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Godbole N, Quinn A, Carrion F, Pelosi E, Salomon C. Extracellular vesicles as a potential delivery platform for CRISPR-Cas based therapy in epithelial ovarian cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 96:64-81. [PMID: 37820858 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.10.002] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian Cancer (OC) is the most common gynecological malignancy and the eighth most diagnosed cancer in females worldwide. Presently, it ranks as the fifth leading cause of cancer-related mortality among patients globally. Major factors contributing to the lethality of OC worldwide include delayed diagnosis, chemotherapy resistance, high metastatic rates, and the heterogeneity of subtypes. Despite continuous efforts to develop novel targeted therapies and chemotherapeutic agents, challenges persist in the form of OC resistance and recurrence. In the last decade, CRISPR-Cas-based genome editing has emerged as a powerful tool for modifying genetic and epigenetic mechanisms, holding potential for treating numerous diseases. However, a significant challenge for therapeutic applications of CRISPR-Cas technology is the absence of an optimal vehicle for delivering CRISPR molecular machinery into targeted cells or tissues. Recently, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have gained traction as potential delivery vehicles for various therapeutic agents. These heterogeneous, membrane-derived vesicles are released by nearly all cells into extracellular spaces. They carry a molecular cargo of proteins and nucleic acids within their intraluminal space, encased by a cholesterol-rich phospholipid bilayer membrane. EVs actively engage in cell-to-cell communication by delivering cargo to both neighboring and distant cells. Their inherent ability to shield molecular cargo from degradation and cross biological barriers positions them ideally for delivering CRISPR-Cas ribonucleoproteins (RNP) to target cells. Furthermore, they exhibit higher biocompatibility, lower immunogenicity, and reduced toxicity compared to classical delivery platforms such as adeno-associated virus, lentiviruses, and synthetic nanoparticles. This review explores the potential of employing different CRISPR-Cas systems to target specific genes in OC, while also discussing various methods for engineering EVs to load CRISPR components and enhance their targeting capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nihar Godbole
- Translational Extracellular Vesicles in Obstetrics and Gynae-Oncology Group, UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Australia
| | - Alexander Quinn
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; CSIRO Agriculture and Food, Queensland Bioscience Precinct, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Flavio Carrion
- Departamento de Investigación, Postgrado y Educación Continua (DIPEC), Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Alba, Santiago, Chile
| | - Emanuele Pelosi
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Carlos Salomon
- Translational Extracellular Vesicles in Obstetrics and Gynae-Oncology Group, UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Australia; Departamento de Investigación, Postgrado y Educación Continua (DIPEC), Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Alba, Santiago, Chile.
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2
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Xie F, Zhang H, Zhu K, Jiang C, Zhang X, Chang H, Qiao Y, Sun M, Wang J, Wang M, Tan J, Wang T, Zhao L, Zhang Y, Lin J, Zhang C, Liu S, Zhao J, Luo C, Zhang S, Shan C. PRMT5 promotes ovarian cancer growth through enhancing Warburg effect by methylating ENO1. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e245. [PMID: 36999124 PMCID: PMC10044308 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) is a major type II enzyme responsible for symmetric dimethylation of arginine (SDMA), and plays predominantly roles in human cancers, including in ovarian cancer. However, the exactly roles and underlying mechanisms of PRMT5 contributing to the progression of ovarian cancer mediated by reprogramming cell metabolism remain largely elusive. Here, we report that PRMT5 is highly expressed and correlates with poor survival in ovarian cancer. Knockdown or pharmaceutical inhibition of PRMT5 is sufficient to decrease glycolysis flux, attenuate tumor growth, and enhance the antitumor effect of Taxol. Mechanistically, we find that PRMT5 symmetrically dimethylates alpha-enolase (ENO1) at arginine 9 to promotes active ENO1 dimer formation, which increases glycolysis flux and accelerates tumor growth. Moreover, PRMT5 signals high glucose to increase the methylation modification of ENO1. Together, our data reveal a novel role of PRMT5 in promoting ovarian cancer growth by controlling glycolysis flux mediated by methylating ENO1, and highlights that PRMT5 may represent a promising therapeutic target for treating ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug ResearchNankai UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Han Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug ResearchNankai UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Kongkai Zhu
- Advanced Medical Research InstituteShandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Cheng‐Shi Jiang
- School of Biological Science and TechnologyUniversity of JinanJinanChina
| | - Xiaoya Zhang
- Biomedical Translational Research InstituteJinan UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Hongkai Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug ResearchNankai UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Yaya Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug ResearchNankai UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Mingming Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug ResearchNankai UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Jiyan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug ResearchNankai UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Mukuo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug ResearchNankai UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Junzhen Tan
- School of Integrative MedicineTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
| | - Tao Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of human development and reproductive regulationTianjin Central Hospital of Obstetrics and GynecologyTianjinChina
| | - Lianmei Zhao
- Research CenterThe Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical UniversityShijiazhuangHebeiChina
| | - Yuan Zhang
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical UniversityQingyuanGuangdongChina
| | - Jianping Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug ResearchNankai UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Chunze Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical CenterNankai UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Shuangping Liu
- Department of Pathology, Medical SchoolDalian UniversityDalianLiaoningChina
| | - Jianguo Zhao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of human development and reproductive regulationTianjin Central Hospital of Obstetrics and GynecologyTianjinChina
| | - Cheng Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Drug ResearchShanghai Institute of Materia MedicaChinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
| | - Shuai Zhang
- School of Integrative MedicineTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
| | - Changliang Shan
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug ResearchNankai UniversityTianjinChina
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3
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Hany D, Zoetemelk M, Bhattacharya K, Nowak-Sliwinska P, Picard D. Network-informed discovery of multidrug combinations for ERα+/HER2-/PI3Kα-mutant breast cancer. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:80. [PMID: 36869202 PMCID: PMC10032341 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04730-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is a persistent threat to women worldwide. A large proportion of breast cancers are dependent on the estrogen receptor α (ERα) for tumor progression. Therefore, targeting ERα with antagonists, such as tamoxifen, or estrogen deprivation by aromatase inhibitors remain standard therapies for ERα + breast cancer. The clinical benefits of monotherapy are often counterbalanced by off-target toxicity and development of resistance. Combinations of more than two drugs might be of great therapeutic value to prevent resistance, and to reduce doses, and hence, decrease toxicity. We mined data from the literature and public repositories to construct a network of potential drug targets for synergistic multidrug combinations. With 9 drugs, we performed a phenotypic combinatorial screen with ERα + breast cancer cell lines. We identified two optimized low-dose combinations of 3 and 4 drugs of high therapeutic relevance to the frequent ERα + /HER2-/PI3Kα-mutant subtype of breast cancer. The 3-drug combination targets ERα in combination with PI3Kα and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1 (p21). In addition, the 4-drug combination contains an inhibitor for poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1), which showed benefits in long-term treatments. Moreover, we validated the efficacy of the combinations in tamoxifen-resistant cell lines, patient-derived organoids, and xenograft experiments. Thus, we propose multidrug combinations that have the potential to overcome the standard issues of current monotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina Hany
- Département de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Université de Genève, Sciences III, Quai Ernest-Ansermet 30, 1211, Genève 4, Switzerland
- On leave from: Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, 21311, Egypt
| | - Marloes Zoetemelk
- Groupe de Pharmacologie Moléculaire, Section des Sciences Pharmaceutiques, Université de Genève, Genève, Switzerland
- Institut des Sciences Pharmaceutiques de Suisse Occidentale, Université de Genève, Genève, Switzerland
- Centre de Recherche Translationnelle en Onco-hématologie, Université de Genève, Genève, Switzerland
| | - Kaushik Bhattacharya
- Département de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Université de Genève, Sciences III, Quai Ernest-Ansermet 30, 1211, Genève 4, Switzerland
| | - Patrycja Nowak-Sliwinska
- Groupe de Pharmacologie Moléculaire, Section des Sciences Pharmaceutiques, Université de Genève, Genève, Switzerland
- Institut des Sciences Pharmaceutiques de Suisse Occidentale, Université de Genève, Genève, Switzerland
- Centre de Recherche Translationnelle en Onco-hématologie, Université de Genève, Genève, Switzerland
| | - Didier Picard
- Département de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Université de Genève, Sciences III, Quai Ernest-Ansermet 30, 1211, Genève 4, Switzerland.
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4
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Wang J, Wu M, Huang X, Wang L, Zhang S, Liu H, Zheng J. SynLethDB 2.0: a web-based knowledge graph database on synthetic lethality for novel anticancer drug discovery. Database (Oxford) 2022; 2022:6585691. [PMID: 35562840 PMCID: PMC9216587 DOI: 10.1093/database/baac030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Two genes are synthetic lethal if mutations in both genes result in impaired cell viability, while mutation of either gene does not affect the cell survival. The potential usage of synthetic lethality (SL) in anticancer therapeutics has attracted many researchers to identify synthetic lethal gene pairs. To include newly identified SLs and more related knowledge, we present a new version of the SynLethDB database to facilitate the discovery of clinically relevant SLs. We extended the first version of SynLethDB database significantly by including new SLs identified through Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) screening, a knowledge graph about human SLs, a new web interface, etc. Over 16 000 new SLs and 26 types of other relationships have been added, encompassing relationships among 14 100 genes, 53 cancers, 1898 drugs, etc. Moreover, a brand-new web interface has been developed to include modules such as SL query by disease or compound, SL partner gene set enrichment analysis and knowledge graph browsing through a dynamic graph viewer. The data can be downloaded directly from the website or through the RESTful Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). Database URL: https://synlethdb.sist.shanghaitech.edu.cn/v2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- School of Information Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Pudong, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Min Wu
- Institute for Infocomm Research, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 1 Fusionopolis Way, Singapore 138632, Singapore
| | - Xuhui Huang
- School of Computing, National University of Singapore, Computing 1, 13 Computing Drive, Singapore 117417, Singapore
| | - Li Wang
- School of Information Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Pudong, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Sophia Zhang
- College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, 260 Roberts Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Hui Liu
- School of Computer Science and Technology, Nanjing Tech University, 30 Puzhu Road, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Jie Zheng
- School of Information Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Pudong, Shanghai 201210, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Intelligent Vision and Imaging, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Pudong, Shanghai 201210, China
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5
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Chandrasekaran A, Elias KM. Synthetic Lethality in Ovarian Cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 20:2117-2128. [PMID: 34518297 PMCID: PMC8571039 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-21-0500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancers include several distinct malignancies which differ with respect to clinicopathologic features and prognosis. High-grade serous cancer is the most common histologic subtype and accounts for most ovarian cancer-related deaths. High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is treated with surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy, but most patients relapse and succumb to chemoresistant disease. The genetic concept of synthetic lethality, in which the synergy of mutations in multiple genes results in cell death, provides a framework to design novel therapeutic approaches to overcome chemoresistance in ovarian cancer. Recent progress in understanding the genomic architecture and hereditary drivers of ovarian cancer has shown potential for synthetic lethality strategies designed around homologous DNA repair. Clinical trials have validated high response rates for PARP inhibitors in patients with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations. Here we discuss the biological rationale behind targeting BRCA-PARP synthetic lethality based on genetic context in ovarian cancer and how this approach is being assessed in the clinic. Applying the concept of synthetic lethality to target non-BRCA-mutant cancers is an ongoing challenge, and we discuss novel approaches to target ovarian cancer using synthetic lethality in combination with and beyond PARP inhibitors. This review will also describe obstacles for synthetic lethality in ovarian cancer and new opportunities to develop potent targeted drugs for patients with ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshaya Chandrasekaran
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston Massachusetts.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kevin M. Elias
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston Massachusetts.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Corresponding Author: Kevin M. Elias, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis St. Boston, MA 02115. Phone: 617–732–8840; E-mail:
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6
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Le Saux O, Vanacker H, Guermazi F, Carbonnaux M, Roméo C, Larrouquère L, Trédan O, Ray-Coquard I. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors in combination with anti-angiogenic agents for the treatment of advanced ovarian cancer. Future Oncol 2021; 17:2291-2304. [PMID: 33726504 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2021-0059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Homologous recombination deficiency and VEGF expression are key pathways in high-grade ovarian cancer. Recently, three randomized practice changing trials were published: the PAOLA-1, PRIMA and VELIA trials. The use of PARP inhibitors (PARPi) following chemotherapy has become standard of care in first line. Combination of PARPi with anti-angiogenic agents has demonstrated synergistic activity in preclinical study. This review summarizes the body of evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of the combination of PARPi and anti-angiogenic drugs in first-line homologous recombination deficiency high-grade ovarian cancer leading to US FDA and EMA approvals. This double maintenance is supported by: a large benefit with bevacizumab + olaparib compared with olaparib alone, a rationale for additive effect, and a good safety and cost-effective profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Le Saux
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, UMR Inserm 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, 69008, France
| | - Hélène Vanacker
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Léon Bérard, 28 Prom. Léa et Napoléon Bullukian, Lyon, 69008, France
| | - Fatma Guermazi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Léon Bérard, 28 Prom. Léa et Napoléon Bullukian, Lyon, 69008, France
| | - Mélodie Carbonnaux
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Léon Bérard, 28 Prom. Léa et Napoléon Bullukian, Lyon, 69008, France
| | - Clémence Roméo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Léon Bérard, 28 Prom. Léa et Napoléon Bullukian, Lyon, 69008, France
| | - Louis Larrouquère
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Léon Bérard, 28 Prom. Léa et Napoléon Bullukian, Lyon, 69008, France
| | - Olivier Trédan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Léon Bérard, 28 Prom. Léa et Napoléon Bullukian, Lyon, 69008, France
| | - Isabelle Ray-Coquard
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Léon Bérard, 28 Prom. Léa et Napoléon Bullukian, Lyon, 69008, France
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7
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Cai R, Chen X, Fang Y, Wu M, Hao Y. Dual-dropout graph convolutional network for predicting synthetic lethality in human cancers. Bioinformatics 2021; 36:4458-4465. [PMID: 32221609 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btaa211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION Synthetic lethality (SL) is a promising form of gene interaction for cancer therapy, as it is able to identify specific genes to target at cancer cells without disrupting normal cells. As high-throughput wet-lab settings are often costly and face various challenges, computational approaches have become a practical complement. In particular, predicting SLs can be formulated as a link prediction task on a graph of interacting genes. Although matrix factorization techniques have been widely adopted in link prediction, they focus on mapping genes to latent representations in isolation, without aggregating information from neighboring genes. Graph convolutional networks (GCN) can capture such neighborhood dependency in a graph. However, it is still challenging to apply GCN for SL prediction as SL interactions are extremely sparse, which is more likely to cause overfitting. RESULTS In this article, we propose a novel dual-dropout GCN (DDGCN) for learning more robust gene representations for SL prediction. We employ both coarse-grained node dropout and fine-grained edge dropout to address the issue that standard dropout in vanilla GCN is often inadequate in reducing overfitting on sparse graphs. In particular, coarse-grained node dropout can efficiently and systematically enforce dropout at the node (gene) level, while fine-grained edge dropout can further fine-tune the dropout at the interaction (edge) level. We further present a theoretical framework to justify our model architecture. Finally, we conduct extensive experiments on human SL datasets and the results demonstrate the superior performance of our model in comparison with state-of-the-art methods. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION DDGCN is implemented in Python 3.7, open-source and freely available at https://github.com/CXX1113/Dual-DropoutGCN. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruichu Cai
- School of Computer Science, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xuexin Chen
- School of Computer Science, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yuan Fang
- School of Information Systems, Singapore Management University, 178902 Singapore
| | - Min Wu
- Institute for Infocomm Research (I2R), A*STAR, 138632 Singapore
| | - Yuexing Hao
- Computer Science Department, Rutgers Univeristy New Brunswick, New Brunswick, NJ 08854, USA
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8
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Hartnett EG, Knight J, Radolec M, Buckanovich RJ, Edwards RP, Vlad AM. Immunotherapy Advances for Epithelial Ovarian Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12123733. [PMID: 33322601 PMCID: PMC7764119 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The overall five-year survival rate in epithelial ovarian cancer is 44% and has only marginally improved in the past two decades. Despite an initial response to standard treatment consisting of chemotherapy and surgical removal of tumor, the lesions invariably recur, and patients ultimately die of chemotherapy resistant disease. New treatment modalities are needed in order to improve the prognosis of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer. One such modality is immunotherapy, which aims to boost the capacity of the patient’s immune system to recognize and attack the tumor cells. We performed a retrospective study to identify some of the most promising immune therapies for epithelial ovarian cancer. Special emphasis was given to immuno-oncology clinical trials. Abstract New treatment modalities are needed in order to improve the prognosis of women diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), the most aggressive gynecologic cancer type. Most ovarian tumors are infiltrated by immune effector cells, providing the rationale for targeted approaches that boost the existing or trigger new anti-tumor immune mechanisms. The field of immuno-oncology has experienced remarkable progress in recent years, although the results seen with single agent immunotherapies in several categories of solid tumors have yet to extend to ovarian cancer. The challenge remains to determine what treatment combinations are most suitable for this disease and which patients are likely to benefit and to identify how immunotherapy should be incorporated into EOC standard of care. We review here some of the most promising immune therapies for EOC and focus on those currently tested in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin G. Hartnett
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute and Foundation and Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; (E.G.H.); (M.R.); (R.J.B.); (R.P.E.)
| | - Julia Knight
- School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA;
| | - Mackenzy Radolec
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute and Foundation and Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; (E.G.H.); (M.R.); (R.J.B.); (R.P.E.)
| | - Ronald J. Buckanovich
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute and Foundation and Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; (E.G.H.); (M.R.); (R.J.B.); (R.P.E.)
| | - Robert P. Edwards
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute and Foundation and Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; (E.G.H.); (M.R.); (R.J.B.); (R.P.E.)
| | - Anda M. Vlad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee-Womens Research Institute and Foundation and Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; (E.G.H.); (M.R.); (R.J.B.); (R.P.E.)
- Correspondence:
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9
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Myers S, Ortega JA, Cavalli A. Synthetic Lethality through the Lens of Medicinal Chemistry. J Med Chem 2020; 63:14151-14183. [PMID: 33135887 PMCID: PMC8015234 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Personalized medicine and therapies represent the goal of modern medicine, as drug discovery strives to move away from one-cure-for-all and makes use of the various targets and biomarkers within differing disease areas. This approach, especially in oncology, is often undermined when the cells make use of alternative survival pathways. As such, acquired resistance is unfortunately common. In order to combat this phenomenon, synthetic lethality is being investigated, making use of existing genetic fragilities within the cancer cell. This Perspective highlights exciting targets within synthetic lethality, (PARP, ATR, ATM, DNA-PKcs, WEE1, CDK12, RAD51, RAD52, and PD-1) and discusses the medicinal chemistry programs being used to interrogate them, the challenges these programs face, and what the future holds for this promising field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel
H. Myers
- Computational
& Chemical Biology, Istituto Italiano
di Tecnologia, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Jose Antonio Ortega
- Computational
& Chemical Biology, Istituto Italiano
di Tecnologia, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Andrea Cavalli
- Computational
& Chemical Biology, Istituto Italiano
di Tecnologia, 16163 Genova, Italy
- Department
of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University
of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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10
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García-Martínez E, Redondo A, Piulats JM, Rodríguez A, Casado A. Are antiangiogenics a good 'partner' for immunotherapy in ovarian cancer? Angiogenesis 2020; 23:543-557. [PMID: 32691290 PMCID: PMC7524856 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-020-09734-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is associated with poor survival because there are a limited number of effective therapies. Two processes key to OC progression, angiogenesis and immune evasion, act synergistically to promote tumor progression. Tumor-associated angiogenesis promotes immune evasion, and tumor-related immune responses in the peritoneal cavity and tumor microenvironment (TME) affect neovascular formation. Therefore, suppressing the angiogenic pathways could facilitate the arrival of immune effector cells and reduce the presence of myeloid cells involved in immune suppression. To date, clinical studies have shown significant benefits with antiangiogenic therapy as first-line therapy in OC, as well as in recurrent disease, and the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor bevacizumab is now an established therapy. Clinical data with immunomodulators in OC are more limited, but suggest that they could benefit some patients with recurrent disease. The preliminary results of two phase III trials have shown that the addition of immunomodulators to chemotherapy does not improve progression-free survival. For this reason, it could be interesting to look for synergistic effects between immunomodulators and other active drugs in OC. Since bevacizumab is approved for use in OC, and is tolerable when used in combination with immunotherapy in other indications, a number of clinical studies are underway to investigate the use of bevacizumab in combination with immunotherapeutic agents in OC. This strategy seeks to normalize the TME via the anti-VEGF actions of bevacizumab, while simultaneously stimulating the immune response via the immunotherapy. Results of these studies are awaited with interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena García-Martínez
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, IMIB, Avenida Marques de los Velez, 30008, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Andres Redondo
- Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario La Paz-IdiPAZ, Madrid, Spain
| | - Josep Maria Piulats
- Institut Català d'OncologiaMedical Oncology Unit - IDIBELL/OncoBell - CIBERONC, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Antonio Casado
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
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RNA-binding protein DDX3 mediates posttranscriptional regulation of androgen receptor: A mechanism of castration resistance. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:28092-28101. [PMID: 33106406 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2008479117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (CaP) driven by androgen receptor (AR) is treated with androgen deprivation; however, therapy failure results in lethal castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). AR-low/negative (ARL/-) CRPC subtypes have recently been characterized and cannot be targeted by hormonal therapies, resulting in poor prognosis. RNA-binding protein (RBP)/helicase DDX3 (DEAD-box helicase 3 X-linked) is a key component of stress granules (SG) and is postulated to affect protein translation. Here, we investigated DDX3-mediated posttranscriptional regulation of AR mRNA (messenger RNA) in CRPC. Using patient samples and preclinical models, we objectively quantified DDX3 and AR expression in ARL/- CRPC. We utilized CRPC models to identify DDX3:AR mRNA complexes by RNA immunoprecipitation, assess the effects of DDX3 gain/loss-of-function on AR expression and signaling, and address clinical implications of targeting DDX3 by assessing sensitivity to AR-signaling inhibitors (ARSI) in CRPC xenografts in vivo. ARL/- CRPC expressed abundant AR mRNA despite diminished levels of AR protein. DDX3 protein was highly expressed in ARL/- CRPC, where it bound to AR mRNA. Consistent with a repressive regulatory role, DDX3 localized to cytoplasmic puncta with SG marker PABP1 in CRPC. While induction of DDX3-nucleated SGs resulted in decreased AR protein expression, inhibiting DDX3 was sufficient to restore 1) AR protein expression, 2) AR signaling, and 3) sensitivity to ARSI in vitro and in vivo. Our findings implicate the RBP protein DDX3 as a mechanism of posttranscriptional regulation for AR in CRPC. Clinically, DDX3 may be targetable for sensitizing ARL/- CRPC to AR-directed therapies.
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Yar MS, Haider K, Gohel V, Siddiqui NA, Kamal A. Synthetic lethality on drug discovery: an update on cancer therapy. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2020; 15:823-832. [PMID: 32228106 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2020.1744560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A novel anticancer therapy is the need of the hour due to growing incidences of resistance to first line cancer chemotherapy. Synthetic lethality (SL) is one of the new age treatment methods being explored for combating the resistance to anticancer agents. In this method, cell mutations are exploited for the development of new therapeutic agents, where, if there is loss of function of one gene, the cell mutations can still be fixed by alternative machinery but if two genes involved in DNA repair undergo loss of function, it causes lethality to the cell. AREAS COVERED The authors condense findings of SL-based novel anticancer regimen. The review emphasizes some of the SL based clinical and preclinical studies of novel targets and therapy. EXPERT OPINION SL conceptualizes a resolution against treatment resistance to anticancer regimen by recognition of therapeutic vulnerabilities in particular cancer cells. A multitude of clinical trials associated with SL and DNA repair are being conducted that will be useful in obtaining a clearer picture pertaining to the use of cancer biomarkers and effectiveness of drugs acting via target-based molecular changes. Furthermore, new anticancer regimen focused on personalized medicines will emerge basing their development upon SL.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Shahar Yar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard , New Delhi, India
| | - Kashif Haider
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard , New Delhi, India
| | - Vivek Gohel
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, NIPER SAS Nagar , Mohali, India
| | | | - Ahmed Kamal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard , New Delhi, India
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Li H, Qian Y, Wang X, Pi R, Zhao X, Wei X. Targeted activation of Stat3 in combination with paclitaxel results in increased apoptosis in epithelial ovarian cancer cells and a reduced tumour burden. Cell Prolif 2019; 53:e12719. [PMID: 31778258 PMCID: PMC6985655 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Stat3 is persistently activated in ovarian cancer cells, with a crucial role in tumour onset and progression. In this study, we examined the anti‐tumour effect of a small‐molecule inhibitor napabucasin (BBI608) on epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) in vitro and in vivo, and investigated the underlying molecular mechanism of this drug in combination with paclitaxel. Materials and Methods A total of 156 ovarian cancer patient samples were analysed to determine the correlation between pStat3 expression in tumour cells and the prognosis of EOC patients. The anti‐tumour effect of BBI608 and/or paclitaxel on ovarian cancer in vitro was evaluated by CCK‐8, flow cytometry, Western blot and transwell assays. An in vivo intraperitoneal model was performed to confirm the effect of BBI608 on pStat3‐mediated peritoneal metastasis when combined with paclitaxel. Results Patients with high expression of pStat3 had poorer overall survival and progression‐free survival than those with low pStat3 expression. The synergy of BBI608 in combination with paclitaxel exerted dramatic growth inhibition and induced apoptosis in EOC cell lines. In vivo, the combination of two drugs significantly decreased intraperitoneal tumour burden and ascites volume, prolonged survival of tumour‐bearing mice compared with each monotherapy; these results were associated with downregulation of phospho‐Stat3 and activation of apoptosis pathway. Conclusions Targeting the activation of Stat3 may be a potential therapeutic approach for EOC by acting synergistically with paclitaxel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyi Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Development and Related Disease of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanping Qian
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Development and Related Disease of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xi Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Development and Related Disease of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ruyu Pi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Development and Related Disease of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xia Zhao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Development and Related Disease of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Lab of Aging Research and Nanotoxicology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, China
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Delou JMA, Souza ASO, Souza LCM, Borges HL. Highlights in Resistance Mechanism Pathways for Combination Therapy. Cells 2019; 8:E1013. [PMID: 31480389 PMCID: PMC6770082 DOI: 10.3390/cells8091013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Combination chemotherapy has been a mainstay in cancer treatment for the last 60 years. Although the mechanisms of action and signaling pathways affected by most treatments with single antineoplastic agents might be relatively well understood, most combinations remain poorly understood. This review presents the most common alterations of signaling pathways in response to cytotoxic and targeted anticancer drug treatments, with a discussion of how the knowledge of signaling pathways might support and orient the development of innovative strategies for anticancer combination therapy. The ultimate goal is to highlight possible strategies of chemotherapy combinations based on the signaling pathways associated with the resistance mechanisms against anticancer drugs to maximize the selective induction of cancer cell death. We consider this review an extensive compilation of updated known information on chemotherapy resistance mechanisms to promote new combination therapies to be to discussed and tested.
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Affiliation(s)
- João M A Delou
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Alana S O Souza
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Leonel C M Souza
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Helena L Borges
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil.
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