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Kong L, Zhang Q, Mao J, Cheng L, Shi X, Yu L, Hu J, Yang M, Li L, Liu B, Qian X. A dual-targeted molecular therapy of PP242 and cetuximab plays an anti-tumor effect through EGFR downstream signaling pathways in colorectal cancer. J Gastrointest Oncol 2021; 12:1625-1642. [PMID: 34532116 DOI: 10.21037/jgo-21-467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and its downstream Ras-mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MAPKK, MEK)-extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK) signaling pathway and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (Akt)-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway play important roles in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC). The combination therapy of anti-EGFR and anti-mTOR needs to be explored. Methods Here we combined the anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody cetuximab (CTX) with the mTOR inhibitor PP242 in CRC cell lines and mouse xenograft models and discussed the changes of EGFR downstream signaling pathways of CRC cell lines. Results In HT-29 cells and Caco-2 cells, combined application of CTX and PP242 significantly inhibited the proliferation of CRC cells in vivo and in vitro. In BRAF wild-type Caco-2 cells, combined application of CTX and PP242 inhibited the activation of the EGFR and its downstream signaling pathways. Conclusions Our research further demonstrates the effectiveness of the combined application of CTX and PP242 in inhibiting CRC cell lines from the perspective of cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, and mouse xenografts. We revealed that the combined application of CTX and PP242 can inhibit tumor growth and proliferation by inhibiting the phosphorylation of key molecules in EGFR downstream MEK-ERK and MEK 4/7 (MKK)-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathways in BRAF wild-type CRC cells. In addition, we found that in BRAF mutant CRC cells, the monotherapy of PP242 resulted in negative feedback increased EGFR phosphorylation rates, accompanied by significant up-regulation of downstream MEK and ERK phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linghui Kong
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Qun Zhang
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Jialei Mao
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Lei Cheng
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Shi
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Lixia Yu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Hu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Mi Yang
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Li
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Baorui Liu
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoping Qian
- The Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
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Tejchman K, Kotfis K, Sieńko J. Biomarkers and Mechanisms of Oxidative Stress-Last 20 Years of Research with an Emphasis on Kidney Damage and Renal Transplantation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158010. [PMID: 34360776 PMCID: PMC8347360 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress is an imbalance between pro- and antioxidants that adversely influences the organism in various mechanisms and on many levels. Oxidative damage occurring concomitantly in many cellular structures may cause a deterioration of function, including apoptosis and necrosis. The damage leaves a molecular “footprint”, which can be detected by specific methodology, using certain oxidative stress biomarkers. There is an intimate relationship between oxidative stress, inflammation, and functional impairment, resulting in various diseases affecting the entire human body. In the current narrative review, we strengthen the connection between oxidative stress mechanisms and their active compounds, emphasizing kidney damage and renal transplantation. An analysis of reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidants, products of peroxidation, and finally signaling pathways gives a lot of promising data that potentially will modify cell responses on many levels, including gene expression. Oxidative damage, stress, and ROS are still intensively exploited research subjects. We discuss compounds mentioned earlier as biomarkers of oxidative stress and present their role documented during the last 20 years of research. The following keywords and MeSH terms were used in the search: oxidative stress, kidney, transplantation, ischemia-reperfusion injury, IRI, biomarkers, peroxidation, and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karol Tejchman
- Department of General and Transplantation Surgery, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (K.T.); (J.S.)
| | - Katarzyna Kotfis
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Therapy and Acute Intoxications, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48914661144
| | - Jerzy Sieńko
- Department of General and Transplantation Surgery, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (K.T.); (J.S.)
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Sadhu S, Rizvi ZA, Pandey RP, Dalal R, Rathore DK, Kumar B, Pandey M, Kumar Y, Goel R, Maiti TK, Johri AK, Tiwari A, Pandey AK, Awasthi A. Gefitinib Results in Robust Host-Directed Immunity Against Salmonella Infection Through Proteo-Metabolomic Reprogramming. Front Immunol 2021; 12:648710. [PMID: 33868285 PMCID: PMC8044459 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.648710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The global rise of antibiotic-resistant strains of Salmonella has necessitated the development of alternative therapeutic strategies. Recent studies have shown that targeting host factors may provide an alternative approach for the treatment of intracellular pathogens. Host-directed therapy (HDT) modulates host cellular factors that are essential to support the replication of the intracellular pathogens. In the current study, we identified Gefitinib as a potential host directed therapeutic drug against Salmonella. Further, using the proteome analysis of Salmonella-infected macrophages, we identified EGFR, a host factor, promoting intracellular survival of Salmonella via mTOR-HIF-1α axis. Blocking of EGFR, mTOR or HIF-1α inhibits the intracellular survival of Salmonella within the macrophages and in mice. Global proteo-metabolomics profiling indicated the upregulation of host factors predominantly associated with ATP turn over, glycolysis, urea cycle, which ultimately promote the activation of EGFR-HIF1α signaling upon infection. Importantly, inhibition of EGFR and HIF1α restored both proteomics and metabolomics changes caused by Salmonella infection. Taken together, this study identifies Gefitinib as a host directed drug that holds potential translational values against Salmonella infection and might be useful for the treatment of other intracellular infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srikanth Sadhu
- Infection and Immunobiology, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Faridabad, India
| | - Zaigham Abbas Rizvi
- Infection and Immunobiology, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Faridabad, India
| | | | - Rajdeep Dalal
- Infection and Immunobiology, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Faridabad, India
| | - Deepak Kumar Rathore
- Infection and Immunity, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Faridabad, India
| | - Bhoj Kumar
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, India
| | - Manitosh Pandey
- Infection and Immunity, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Faridabad, India
| | - Yashwant Kumar
- Non Communicable Diseases, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Faridabad, India
| | - Renu Goel
- Non Communicable Diseases, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Faridabad, India
| | - Tushar K. Maiti
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, India
| | - Atul Kumar Johri
- Infection and Immunity, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Ashutosh Tiwari
- Infection and Immunobiology, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Faridabad, India
| | - Amit Kumar Pandey
- Infection and Immunity, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Faridabad, India
| | - Amit Awasthi
- Infection and Immunobiology, Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Faridabad, India
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Co-targeting EGFR and mTOR with gefitinib and everolimus in triple-negative breast cancer cells. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6367. [PMID: 32286420 PMCID: PMC7156377 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-63310-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) are unlikely to respond to hormonal therapies and anti-HER2-targeted therapies. TNBCs overexpress EGFR and exhibit constitutive activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway. We hypothesized that simultaneously blocking EGFR and mTOR could be a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of TNBC. We examined the antitumour activity of the mTOR inhibitor everolimus combined with the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor gefitinib in TNBC cell with or without activating mutations in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling pathway. We demonstrated that everolimus and gefitinib induced synergistic growth inhibition in the PI3K and PTEN-mutant CAL-51 cell line but not in the PTEN-null HCC-1937 cell line. The antiproliferative effect was associated with synergistic inhibition of mTOR and P70S6K phosphorylation, as well as a significant reduction in 4E-BP1 activation in the CAL-51 cell line. We also showed that combination therapy significantly inhibited cell cycle progression and increased apoptosis in this cell line. Gene and protein expression analysis revealed significant downregulation of cell cycle regulators after exposure to combined treatment. Collectively, these results suggested that dual inhibition of mTOR and EGFR may be an effective treatment for TNBC with activating mutations of PI3K.
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Seo SU, Woo SM, Lee HS, Kim SH, Min KJ, Kwon TK. mTORC1/2 inhibitor and curcumin induce apoptosis through lysosomal membrane permeabilization-mediated autophagy. Oncogene 2018; 37:5205-5220. [PMID: 29849119 PMCID: PMC6147804 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0345-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
mTOR is an important regulator of cell growth and forms two complexes, mTORC1/2. In cancer, mTOR signaling is highly activated, and the regulation of this signaling, as an anti-cancer strategy, has been emphasized. However, PP242 (inhibitor of mTORC1 and mTORC2) alone did not induce human renal carcinoma cell death. In this study, we found that PP242 alone did not alter cell viability, but combined curcumin and PP242 treatment induced cell death. Combined PP242 and curcumin treatment induced Bax activation and decreased expression of Mcl-1 and Bcl-2. Furthermore, co-treatment with PP242 and curcumin-induced the downregulation of the Rictor (an mTORC2 complex protein) and Akt protein levels, and ectopic overexpression of Rictor or Akt inhibited PP242 plus curcumin induced cell death. Downregulation of Rictor increased cytosolic Ca2+ release from endoplasmic reticulum, which led to lysosomal damage in PP242 plus curcumin-treated cells. Furthermore, damaged lysosomes induced autophagy. Autophagy inhibitors markedly inhibited cell death. Finally, combined curcumin and PP242 treatment reduced tumor growth and induced cell death in xenograft models. Altogether, our results reveal that combined PP242 and curcumin treatment could induce autophagy-mediated cell death by reducing the expression of Rictor and Akt in renal carcinoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Un Seo
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, 2800 Dalgubeoldaero, Dalseo-Gu, Daegu, 704-701, South Korea
| | - Seon Min Woo
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, 2800 Dalgubeoldaero, Dalseo-Gu, Daegu, 704-701, South Korea
| | - Hyun-Shik Lee
- KNU-Center for Nonlinear Dynamics, School of Life Sciences, BK21 Plus KNU Creative BioResearch Group, College of Natural Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41566, South Korea
| | - Sang Hyun Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41944, South Korea
| | - Kyoung-Jin Min
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, 2800 Dalgubeoldaero, Dalseo-Gu, Daegu, 704-701, South Korea.
| | - Taeg Kyu Kwon
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, 2800 Dalgubeoldaero, Dalseo-Gu, Daegu, 704-701, South Korea.
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Tumor microenvironment confers mTOR inhibitor resistance in invasive intestinal adenocarcinoma. Oncogene 2017; 36:6480-6489. [PMID: 28759045 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2017.242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Revised: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 06/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex 1 (mTORC1) is frequently activated in cancers and can be counteracted with the clinical mTORC1 inhibitors everolimus and temsirolimus. Although mTORC1 and dual mTORC1/2 inhibitors are currently under development to treat various malignancies, the emergence of drug resistance has proven to be a major complication. Using the cis-Apc/Smad4 mouse model of locally invasive intestinal adenocarcinoma, we show that administration of everolimus or the dual mTORC1/2 inhibitor AZD8055 significantly reduces the growth of intestinal tumors. In contrast, although everolimus treatment at earlier phase of tumor progression delayed invasion of the tumors, both inhibitors exhibited little effect on blocking invasion of the tumors when administered later in their progression. Biochemical and immunohistochemical analyses revealed that treatment of cis-Apc/Smad4 mice with everolimus or AZD8055 induced marked increases in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and MEK/ERK signaling in tumor epithelial and stromal cells, respectively. Notably, co-administration of AZD8055 and the EGFR inhibitor erlotinib or the MEK inhibitor trametinib was sufficient to suppress tumor invasion in cis-Apc/Smad4 mice. These data indicate that mTOR inhibitor resistance in invasive intestinal tumors involves feedback signaling from both cancer epithelial and stromal cells, highlighting the role of tumor microenvironment in drug resistance, and support that simultaneous inhibition of mTOR and EGFR or MEK may be more effective in treating colon cancer.
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7
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The Antiproliferative Effect of Cyclodipeptides from Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 on HeLa Cells Involves Inhibition of Phosphorylation of Akt and S6k Kinases. Molecules 2017. [PMID: 28632179 PMCID: PMC6152764 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22061024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, a potential pathogen of plants and animals, produces the cyclodipeptides cyclo(l-Pro-l-Tyr), cyclo(l-Pro-l-Phe), and cyclo(l-Pro-l-Val) (PAO1-CDPs), whose effects have been implicated in inhibition of human tumor cell line proliferation. Our purpose was to investigate in depth in the mechanisms of HeLa cell proliferation inhibition by the PAO1-CDPs. The results indicate that PAO1-CDPs, both purified individually and in mixtures, inhibited HeLa cell proliferation by arresting the cell cycle at the G0-G1 transition. The crude PAO1-CDPs mixture promoted cell death in HeLa cells in a dose-dependent manner, showing efficacy similar to that of isolated PAO1-CDPs (LD50 of 60-250 µM) and inducing apoptosis with EC50 between 0.6 and 3.0 µM. Moreover, PAO1-CDPs showed a higher proapoptotic activity (~10³-10⁵ fold) than their synthetic analogs did. Subsequently, the PAO1-CDPs affected mitochondrial membrane potential and induced apoptosis by caspase-9-dependent pathway. The mechanism of inhibition of cells proliferation in HeLa cells involves inhibition of phosphorylation of both Akt-S473 and S6k-T389 protein kinases, showing a cyclic behavior of their expression and phosphorylation in a time and concentration-dependent fashion. Taken together our findings indicate that PI3K-Akt-mTOR-S6k signaling pathway blockage is involved in the antiproliferative effect of the PAO1-CDPs.
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Liu S, Koh SSY, Lee CGL. Hepatitis B Virus X Protein and Hepatocarcinogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17060940. [PMID: 27314335 PMCID: PMC4926473 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17060940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Revised: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the most associated factors in hepatocarcinogenesis. HBV is able to integrate into the host genome and encode the multi-functional hepatitis B virus x protein (HBx). Although the mechanism between HBx and carcinogenesis is still elusive, recent studies have shown that HBx was able to influence various signaling pathways, as well as epigenetic and genetic processes. This review will examine and summarize recent literature about HBx’s role in these various processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuaichen Liu
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117597 Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Hepatobiliary & Pancreas Surgery, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Samantha S Y Koh
- Division of Medical Sciences, Humphrey Oei Institute of Cancer Research, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 169610 Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Caroline G L Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117597 Singapore, Singapore.
- Division of Medical Sciences, Humphrey Oei Institute of Cancer Research, National Cancer Centre Singapore, 169610 Singapore, Singapore.
- NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117456 Singapore, Singapore.
- Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, 169857 Singapore, Singapore.
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Zhang J, Jiang W, Liu W, Wu JJ, Song L, Cheng JX, Yao M, Yang LP, Yao DF. Effective targeting of colorectal cancer cells using TORC1/2 kinase inhibitors in vitro and in vivo. Future Oncol 2016; 12:515-24. [PMID: 26776341 DOI: 10.2217/fon.15.248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: We investigated the effects of TORC1/2 kinase inhibitors on colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines. Materials & methods: Using selective TORC1/2 inhibitors, rapamycin and PP242, we assessed their effect on the growth of CRC cells in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. Results: Rapamycin and PP242 inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis of CRC cells. They also enhance proapoptotic effect of conventional chemo drug doxorubicin in CRC cells in vitro. When combined with doxorubicin, rapamycin and PP242 almost completely inhibit tumor growth in vivo. Rapamycin and PP242 inhibit phosphorylation of Akt, ribosomal S6 kinase, 4EBP1 and mTOR. Conclusion: Our study suggests rapamycin and PP242 may be a useful therapeutic agent and inhibiting mTOR signaling pathway represents a new targeted therapy for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhang
- The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China
| | - Wen Jiang
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Third People's Hospital of Nantong, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Juan-Juan Wu
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China
| | - Lei Song
- Department of Paediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Ji-Xian Cheng
- Department of Oncological Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325001, China
| | - Ming Yao
- The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Li-Ping Yang
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China
| | - Deng-Fu Yao
- The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
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Cheng L, Xia Z, Bian X, Li G, Hu J, Cao Y, Wang Q, Qian X. Combination of cetuximab and PP242 synergistically suppress the progression of wild-type KRAS colorectal carcinoma. Onco Targets Ther 2015; 8:3185-92. [PMID: 26586952 PMCID: PMC4636092 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s82453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) has been shown to be overactive in human colorectal cancer, but the first-generation mTOR inhibitor, rapamycin, has failed to show clinical efficacy against colorectal cancer. On the other hand, although the second-generation mTOR inhibitor, PP242, has exerted substantial efficacy, it was revealed that independent inhibition by PP242 was transient, which could lead to positive-feedback loop to EGFR. Using wild-type KRAS colorectal cancer cells as models, we investigate the treatment efficacy of a widely used anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody, cetuximab, and PP242, alone or in combination in vitro and in vivo. Results of cell viability assays confirmed the synergistic inhibitory effect of PP242 and cetuximab on the survival of Caco-2 and HT-29 cells. Moreover, the ability of cancer-cell invasion and proliferation was also significantly inhibited by the combination therapy when compared with cetuximab or PP242 alone. Interestingly, the percentage of CD44-positive cancer cells was substantially decreased by the combination therapy in comparison with PP242 alone through fluorescence-activated cell sorting. The growth of cancer stem-like cell spheres in vitro was also maximally inhibited by combination therapy, in terms of either diameter or number. More importantly, the efficacy of combination therapy was more prominent than either drug alone in established tumor xenografts. These findings supported the potential use of combination therapy of PP242 and cetuximab against wild-type KRAS colorectal carcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Cheng
- Comprehensive Cancer Center of Drum-Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zuguang Xia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, People's Republic of China ; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyu Bian
- Comprehensive Cancer Center of Drum-Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangchao Li
- School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Hu
- Comprehensive Cancer Center of Drum-Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ya Cao
- Department of Biological Science and Technology and State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Wang
- Comprehensive Cancer Center of Drum-Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoping Qian
- Comprehensive Cancer Center of Drum-Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Clinical Cancer Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
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11
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Xu ZH, Shun WW, Hang JB, Gao BL, Hu JA. Posttranslational modifications of FOXO1 regulate epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance for non-small cell lung cancer cells. Tumour Biol 2015; 36:5485-95. [PMID: 26036758 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-015-3215-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2014] [Accepted: 02/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are effective clinical therapies for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, while resistance to TKIs remains a serious problem in clinical practice. Recently, it has been proposed that targeting mTOR could overcome TKI resistance in NSCLC cells. Forkhead box class O1 (FOXO1) has emerged as an important rheostat that modulates the activity of Akt and mTOR signaling pathway. However, the role of FOXO1 and related regulatory mechanism in TKI resistance in NSCLC remain largely unknown. Here, we find that mTOR-AKT-FOXO1 signaling cascade is deregulated in TKI-resistant NSCLC cells and that FOXO1 was highly phosphorylated and lowly acetylated upon erlotinib treatment. Combination of mTOR or PI3K inhibitor and erlotinib overcomes TKI resistance to inhibit cell growth and induce apoptosis in TKI-resistant NSCLC cells. Furthermore, the phosphorylation and acetylation of FOXO1 are reversely modulated by mTORC2-AKT signaling pathway. FOXO1 mutation analyses reveal that FOXO1 acetylation inhibits cell proliferation and promotes NSCLC cell apoptosis, while the phosphorylation of FOXO1 plays opposite roles in NSCLC cells. Importantly, increasing FOXO1 acetylation by a HDAC inhibitor, depsipeptide, overcomes TKI resistance to effectively induce TKI-resistant NSCLC cell apoptosis. Together, FOXO1 plays dual roles in TKI resistance through posttranslational modifications in NSCLC and this study provides a possible strategy for treatment of TKI-resistant NSCLC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-hong Xu
- Department of Geriatrics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 197 Rui Jin Road II, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China
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Ilkhanizadeh S, Lau J, Huang M, Foster DJ, Wong R, Frantz A, Wang S, Weiss WA, Persson AI. Glial progenitors as targets for transformation in glioma. Adv Cancer Res 2015; 121:1-65. [PMID: 24889528 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-800249-0.00001-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Glioma is the most common primary malignant brain tumor and arises throughout the central nervous system. Recent focus on stem-like glioma cells has implicated neural stem cells (NSCs), a minor precursor population restricted to germinal zones, as a potential source of gliomas. In this review, we focus on the relationship between oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs), the largest population of cycling glial progenitors in the postnatal brain, and gliomagenesis. OPCs can give rise to gliomas, with signaling pathways associated with NSCs also playing key roles during OPC lineage development. Gliomas can also undergo a switch from progenitor- to stem-like phenotype after therapy, consistent with an OPC-origin even for stem-like gliomas. Future in-depth studies of OPC biology may shed light on the etiology of OPC-derived gliomas and reveal new therapeutic avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirin Ilkhanizadeh
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jasmine Lau
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Miller Huang
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Daniel J Foster
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Department of Neurological Surgery and Brain Tumor Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Sandler Neurosciences Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Robyn Wong
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Aaron Frantz
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Department of Neurological Surgery and Brain Tumor Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Sandler Neurosciences Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Susan Wang
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Department of Neurological Surgery and Brain Tumor Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Sandler Neurosciences Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - William A Weiss
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Department of Neurological Surgery and Brain Tumor Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Anders I Persson
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Department of Neurological Surgery and Brain Tumor Research Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Sandler Neurosciences Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA.
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13
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Mortensen DS, Fultz KE, Xu S, Xu W, Packard G, Khambatta G, Gamez JC, Leisten J, Zhao J, Apuy J, Ghoreishi K, Hickman M, Narla RK, Bissonette R, Richardson S, Peng SX, Perrin-Ninkovic S, Tran T, Shi T, Yang WQ, Tong Z, Cathers BE, Moghaddam MF, Canan SS, Worland P, Sankar S, Raymon HK. CC-223, a Potent and Selective Inhibitor of mTOR Kinase: In Vitro and In Vivo Characterization. Mol Cancer Ther 2015; 14:1295-305. [PMID: 25855786 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-14-1052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 04/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
mTOR is a serine/threonine kinase that regulates cell growth, metabolism, proliferation, and survival. mTOR complex-1 (mTORC1) and mTOR complex-2 (mTORC2) are critical mediators of the PI3K-AKT pathway, which is frequently mutated in many cancers, leading to hyperactivation of mTOR signaling. Although rapamycin analogues, allosteric inhibitors that target only the mTORC1 complex, have shown some clinical activity, it is hypothesized that mTOR kinase inhibitors, blocking both mTORC1 and mTORC2 signaling, will have expanded therapeutic potential. Here, we describe the preclinical characterization of CC-223. CC-223 is a potent, selective, and orally bioavailable inhibitor of mTOR kinase, demonstrating inhibition of mTORC1 (pS6RP and p4EBP1) and mTORC2 [pAKT(S473)] in cellular systems. Growth inhibitory activity was demonstrated in hematologic and solid tumor cell lines. mTOR kinase inhibition in cells, by CC-223, resulted in more complete inhibition of the mTOR pathway biomarkers and improved antiproliferative activity as compared with rapamycin. Growth inhibitory activity and apoptosis was demonstrated in a panel of hematologic cancer cell lines. Correlative analysis revealed that IRF4 expression level associates with resistance, whereas mTOR pathway activation seems to associate with sensitivity. Treatment with CC-223 afforded in vivo tumor biomarker inhibition in tumor-bearing mice, after a single oral dose. CC-223 exhibited dose-dependent tumor growth inhibition in multiple solid tumor xenografts. Significant inhibition of mTOR pathway markers pS6RP and pAKT in CC-223-treated tumors suggests that the observed antitumor activity of CC-223 was mediated through inhibition of both mTORC1 and mTORC2. CC-223 is currently in phase I clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Weiming Xu
- Celgene Corporation, San Diego, California
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Tam Tran
- Celgene Corporation, San Diego, California
| | - Tao Shi
- Celgene Corporation, San Diego, California
| | | | - Zeen Tong
- Celgene Corporation, Summit, New Jersey
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14
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Abstract
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) has emerged as a potential target for drug development, particularly due to the fact that it plays such a crucial role in cancer biology. In addition, next-generation mTOR inhibitors have become available, marking an exciting new phase in mTOR-based therapy. However, the verdict on their therapeutic efectiveness remains unclear. Here we review phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mTOR signaling as one of the primary mechanisms for sustaining tumor outgrowth and metastasis, recent advances in the development of mTOR inhibitors, and current studies addressing mTOR activation/inhibition in colorectal cancer (CRC). We will also discuss our recent comparative study of diferent mTOR inhibitors in a population of colon cancer stem cells (CSCs), and current major challenges for achieving individualized drug therapy using kinase inhibitors.
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15
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Zarogoulidis P, Lampaki S, Turner JF, Huang H, Kakolyris S, Syrigos K, Zarogoulidis K. mTOR pathway: A current, up-to-date mini-review (Review). Oncol Lett 2014; 8:2367-2370. [PMID: 25360163 PMCID: PMC4214394 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2014.2608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2014] [Accepted: 09/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a protein serine/threonine kinase that was initially identified as the cellular target of rapamycin. This kinase regulates cell growth, proliferation, motility and survival, as well as the gene transcription and protein synthesis that are activated in response to hormones, growth factors and nutrients. Results from preclinical studies have indicated that factors antagonizing the mTOR pathway exert an antitumor effect on lung cancer. Furthermore, primary clinical trials of mTOR inhibitors have demonstrated that the inhibitors may be effective against lung carcinoma. The present study explores the association between mTOR and lung carcinogenesis and describes the clinical trials of mTOR inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Zarogoulidis
- Pulmonary Department-Oncology Unit, G. Papanikolaou General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 57010, Greece
| | - Sofia Lampaki
- Pulmonary Department-Oncology Unit, G. Papanikolaou General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 57010, Greece
| | - J Francis Turner
- Interventional Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Western Regional Medical Center, Goodyear, Arizona 85338, USA
| | - Haidong Huang
- Department of Respiratory Diseases Shanghai Hospital, Second Military University Hospital, Shanghai 210000, P.R. China
| | - Stylianos Kakolyris
- Oncology Department, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis 68100, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Syrigos
- Oncology Department, Sotiria General Hospital, University of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Zarogoulidis
- Pulmonary Department-Oncology Unit, G. Papanikolaou General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 57010, Greece
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16
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A phase I trial of everolimus in combination with 5-FU/LV, mFOLFOX6 and mFOLFOX6 plus panitumumab in patients with refractory solid tumors. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2014; 74:117-23. [PMID: 24819684 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-014-2474-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2013] [Accepted: 04/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This phase I study investigated the safety, dose-limiting toxicity, and efficacy in three cohorts all treated with the mTOR inhibitor everolimus that was delivered (1) in combination with 5-fluorouracil with leucovorin (5-FU/LV), (2) with mFOLFOX6 (5-FU/LV + oxaliplatin), and (3) with mFOLFOX6 + panitumumab in patients with refractory solid tumors. METHODS Patients were accrued using a 3-patient cohort design consisting of two sub-trials in which the maximum tolerated combination (MTC) and dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) of everolimus and 5-FU/LV was established in Sub-trial A and of everolimus in combination with mFOLFOX6 and mFOLFOX6 plus panitumumab in Sub-trial B. RESULTS Thirty-six patients were evaluable for toxicity, 21 on Sub-trial A and 15 on Sub-trial B. In Sub-trial A, DLT was observed in 1/6 patients enrolled on dose level 1A and 2/3 patients in level 6A. In Sub-trial B, 2/3 patients experienced DLT on level 1B and subsequent patients were enrolled on level 1B-1 without DLT. Three of six patients in cohort 2B-1 experienced grade 3 mucositis, and further study of the combination of everolimus, mFOLFOX6 and panitumumab was aborted. Among the 24 patients enrolled with refractory metastatic colorectal cancer, the median time on treatment was 2.7 months with 45 % of patients remaining on treatment with stable disease for at least 3 months. CONCLUSIONS While a regimen of everolimus in addition to 5-FU/LV and mFOLFOX6 appears safe and tolerable, the further addition of panitumumab resulted in an unacceptable level of toxicity that cannot be recommended for further study. Further investigation is warranted to better elucidate the role which mTOR inhibitors play in patients with refractory solid tumors, with a specific focus on mCRC as a potential for the combination of this targeted and cytotoxic therapy in future studies.
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17
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Li C, Qi L, Bellail AC, Hao C, Liu T. PD-0332991 induces G1 arrest of colorectal carcinoma cells through inhibition of the cyclin-dependent kinase-6 and retinoblastoma protein axis. Oncol Lett 2014; 7:1673-1678. [PMID: 24765199 PMCID: PMC3997702 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2014.1957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2014] [Accepted: 02/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated the anticancer activity of PD-0332991, a selective cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6) inhibitor, in the treatment of various types of cancer in a retinoblastoma protein (RB)-dependent manner. However, it remains unclear whether CDK4, CDK6 or both are required for RB phosphorylation in colorectal carcinoma and thus PD-0332991 can be used to target this CDK-RB axis for the cancer therapy. The aim of this study was to determine whether CDK4, CDK6 and phosphorylated RB proteins were overexpressed in colorectal carcinoma tissues as compared to matched normal colorectal tissues. The results showed that knockdown of CDK6 but not CDK4 reduced RB phosphorylation and inhibited carcinoma cell growth. Thus, CDK6 plays a critical role in RB phosphorylation and cancer growth. PD-0332991 treatment blocked RB phosphorylation and inhibited cell growth through the induction of G1 arrest of colorectal carcinoma cells. The results demonstrated that, by targeting of CDK6-RB axis, PD-0332991 may prove to be a novel therapeutic agent in treating colorectal carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunsheng Li
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Third Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130033, P.R. China
| | - Ling Qi
- Department of Pathology, Jilin Medical College, Jilin, Jilin 132013, P.R. China
| | - Anita C Bellail
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Chunhai Hao
- Department of Pathology, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Tongjun Liu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The Third Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130033, P.R. China
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