1
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Wang Y, Wen J, Sun X, Sun Y, Liu Y, Cheng X, Wu W, Liu Q, Ren F. CUDC-907 exhibits potent antitumor effects against ovarian cancer through multiple in vivo and in vitro mechanisms. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2024; 93:295-306. [PMID: 37938423 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-023-04610-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE CUDC-907 is a promising dual-target inhibitor of the HDAC and PI3K signaling pathways, with demonstrated therapeutic effects in a range of malignant tumors. However, its potential application in ovarian cancer (OC) has not been fully explored yet. In this study, we sought to investigate the efficacy of CUDC-907 in treating OC, both in vitro and in vivo. METHODS Here, we examined the correlation between PI3K or HDAC expression and the prognosis of OC patients using the GEPIA database. RNA-Seq analysis was performed on OC cells treated with CUDC-907.To assess various cellular processes, including proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and cell cycle, we performed a series of assays, including the CCK8, EDU, wound healing, cell invasion, and flow cytometry assays. Real-time quantitative PCR and western blotting were performed to measure the expressions of target genes. Additionally, we utilized the SKOV3 xenograft tumor model to investigate the inhibitory effects of CUDC-907 on tumor growth in vivo. RESULTS Bioinformatics analyses revealed that up-regulated HDAC and PI3K were significantly correlated with patients' poor survival in OC. In vivo and in vitro experiments have demonstrated that CUDC-907 could inhibit the proliferation of OC cells by inhibiting the PI3K and HDAC pathways to down-regulate the expression of c-Myc, and induce cell apoptosis by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/Bcl-2 pathway, and up-regulate p21 to induce G2 /M phase arrest. CONCLUSION Our results showed that CUDC-907 had powerful anti-tumor effects on OC, which could provide a theoretical and experimental basis for the application of CUDC-907 in the therapy of OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanpei Wang
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Wen
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangyi Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Sun
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuchen Liu
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoran Cheng
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Weijia Wu
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Qianwen Liu
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Ren
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China.
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2
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Kumar V, Sethi B, Staller DW, Shrestha P, Mahato RI. Gemcitabine elaidate and ONC201 combination therapy for inhibiting pancreatic cancer in a KRAS mutated syngeneic mouse model. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:158. [PMID: 38553450 PMCID: PMC10980688 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01920-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Approximately 90% of pancreatic cancer (PC) contain KRAS mutations. Mutated KRAS activates the downstream oncogenic PI3K/AKT and MEK signaling pathways and induces drug resistance. However, targeting both pathways with different drugs can also lead to excessive toxicity. ONC201 is a dual PI3K/AKT and MEK pathway inhibitor with an excellent safety profile that targets death receptor 5 (DR5) to induce apoptosis. Gemcitabine (GEM) is a first-line chemotherapy in PC, but it is metabolically unstable and can be stabilized by a prodrug approach. In this study, phospho-Akt, phospho-mTOR, and phospho-ERK protein expressions were evaluated in patient PDAC-tissues (n = 10). We used lipid-gemcitabine (L_GEM) conjugate, which is more stable and enters the cells by passive diffusion. Further, we evaluated the efficacy of L_GEM and ONC201 in PC cells and "KrasLSL-G12D; p53LoxP; Pdx1-CreER (KPC) triple mutant xenograft tumor-bearing mice. PDAC patient tissues showed significantly higher levels of p-AKT (Ser473), p-ERK (T202/T204), and p-mTOR compared to surrounding non-cancerous tissues. ONC201 in combination with L_GEM, showed a superior inhibitory effect on the growth of MIA PaCa-2 cells. In our in-vivo study, we found that ONC201 and L_GEM combination prevented neoplastic proliferation via AKT/ERK blockade to overcome chemoresistance and increased T-cell tumor surveillance. Simultaneous inhibition of the PI3K/AKT and MEK pathways with ONC201 is an attractive approach to potentiate the effect of GEM. Our findings provide insight into rational-directed precision chemo and immunotherapy therapy in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virender Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Bharti Sethi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Dalton W Staller
- Department of Cellular & Integrative Physiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Prakash Shrestha
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Ram I Mahato
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.
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3
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Bulle A, Liu P, Seehra K, Bansod S, Chen Y, Zahra K, Somani V, Khawar IA, Chen HP, Dodhiawala PB, Li L, Geng Y, Mo CK, Mahsl J, Ding L, Govindan R, Davies S, Mudd J, Hawkins WG, Fields RC, DeNardo DG, Knoerzer D, Held JM, Grierson PM, Wang-Gillam A, Ruzinova MB, Lim KH. Combined KRAS-MAPK pathway inhibitors and HER2-directed drug conjugate is efficacious in pancreatic cancer. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2503. [PMID: 38509064 PMCID: PMC10954758 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46811-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Targeting the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains clinically unsuccessful. We aim to develop a MAPK inhibitor-based therapeutic combination with strong preclinical efficacy. Utilizing a reverse-phase protein array, we observe rapid phospho-activation of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) in PDAC cells upon pharmacological MAPK inhibition. Mechanistically, MAPK inhibitors lead to swift proteasomal degradation of dual-specificity phosphatase 6 (DUSP6). The carboxy terminus of HER2, containing a TEY motif also present in extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), facilitates binding with DUSP6, enhancing its phosphatase activity to dephosphorylate HER2. In the presence of MAPK inhibitors, DUSP6 dissociates from the protective effect of the RING E3 ligase tripartite motif containing 21, resulting in its degradation. In PDAC patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models, combining ERK and HER inhibitors slows tumour growth and requires cytotoxic chemotherapy to achieve tumour regression. Alternatively, MAPK inhibitors with trastuzumab deruxtecan, an anti-HER2 antibody conjugated with cytotoxic chemotherapy, lead to sustained tumour regression in most tested PDXs without causing noticeable toxicity. Additionally, KRAS inhibitors also activate HER2, supporting testing the combination of KRAS inhibitors and trastuzumab deruxtecan in PDAC. This study identifies a rational and promising therapeutic combination for clinical testing in PDAC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashenafi Bulle
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Peng Liu
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Kuljeet Seehra
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Sapana Bansod
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Yali Chen
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Kiran Zahra
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Vikas Somani
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Iftikhar Ali Khawar
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Hung-Po Chen
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Paarth B Dodhiawala
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Lin Li
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Yutong Geng
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Chia-Kuei Mo
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Jay Mahsl
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Li Ding
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Ramaswamy Govindan
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Sherri Davies
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Jacqueline Mudd
- Section of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - William G Hawkins
- Section of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Ryan C Fields
- Section of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - David G DeNardo
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | | | - Jason M Held
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Patrick M Grierson
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Andrea Wang-Gillam
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Marianna B Ruzinova
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Kian-Huat Lim
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
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4
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Zhou K, Liu Y, Yuan S, Zhou Z, Ji P, Huang Q, Wen F, Li Q. Signalling in pancreatic cancer: from pathways to therapy. J Drug Target 2023; 31:1013-1026. [PMID: 37869884 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2023.2274806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a common malignant tumour in the digestive system. Due to the lack of sensitive diagnostic markers, strong metastasis ability, and resistance to anti-cancer drugs, the prognosis of PC is inferior. In the past decades, increasing evidence has indicated that the development of PC is closely related to various signalling pathways. With the exploration of RAS-driven, epidermal growth factor receptor, Hedgehog, NF-κB, TGF-β, and NOTCH signalling pathways, breakthroughs have been made to explore the mechanism of pancreatic carcinogenesis, as well as the novel therapies. In this review, we discussed the signalling pathways involved in PC and summarised current targeted agents in the treatment of PC. Furthermore, opportunities and challenges in the exploration of potential therapies targeting signalling pathways were also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexun Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yingping Liu
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | | | - Ziyu Zhou
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Pengfei Ji
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qianhan Huang
- School of Public Health, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Feng Wen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiu Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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5
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Ingle K, LaComb JF, Graves LM, Baines AT, Bialkowska AB. AUM302, a novel triple kinase PIM/PI3K/mTOR inhibitor, is a potent in vitro pancreatic cancer growth inhibitor. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0294065. [PMID: 37943821 PMCID: PMC10635512 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths, with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) being the most common subtype. Advanced stage diagnosis of PDAC is common, causing limited treatment opportunities. Gemcitabine is a frequently used chemotherapeutic agent which can be used as a monotherapy or in combination. However, tumors often develop resistance to gemcitabine. Previous studies show that the proto-oncogene PIM kinases (PIM1 and PIM3) are upregulated in PDAC compared to matched normal tissue and are related to chemoresistance and PDAC cell growth. The PIM kinases are also involved in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway to promote cell survival. In this study, we evaluate the effect of the novel multikinase PIM/PI3K/mTOR inhibitor, AUM302, and commercially available PIM inhibitor, TP-3654. Using five human PDAC cell lines, we found AUM302 to be a potent inhibitor of cell proliferation, cell viability, cell cycle progression, and phosphoprotein expression, while TP-3654 was less effective. Significantly, AUM302 had a strong impact on the viability of gemcitabine-resistant PDAC cells. Taken together, these results demonstrate that AUM302 exhibits antitumor activity in human PDAC cells and thus has the potential to be an effective drug for PDAC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komala Ingle
- Department of Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
| | - Joseph F. LaComb
- Department of Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
| | - Lee M. Graves
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Antonio T. Baines
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, College of Health & Sciences, North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Agnieszka B. Bialkowska
- Department of Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, United States of America
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6
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de Jesus VHF, Mathias-Machado MC, de Farias JPF, Aruquipa MPS, Jácome AA, Peixoto RD. Targeting KRAS in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: The Long Road to Cure. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5015. [PMID: 37894382 PMCID: PMC10605759 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15205015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains an important cause of cancer-related mortality, and it is expected to play an even bigger part in cancer burden in the years to come. Despite concerted efforts from scientists and physicians, patients have experienced little improvement in survival over the past decades, possibly because of the non-specific nature of the tested treatment modalities. Recently, the discovery of potentially targetable molecular alterations has paved the way for the personalized treatment of PDAC. Indeed, the central piece in the molecular framework of PDAC is starting to be unveiled. KRAS mutations are seen in 90% of PDACs, and multiple studies have demonstrated their pivotal role in pancreatic carcinogenesis. Recent investigations have shed light on the differences in prognosis as well as therapeutic implications of the different KRAS mutations and disentangled the relationship between KRAS and effectors of downstream and parallel signaling pathways. Additionally, the recognition of other mechanisms involving KRAS-mediated pathogenesis, such as KRAS dosing and allelic imbalance, has contributed to broadening the current knowledge regarding this molecular alteration. Finally, KRAS G12C inhibitors have been recently tested in patients with pancreatic cancer with relative success, and inhibitors of KRAS harboring other mutations are under clinical development. These drugs currently represent a true hope for a meaningful leap forward in this dreadful disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Alexandre A. Jácome
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Oncoclínicas, Belo Horizonte 30360-680, Brazil
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7
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Mahato R, Kumar V, Sethi B, Staller D. Gemcitabine elaidate and ONC201 combination therapy inhibits pancreatic cancer in a KRAS mutated syngeneic mouse model. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3108907. [PMID: 37503215 PMCID: PMC10371096 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3108907/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 90% of pancreatic cancer (PC) contain KRAS mutations. Mutated KRAS activates the downstream oncogenic PI3K/AKT and MEK signaling pathways and induces drug resistance. However, targeting both pathways with different drugs can also lead to access of toxicity. ONC201 targets DR5 to induce apoptosis in several types of cancers and has an excellent safety profile. ONC201 is also a dual PI3K/AKT and MEK pathways inhibitor. Gemcitabine (GEM) is a first-line chemotherapy in PC, but it is metabolically unstable, which can be stabilized by prodrug approach. Here, we used lipid-gemcitabine (L_GEM) conjugate, which is more stable and enters the cells by passive diffusion. We evaluated the efficacy of L_GEM and ONC201 in PanCan cells, and "KrasLSL-G12D; p53LoxP; Pdx1-CreER (KPC) triple mutant xenograft tumor-bearing mice. ONC201, in combination with L_GEM, showed a superior inhibitory effect on the growth of MIA PaCa-2 cells. ONC201 and L_GEM combination prevented neoplastic proliferation via AKT/ERK blockade, to overcome chemoresistance, and increased T-cell tumor surveillance. Simultaneous inhibition of the PI3K/AKT and MEK pathways with ONC201 is an attractive approach to potentiate GEM. Our findings provide insight into rational-directed precision chemo and immunotherapy therapy in PDAC.
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8
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Abstract
C-Myc overexpression is a common finding in pancreatic cancer and predicts the aggressive behavior of cancer cells. It binds to the promoter of different genes, thereby regulating their transcription. C-Myc is downstream of KRAS and interacts with several oncogenic and proliferative pathways in pancreatic cancer. C-Myc enhances aerobic glycolysis in cancer cells and regulates glutamate biosynthesis from glutamine. It provides enough energy for cancer cells' metabolism and sufficient substrate for the synthesis of organic molecules. C-Myc overexpression is associated with chemoresistance, intra-tumor angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and metastasis in pancreatic cancer. Despite its title, c-Myc is not "undruggable" and recent studies unveiled that it can be targeted, directly or indirectly. Small molecules that accelerate c-Myc ubiquitination and degradation have been effective in preclinical studies. Small molecules that hinder c-Myc-MAX heterodimerization or c-Myc/MAX/DNA complex formation can functionally inhibit c-Myc. In addition, c-Myc can be targeted through transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and translational modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moein Ala
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
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9
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Cintas C, Douche T, Dantes Z, Mouton-Barbosa E, Bousquet MP, Cayron C, Therville N, Pont F, Ramos-Delgado F, Guyon C, Garmy-Susini B, Cappello P, Burlet-Schiltz O, Hirsch E, Gomez-Brouchet A, Thibault B, Reichert M, Guillermet-Guibert J. Phosphoproteomics Identifies PI3K Inhibitor-selective Adaptive Responses in Pancreatic Cancer Cell Therapy and Resistance. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 20:2433-2445. [PMID: 34552006 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-20-0981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The PI3K pathway is highly active in human cancers. The four class I isoforms of PI3K are activated by distinct mechanisms leading to a common downstream signaling. Their downstream redundancy is thought to be responsible for treatment failures of PI3K inhibitors. We challenged this concept, by mapping the differential phosphoproteome evolution in response to PI3K inhibitors with different isoform-selectivity patterns in pancreatic cancer, a disease currently without effective therapy. In this cancer, the PI3K signal was shown to control cell proliferation. We compared the effects of LY294002 that inhibit with equal potency all class I isoenzymes and downstream mTOR with the action of inhibitors with higher isoform selectivity toward PI3Kα, PI3Kβ, or PI3Kγ (namely, A66, TGX-221 and AS-252424). A bioinformatics global pathway analysis of phosphoproteomics data allowed us to identify common and specific signals activated by PI3K inhibitors supported by the biological data. AS-252424 was the most effective treatment and induced apoptotic pathway activation as well as the highest changes in global phosphorylation-regulated cell signal. However, AS-252424 treatment induced reactivation of Akt, therefore decreasing the treatment outcome on cell survival. Reversely, AS-252424 and A66 combination treatment prevented p-Akt reactivation and led to synergistic action in cell lines and patient organoids. The combination of clinically approved α-selective BYL-719 with γ-selective IPI-549 was more efficient than single-molecule treatment on xenograft growth. Mapping unique adaptive signaling responses to isoform-selective PI3K inhibition will help to design better combinative treatments that prevent the induction of selective compensatory signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Célia Cintas
- INSERM, CNRS, Université Paul Sabatier, U1037, CRCT, Toulouse, France.,Labex TouCAN, Toulouse, France
| | - Thibault Douche
- INSERM, CNRS, Université Paul Sabatier, U1037, CRCT, Toulouse, France.,Labex TouCAN, Toulouse, France
| | - Zahra Dantes
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Center for Protein Assemblies (CPA), Technische Universität München, Garching, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Munich, Germany
| | - Emmanuelle Mouton-Barbosa
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale (IPBS), Université de Toulouse, CNRS UMR 5089, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Marie-Pierre Bousquet
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale (IPBS), Université de Toulouse, CNRS UMR 5089, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Coralie Cayron
- INSERM, CNRS, Université Paul Sabatier, U1037, CRCT, Toulouse, France.,Labex TouCAN, Toulouse, France
| | - Nicole Therville
- INSERM, CNRS, Université Paul Sabatier, U1037, CRCT, Toulouse, France.,Labex TouCAN, Toulouse, France
| | - Frédéric Pont
- INSERM, CNRS, Université Paul Sabatier, U1037, CRCT, Toulouse, France
| | - Fernanda Ramos-Delgado
- INSERM, CNRS, Université Paul Sabatier, U1037, CRCT, Toulouse, France.,Labex TouCAN, Toulouse, France
| | - Camille Guyon
- INSERM, CNRS, Université Paul Sabatier, U1037, CRCT, Toulouse, France.,Labex TouCAN, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Paola Cappello
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Molecular Biotechnology Center (MBC), Turin, Italy
| | - Odile Burlet-Schiltz
- Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale (IPBS), Université de Toulouse, CNRS UMR 5089, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Emilio Hirsch
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Molecular Biotechnology Center (MBC), Turin, Italy
| | - Anne Gomez-Brouchet
- IUCT-O, Institut Claudius Regaud, Hopitaux de Toulouse, Biobank, Toulouse, France
| | - Benoît Thibault
- INSERM, CNRS, Université Paul Sabatier, U1037, CRCT, Toulouse, France.,Labex TouCAN, Toulouse, France
| | - Maximilian Reichert
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Center for Protein Assemblies (CPA), Technische Universität München, Garching, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Munich, Germany
| | - Julie Guillermet-Guibert
- INSERM, CNRS, Université Paul Sabatier, U1037, CRCT, Toulouse, France. .,Labex TouCAN, Toulouse, France
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10
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Buyanova M, Cai S, Cooper J, Rhodes C, Salim H, Sahni A, Upadhyaya P, Yang R, Sarkar A, Li N, Wang QE, Pei D. Discovery of a Bicyclic Peptidyl Pan-Ras Inhibitor. J Med Chem 2021; 64:13038-13053. [PMID: 34415745 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The Ras subfamily of small GTPases is mutated in ∼30% of human cancers and represents compelling yet challenging anticancer drug targets owing to their flat protein surface. We previously reported a bicyclic peptidyl inhibitor, cyclorasin B3, which binds selectively to Ras-GTP with modest affinity and blocks its interaction with downstream effector proteins in vitro but lacks cell permeability or biological activity. In this study, optimization of B3 yielded a potent pan-Ras inhibitor, cyclorasin B4-27, which binds selectively to the GTP-bound forms of wild-type and mutant Ras isoforms (KD = 21 nM for KRasG12V-GppNHp) and is highly cell-permeable and metabolically stable (serum t1/2 > 24 h). B4-27 inhibits Ras signaling in vitro and in vivo by blocking Ras from interacting with downstream effector proteins and induces apoptosis of Ras-mutant cancer cells. When administered systemically (i.v.), B4-27 suppressed tumor growth in two different mouse xenograft models at 1-5 mg/kg of daily doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Buyanova
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Shurui Cai
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Jahan Cooper
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Curran Rhodes
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Heba Salim
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Ashweta Sahni
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Punit Upadhyaya
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Rui Yang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Amar Sarkar
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Na Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Qi-En Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States.,Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Dehua Pei
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States.,Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
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11
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Aguilar-Valdés A, Noriega LG, Tovar AR, Ibarra-Sánchez MDJ, Sosa-Hernández VA, Maravillas-Montero JL, Martínez-Aguilar J. SWATH-MS proteomics of PANC-1 and MIA PaCa-2 pancreatic cancer cells allows identification of drug targets alternative to MEK and PI3K inhibition. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 552:23-29. [PMID: 33740661 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most lethal diseases with dismal five-year survival rates. Although mutant KRas protein-driven activation of downstream MAPK Raf/MEK/ERK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways represent major oncogenic alterations, signaling blockade with MEK and PI3K inhibitors has shown that intrinsic resistance may hamper the effectiveness of this targeted approach. However, there have been no mass spectrometry-based proteomic studies for in-depth comparison of protein expression differences between pancreatic cancer cells with sensitivity and resistance to MEK and PI3K kinase inhibitors. In this work, we compared PANC-1 and MIA PaCa-2 pancreatic cancer cells which are, respectively, resistant and sensitive to MEK- and PI3K-targeted therapy. We conducted a label-free data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry (SWATH-MS) study with extensive peptide fractionation to quantitate 4808 proteins and analyze differential expression of 743 proteins between resistant and sensitive cells. This allowed identification of the tumor suppressor protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) and proteins from mitochondrial respiratory complex I implicated in oxidative phosphorylation as alternative candidate drug targets for cells resistant to MEK and PI3K inhibition. PP2A activator DT-061 decreased viability of PANC-1 cells and this was accompanied by reduced expression of c-Myc. PANC-1 cells also showed response to metformin and the novel complex I inhibitor IACS-010759. These findings provide insights into the distinct cellular proteomes and point out alternative pharmacological targets for MEK and PI3K inhibition-resistant pancreatic cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Aguilar-Valdés
- Red de Apoyo a la Investigación, Coordinación de la Investigación Científica, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México-Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico; Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, 11340, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Lilia G Noriega
- Departamento de Fisiología de la Nutrición, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Armando R Tovar
- Departamento de Fisiología de la Nutrición, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - María de J Ibarra-Sánchez
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Víctor A Sosa-Hernández
- Red de Apoyo a la Investigación, Coordinación de la Investigación Científica, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México-Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - José L Maravillas-Montero
- Red de Apoyo a la Investigación, Coordinación de la Investigación Científica, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México-Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Juan Martínez-Aguilar
- Red de Apoyo a la Investigación, Coordinación de la Investigación Científica, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México-Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, 14080, Mexico City, Mexico.
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12
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Amaral T, Niessner H, Sinnberg T, Thomas I, Meiwes A, Garbe C, Garzarolli M, Rauschenberg R, Eigentler T, Meier F. An open-label, single-arm, phase II trial of buparlisib in patients with melanoma brain metastases not eligible for surgery or radiosurgery-the BUMPER study. Neurooncol Adv 2020; 2:vdaa140. [PMID: 33305271 PMCID: PMC7712798 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdaa140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Patients with melanoma brain metastasis (MBM) still carry a dismal prognosis. Preclinical data originated in xenograft models showed that buparlisib therapy was highly effective in therapy-naïve MBM. Patients and Methods In this open-label, phase II trial, we investigate the safety and efficacy of monotherapy with buparlisib, a PI3K inhibitor, in patients with asymptomatic MBM who were not candidates for local therapy. These patients had also progressed under immunotherapy if BRAF wild-type or under targeted therapy with BRAF/MEK inhibitors if carrying a BRAFV600E/K mutation. The primary endpoint was the intracranial disease control rate assessed by the investigators. The secondary endpoints were overall response rate, duration of response (DOR) of intracranial disease, overall response, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), safety, and tolerability of buparlisib. Results A total of 20 patients were screened and 17 patients were treated with buparlisib. Twelve patients had progressed under more than 2 systemic therapy lines and 17 had received at least 1 previous local therapy. There were no intracranial responses. Three patients achieved intracranial stable disease; the median DOR was 117 days. The median PFS was 42 days (95% confidence interval [CI]: 23–61 days) and the median OS was 5.0 months (95% CI: 2.24–7.76 months). No new safety signs were observed. Conclusions Buparlisib was well tolerated but no intracranial responses were observed. These results might be explained in part by the inclusion of only heavily pretreated patients. However, preclinical data strongly support the rationale to explore PI3K inhibitor-based combinations in patients with MBM displaying hyperactivation of the PI3K–AKT pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Amaral
- Center for Dermatooncology, Department of Dermatology, Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.,Health Care Direction, Portuguese Air Force, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Heike Niessner
- Center for Dermatooncology, Department of Dermatology, Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Tobias Sinnberg
- Center for Dermatooncology, Department of Dermatology, Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Ioannis Thomas
- Center for Dermatooncology, Department of Dermatology, Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Andreas Meiwes
- Center for Dermatooncology, Department of Dermatology, Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Claus Garbe
- Center for Dermatooncology, Department of Dermatology, Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Marlene Garzarolli
- Skin Cancer Center at the University Cancer Centre and National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at the TU Dresden, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at the TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Ricarda Rauschenberg
- Skin Cancer Center at the University Cancer Centre and National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at the TU Dresden, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at the TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Thomas Eigentler
- Center for Dermatooncology, Department of Dermatology, Eberhard Karls University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Friedegund Meier
- Skin Cancer Center at the University Cancer Centre and National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at the TU Dresden, Germany.,Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at the TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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13
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Ponz-Sarvise M, Corbo V, Tiriac H, Engle DD, Frese KK, Oni TE, Hwang CI, Öhlund D, Chio IIC, Baker LA, Filippini D, Wright K, Bapiro TE, Huang P, Smith P, Yu KH, Jodrell DI, Park Y, Tuveson DA. Identification of Resistance Pathways Specific to Malignancy Using Organoid Models of Pancreatic Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2019; 25:6742-6755. [PMID: 31492749 PMCID: PMC6858952 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-19-1398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE KRAS is mutated in the majority of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. MAPK and PI3K-AKT are primary KRAS effector pathways, but combined MAPK and PI3K inhibition has not been demonstrated to be clinically effective to date. We explore the resistance mechanisms uniquely employed by malignant cells. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We evaluated the expression and activation of receptor tyrosine kinases in response to combined MEK and AKT inhibition in KPC mice and pancreatic ductal organoids. In addition, we sought to determine the therapeutic efficacy of targeting resistance pathways induced by MEK and AKT inhibition in order to identify malignant-specific vulnerabilities. RESULTS Combined MEK and AKT inhibition modestly extended the survival of KPC mice and increased Egfr and ErbB2 phosphorylation levels. Tumor organoids, but not their normal counterparts, exhibited elevated phosphorylation of ERBB2 and ERBB3 after MEK and AKT blockade. A pan-ERBB inhibitor synergized with MEK and AKT blockade in human PDA organoids, whereas this was not observed for the EGFR inhibitor erlotinib. Combined MEK and ERBB inhibitor treatment of human organoid orthotopic xenografts was sufficient to cause tumor regression in short-term intervention studies. CONCLUSIONS Analyses of normal and tumor pancreatic organoids revealed the importance of ERBB activation during MEK and AKT blockade primarily in the malignant cultures. The lack of ERBB hyperactivation in normal organoids suggests a larger therapeutic index. In our models, pan-ERBB inhibition was synergistic with dual inhibition of MEK and AKT, and the combination of a pan-ERBB inhibitor with MEK antagonists showed the highest activity both in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariano Ponz-Sarvise
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York
| | - Vincenzo Corbo
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York
| | - Hervé Tiriac
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York
| | - Dannielle D Engle
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York
| | | | - Tobiloba E Oni
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York
- Graduate Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Chang-Il Hwang
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York
| | - Daniel Öhlund
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York
| | - Iok In Christine Chio
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York
| | - Lindsey A Baker
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York
| | - Dea Filippini
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York
| | - Kevin Wright
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York
| | - Tashinga E Bapiro
- Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Paul Smith
- IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Kenneth H Yu
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York
- Rubenstein Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Weill Medical College at Cornell University, New York, New York
| | - Duncan I Jodrell
- Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, The University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Youngkyu Park
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York.
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York
| | - David A Tuveson
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York.
- Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York
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14
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Rencuzogulları O, Yerlikaya PO, Gürkan AÇ, Arısan ED, Telci D. Palbociclib, a selective CDK4/6 inhibitor, restricts cell survival and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in Panc-1 and MiaPaCa-2 pancreatic cancer cells. J Cell Biochem 2019; 121:508-523. [PMID: 31264276 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.29249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The mortality rate of pancreatic cancer has close parallels to its incidence rate because of limited therapeutics and lack of effective prognosis. Despite various novel chemotherapeutics combinations, the 5-year survival rate is still under 5%. In the current study, we aimed to modulate the aberrantly activated PI3K/AKT pathway and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) signaling with the treatment of CDK4/6 inhibitor PD-0332991 (palbociclib) in Panc-1 and MiaPaCa-2 pancreatic cancer cells. It was found that PD-0332991 effectively reduced cell viability and proliferation dose-dependently within 24 hours. In addition, PD-0332991 induced cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase by downregulation of aberrant expression of CDK4/6 through the dephosphorylation of Rb in each cell lines. Although PD-0332991 treatment increased epithelial markers and decreased mesenchymal markers, the nuclear translocation of β-catenin was not prevented by PD-0332991 treatment, especially in MiaPaCa-2 cells. Effects of PD-0332991 on the regulation of PI3K/AKT signaling and its downstream targets such as GSK-3 were cell type-dependent. Although the activity of AKT was inhibited in both cell lines, the phosphorylation of GSK-3β at Ser9 increased only in Panc-1. In conclusion, PD-0332991 induced cell cycle arrest and reduced the cell viability of Panc-1 and MiaPaCa-2 cells. However, PD-0332991 differentially affects the regulation of the PI3K/AKT pathway and EMT process in cells due to its distinct influence on Rb and GSK-3/β-catenin signaling. Understanding the effect of PD-0332991 on the aberrantly activated signaling axis may put forward a new therapeutic strategy to reduce the cell viability and metastatic process of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozge Rencuzogulları
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Science and Literature Faculty, Istanbul Kultur University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Pınar Obakan Yerlikaya
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Science and Literature Faculty, Istanbul Kultur University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ajda Çoker Gürkan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Science and Literature Faculty, Istanbul Kultur University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Elif Damla Arısan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Science and Literature Faculty, Istanbul Kultur University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Dilek Telci
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
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15
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Burmi RS, Maginn EN, Gabra H, Stronach EA, Wasan HS. Combined inhibition of the PI3K/mTOR/MEK pathway induces Bim/Mcl-1-regulated apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells. Cancer Biol Ther 2018; 20:21-30. [PMID: 30261145 PMCID: PMC6343713 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2018.1504718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) progression and chemotherapy insensitivity have been associated with aberrant PI3K/mTOR/MEK signalling. However, cell death responses activated by inhibitors of these pathways can differ – contextually varying with tumour genetic background. Here, we demonstrate that combining the dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor PF5212384 (PF384) and MEK inhibitor PD325901 (PD901) more effectively induces apoptosis compared with either agent alone, independent of KRAS mutational status in PDAC cell lines. Additionally, a non-caspase dependent decrease in cell viability upon PF384 treatment was observed, and may be attributed to autophagy and G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. Using reverse phase protein arrays, we identify key molecular events associated with the conversion of cytostatic responses (elicited by single inhibitor treatments) into a complete cell death response when PF384 and PD901 are combined. This response was also independent of KRAS mutation, occurring in both BxPC3 (KRAS wildtype) and MIA-PaCa-2 (KRASG12C mutated) cells. In both cell lines, Bim expression increased in response to PF384/PD901 treatment (by 60% and 48%, respectively), while siRNA-mediated silencing of Bim attenuated the apoptosis induced by combination treatment. In parallel, Mcl-1 levels decreased by 36% in BxPC3, and 30% in MIA-PaCa-2 cells. This is consistent with a functional role for Mcl-1, and siRNA-mediated silencing enhanced apoptosis in PF384/PD901-treated MIA-PaCa-2 cells, whilst Mcl-1 overexpression decreased apoptosis induction by 24%. Moreover, a novel role was identified for PDCD4 loss in driving the apoptotic response to PF384/PD901 in BxPC3 and MIA-PaCa-2 cell lines. Overall, our data indicates PF384/PD901 co-treatment activates the same apoptotic mechanism in wild-type or KRAS mutant PDAC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajpal S Burmi
- a Department of Surgery and Cancer , Imperial College London , London , United Kingdom
| | - Elaina N Maginn
- a Department of Surgery and Cancer , Imperial College London , London , United Kingdom
| | - Hani Gabra
- a Department of Surgery and Cancer , Imperial College London , London , United Kingdom.,b Clinical Discovery Unit , Early Clinical Development, AstraZeneca , Cambridge , United Kingdom
| | - Euan A Stronach
- a Department of Surgery and Cancer , Imperial College London , London , United Kingdom
| | - Harpreet S Wasan
- a Department of Surgery and Cancer , Imperial College London , London , United Kingdom
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16
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Smith A, Pawar M, Van Dort ME, Galbán S, Welton AR, Thurber GM, Ross BD, Besirli CG. Ocular Toxicity Profile of ST-162 and ST-168 as Novel Bifunctional MEK/PI3K Inhibitors. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2018; 34:477-485. [PMID: 29708810 DOI: 10.1089/jop.2017.0126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE ST-162 and ST-168 are small-molecule bifunctional inhibitors of MEK and PI3K signaling pathways that are being developed as novel antitumor agents. Previous small-molecule and biologic MEK inhibitors demonstrated ocular toxicity events that were dose limiting in clinical studies. We evaluated in vitro and in vivo ocular toxicity profiles of ST-162 and ST-168. METHODS Photoreceptor cell line 661W and adult retinal pigment epithelium cell line ARPE-19 were treated with increasing concentrations of bifunctional inhibitors. Western blots, cell viability, and caspase activity assays were performed to evaluate MEK and PI3K inhibition and dose-dependent in vitro toxicity, and compared with monotherapy. In vivo toxicity profile was assessed by intravitreal injection of ST-162 and ST-168 in Dutch-Belted rabbits, followed by ocular examination and histological analysis of enucleated eyes. RESULTS Retinal cell lines treated with ST-162 or ST-168 exhibited dose-dependent inhibition of MEK and PI3K signaling. Compared with inhibition by monotherapies and their combinations, bifunctional inhibitors demonstrated reduced cell death and caspase activity. In vivo, both bifunctional inhibitors exhibited a more favorable toxicity profile when compared with MEK inhibitor PD0325901. CONCLUSIONS Novel MEK and PI3K bifunctional inhibitors ST-162 and ST-168 demonstrate favorable in vitro and in vivo ocular toxicity profiles, supporting their further development as potential therapeutic agents targeting multiple aggressive tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Smith
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan , Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Mercy Pawar
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan , Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Marcian E Van Dort
- 2 Department of Radiology and Biological Chemistry, Center for Molecular Imaging, University of Michigan , Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan.,3 Department of Radiology, University of Michigan , Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Stefanie Galbán
- 2 Department of Radiology and Biological Chemistry, Center for Molecular Imaging, University of Michigan , Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan.,3 Department of Radiology, University of Michigan , Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Amanda R Welton
- 2 Department of Radiology and Biological Chemistry, Center for Molecular Imaging, University of Michigan , Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan.,3 Department of Radiology, University of Michigan , Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Greg M Thurber
- 4 Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan , Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Brian D Ross
- 2 Department of Radiology and Biological Chemistry, Center for Molecular Imaging, University of Michigan , Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan.,3 Department of Radiology, University of Michigan , Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan.,5 Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan , Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Cagri G Besirli
- 1 Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan , Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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17
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Chung V, McDonough S, Philip PA, Cardin D, Wang-Gillam A, Hui L, Tejani MA, Seery TE, Dy IA, Baghdadi TA, Hendifar AE, Doyle LA, Lowy AM, Guthrie KA, Blanke CD, Hochster HS. Effect of Selumetinib and MK-2206 vs Oxaliplatin and Fluorouracil in Patients With Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer After Prior Therapy: SWOG S1115 Study Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Oncol 2017; 3:516-522. [PMID: 27978579 PMCID: PMC5665683 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2016.5383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE KRAS mutations are common in pancreatic cancer, but directly targeting the KRAS protein has thus far been unsuccessful. The aim of this trial was to block the MEK and PI3K/AKT pathways downstream of the KRAS protein as an alternate treatment strategy to slow cancer growth and prolong survival. This was the first cooperative group trial to evaluate this strategy using molecularly targeted oral combination therapy for the treatment of chemotherapy-refractory pancreatic cancer. OBJECTIVE To compare selumetinib and MK-2206 vs modified FOLFOX (mFOLFOX) in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer for whom gemcitabine-based therapy had failed. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS SWOG S1115 was a randomized phase 2 clinical trial. Between September 2012 and May 2014, 137 patients with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma for whom gemcitabine-based chemotherapy had failed were randomized to selumetinib plus MK-2206 or mFOLFOX. Patients were randomized in a 1:1 fashion and stratified according to duration of prior systemic therapy and presence of liver metastases. INTERVENTIONS Patients received selumetinib 100 mg orally per day plus MK-2206 135 mg orally once per week or mFOLFOX (oxaliplatin, 85 mg/m2 intravenous, and fluorouracil, 2400 mg/m2 intravenous infusion over 46-48 hours) on days 1 and 15 of a 28-day cycle. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary end point of the study was overall survival. Secondary objectives included evaluating toxic effects, objective tumor response, and progression-free survival. RESULTS There were 58 patients in the selumetinib plus MK-2206 (experimental) arm (60% male; median [range] age, 69 [54-88] years) and 62 patients in the mFOLFOX arm (35% male; median [range] age, 65 [34-82] years). In the experimental arm, median overall survival was shorter (3.9 vs 6.7 months; HR, 1.37; 95% CI, 0.90-2.08; P = .15), as was median progression-free survival (1.9 vs 2.0 months; HR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.07-2.43; P = .02). One vs 5 patients had a partial response and 12 vs 14 patients had stable disease in the experimental arm vs mFOLFOX arm. Grade 3 or higher toxic effects were observed in 39 patients treated with selumetinib and MK-2206 vs 23 patients treated with mFOLFOX. More patients in the experimental arm discontinued therapy due to adverse events (13 vs 7 patients). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Dual targeting of the MEK and PI3K/AKT pathways downstream of KRAS by selumetinib plus MK-2206 did not improve overall survival in patients with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma for whom gemcitabine-based chemotherapy had failed. This was the first randomized prospective evaluation of mFOLFOX in the US population that showed comparable results to CONKO-003 and PANCREOX. TRIAL REGISTRATION clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01658943.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shannon McDonough
- SWOG Statistical Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | | | - Dana Cardin
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | | | | | | | | | - Irene A. Dy
- Crossroads Cancer Center/Heartland NCORP, Effingham, IL
| | | | | | - L. Austin Doyle
- Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
| | | | | | - Charles D. Blanke
- SWOG Group Chair’s Office/Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
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18
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Packer LM, Geng X, Bonazzi VF, Ju RJ, Mahon CE, Cummings MC, Stephenson SA, Pollock PM. PI3K Inhibitors Synergize with FGFR Inhibitors to Enhance Antitumor Responses in FGFR2 mutant Endometrial Cancers. Mol Cancer Ther 2017; 16:637-648. [PMID: 28119489 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-16-0415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Revised: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Improved therapeutic approaches are needed for the treatment of recurrent and metastatic endometrial cancer. Endometrial cancers display hyperactivation of the MAPK and PI3K pathways, the result of somatic aberrations in genes such as FGFR2, KRAS, PTEN, PIK3CA, and PIK3R1 The FGFR2 and PI3K pathways, have emerged as potential therapeutic targets in endometrial cancer. Activation of the PI3K pathway is seen in more than 90% of FGFR2mutant endometrial cancers. This study aimed to examine the efficacy of the pan-FGFR inhibitor BGJ398 with pan-PI3K inhibitors (GDC-0941, BKM120) and the p110α-selective inhibitor BYL719. We assessed synergy in three FGFR2mutant endometrial cancer cell lines (AN3CA, JHUEM2, and MFE296), and the combination of BGJ398 and GDC-0941 or BYL719 showed strong synergy. A significant increase in cell death and decrease in long-term survival was seen when PI3K inhibitors were combined with BGJ398. Importantly, these effects were seen at low concentrations correlating to only partial inhibition of AKT. The combination of BGJ398 and GDC-0941 showed tumor regressions in vivo, whereas each drug alone only showed moderate tumor growth inhibition. BYL719 alone resulted in increased tumor growth of AN3CA xenografts but in combination with BGJ398 resulted in tumor regression in both AN3CA- and JHUEM2-derived xenografts. These data provide evidence that subtherapeutic doses of PI3K inhibitors enhance the efficacy of anti-FGFR therapies, and a combination therapy may represent a superior therapeutic treatment in patients with FGFR2mutant endometrial cancer. Mol Cancer Ther; 16(4); 637-48. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leisl M Packer
- Endometrial Cancer Laboratory, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Translational Research Institute, Queensland, Australia
| | - Xinyan Geng
- Endometrial Cancer Laboratory, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Translational Research Institute, Queensland, Australia
| | - Vanessa F Bonazzi
- Endometrial Cancer Laboratory, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Translational Research Institute, Queensland, Australia
| | - Robert J Ju
- Endometrial Cancer Laboratory, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Translational Research Institute, Queensland, Australia
| | - Clare E Mahon
- Endometrial Cancer Laboratory, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Translational Research Institute, Queensland, Australia
| | - Margaret C Cummings
- School of Medicine, University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sally-Anne Stephenson
- Eph Receptor Biology Group, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Translational Research Institute, Queensland, Australia
| | - Pamela M Pollock
- Endometrial Cancer Laboratory, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Translational Research Institute, Queensland, Australia.
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19
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Primary cross-resistance to BRAFV600E-, MEK1/2- and PI3K/mTOR-specific inhibitors in BRAF-mutant melanoma cells counteracted by dual pathway blockade. Oncotarget 2016; 7:3947-65. [PMID: 26678033 PMCID: PMC4826182 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 11/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Intrinsic cross-resistance to inhibition of different signaling pathways may hamper development of combinatorial treatments in melanoma, but the relative frequency of this phenotype and the strategies to overcome this hurdle remain poorly understood. Among 49 BRAF-mutant melanoma cell lines from patients not previously treated with target therapy, 21 (42.9%) showed strong primary resistance (IC50 > 1 μM) to a BRAFV600E inhibitor. Most of the BRAF-inhibitor-resistant cell lines showed also strong or intermediate cross-resistance to MEK1/2- and to PI3K/mTOR-specific inhibitors. Primary cross-resistance was confirmed in an independent set of 23 BRAF-mutant short-term melanoma cell cultures. MEK1/2 and PI3K/mTOR co-targeting was the most effective approach, compared to BRAF and PI3K/mTOR dual blockade, to counteract primary resistance to BRAF inhibition and the cross-resistant phenotype. This was shown by extensive drug interaction analysis, tumor growth inhibition assays in-vivo, p-ERK and p-AKT inhibition, promotion of melanoma apoptosis, apoptosis-related protein modulation, activation of effector caspases and selective modulation of genes involved in melanoma drug resistance and belonging to the ERK/MAPK and PI3K/AKT canonical pathways. Compared to co-targeting of mutant BRAF and PI3K/mTOR, the association of a MEK1/2 and a PI3K/mTOR inhibitor was more effective in the activation of Bax and of caspase-3 and in the induction of caspase-dependent melanoma apoptosis. Furthermore Bax silencing reduced the latter effects. These results suggest that intrinsic resistance to BRAF inhibition is frequently associated with primary cross-resistance to MEK and PI3K/mTOR blockade in BRAF-mutant melanoma and provide pre-clinical evidence for a combinatorial approach to counteract this phenotype.
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20
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Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly metastatic disease with a high mortality rate. Genetic and biochemical studies have shown that RAS signaling mediated by KRAS plays a pivotal role in disease initiation, progression and drug resistance. RAS signaling affects several cellular processes in PDAC, including cellular proliferation, migration, cellular metabolism and autophagy. 90% of pancreatic cancer patients harbor somatic oncogenic point mutations in KRAS, which lead to constitutive activation of the molecule. Pancreatic cancers lacking KRAS mutations show activation of RAS via upstream signaling through receptor mediated tyrosine kinases, like EGFR, and in a small fraction of patients, oncogenic activation of the downstream B-RAF molecule is detected. RAS-stimulated signaling of RAF/MEK/ERK, PI3K/AKT/mTOR and RalA/B is active in human pancreatic cancers, cancer cell lines and mouse models of PDAC, although activation levels of each signaling arm appear to be variable across different tumors and perhaps within different subclones of single tumors. Recently, several targeted therapies directed towards MEK, ERK, PI3K and mTOR have been assayed in pancreatic cancer cell lines and in mouse models of the disease with promising results for their ability to impede cellular growth or delay tumor formation, and several inhibitors are currently in clinical trials. However, therapy-induced cross activation of RAS effector molecules has elucidated the complexities of targeting RAS signaling. Combinatorial therapies are now being explored as an approach to overcome RAS-induced therapeutic resistance in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen M Mann
- Cancer Research Program, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Haoqiang Ying
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Joseph Juan
- Molecular Oncology Department, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Nancy A Jenkins
- Cancer Research Program, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Neal G Copeland
- Cancer Research Program, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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21
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Nagaraju GP, Mezina A, Shaib WL, Landry J, El-Rayes BF. Targeting the Janus-activated kinase-2-STAT3 signalling pathway in pancreatic cancer using the HSP90 inhibitor ganetespib. Eur J Cancer 2015; 52:109-19. [PMID: 26682870 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2015.10.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Revised: 10/06/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer (PC) is an aggressive malignancy characterised by chemoresistance. HSP90 is important for stabilisation of proteins, cell signalling and malignant growth. We hypothesised that ganetespib, an HSP90 inhibitor, can inhibit PC cell growth by interfering with multiple signalling cascades, including the Janus-activated kinase (JAK)-STAT pathway, and act synergistically with chemotherapeutic drugs. METHODS The effects of ganetespib were evaluated in ASPC-1, HPAC, MIA PaCA-2 and PANC-1 cell lines using a cell proliferation assay. Effects on the expression of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and JAK-STAT pathways were examined by Western blot. JAK2 and STAT3 were knocked down by transient transfection with JAK2 or STAT3 small interfering RNA. ASPC-1 and HPAC cell lines were tested for sensitivity to ganetespib, 5-fluorouracil/oxaliplatin, and gemcitabine/paclitaxel, alone and in combination, using an in vivo tumour xenograft model. RESULTS Ganetespib significantly decreased cell proliferation in all tested PC cell lines. Ganetespib decreased the activation of extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK), PI3K/AKT, and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) signalling molecules and diminished the activation of STAT3 in an additive manner with isolated downregulation of JAK2 expression. In animal models, ganetespib potentiated the effects of 5-fluouracil/oxaliplatin and gemcitabine/paclitaxel, as measured by tumour volume. Western blot analysis from tumours removed from animals confirmed the effects of ganetespib on PI3K/AKT, ERK and JNK pathways. CONCLUSIONS Ganetespib inhibits the growth of PC cells, an effect associated with downregulation of signalling through the JAK2-STAT3, PI3K/AKT and MAPK pathways. This provides preclinical proof-of-principle that ganetespib enhances the activity of chemotherapeutic agents and warrants further evaluation in PC clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anya Mezina
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Walid L Shaib
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jerome Landry
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Bassel F El-Rayes
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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22
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Kundranda M, Kachaamy T. Promising new therapies in advanced pancreatic adenocarcinomas. Future Oncol 2015; 10:2629-41. [PMID: 25531049 DOI: 10.2217/fon.14.197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is a lethal disease due to late diagnosis, early metastasis and the lack of effective therapies. In patients with metastatic disease, 1-year survival ranges from 17 to 23% and 5-year survival is less than 5%. This necessitates an urgent need for developing more effective therapies. Targeting the neoplastic cells has been largely ineffective due to the dense stroma, which is a physical barrier for effective drug delivery and also a source for different factors that promote tumor progression and immunosuppression. In this review, we focus on understanding the complex biology of this tumor as it relates to the evaluation of previously failed molecularly targeted trials and review potential new therapies that are emerging in the treatment of metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madappa Kundranda
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Treatment Centers of America at Western Regional Medical Center, 14200 W. Fillmore St., Goodyear, AZ 85338, USA
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23
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Baer R, Cintas C, Therville N, Guillermet-Guibert J. Implication of PI3K/Akt pathway in pancreatic cancer: When PI3K isoforms matter? Adv Biol Regul 2015; 59:19-35. [PMID: 26166735 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2015.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Revised: 05/27/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer belongs to the incurable family of solid cancers. Despite of a recent better understanding its molecular biology, and an increased number of clinical trials, there is still a lack for innovative targeted therapies to fight this deadly malignancy. PI3K/Akt signalling is one of the most commonly deregulated signalling pathways in cancer, which explains the massive attention from many pharmaceutical companies over the ten past years on these signalling molecules. The already developed small molecule inhibitors are currently under clinical trial in various cancer types. Class I PI3Ks have 4 isoforms for which the role in physiology starts to be well described in the literature. Data are more unclear for their differential involvement in oncogenesis. In this review, we will discuss about the cognitive and therapeutic potential of targeting this signalling pathway and in particular Class I PI3K isoforms for pancreatic cancer treatment. Isoform-specificity of PI3K inhibitors are currently designed to achieve the same goal as pan-PI3K inhibitors but without potential adverse effects. We will discuss if such strategy is relevant in pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romain Baer
- Inserm, U1037, Université Toulouse III, Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse, Oncopole de Toulouse, F31037, Toulouse, France
| | - Célia Cintas
- Inserm, U1037, Université Toulouse III, Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse, Oncopole de Toulouse, F31037, Toulouse, France
| | - Nicole Therville
- Inserm, U1037, Université Toulouse III, Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse, Oncopole de Toulouse, F31037, Toulouse, France
| | - Julie Guillermet-Guibert
- Inserm, U1037, Université Toulouse III, Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse, Oncopole de Toulouse, F31037, Toulouse, France.
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Hu C, Dadon T, Chenna V, Yabuuchi S, Bannerji R, Booher R, Strack P, Azad N, Nelkin BD, Maitra A. Combined Inhibition of Cyclin-Dependent Kinases (Dinaciclib) and AKT (MK-2206) Blocks Pancreatic Tumor Growth and Metastases in Patient-Derived Xenograft Models. Mol Cancer Ther 2015; 14:1532-9. [PMID: 25931518 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-15-0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2015] [Accepted: 04/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
KRAS is activated by mutation in the vast majority of cases of pancreatic cancer; unfortunately, therapeutic attempts to inhibit KRAS directly have been unsuccessful. Our previous studies showed that inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) reduces pancreatic cancer growth and progression, through blockage of the centrally important RAL effector pathway, downstream of KRAS. In the current study, the therapeutic effects of combining the CDK inhibitor dinaciclib (SCH727965; MK-7965) with the pan-AKT inhibitor MK-2206 were evaluated using orthotopic and subcutaneous patient-derived human pancreatic cancer xenograft models. The combination of dinaciclib (20 mg/kg, i.p., three times a week) and MK-2206 (60 mg/kg, orally, three times a week) dramatically blocked tumor growth and metastasis in all eight pancreatic cancer models examined. Remarkably, several complete responses were induced by the combination treatment of dinaciclib and MK-2206. The striking results obtained in these models demonstrate that the combination of dinaciclib with the pan-AKT inhibitor MK-2206 is promising for therapeutic evaluation in pancreatic cancer, and strongly suggest that blocking RAL in combination with other effector pathways downstream from KRAS may provide increased efficacy in pancreatic cancer. Based on these data, an NCI-CTEP-approved multicenter phase I clinical trial for pancreatic cancer of the combination of dinaciclib and MK-2206 (NCT01783171) has now been opened.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoxin Hu
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland. Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Tikva Dadon
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Venugopal Chenna
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland. Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Shinichi Yabuuchi
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | | | | | - Nilofer Azad
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Barry D Nelkin
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
| | - Anirban Maitra
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland. Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas. Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland. The Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
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25
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Dual blockade of PI3K/AKT/mTOR (NVP-BEZ235) and Ras/Raf/MEK (AZD6244) pathways synergistically inhibit growth of primary endometrioid endometrial carcinoma cultures, whereas NVP-BEZ235 reduces tumor growth in the corresponding xenograft models. Gynecol Oncol 2015; 138:165-73. [PMID: 25933683 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2015.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is the most common gynecological cancer in the Western World. Treatment options are limited for advanced and recurrent disease. Therefore, new treatment options are necessary. Inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and/or the Ras/Raf/MEK pathways is suggested to be clinically relevant. However, the knowledge about the effect of combination targeted therapy in EC is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of these therapies on primary endometrioid EC cell cultures in vitro and in vivo. METHODS Primary endometrioid EC cell cultures were incubated with Temsirolimus (mTORC1 inhibitor), NVP-BKM120 (pan-PI3K inhibitor), NVP-BEZ235 (pan-PI3K/mTOR inhibitor), or AZD6244 (MEK1/2 inhibitor) as single treatment. In vitro, the effect of NVP-BEZ235 with or without AZD6244 was determined for cell viability, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis induction, and cell signaling. In vivo, the effect of NVP-BEZ35 was investigated for 2 subcutaneous xenograft models of the corresponding primary cultures. RESULTS NVP-BEZ235 was the most potent PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibitor. NVP-BEZ235 and AZD6244 reduced cell viability and induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, by reduction of p-AKT, p-S6, and p-ERK levels. Combination treatment showed a synergistic effect. In vivo, NVP-BEZ235 reduced tumor growth and inhibited p-S6 expression. The effects of the compounds were independent of the mutation profile of the cell cultures used. CONCLUSIONS A synergistic antitumor effect was shown for NVP-BEZ235 and AZD6244 in primary endometrioid EC cells in vitro. In addition, NVP-BEZ235 induced reduction of tumor growth in vivo. Therefore, targeted therapies seem an interesting strategy to further evaluate in clinical trials.
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26
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Zhong H, Sanchez C, Spitrzer D, Plambeck-Suess S, Gibbs J, Hawkins WG, Denardo D, Gao F, Pufahl RA, Lockhart AC, Xu M, Linehan D, Weber J, Wang-Gillam A. Correction: Synergistic Effects of Concurrent Blockade of PI3K and MEK Pathways in Pancreatic Cancer Preclinical Models. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0127365. [PMID: 25915396 PMCID: PMC4411146 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0127365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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27
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Hiraki M, Nishimura J, Takahashi H, Wu X, Takahashi Y, Miyo M, Nishida N, Uemura M, Hata T, Takemasa I, Mizushima T, Soh JW, Doki Y, Mori M, Yamamoto H. Concurrent Targeting of KRAS and AKT by MiR-4689 Is a Novel Treatment Against Mutant KRAS Colorectal Cancer. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2015; 4:e231. [PMID: 25756961 PMCID: PMC4354340 DOI: 10.1038/mtna.2015.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
KRAS mutations are a major cause of drug resistance to molecular-targeted therapies. Aberrant epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling may cause dysregulation of microRNA (miRNA) and gene regulatory networks, which leads to cancer initiation and progression. To address the functional relevance of miRNAs in mutant KRAS cancers, we transfected exogenous KRAS(G12V) into human embryonic kidney 293 and MRC5 cells with wild-type KRAS and BRAF genes, and we comprehensively profiled the dysregulated miRNAs. The result showed that mature miRNA oligonucleotide (miR)-4689, one of the significantly down-regulated miRNAs in KRAS(G12V) overexpressed cells, was found to exhibit a potent growth-inhibitory and proapoptotic effect both in vitro and in vivo. miR-4689 expression was significantly down-regulated in cancer tissues compared to normal mucosa, and it was particularly decreased in mutant KRAS CRC tissues. miR-4689 directly targets v-ki-ras2 kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) and v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog 1(AKT1), key components of two major branches in EGFR pathway, suggesting KRAS overdrives this signaling pathway through inhibition of miR-4689. Overall, this study provided additional evidence that mutant KRAS functions as a broad regulator of the EGFR signaling cascade by inhibiting miR-4689, which negatively regulates both RAS/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathways. These activities indicated that miR-4689 may be a promising therapeutic agent in mutant KRAS CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masayuki Hiraki
- Department of Surgery, Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Junichi Nishimura
- Department of Surgery, Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hidekazu Takahashi
- Department of Surgery, Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Xin Wu
- Department of Surgery, Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yusuke Takahashi
- Department of Surgery, Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masaaki Miyo
- Department of Surgery, Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Naohiro Nishida
- Department of Surgery, Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Mamoru Uemura
- Department of Surgery, Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Taishi Hata
- Department of Surgery, Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ichiro Takemasa
- Department of Surgery, Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tsunekazu Mizushima
- Department of Surgery, Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Jae-Won Soh
- Department of Chemistry, Biomedical Research Centre for Signal Transduction Networks, Inha University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Yuichiro Doki
- Department of Surgery, Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masaki Mori
- Department of Surgery, Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Yamamoto
- Department of Surgery, Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
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Van Dort ME, Galbán S, Wang H, Sebolt-Leopold J, Whitehead C, Hong H, Rehemtulla A, Ross BD. Dual inhibition of allosteric mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) oncogenic targets with a bifunctional inhibitor. Bioorg Med Chem 2015; 23:1386-94. [PMID: 25766633 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2015.02.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2014] [Revised: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The MAP kinase (Ras/MEK/ERK) and PI3K/Akt/mTOR oncogenic signaling pathways are central regulators of KRAS-mediated transformation. Molecular reciprocity between the Ras/MEK/ERK and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways provides cancer cells with the ability to evade treatment when targeting only one pathway with monotherapy. Multi-kinase targeting was explored through the development of a single bivalent chemical entity by covalent linking of high-affinity MEK and PI3K inhibitors. A prototype dual-acting agent (compound 8) designed using the PI3K inhibitor ZSTK474 and the Raf/MEK inhibitor RO5126766 as scaffolds displayed high in vitro inhibition of both PI3K (IC50=172nM) and MEK1 (IC50=473nM). Additionally, compound 8 demonstrated significant modulation of MEK and PI3K signaling pathway activity in human A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cells and pancreatic cancer cells (PANC-1) and also decreased cellular viability in these two cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcian E Van Dort
- Center for Molecular Imaging, The University of Michigan Medical School, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Radiology, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Stefanie Galbán
- Center for Molecular Imaging, The University of Michigan Medical School, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Hanxiao Wang
- Center for Molecular Imaging, The University of Michigan Medical School, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Judith Sebolt-Leopold
- Center for Molecular Imaging, The University of Michigan Medical School, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Radiology, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Christopher Whitehead
- Center for Molecular Imaging, The University of Michigan Medical School, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Radiology, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Hao Hong
- Center for Molecular Imaging, The University of Michigan Medical School, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Radiology, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Alnawaz Rehemtulla
- Center for Molecular Imaging, The University of Michigan Medical School, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Radiology, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Brian D Ross
- Center for Molecular Imaging, The University of Michigan Medical School, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Radiology, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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29
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Wang T, Wei J, Wang N, Ma JL, Hui PP. The glucosylceramide synthase inhibitor PDMP sensitizes pancreatic cancer cells to MEK/ERK inhibitor AZD-6244. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2014; 456:821-6. [PMID: 25498501 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2014.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2014] [Accepted: 12/04/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Here we show that d,l-Threo-1-phenyl-2-decanoylamino-3-morpholino-1-propanol (PDMP), a glycosphingolipid biosynthesis inhibitor, increases the sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells to the novel MEK-ERK inhibitor AZD-6244. AZD-6244 and PDMP co-administration induced massive pancreatic cancer cell death and apoptosis, more potently than either drug alone. We discovered that AZD-6244 induced ceramide production in pancreatic cancer cells, yet the excess ceramide was metabolically removed in the long-term (24-48h). PDMP facilitated AZD-6244-induced ceramide production, and ceramide level remained elevated up to 48h. Meanwhile, exogenously-added cell-permeable short chain ceramide (C2) similarly sensitized AZD-6244's activity, the two caused substantial pancreatic cancer cell death and apoptosis. At the molecular level, PDMP and AZD-6244 co-treatment inactivated ERK1/2 and AKT-mTOR signalings simultaneously in pancreatic cancer cells, while either agent alone only affected one signaling. In summary, PDMP significantly increased the sensitivity of AZD-6244 in pancreatic cancer cells. This appears to involve a sustained ceramide production as well as concurrent block of ERK and AKT-mTOR signalings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200336, China
| | - Jue Wei
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200336, China
| | - Na Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200336, China
| | - Jia-Li Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200336, China
| | - Ping-Ping Hui
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200336, China.
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30
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Chio IIC, Yordanov G, Tuveson D. MAX-ing out MYC: a novel small molecule inhibitor against MYC-dependent tumors. J Natl Cancer Inst 2014; 106:dju365. [PMID: 25430851 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/dju365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Iok In Christine Chio
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY (IICC, GY, DT); Watson School of Biological Sciences, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY (GY)
| | - Georgi Yordanov
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY (IICC, GY, DT); Watson School of Biological Sciences, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY (GY)
| | - David Tuveson
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY (IICC, GY, DT); Watson School of Biological Sciences, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY (GY).
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31
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Fitzgerald PJ. Noradrenaline transmission reducing drugs may protect against a broad range of diseases. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 34:15-26. [PMID: 25271382 DOI: 10.1111/aap.12019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
1 A growing body of evidence suggests that the signalling molecule, noradrenaline (NA), plays a pathophysiological role in a broad range of psychiatric, neurological and peripheral disorders. Both preclinical and clinical data suggest that elevated NA signalling may be involved in the aetiology of major diseases such as depression, Alzheimer's disease and diabetes mellitus. 2 The molecular pathways by which NA may cause the manifestation of disease remain poorly understood, although they may include G protein-coupled receptor modulation of the Ras/MAP kinase, Stat3 and PI3K pathways, among others. In both individual animals and humans, NA tone may be elevated largely due to genetics, but also because of the exposure to marked psychological stress or trauma, or other environmental factors. 3 As NA is involved in the 'fight or flight' response by the sympathetic nervous system, this transmitter may be elevated in a large number of organisms due to evolutionary selection of enhancing responses to immediate environmental dangers. Likewise, acetylcholine signalling by the parasympathetic ('rest and digest') nervous system may be relatively diminished. This putative autonomic imbalance may result in diminished engagement in homeostatic processes, resulting in the emergence and progression of a number of diseases throughout the body. 4 In this scenario, a large number of individuals may benefit from chronic use of pharmacological agents - such as clonidine, guanfacine, propranolol or prazosin - that diminish NA signalling throughout the body. If so, NA transmission lowering drugs may protect against a wide range of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Fitzgerald
- Department of Psychology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, 77843, USA
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mTOR inhibition induces compensatory, therapeutically targetable MEK activation in renal cell carcinoma. PLoS One 2014; 9:e104413. [PMID: 25180793 PMCID: PMC4152178 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0104413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2014] [Accepted: 07/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Rapamycin derivatives allosterically targeting mTOR are currently FDA approved to treat advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and catalytic inhibitors of mTOR/PI3K are now in clinical trials for treating various solid tumors. We sought to investigate the relative efficacy of allosteric versus catalytic mTOR inhibition, evaluate the crosstalk between the mTOR and MEK/ERK pathways, as well as the therapeutic potential of dual mTOR and MEK inhibition in RCC. Pharmacologic (rapamycin and BEZ235) and genetic manipulation of the mTOR pathway were evaluated by in vitro assays as monotherapy as well as in combination with MEK inhibition (GSK1120212). Catalytic mTOR inhibition with BEZ235 decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis better than allosteric mTOR inhibition with rapamycin. While mTOR inhibition upregulated MEK/ERK signaling, concurrent inhibition of both pathways had enhanced therapeutic efficacy. Finally, primary RCC tumors could be classified into subgroups [(I) MEK activated, (II) Dual MEK and mTOR activated, (III) Not activated, and (IV) mTOR activated] based on their relative activation of the PI3K/mTOR and MEK pathways. Patients with mTOR only activated tumors had the worst prognosis. In summary, dual targeting of the mTOR and MEK pathways in RCC can enhance therapeutic efficacy and primary RCC can be subclassified based on their relative levels of mTOR and MEK activation with potential therapeutic implications.
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Ryu YL, Jung KH, Son MK, Yan HH, Kim SJ, Shin S, Hong S, Hong SS. Anticancer activity of HS-527, a novel inhibitor targeting PI3-kinase in human pancreatic cancer cells. Cancer Lett 2014; 353:68-77. [PMID: 25016056 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2014.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2014] [Revised: 07/02/2014] [Accepted: 07/03/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is known to have low 5-year survival rate and poor response to treatment. In this study, we synthesized HS-527, a new PI3-kinase inhibitor, and investigated not only its anticancer activity, but also its mechanism of action in pancreatic cancer cells. HS-527 had higher specificity for PI3K than other kinases and inhibited PI3K/Akt signaling pathway by down-regulating Akt and P70S6K. And HS-527 inhibited the cell growth and proliferation of the pancreatic cancer in a time- and dose-dependent manner, with greater activity than gemcitabine. Even HS-527 showed lower cytotoxicity than gemcitabine in normal cells. When treated with HS-527, the cancer cells appeared apoptotic, increasing the expression of cleaved PARP, cleaved caspase-3, and Bax. Furthermore, HS-527 showed an anti-angiogenic activity by decreasing the expression of HIF-1α and VEGF, and inhibited the migration of endothelial cells, and the formation of new blood vessel in mouse Matrigel plug assay. In this study, we found that HS-527 showed anti-cancer activity through an inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway in pancreatic cancer cells, suggesting that HS-527 could be used as a promising therapeutic agent for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye-Lim Ryu
- Department of Drug Development, College of Medicine, Inha University, 3-ga, Sinheung-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon 400-712, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Hee Jung
- Department of Drug Development, College of Medicine, Inha University, 3-ga, Sinheung-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon 400-712, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi Kwon Son
- Department of Drug Development, College of Medicine, Inha University, 3-ga, Sinheung-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon 400-712, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Hua Yan
- Department of Drug Development, College of Medicine, Inha University, 3-ga, Sinheung-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon 400-712, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo Jung Kim
- Department of Drug Development, College of Medicine, Inha University, 3-ga, Sinheung-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon 400-712, Republic of Korea
| | - Sanghye Shin
- Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 305-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungwoo Hong
- Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 305-701, Republic of Korea.
| | - Soon-Sun Hong
- Department of Drug Development, College of Medicine, Inha University, 3-ga, Sinheung-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon 400-712, Republic of Korea.
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Samore WR, Gondi CS. Brief overview of selected approaches in targeting pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2014; 23:793-807. [PMID: 24673265 DOI: 10.1517/13543784.2014.902933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has the worst prognosis of any major malignancy, with 5-year survival painfully inadequate at under 5%. Investigators have struggled to target and exploit PDAC unique biology, failing to bring meaningful results from bench to bedside. Nonetheless, in recent years, several promising targets have emerged. AREAS COVERED This review will discuss novel drug approaches in development for use in PDAC. The authors examine the continued efforts to target Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRas), which have recently been successfully abated using novel small interfering RNA (siRNA) eluting devices. The authors also discuss other targets relevant to PDAC including those downstream of mutated KRas, such as MAPK kinase and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase. EXPERT OPINION Although studies into novel biomarkers and advanced imaging have highlighted the potential new avenues toward discovering localized tumors earlier, the current therapeutic options highlight the fact that PDAC is a highly metastatic and chemoresistant cancer that often must be fought with virulent, systemic therapies. Several newer approaches, including siRNA targeting of mutated KRas and enzymatic depletion of hyaluronan with PEGylated hyaluronidase are particularly exciting given their early stage results. Further research should help in elucidating their potential impact as therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wesley R Samore
- M3 student, University of Illinois College of Medicine , One Illini Drive Peoria, IL 61605 , USA
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