (CI) served as the appropriate summarized statistics for assessments of clinicopathological and prognostic significance, respectively. Cochrane Q-test and I2-statistic were adopted to estimate the heterogeneity level between studies. Potential publication bias was detected by Begg's test and Egger's test. RESULTS A total of 915 ESCC patients from nine original articles were included into this meta-analysis. The pooled analyses suggested that mTOR/p-mTOR expression was significantly correlated with the unfavorable outcomes of differentiation degree (OR: 2.63; 95 % CI: 1.71-4.05; P = 0.001), tumor invasion (OR: 1.48; 95 % CI: 1.02-2.13; P = 0.037), TNM stage (OR: 2.25; 95 % CI: 1.05-4.82; P = 0.037) and lymph node metastasis (OR: 1.82; 95 % CI: 1.06-3.11; P = 0.029), but had no significant relationship to the genders (OR: 0.81; 95 % CI: 0.50-1.32; P = 0.396). Moreover, mTOR/p-mTOR expression could independently predict the worse overall survival (HR: 2.04; 95 % CI: 1.58-2.62; P < 0.001), disease-free survival (HR: 2.39; 95 % CI: 1.64-3.49; P < 0.001) and cancer-specific survival (HR: 1.62; 95 % CI: 1.18-2.23; P = 0.003) of patients with ESCC. Such prognostic value of mTOR was not substantially altered by further subgroup analyses. CONCLUSIONS Positive expression of mTOR and p-mTOR was significantly associated with the unfavorable conditions on the depth of tumor invasion, TNM stage, differentiation degree and lymph node metastasis. mTOR and p-mTOR could serve as a valuable predictor for the poor prognosis of ESCC. More high-quality worldwide studies performing a multivariate analysis based on larger sample size are urgently required for further verifying and modifying our findings in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangjiang Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Guoxue Alley No. 37, Chengdu, China.,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Guoxue Alley No. 37, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhiqiang Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Guoxue Alley No. 37, Chengdu, China
| | - Jian Huang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Guoxue Alley No. 37, Chengdu, China
| | - Shan Cheng
- Department of Sonography, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Guoxue Alley No. 37, Chengdu, China
| | - Heng Du
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Guoxue Alley No. 37, Chengdu, China
| | - Guowei Che
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Guoxue Alley No. 37, Chengdu, China.
| | - Yong Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Guoxue Alley No. 37, Chengdu, China.
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Phosphorylated 4EBP1 is associated with tumor progression and poor prognosis in Xp11.2 translocation renal cell carcinoma. Sci Rep 2016; 6:23594. [PMID: 27026382 PMCID: PMC4812307 DOI: 10.1038/srep23594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Two main signaling pathways, PI3K-AKT-mTOR and RAS-MAPK, are involved in transmitting the proliferative signals which play critical roles in human cancers. However, the functions of these pathways in Xp11.2 RCC remain undefined. This study aimed to explore the expression of mTOR and MAPK cascades in Xp11.2 RCC and to assess the prognostic significance of proteins evaluated. Immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate the expression of 4EBP1, p-4EBP1, p-mTOR, p-S6K and p-MAPK in 36 adult Xp11.2 RCC patients who were confirmed by FISH assay. Cox regression models were used to evaluate the prognostic value of all covariates. Among 36 assessed patients, 14 (38.9%), 26 (72.2%), 16 (44.4%), 19 (52.8%), and 9 (25.0%) patients showed high expression of 4EBP1, p-4EBP1, p-mTOR, p-S6K, and p-MAPK, respectively. We noted that p-4EBP1 expression was significantly correlated with lymph node metastases (P = 0.027). Multivariate analysis showed that high p-4EBP1 expression was an independent adverse prognostic factor for both PFS (HR = 33.750, P = 0.017) and OS (HR = 56.111, P = 0.026). Our findings suggest that p-4EBP1 may serve as a funnel factor that converge the upstream proliferative oncogenic signals. Effective inhibition of the pathways responsible for 4E-BP1 phosphorylation might be a useful strategy to improve the outcome of Xp11.2 RCC patients.
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25
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Honjo H, Kaira K, Miyazaki T, Yokobori T, Kanai Y, Nagamori S, Oyama T, Asao T, Kuwano H. Clinicopathological significance of LAT1 and ASCT2 in patients with surgically resected esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. J Surg Oncol 2016; 113:381-9. [PMID: 26936531 DOI: 10.1002/jso.24160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2015] [Accepted: 12/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amino acid transporters are highly expressed in various human cancers. L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) and system alanine-serine-cysteine amino acid transporter-2 (ASCT2) play a crucial role in tumor progression and survival. However, the clinicopathological significance of these transporters in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unclear. METHODS One hundred and fifty-seven patients with surgically resected ESCC were evaluated. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed for LAT1, ASCT2, CD98, Ki-67, and micro-vessel density (MVD), as determined by CD34 expression. RESULTS LAT1 and ASCT2 were positively expressed in 59% (93/157) and 48% (76/157) of tumors respectively. LAT1 and ASCT2 expression significantly correlated with T factor, N factor, lymphatic permeation, vascular invasion, and CD98 expression. The 5-year survival rates of LAT1-high and -low and ASCT2-high and -low expressing patients were 62.0% and 69.6% (P < 0.05) and 59.6% and 70.1% (P = 0.068), respectively. The combined positive expression of LAT1 and ASCT2 was a significant prognostic factor in univariate analysis. CONCLUSION High expression of LAT1 and ASCT2 correlates with metastasis and invasion. Accordingly, these proteins could serve as prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for treating patients with surgically resectable ESCC. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:381-389. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Honjo
- Department of General Surgical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, Gunma, Japan
| | - Kyoichi Kaira
- Department of Oncology Clinical Development, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, Gunma, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Miyazaki
- Department of General Surgical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, Gunma, Japan
| | - Takehiko Yokobori
- Department of General Surgical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, Gunma, Japan
| | - Yoshikatsu Kanai
- Department of Bio-system Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shushi Nagamori
- Department of Bio-system Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tetsunari Oyama
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, Gunma, Japan
| | - Takayuki Asao
- Department of Oncology Clinical Development, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, Gunma, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Kuwano
- Department of General Surgical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma University, Gunma, Japan
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26
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The significance of lymphatic space invasion and its association with vascular endothelial growth factor-C expression in ovarian cancer. Clin Exp Metastasis 2015; 32:789-98. [PMID: 26443563 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-015-9751-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to investigate the significance of lymphatic space invasion (LSI) and tumor VEGF-C expression in the lymphatic spread of ovarian cancer. By performing immunostaining using human ovarian cancer specimens, we first investigated the association between the extent of LSI and tumor VEGF-C expression, tumor lymphangiogenesis, or the lymphatic metastasis. Moreover, by performing in vitro and in vivo experiments, we elucidated the role of VEGF-C in tumor lymphangiogenesis and lymph node metastasis as well as its role as a therapeutic target in ovarian cancer. The presence of LSI was associated with lymph node metastasis in patients with ovarian cancer. VEGF-C overexpression was significantly associated with the increased LSI and LVD in ovarian cancer. VEGF-C stimulated the lymphangiogenesis in vitro, induced the new lymph vessel formation, and increased the lymph node metastasis in mice models of ovarian cancer. The attenuation of VEGF-C expression by the treatment with mTORC1 inhibitor significantly inhibited lymphangiogenesis, and decreased lymph node metastasis in mice models of ovarian cancer. The presence of LSI is an indicator of nodal metastasis and is associated with higher tumor VEGF-C expression and worse clinical outcome of ovarian cancer patients. VEGF-C plays a crucial role in tumor lymphangiogenesis and lymph node metastasis of ovarian cancer.
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Prognostic Significance of mTOR and PTEN in Patients with Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:417210. [PMID: 26357655 PMCID: PMC4555449 DOI: 10.1155/2015/417210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2015] [Revised: 05/03/2015] [Accepted: 05/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The prognostic value of mTOR in ESCC is much controversial; this study aimed to determine the prognostic importance of mTOR and PTEN in patients with ESCC. A total of 148 consecutive patients who underwent esophagectomy from 2010 to 2012 were included in this study, tested by western bolt and immunohistochemistry for mTOR and PTEN expression. Correlation coefficient was calculated using Pearson's correlation test. The 3-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were calculated in relation to the two markers. 94 (63.5%) of 148 were mTOR high expression, and PTEN high expression was detected in 46 (31.1%) of the 148 patients with ESCC. The Pearson correlation coefficient revealed a significant negative correlation in two proteins (correlation coefficient = −0.189, P < 0.005). The 3-year OS and DFS time in the mTOR-high group was 23.9 and 18.4 months, respectively, and the time in the mTOR-low group was 33.9 months and 31.4 months, respectively. The difference of survival rate between the two groups remained statistically significant. mTOR-low or PTEN-high patients had better 3-year rates of OS and DFS than mTOR-high or PTEN-low group (P < 0.001 by the log-rank test). This study also found that mTOR was an independence prognostic factor by multivariate analysis.
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Li SH, Lin WC, Huang TL, Chen CH, Chiu TJ, Fang FM, Huang WT, Hsu CM, Luo SD, Lai CC, Su YY, Chuang HC, Chien CY. Significance of mammalian target of rapamycin in patients with locally advanced stage IV head and neck squamous cell carcinoma receiving induction chemotherapy with docetaxel, cisplatin, and fluorouracil. Head Neck 2015; 38 Suppl 1:E844-52. [PMID: 25917382 DOI: 10.1002/hed.24111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study evaluated the significance of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activation on the prognosis of patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) receiving induction chemotherapy with docetaxel, cisplatin, and fluorouracil (TPF). METHODS Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for phosphorylated-mTOR and phosphorylated-p70 ribosomal S6 protein kinase (p70S6K) examined in 107 patients with locally advanced HNSCC receiving TPF was correlated with treatment outcome. The effect of mTOR inhibition on HNSCC cell lines was investigated in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS Phosphorylated-mTOR expression was independently significantly associated with response to TPF, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). In cell lines and xenograft models, mTOR inhibitor, everolimus, enhanced the effect of docetaxel. CONCLUSION In patients with locally advanced HNSCC treated with TPF, phosphorylated-mTOR expression was independently associated with prognosis. In vitro and in vivo, concomitant inhibition of mTOR enhanced the effect of docetaxel. Our findings suggest the potential of mTOR as a therapeutic target for locally advanced HNSCC. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E844-E852, 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shau-Hsuan Li
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Kaohsiung Chang Gung Head and Neck Oncology Group, Cancer Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Che Lin
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Kaohsiung Chang Gung Head and Neck Oncology Group, Cancer Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Lin Huang
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Kaohsiung Chang Gung Head and Neck Oncology Group, Cancer Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chang-Han Chen
- Center for Translational Research in Biomedical Sciences, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Kaohsiung Chang Gung Head and Neck Oncology Group, Cancer Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Jan Chiu
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Kaohsiung Chang Gung Head and Neck Oncology Group, Cancer Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Fu-Min Fang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Kaohsiung Chang Gung Head and Neck Oncology Group, Cancer Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Ting Huang
- Department of Pathology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Ming Hsu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Kaohsiung Chang Gung Head and Neck Oncology Group, Cancer Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Dean Luo
- Department of Otolaryngology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Kaohsiung Chang Gung Head and Neck Oncology Group, Cancer Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Chih Lai
- Department of Otolaryngology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Kaohsiung Chang Gung Head and Neck Oncology Group, Cancer Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yan-Ye Su
- Department of Otolaryngology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Kaohsiung Chang Gung Head and Neck Oncology Group, Cancer Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Ching Chuang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Kaohsiung Chang Gung Head and Neck Oncology Group, Cancer Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Yen Chien
- Department of Otolaryngology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Kaohsiung Chang Gung Head and Neck Oncology Group, Cancer Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Tasioudi KE, Sakellariou S, Levidou G, Theodorou D, Michalopoulos NV, Patsouris E, Korkolopoulou P, Saetta AA. Immunohistochemical and molecular analysis of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in esophageal carcinoma. APMIS 2015; 123:639-47. [PMID: 25912437 DOI: 10.1111/apm.12398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2014] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Among the numerous signaling pathways involved in tumorigenesis, PI3K-AKT-mTOR is a key one that regulates diverse cellular functions. However, its prognostic value in esophageal carcinoma remains unclear. In our study, we examined the immunohistochemical expression of phosphorylated (p-) AKT, mTOR, p70S6K and 4E-BP1 along with the mutational status of PIK3CA and AKT1 genes by High Resolution Melting Analysis and Pyrosequencing in 44 esophageal carcinomas. The results were correlated with the clinicopathological characteristics of the patients in an effort to define their possible prognostic significance. Total p-mTOR cytoplasmic expression, assessed in 10 random areas, was positively correlated with tumor stage (Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA, I/II vs III/IV, p = 0.0500). Μoreover, maximum p-mTOR cytoplasmic immunoexpression, estimated in hot spot areas, was positively associated with tumor grade (Mann-Whitney U test, I/II vs III, p = 0.0565). Interestingly, p-4E-BP1 immunoreactivity was negatively correlated with tumor histological grade (Mann-Whitney U test, I/II vs III, p = 0.0427). No mutation was observed in exons 9 and 20 of PIK3CA gene and in exon 4 of AKT1 gene. In conclusion, our findings depict the presence of activated PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in esophageal cancer bringing forward p-mTOR and p-4E-BP1 for their potential role in esophageal carcinogenesis. Additional studies are warranted to validate our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantia E Tasioudi
- 1st Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Goudi, Athens, Greece
| | - Stratigoula Sakellariou
- 1st Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Goudi, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgia Levidou
- 1st Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Goudi, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Theodorou
- 1st Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, Hippokratio Hospital, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos V Michalopoulos
- 1st Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, Hippokratio Hospital, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Efstratios Patsouris
- 1st Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Goudi, Athens, Greece
| | - Penelope Korkolopoulou
- 1st Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Goudi, Athens, Greece
| | - Angelica A Saetta
- 1st Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Goudi, Athens, Greece
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Naruse T, Yanamoto S, Yamada SI, Rokutanda S, Kawakita A, Kawasaki G, Umeda M. Anti-Tumor Effect of the Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Inhibitor Everolimus in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Pathol Oncol Res 2015; 21:765-73. [DOI: 10.1007/s12253-014-9888-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Li SH, Chen CH, Lu HI, Huang WT, Tien WY, Lan YC, Lee CC, Chen YH, Huang HY, Chang AYW, Lin WC. Phosphorylated p70S6K expression is an independent prognosticator for patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Surgery 2014; 157:570-80. [PMID: 25726316 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2014.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2014] [Revised: 09/22/2014] [Accepted: 10/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although marked improvements have been made in surgical technique and chemoradiotherapy, the prognosis for patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is still unsatisfactory. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and its downstream signaling, p70 ribosomal S6 protein kinase (p70S6K) and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E)-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1), seem to play central roles in the regulation of cancer cell proliferation and survival. The significance of mTOR and its downstream targets, p70S6K and 4E-BP1, on the prognosis of ESCC remains uncertain, but this pathway is of particular concern because effective inhibitors are already available. METHODS Immunohistochemistry performed to evaluate the expression of phosphorylated mTOR (p-mTOR), phosphorylated p70S6K (p-p70S6K), phosphorylated 4E-binding protein 1 (p-4E-BP1), and Ki-67 using 105 surgically resected ESCC correlated with treatment outcome. The effect of the mTOR signaling pathway inhibitor everolimus on ESCC cell lines were investigated in vitro by the 3-(4.5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and in vivo by a nude mouse xenograft model. RESULTS Univariate analysis showed that p-mTOR overexpression (P = .022), p-p70S6K overexpression (P = .002), and Ki-67 labeling index >50% (P = .045) were associated with inferior overall survival (OS). In a multivariate comparison, p-p70S6K overexpression (P = .001; hazard ratio, 2.247) remained independently associated with worse OS. In cell lines and the xenograft model, everolimus significantly inhibited ESCC growth. CONCLUSION Overexpression of p-p70S6K is associated independently with a poor prognosis among patients with ESCC. The mTOR signaling pathway inhibitor everolimus can inhibit ESCC growth in vitro and in vivo. Our findings suggest that inhibition of mTOR signaling pathway may be a promising novel target for ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shau-Hsuan Li
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and the Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Chang-Han Chen
- Center for Translational Research in Biomedical Sciences, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and the Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Hung-I Lu
- Department of Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and the Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Wan-Ting Huang
- Department of Pathology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and the Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Wan-Yu Tien
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and the Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ya-Chun Lan
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and the Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ching-Chang Lee
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yen-Hao Chen
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and the Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Hsuan-Ying Huang
- Department of Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and the Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Alice Y W Chang
- Center for Translational Research in Biomedical Sciences, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and the Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Wei-Che Lin
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and the Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
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Zhang D, Xiang J, Gu Y, Xu W, Xu H, Zu M, Pei D, Zheng J. Inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin by rapamycin increases the radiosensitivity of esophageal carcinoma Eca109 cells. Oncol Lett 2014; 8:575-581. [PMID: 25009644 PMCID: PMC4081413 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2014.2186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2013] [Accepted: 04/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate whether radiation induces the mammalian target of rapamycin (Rap) (mTOR) signaling pathway in esophageal carcinoma Eca109 cells, and whether mTOR inhibition by rapamycin increases Eca109 cell radiosensitivity. Changes in the levels of mTOR signaling pathway and DNA damage-repair proteins in Eca109 cells prior to and following radiation were determined. The Eca109 cells were treated with Rap (0, 100, 200 and 400 nmol/l) in combination with radiation (0, 2, 4 and 6 Gy). The cell proliferation inhibition rate was determined by MTT assay. The optimum Rap concentration and radiation dose, which appropriately inhibited cell proliferation, were then selected for further study. An appropriate combination of Rap and radiation for the Eca109 cells was also selected and changes in the mTOR signaling pathway, apoptosis and DNA damage-repair proteins, as well as in cell clone formation, survival curves, the apoptosis rate and radiation-induced DNA damage were determined. The expression of the mTOR signaling pathway and DNA damage-repair proteins were found to increase following the irradiation of the Eca109 cells. In addition, Rap was found to inhibit the mTOR signaling pathway and the expression of the DNA damage-repair proteins. At the same radiation dose, with increasing Rap concentration, the proliferation inhibition rates of the Eca109 cells were found to improve. The clone formation and survival curves of the experimental group were less than those of the control groups. Furthermore, the cell apoptosis rate and expression of cleaved caspase-3 and bax in the experimental group were higher than those of the control groups, whereas the expression of bcl-2 was less than that of the control groups. The radiation-induced DNA damage of the experimental group was greater than that of the control group. The inhibition of mTOR by Rap was found to effectively inhibit the proliferation, survival and radiation-induced DNA damage repair of the Eca109 cells following irradiation, as well as promoting radiation-induced apoptosis, thereby increasing the radiosensitivity of the esophageal carcinoma Eca109 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dejun Zhang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, P.R. China
| | - Jie Xiang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, P.R. China
| | - Yuming Gu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, P.R. China
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, P.R. China
| | - Hao Xu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, P.R. China
| | - Maoheng Zu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, P.R. China
| | - Dongsheng Pei
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Biological Cancer Therapy, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, P.R. China
| | - Junnian Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Biological Cancer Therapy, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, P.R. China
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A dual mTORC1 and mTORC2 inhibitor shows antitumor activity in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells and sensitizes them to cisplatin. Anticancer Drugs 2014; 24:889-98. [PMID: 23838676 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0b013e328363c64e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is critical for the growth and proliferation of various malignant tumors, including esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Therefore, targeting of mTOR protein is a promising strategy for therapy in this disease. In the present study, we examined the antitumor effects of a specific mTOR kinase inhibitor, PP242, which blocks both mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2) pathways, in two ESCC cell lines: Eca-109 and TE-1. We showed that PP242, but not rapamycin, attenuated the activities of both mTORC1 and mTORC2 signaling in ESCC. PP242 inhibited 4E-binding protein-1 phosphorylation and abrogated mTORC1-dependent PI3K/Akt feedback activation. Significantly, PP242 effectively suppressed ESCC cell proliferation, induced apoptosis, and arrested the cell cycle. Furthermore, PP242 promoted cisplatin-induced apoptosis and enhanced the antitumor efficacy of cisplatin in ESCC cells, which was likely to be associated with inhibition of Akt activity. Our results show that simultaneous targeting of both mTORC1 and mTORC2 pathways leads to effective antitumor actions in ESCC, and strongly suggest that dual mTORC1/2 inhibitors should be developed as potential agents for the treatment of ESCC.
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Mohamed A, El-Rayes B, Khuri FR, Saba NF. Targeted therapies in metastatic esophageal cancer: advances over the past decade. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2014; 91:186-96. [PMID: 24582516 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2014.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2013] [Revised: 01/14/2014] [Accepted: 01/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Esophageal cancer is one of the most aggressive malignancies of the upper aerodigestive tract. Despite advances in surgical techniques and multi-modality therapies, the 5-year survival rate remains poor (14%). Over the past decade, efforts have been focused on the field of drug development with the advancement of novel molecularly targeted therapeutic agents. These agents target a variety of cancer relevant pathways such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) or its receptor, the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways. The number of approved targeted agents remains few, with HER-2 inhibitors leading the list for treatment of HER-2 expressing metastatic adenocarcinomas. Novel agents have not yet been widely explored in esophageal cancer. In this review, we will provide a concise and systematic overview of the development of novel targeted therapies currently under investigation for the treatment of metastatic esophageal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amr Mohamed
- Department of Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Bassel El-Rayes
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Fadlo R Khuri
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Nabil F Saba
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Yeh CT, Huang YH, Liang KH, Chang ML, Hsu CW, Chen YC, Chen TC, Yeh TS, Lee WC. Segregation of signaling proteins as prognostic predictors for local recurrence and distant metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Int J Oncol 2013; 44:491-504. [PMID: 24297625 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2013.2198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2013] [Accepted: 11/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Postoperative recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is presented as local recurrence (LR) or extrahepatic metastasis (EHM). Recent studies indicated that EHM requires additional cellular alterations. This study aimed to examine the clinical and molecular prognostic predictors of these two events. HCC patients (289) [training cohort (n=160) and verification cohort (n=129)] receiving surgical resection of hepatomas were included. The expression levels of six signaling molecules were quantitatively assessed for prognostic analysis. Clustering analysis revealed similar expression profiles between cancer (T) and non-cancer (N) liver tissues in the same individuals. Univariate analysis showed that phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)-T was associated with LR-free survival (P=0.002), whereas extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK2)-T (P=0.005), AKT-T (P=0.001) and glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-T/N ratio (P=0.008) were associated with EHM-free survival. When clinical predictors were added for multivariate analysis, only prolonged prothrombin time (P=0.003) and tumor number (P=0.031) was independently associated with LR-free survival, whereas age (P=0.019), creatinine levels (P=0.001) and AKT-T (P=0.004) were associated with EHM-free survival. These factors were further examined in the verification cohort. In conclusion, postoperative LR and EHM in HCC were associated with separable sets of clinical and molecular predictors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chau-Ting Yeh
- Liver Research Center, Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei 105, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Ya-Hui Huang
- Liver Research Center, Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei 105, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Kung-Hao Liang
- Liver Research Center, Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei 105, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Ming-Ling Chang
- Liver Research Center, Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei 105, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chao-Wei Hsu
- Liver Research Center, Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei 105, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yi-Cheng Chen
- Liver Research Center, Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei 105, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Tse-Ching Chen
- Department of Pathology, Chang Gung Medical Center, Taipei 105, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Ta-Sen Yeh
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Chang Gung Medical Center, Taipei 105, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Wei-Chen Lee
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Chang Gung Medical Center, Taipei 105, Taiwan, R.O.C
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36
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Wang Q, Luo C, Wu X, Du H, Song X, Fan Y. hepaCAM and p-mTOR Closely Correlate in Bladder Transitional Cell Carcinoma and hepaCAM Expression Inhibits Proliferation via an AMPK/mTOR Dependent Pathway in Human Bladder Cancer Cells. J Urol 2013; 190:1912-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.juro.2013.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Qiuju Wang
- Key Laboratory of Diagnostics Medicine designated by the Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University and Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University (XW), Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunli Luo
- Key Laboratory of Diagnostics Medicine designated by the Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University and Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University (XW), Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohou Wu
- Key Laboratory of Diagnostics Medicine designated by the Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University and Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University (XW), Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongfei Du
- Key Laboratory of Diagnostics Medicine designated by the Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University and Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University (XW), Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuedong Song
- Key Laboratory of Diagnostics Medicine designated by the Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University and Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University (XW), Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanru Fan
- Key Laboratory of Diagnostics Medicine designated by the Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University and Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University (XW), Chongqing, People's Republic of China
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Identification and validation of a multigene predictor of recurrence in primary laryngeal cancer. PLoS One 2013; 8:e70429. [PMID: 23950933 PMCID: PMC3739775 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0070429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2013] [Accepted: 06/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Local recurrence is the major manifestation of treatment failure in patients with operable laryngeal carcinoma. Established clinicopathological factors cannot sufficiently predict patients that are likely to recur after treatment. Additional tools are therefore required to accurately identify patients at high risk for recurrence. This study attempts to identify and independently validate gene expression models, prognostic of disease-free survival (DFS) in operable laryngeal cancer. Materials and Methods Using Affymetrix U133A Genechips, we profiled fresh-frozen tumor tissues from 66 patients with laryngeal cancer treated locally with surgery. We applied Cox regression proportional hazards modeling to identify multigene predictors of recurrence. Gene models were then validated in two independent cohorts of 54 and 187 patients (fresh-frozen and formalin-fixed tissue validation sets, respectively). Results We focused on genes univariately associated with DFS (p<0.01) in the training set. Among several models comprising different numbers of genes, a 30-probe set model demonstrated optimal performance in both the training (log-rank, p<0.001) and 1st validation (p = 0.010) sets. Specifically, in the 1st validation set, median DFS as predicted by the 30-probe set model, was 34 and 80 months for high- and low-risk patients, respectively. Hazard ratio (HR) for recurrence in the high-risk group was 3.87 (95% CI 1.28–11.73, Wald's p = 0.017). Testing the expression of selected genes from the above model in the 2nd validation set, with qPCR, revealed significant associations of single markers, such as ACE2, FLOT1 and PRKD1, with patient DFS. High PRKD1 remained an unfavorable prognostic marker upon multivariate analysis (HR = 2.00, 95% CI 1.28–3.14, p = 0.002) along with positive nodal status. Conclusions We have established and validated gene models that can successfully stratify patients with laryngeal cancer, based on their risk for recurrence. It seems worthy to prospectively validate PRKD1 expression as a laryngeal cancer prognostic marker, for routine clinical applications.
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Neri LM, Cani A, Martelli AM, Simioni C, Junghanss C, Tabellini G, Ricci F, Tazzari PL, Pagliaro P, McCubrey JA, Capitani S. Targeting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia and its therapeutic potential. Leukemia 2013; 28:739-48. [PMID: 23892718 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2013.226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2013] [Revised: 07/11/2013] [Accepted: 07/19/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-pre ALL) is a malignant disorder characterized by the abnormal proliferation of B-cell progenitors. The prognosis of B-pre ALL has improved in pediatric patients, but the outcome is much less successful in adults. Constitutive activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), Akt and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) network is a feature of B-pre ALL, where it strongly influences cell growth and survival. RAD001, a selective mTORC1 inhibitor, has been shown to be cytotoxic against many types of cancer including hematological malignancies. To investigate whether mTORC1 could represent a target in the therapy of B-pre ALL, we treated cell lines and adult patient primary cells with RAD001. We documented that RAD001 decreased cell viability, induced cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase and caused apoptosis in B-pre ALL cell lines. Autophagy was also induced, which was important for the RAD001 cytotoxic effect, as downregulation of Beclin-1 reduced drug cytotoxicity. RAD001 strongly synergized with the novel allosteric Akt inhibitor MK-2206 in both cell lines and patient samples. Similar results were obtained with the combination CCI-779 plus GSK 690693. These findings point out that mTORC1 inhibitors, either as a single agent or in combination with Akt inhibitors, could represent a potential therapeutic innovative strategy in B-pre ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M Neri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - A Cani
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - A M Martelli
- 1] Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy [2] Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Council, Pavia, Italy
| | - C Simioni
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - C Junghanss
- University of Rostock, Division of Medicine, Department of Hematology/Oncology/Palliative Medicine, Rostock, Germany
| | - G Tabellini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - F Ricci
- Immunohematology and Transfusion Center, Policlinico S.Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - P L Tazzari
- Immunohematology and Transfusion Center, Policlinico S.Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - P Pagliaro
- Immunohematology and Transfusion Center, Policlinico S.Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - J A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - S Capitani
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Skinner HD, McCurdy MR, Echeverria AE, Lin SH, Welsh JW, O'Reilly MS, Hofstetter WL, Ajani JA, Komaki R, Cox JD, Sandulache VC, Myers JN, Guerrero TM. Metformin use and improved response to therapy in esophageal adenocarcinoma. Acta Oncol 2013; 52:1002-9. [PMID: 22950385 DOI: 10.3109/0284186x.2012.718096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We investigated the radiographic and pathologic response rate of esophageal adenocarcinoma treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation in patients taking metformin. MATERIAL AND METHODS Two hundred eighty-five patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma treated with concurrent chemoradiation (CRT) followed by esophagectomy from 1997 to 2012 were included in the study, including 29 diabetics taking metformin, 21 diabetics not taking metformin and 235 non-diabetics. Pre- and post-treatment positron emission tomography (PET) scans were available for 204 patients. Pathologic response was graded at the time of surgery. Response rates were compared using both the χ(2) statistic as well as ANOVA with post-hoc LSD analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to control for predictors of pathologic complete response (CR) after CRT. RESULTS The overall rate of pathologic CR for the study population was 20%. The pathologic CR rate was higher in patients taking metformin (34.5%), compared to diabetic patients not taking metformin (4.8%, p = 0.01) and non-diabetic patients (19.6%, p = 0.05). Pathologic CR was related to metformin dose, with ≥ 1500 mg/d associated with a higher CR rate. No significant difference seen in pre-CRT maximum tumor SUV (p = 0.93), however post-CRT maximum SUV was significantly decreased in patients taking metformin (p = 0.05). On multivariate logistic regression, metformin use was independently associated with pathologic CR (p = 0.04). Metformin use was also associated with decreased in field loco-regional failure following radiation (p = 0.05). CONCLUSION Metformin use is associated with a dose-dependent increased response to CRT in esophageal cancer and may be a sensitizer to this therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heath D Skinner
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Digklia A, Voutsadakis IA. Targeted treatments for metastatic esophageal squamous cell cancer. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2013; 5:88-96. [PMID: 23799158 PMCID: PMC3682173 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v5.i5.88] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2012] [Revised: 01/27/2013] [Accepted: 05/18/2013] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Squamous cell carcinoma, one of the two major sub-types of esophageal carcinomas, constitutes the great majority of tumors in the upper and middle third of the organ. Declining in incidence in western countries, it continues to be a significant public health problem in the far east. Targeted treatments are novel therapies introduced in the clinical therapeutic armamentarium of oncology in the last 10-15 years. They represent a rational way of treating various cancers based on their molecular lesions. Although no such agent has been approved so far for the treatment of esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCC), several are in clinical trials and several others have displayed pre-clinical activity that would justify the efforts and risks of pursuing their clinical development in this disease. This paper discusses some of these targeted agents in more advanced development in metastatic ESCC, as well as some promising drugs with pre-clinical or initial clinical data in the disease.
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Monteiro LS, Delgado ML, Ricardo S, Garcez F, Amaral BD, Warnakulasuriya S, Lopes C. Phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin is associated with an adverse outcome in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol 2013; 115:638-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.oooo.2013.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2013] [Revised: 01/18/2013] [Accepted: 01/23/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Clauditz TS, Gontarewicz A, Bokemeyer C, Sauter G, Knecht R, Münscher A, Wilczak W. Abundant expression of mTOR kinase in salivary gland tumors - potentials as therapy target? J Oral Pathol Med 2013; 42:769-73. [PMID: 23521157 DOI: 10.1111/jop.12064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Salivary gland tumors constitute 3-6% of all head and neck neoplasms in adults. Because of limited advances made in the treatment of metastatic disease, the more important is the role of new therapeutic strategies, including molecular therapy. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) has recently been established as a therapeutic target for several drugs. MATERIAL Evaluation of phospho-mTOR as a possible therapy target by patients with salivary gland tumors. Immunohistochemical semi-quantitative analyses of the expression of phospho-mTOR(Ser2448) were processed on a tissue microarray containing samples from more than 900 patients. For statistical analysis, contingency table and chi-squared test (likelihood) were used. RESULTS We observed at least weak phospho-mTOR expression in 25.6-41.2% of all 4 histological adenoma and in 36.8-61.6% of all 11 histological carcinoma subtypes analyzed. No association was seen between phospho-mTOR expression and tumor grade in mucoepidermoid carcinomas. CONCLUSION In conjunction with literature data providing the evidence for a functional role of mTOR in salivary gland tumors, we conclude that treatment with mTOR-antagonists might potentially also be efficient in wide variety of salivary gland carcinomas.
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Hu JL, Xiao L, Li ZY, Wang Q, Chang Y, Jin Y. Upregulation of HO-1 is accompanied by activation of p38MAPK and mTOR in human oesophageal squamous carcinoma cells. Cell Biol Int 2013; 37:584-92. [PMID: 23412940 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.10075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2012] [Accepted: 02/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Li Hu
- Cancer Centre, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; 1277 Jiefangdadao Jianghan District, Wuhan; Hubei; 430022; PR China
| | - Lan Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; First Affiliated Hospital, An Hui Medical College; 218 Jixi Road, Hefei; AnHui; 230022; PR China
| | - Zhen-Yun Li
- Cancer Centre, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; 1277 Jiefangdadao Jianghan District, Wuhan; Hubei; 430022; PR China
| | - Qiong Wang
- Cancer Centre, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; 1277 Jiefangdadao Jianghan District, Wuhan; Hubei; 430022; PR China
| | - Yu Chang
- Cancer Centre, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; 1277 Jiefangdadao Jianghan District, Wuhan; Hubei; 430022; PR China
| | - Yi Jin
- Laboratory Department; Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology; 1277 Jiefangdadao Jianghan District, Wuhan; Hubei; 430022; PR China
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Kim SH, Jang YH, Chau GC, Pyo S, Um SH. Prognostic significance and function of phosphorylated ribosomal protein S6 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Mod Pathol 2013; 26:327-35. [PMID: 22996377 DOI: 10.1038/modpathol.2012.161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Ribosomal protein S6 is a key regulator of 40S ribosome biogenesis, and its phosphorylation is closely related to cell growth capacity. However, as a downstream target of S6 kinases, the clinical significance and the roles of S6 and S6 phosphorylation in cell viability and motility of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma remain unclear. Here, we show that high level of phosphorylated-ribosomal protein S6 (p-S6) (immunohistochemistry score ≥5) and an increased ratio of p-S6/S6 (immunohistochemistry score ≥0.75) were significantly associated with shortened disease-free survival in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in univariate analysis (P=0.049 and P<0.001, respectively). After adjusting for age, tumor-nodes-metastasis stage, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy in multivariate analysis, both p-S6 (hazard ratio 2.21, P=0.005) and p-S6/S6 (hazard ratio 2.40, P<0.001) remained independent adverse prognostic factors. In addition, S6 and S6 kinase 1 knockdown resulted in attenuation of viability by suppressing cyclin D1 expression in esophageal cancer cells. Furthermore, depletion of S6 and S6 kinase 1 resulted in a reduction in esophageal cancer cell migration and invasion. This was paralleled by a reduction in focal adhesion and by suppression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and c-jun N-terminal kinase phosphorylation, which control cell motility. Collectively, these findings suggest that p-S6 and the ratio of p-S6/S6 are closely relevant to tumor progression and have prognostic significance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seok-Hyung Kim
- Department of Pathology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Alvarenga AW, Coutinho-Camillo CM, Rodrigues BR, Rocha RM, Torres LFB, Martins VR, da Cunha IW, Hajj GNM. A comparison between manual and automated evaluations of tissue microarray patterns of protein expression. J Histochem Cytochem 2013; 61:272-82. [PMID: 23340270 DOI: 10.1369/0022155413477661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue microarray technology enables us to evaluate the pattern of protein expression in large numbers of samples. However, manual data acquisition and analysis still represent a challenge because they are subjective and time-consuming. Automated analysis may thus increase the speed and reproducibility of evaluation. However, the reliability of automated analysis systems should be independently evaluated. Herein, the expression of phosphorylated AKT and mTOR was determined by ScanScope XT (Aperio; Vista, CA) and ACIS III (Dako; Glostrup, Denmark) and compared with the manual analysis by two observers. The percentage of labeled pixels or nuclei analysis had a good correlation between human observers and automated systems (κ = 0.855 and 0.879 for ScanScope vs. observers and κ = 0.765 and 0.793 for ACIS III vs. observers). The intensity of labeling determined by ScanScope was also correlated with that found by the human observers (correlation index of 0.946 and 0.851 for pAKT and 0.851 and 0.875 for pmTOR). However, the correlation between ACIS III and human observation varied for labeling intensity and was considered poor in some cases (correlation index of 0.718 and 0.680 for pAKT and 0.223 and 0.225 for pmTOR). Thus, the percentage of positive pixels or nuclei determination was satisfactorily performed by both systems; however, labeling intensity was better identified by ScanScope XT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur W Alvarenga
- International Research Center, A. C. Camargo Hospital, National Institute of Science and Technology in Oncogenomics, São Paulo, Brazil
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Li M, Sun H, Song L, Gao X, Chang W, Qin X. Immunohistochemical expression of mTOR negatively correlates with PTEN expression in gastric carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2012. [PMID: 23205120 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2012.930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K)-AKT-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is a cellular pathway involved in cell growth, tumorigenesis and cell invasion which is frequently activated in various types of cancer. The downstream effector of the pathway is mTOR which is important in cellular growth and homeostasis and aberrant activation of mTOR has been reported in several types of cancer. The tumor suppressor gene phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) is essential in this pathway for inhibiting tumor invasion and metastasis. However, the involvement of mTOR and PTEN in the progression of human gastric cancer remains to be identified. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect the expression of mTOR and PTEN in paraffin-embedded gastric tissue sections obtained from 33 patients with gastric cancer and 30 normal controls. The expressed mTOR was mainly distributed in the cytoplasm, while PTEN was mainly localized to the nucleus. By considering negative mTOR expression with positive PTEN expression as one group and negative PTEN expression with positive mTOR expression as the other, significant statistical differences were observed in various categories, including histological types and metastatic and clinical pathology stages, between the 2 groups (P<0.01 or 0.05). The results indicated that the expression levels of mTOR and PTEN were negatively correlated in the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway. Combined detection of mTOR and PTEN expression may be used to evaluate the degree of malignancy in gastric cancer and may be a useful marker for the early diagnosis of gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Li
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai
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Kim SH, Chau GC, Jang YH, Lee SI, Pyo S, Um SH. Clinicopathologic significance and function of mammalian target of rapamycin activation in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Hum Pathol 2012; 44:226-36. [PMID: 22944293 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2012.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2012] [Revised: 05/13/2012] [Accepted: 05/16/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) has emerged as a key regulator of cell metabolism, growth, and proliferation. Despite the increasing significance of mTOR signaling in cancer cell cycle and proliferation, the clinical significance of activated mTOR in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and its role in esophageal cancer cell proliferation and invasion remain unclear. Here, we show that both high levels of phosphorylated-mTOR and an increased ratio of phosphorylated-mTOR/mTOR (ratio ≥0.2) were significantly associated with shortened disease-specific survival in 165 patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in univariate analysis (P = .047 for phosphorylated-mTOR, P = .021 for phosphorylated-mTOR/mTOR); phosphorylated-mTOR and phosphorylated-mTOR/mTOR remained independent prognostic factors after adjusting for age, TNM stage, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy in multivariate analysis (hazard ratio, 1.67, P = .025 for phosphorylated-mTOR; hazard ratio, 1.95, P = .006 for phosphorylated-mTOR/mTOR). Moreover, down-regulation of mTOR or mTOR complex components led to attenuation of proliferation, migration, and invasion of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cell lines through suppression of cyclin D1 expression. Collectively, our findings suggest that phosphorylated-mTOR and the ratio of phosphorylated-mTOR/mTOR are closely linked to tumor progression and represent independent prognostic factors in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, thereby providing a potential therapeutic target for this malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seok-Hyung Kim
- Department of Pathology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 135-710, Korea
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Phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin expression is associated with the response to chemoradiotherapy in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2012; 144:1352-9, 1359.e1. [PMID: 22841170 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2012.06.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2012] [Revised: 05/18/2012] [Accepted: 06/18/2012] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway has been implicated in therapeutic resistance in several types of cancer. However, the significance of mammalian target of rapamycin activation in chemoradiotherapy sensitivity and its effect on the prognosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma treated with chemoradiotherapy remain unknown. However, this pathway is of particular interest because an effective inhibitor is available. METHODS By using immunohistochemistry, phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin expression was examined in 77 patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma treated with preoperative chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery between 1999 and 2009, and correlated with treatment outcome. With the use of CE81T/VGH and TE2 cell lines, cells were treated with chemotherapy, temsirolimus (mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor), or a combination of chemotherapy and temsirolimus, and investigated by 3-(4.5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. RESULTS Pathologic complete response rates were 42% and 16% in patients with negative and positive phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin expression, respectively (P = .01). The 3-year overall survivals were 57% and 30% in patients with negative and positive phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin expression, respectively (P = .005). Positive phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin expression was independently associated with inferior overall and disease-free survival. In patients who did not achieve pathologic complete response, postchemoradiotherapy esophagectomy specimens showed significantly higher phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin expression than pretreatment biopsy specimens. In cell lines, concomitant administration of temsirolimus enhanced the effect of chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS Phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin expression is independently associated with the response to chemoradiotherapy and prognosis of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma treated with preoperative chemoradiotherapy. Mammalian target of rapamycin inhibition can sensitize esophageal cancer cells to chemotherapy. Our results suggest the potential for mammalian target of rapamycin as a therapeutic target for patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who receive multimodality treatment.
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Khattak MA, Martin HL, Karapetis CS. Targeted therapy for esophagogastric cancers: a review. Onco Targets Ther 2012; 5:91-102. [PMID: 22719211 PMCID: PMC3377432 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s25117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of esophagogastric cancers is increasing rapidly in the Western population. Despite better understanding of the biology and intense research in the treatment of these cancers, the long-term survival remains poor both in the locally advanced and metastatic settings. The addition of combined modality strategies has resulted in modest improvement in 5-year survival rates. A number of biologic agents targeting epidermal-derived growth factor receptor, vascular endothelial derived growth factor and its receptor, and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) are being currently evaluated in Phase II and III clinical trials. Some of these, like trastuzumab, cetuximab, and bevacizumab, have shown promising results. This review provides a brief overview of the recent developments in biologic agents for the treatment of esophagogastric cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Christos S Karapetis
- Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, South Australia
- Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Aberrant activation of the mTOR pathway and anti-tumour effect of everolimus on oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Br J Cancer 2012; 106:876-82. [PMID: 22333597 PMCID: PMC3305959 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2012.36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) protein is important for cellular growth and homeostasis. The presence and prognostic significance of inappropriate mTOR activation have been reported for several cancers. Mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors, such as everolimus (RAD001), are in development and show promise as anti-cancer drugs; however, the therapeutic effect of everolimus on oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains unknown. Methods: Phosphorylation of mTOR (p-mTOR) was evaluated in 167 resected OSCC tumours and 5 OSCC cell lines. The effects of everolimus on the OSCC cell lines TE4 and TE11 in vitro and alone or in combination with cisplatin on tumour growth in vivo were evaluated. Results: Mammalian target of rapamycin phosphorylation was detected in 116 tumours (69.5%) and all the 5 OSCC cell lines. Everolimus suppressed p-mTOR downstream pathways, inhibited proliferation and invasion, and induced apoptosis in both TE4 and TE11 cells. In a mouse xenograft model established with TE4 and TE11 cells, everolimus alone or in combination with cisplatin inhibited tumour growth. Conclusion: The mTOR pathway was aberrantly activated in most OSCC tumours. Everolimus had a therapeutic effect both as a single agent and in combination with cisplatin. Everolimus could be a useful anti-cancer drug for patients with OSCC.
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