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Hasselluhn MC, Decker-Farrell AR, Vlahos L, Thomas DH, Curiel-Garcia A, Maurer HC, Wasko UN, Tomassoni L, Sastra SA, Palermo CF, Dalton TC, Ma A, Li F, Tolosa EJ, Hibshoosh H, Fernandez-Zapico ME, Muir A, Califano A, Olive KP. Tumor Explants Elucidate a Cascade of Paracrine SHH, WNT, and VEGF Signals Driving Pancreatic Cancer Angiosuppression. Cancer Discov 2024; 14:348-361. [PMID: 37966260 PMCID: PMC10922937 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-23-0240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
The sparse vascularity of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) presents a mystery: What prevents this aggressive malignancy from undergoing neoangiogenesis to counteract hypoxia and better support growth? An incidental finding from prior work on paracrine communication between malignant PDAC cells and fibroblasts revealed that inhibition of the Hedgehog (HH) pathway partially relieved angiosuppression, increasing tumor vascularity through unknown mechanisms. Initial efforts to study this phenotype were hindered by difficulties replicating the complex interactions of multiple cell types in vitro. Here we identify a cascade of paracrine signals between multiple cell types that act sequentially to suppress angiogenesis in PDAC. Malignant epithelial cells promote HH signaling in fibroblasts, leading to inhibition of noncanonical WNT signaling in fibroblasts and epithelial cells, thereby limiting VEGFR2-dependent activation of endothelial hypersprouting. This cascade was elucidated using human and murine PDAC explant models, which effectively retain the complex cellular interactions of native tumor tissues. SIGNIFICANCE We present a key mechanism of tumor angiosuppression, a process that sculpts the physiologic, cellular, and metabolic environment of PDAC. We further present a computational and experimental framework for the dissection of complex signaling cascades that propagate among multiple cell types in the tissue environment. This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 201.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie C. Hasselluhn
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Amanda R. Decker-Farrell
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Lukas Vlahos
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | | | - Alvaro Curiel-Garcia
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - H. Carlo Maurer
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Germany
| | - Urszula N. Wasko
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Lorenzo Tomassoni
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Stephen A. Sastra
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Carmine F. Palermo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Tanner C. Dalton
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Alice Ma
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Fangda Li
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Ezequiel J. Tolosa
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Hanina Hibshoosh
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
- Department of Pathology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | | | - Alexander Muir
- Ben May Department for Cancer Research, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Andrea Califano
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
- J.P. Sulzberger Columbia Genome Center, Columbia University, New York, NY
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University, New York, NY
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Kenneth P. Olive
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
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Akhshi T, Shannon R, Trimble WS. The complex web of canonical and non-canonical Hedgehog signaling. Bioessays 2022; 44:e2100183. [PMID: 35001404 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202100183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is a widely studied signaling pathway because of its critical roles during development and in cell homeostasis. Vertebrate canonical and non-canonical Hh signaling are typically assumed to be distinct and occur in different cellular compartments. While research has primarily focused on the canonical form of Hh signaling and its dependency on primary cilia - microtubule-based signaling hubs - an extensive list of crucial functions mediated by non-canonical Hh signaling has emerged. Moreover, amounting evidence indicates that canonical and non-canonical modes of Hh signaling are interlinked, and that they can overlap spatially, and in many cases interact functionally. Here, we discuss some of the many cellular effects of non-canonical signaling and discuss new evidence indicating inter-relationships with canonical signaling. We discuss how Smoothened (Smo), a key component of the Hh pathway, might coordinate such diverse downstream effects. Collectively, pursuit of questions such as those proposed here will aid in elucidating the full extent of Smo function in development and advance its use as a target for cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Akhshi
- Program in Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rachel Shannon
- Program in Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - William S Trimble
- Program in Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Shaikh J, Patel K, Khan T. Advances in Pyrazole Based Scaffold as Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 2 Inhibitors for the Treatment of Cancer. Mini Rev Med Chem 2021; 22:1197-1215. [PMID: 34711160 DOI: 10.2174/1389557521666211027104957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The transformation of a normal cell into a tumor cell is one of the initial steps in cell cycle deregulation. The cell cycle is regulated by cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) that belong to the protein kinase family. CDK2 is an enchanting target for specific genotypes tumors since cyclin E is selective for CDK2 and the deregulation of specific cancer forms. Thus, CDKs inhibitor specifically CDK2/cyclin A-E has the potential to be a valid cancer target as per the currently undergoing clinical trials. Mostly pyrazole scaffolds have shown selectivity and potency for CDK2 inhibitors. This review demonstrates pyrazole and pyrazole fused with other heterocyclic rings for anti-proliferative activity. Based on the in vitro and molecular docking studies, the IC50 value of various hybrids is revealed to display the most potent analogs for CDK2 inhibition. Thus, the review emphasizes various lead analogs of pyrazole hybrids which can be found to be very potent and selective for anti-cancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jahara Shaikh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry & Quality Assurance, SVKM'S Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai-56. India
| | - Kavitkumar Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry & Quality Assurance, SVKM'S Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai-56. India
| | - Tabassum Khan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry & Quality Assurance, SVKM'S Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai-56. India
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Ceccarelli M, D'Andrea G, Micheli L, Gentile G, Cavallaro S, Merlino G, Papoff G, Tirone F. Tumor Growth in the High Frequency Medulloblastoma Mouse Model Ptch1 +/-/Tis21 KO Has a Specific Activation Signature of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway and Is Counteracted by the PI3K Inhibitor MEN1611. Front Oncol 2021; 11:692053. [PMID: 34395258 PMCID: PMC8362831 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.692053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We have previously generated a mouse model (Ptch1+/−/Tis21KO), which displays high frequency spontaneous medulloblastoma, a pediatric tumor of the cerebellum. Early postnatal cerebellar granule cell precursors (GCPs) of this model show, in consequence of the deletion of Tis21, a defect of the Cxcl3-dependent migration. We asked whether this migration defect, which forces GCPs to remain in the proliferative area at the cerebellar surface, would be the only inducer of their high frequency transformation. In this report we show, by further bioinformatic analysis of our microarray data of Ptch1+/−/Tis21KO GCPs, that, in addition to the migration defect, they show activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, as the mRNA levels of several activators of this pathway (e.g., Lars, Rraga, Dgkq, Pdgfd) are up-regulated, while some inhibitors (e.g. Smg1) are down-regulated. No such change is observed in the Ptch1+/− or Tis21KO background alone, indicating a peculiar synergy between these two genotypes. Thus we investigated, by mRNA and protein analysis, the role of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling in MBs and in nodules from primary Ptch1+/−/Tis21KO MB allografted in the flanks of immunosuppressed mice. Activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is seen in full-blown Ptch1+/−/Tis21KO MBs, relative to Ptch1+/−/Tis21WT MBs. In Ptch1+/−/Tis21KO MBs we observe that the proliferation of neoplastic GCPs increases while apoptosis decreases, in parallel with hyper-phosphorylation of the mTOR target S6, and, to a lower extent, of AKT. In nodules derived from primary Ptch1+/−/Tis21KO MBs, treatment with MEN1611, a novel PI3K inhibitor, causes a dramatic reduction of tumor growth, inhibiting proliferation and, conversely, increasing apoptosis, also of tumor CD15+ stem cells, responsible for long-term relapses. Additionally, the phosphorylation of AKT, S6 and 4EBP1 was significantly inhibited, indicating inactivation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Thus, PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway activation contributes to Ptch1+/−/Tis21KO MB development and to high frequency tumorigenesis, observed when the Tis21 gene is down-regulated. MEN1611 could provide a promising therapy for MB, especially for patient with down-regulation of Btg2 (human ortholog of the murine Tis21 gene), which is frequently deregulated in Shh-type MBs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Ceccarelli
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio D'Andrea
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Micheli
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Gentile
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (IRIB-CNR), Catania, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Cavallaro
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (IRIB-CNR), Catania, Italy
| | | | - Giuliana Papoff
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Felice Tirone
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Rome, Italy
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5
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Qu JY, Xiao YT, Zhang YY, Xie HT, Zhang MC. Hedgehog Signaling Pathway Regulates the Proliferation and Differentiation of Rat Meibomian Gland Epithelial Cells. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:33. [PMID: 33616621 PMCID: PMC7910630 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.2.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Meibomian glands play a vital role in maintaining ocular surface stability. This study aimed to investigate whether Hedgehog signaling is involved in the regulation of meibomian gland epithelial cells. Methods Rat meibomian glands epithelial cells (RMGECs) were isolated from ducts and ductules, and then were cultivated to passage two on Matrigel coated wells in meibomian gland epithelial cells medium (MGECM). Cells were switched from MGECM to differentiation medium (DM) or DM added 10 µg/mL azithromycin (DM + AZM) when reached 50% to 60% confluence. The effects of the Smoothened (Smo) agonist (Smo agonist [SAG]) and antagonist (by cyclopamine) on RMGECs were analyzed using quantitative RT-PCR, cell proliferation analysis, immunofluorescence staining, and Nile red staining. Results The Hedgehog receptor, Smo, and its downstream molecules, Glis, were expressed both in vivo and in vitro. Smo and Gli1 both decreased with the increase of differentiation in vitro. Smo antagonist, cyclopamine, reduced cell numbers, and the expression of Ki67 in MGECM, and promoted the expression of SREBP1 and lipid production in DM + AZM. Smo agonist, SAG, inhibited the expression of SREBP1 and lipid accumulation in DM + AZM but showed no significant effects on raising cell numbers and the expression of Ki67 in MGECM. Conclusions The Hedgehog signaling pathway appears to play important roles in RMGECs proliferation and differentiation. This may provide a potential therapeutic way to treat meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Yu Qu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu-Ting Xiao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ying-Ying Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hua-Tao Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ming-Chang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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6
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Sun C, Zhang D, Luan T, Wang Y, Zhang W, Lin L, Jiang M, Hao Z, Wang Y. Synthesis of 2-methoxybenzamide derivatives and evaluation of their hedgehog signaling pathway inhibition. RSC Adv 2021; 11:22820-22825. [PMID: 35480433 PMCID: PMC9034380 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra00732g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant hedgehog (Hh) signaling is implicated in the development of a variety of cancers. Smoothened (Smo) protein is a bottleneck in the Hh signal transduction. The regulation of the Hh signaling pathway to target the Smo receptor is a practical approach for development of anticancer agents. We report herein the design and synthesis of a series of 2-methoxybenzamide derivatives as Hh signaling pathway inhibitors. The pharmacological data demonstrated that compound 21 possessed potent Hh pathway inhibition with a nanomolar IC50 value, and it prevented Shh-induced Smo from entering the primary cilium. Furthermore, mutant Smo was effectively suppressed via compound 21. The in vitro antiproliferative activity of compound 21 against a drug-resistant cell line gave encouraging results. Benzamide analog (21) was identified as a potent hedgehog signaling pathway inhibitor that targeted the Smo receptor and blocked Daoy cell proliferation.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiyu Sun
- School of Pharmacy
- Shenyang Medical College
- Shenyang 110034
- China
| | - Dajun Zhang
- School of Pharmacy
- Shenyang Medical College
- Shenyang 110034
- China
| | - Tian Luan
- School of Pharmacy
- Shenyang Medical College
- Shenyang 110034
- China
| | - Youbing Wang
- School of Pharmacy
- Shenyang Medical College
- Shenyang 110034
- China
| | - Wenhu Zhang
- School of Pharmacy
- Shenyang Medical College
- Shenyang 110034
- China
| | - Lin Lin
- School of Pharmacy
- Shenyang Medical College
- Shenyang 110034
- China
| | - Meihua Jiang
- School of Pharmacy
- Shenyang Medical College
- Shenyang 110034
- China
| | - Ziqian Hao
- School of Pharmacy
- Shenyang Medical College
- Shenyang 110034
- China
| | - Ying Wang
- School of Pharmacy
- Shenyang Medical College
- Shenyang 110034
- China
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Bissey PA, Mathot P, Guix C, Jasmin M, Goddard I, Costechareyre C, Gadot N, Delcros JG, Mali SM, Fasan R, Arrigo AP, Dante R, Ichim G, Mehlen P, Fombonne J. Blocking SHH/Patched Interaction Triggers Tumor Growth Inhibition through Patched-Induced Apoptosis. Cancer Res 2020; 80:1970-1980. [PMID: 32060146 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-1340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 11/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) pathway plays a key role in cancer. Alterations of SHH canonical signaling, causally linked to tumor progression, have become rational targets for cancer therapy. However, Smoothened (SMO) inhibitors have failed to show clinical benefit in patients with cancers displaying SHH autocrine/paracrine expression. We reported earlier that the SHH receptor Patched (PTCH) is a dependence receptor that triggers apoptosis in the absence of SHH through a pathway that differs from the canonical one, thus generating a state of dependence on SHH for survival. Here, we propose a dual function for SHH: its binding to PTCH not only activates the SHH canonical pathway but also blocks PTCH-induced apoptosis. Eighty percent, 64%, and 8% of human colon, pancreatic, and lung cancer cells, respectively, overexpressed SHH at transcriptional and protein levels. In addition, SHH-overexpressing cells expressed all the effectors of the PTCH-induced apoptotic pathway. Although the canonical pathway remained unchanged, autocrine SHH interference in colon, pancreatic, and lung cell lines triggered cell death through PTCH proapoptotic signaling. In vivo, SHH interference in colon cancer cell lines decreased primary tumor growth and metastasis. Therefore, the antitumor effect associated to SHH deprivation, usually thought to be a consequence of the inactivation of the canonical SHH pathway, is, at least in part, because of the engagement of PTCH proapoptotic activity. Together, these data strongly suggest that therapeutic strategies based on the disruption of SHH/PTCH interaction in SHH-overexpressing cancers should be explored. SIGNIFICANCE: Sonic Hedgehog-overexpressing tumors express PTCH-induced cell death effectors, suggesting that this death signaling could be activated as an antitumor strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre-Antoine Bissey
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory-Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', LabEx DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLASCAN, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Pauline Mathot
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory-Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', LabEx DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLASCAN, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Catherine Guix
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory-Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', LabEx DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLASCAN, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Mélissa Jasmin
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory-Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', LabEx DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLASCAN, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Isabelle Goddard
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory-Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', LabEx DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLASCAN, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France.,Department of Translational Research and Innovation, Centre Leon Bérard, Laboratoire des Modèles Tumoraux (LMT) Fondation Synergie Lyon Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Clélia Costechareyre
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory-Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', LabEx DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLASCAN, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Nicolas Gadot
- Department of Translational Research and Innovation, Anapath, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon
| | - Jean-Guy Delcros
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory-Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', LabEx DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLASCAN, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | | | - Rudi Fasan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York
| | - André-Patrick Arrigo
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory-Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', LabEx DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLASCAN, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Robert Dante
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory-Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', LabEx DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLASCAN, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Gabriel Ichim
- Cancer Cell death Lab, Cancer Reasearch Center of Lyon (CRCL), LabEx DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLASCAN, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Patrick Mehlen
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory-Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', LabEx DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLASCAN, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France. .,Department of Translational Research and Innovation, Anapath, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon
| | - Joanna Fombonne
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory-Equipe labellisée 'La Ligue', LabEx DEVweCAN, Institut Convergence PLASCAN, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), INSERM U1052-CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France.
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Ma R, Yu Z, Cai Q, Li H, Dong Y, Oksman-Caldentey KM, Rischer H. Agrobacterium-Mediated Genetic Transformation of the Medicinal Plant Veratrum dahuricum. PLANTS 2020; 9:plants9020191. [PMID: 32033134 PMCID: PMC7076492 DOI: 10.3390/plants9020191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Veratrum dahuricum L. (Liliaceae), a monocotyledonous species distributed throughout the Changbai mountains of Northeast China, is pharmaceutically important, due to the capacity to produce the anticancer drug cyclopamine. An efficient transformation system of Veratrum dahuricum mediated with Agrobacterium tumefaciens is presented. Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing 8 mg/L picloram was used to induce embryogenic calli from immature embryos with 56% efficiency. A. tumefaciens LBA4404 carrying the bar gene driven by the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter was employed for embryogenic callus inoculation. A. tumefaciens cell density OD660 = 0.8 for inoculation, half an hour infection period, and three days of co-culture duration were found to be optimal for callus transformation. Phosphinothricin (PPT, 16 mg/L) was used as the selectable agent, and a transformation efficiency of 15% (transgenic plants/100 infected calli) was obtained. The transgenic nature of the regenerated plants was confirmed by PCR and Southern blot analysis, and expression of the bar gene was detected by RT-PCR and Quick PAT/bar strips. The steroid alkaloids cyclopamine, jervine, and veratramine were detected in transgenic plants, in non-transformed and control plants collected from natural sites. The transformation system constitutes a prerequisite for the production of the pharmaceutically important anticancer drug cyclopamine by metabolic engineering of Veratrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Ma
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biotechnology, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun 130033, China; (R.M.); (Z.Y.); (Q.C.); (H.L.)
| | - Zhijing Yu
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biotechnology, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun 130033, China; (R.M.); (Z.Y.); (Q.C.); (H.L.)
| | - Qinan Cai
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biotechnology, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun 130033, China; (R.M.); (Z.Y.); (Q.C.); (H.L.)
| | - Haiyun Li
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biotechnology, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun 130033, China; (R.M.); (Z.Y.); (Q.C.); (H.L.)
| | - Yingshan Dong
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Agricultural Biotechnology, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun 130033, China; (R.M.); (Z.Y.); (Q.C.); (H.L.)
- Correspondence: (Y.D.); (H.R.); Tel.: +86-0431-8706-3008 (Y.D.); +358-20-722-4461 (H.R.)
| | | | - Heiko Rischer
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., P. O. Box 1000, FI-02044 VTT, Espoo, Finland;
- Correspondence: (Y.D.); (H.R.); Tel.: +86-0431-8706-3008 (Y.D.); +358-20-722-4461 (H.R.)
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9
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Al‐Anazi KM, Mahmoud AH, AbulFarah M, Allam AA, Fouda MMG, Gaffer HE. 2‐Amino‐5‐arylazothiazole‐Based Derivatives: In Vitro Cytotoxicity, Antioxidant Properties, and Bleomycin‐Dependent DNA Damage. ChemistrySelect 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.201901148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Khalid M. Al‐Anazi
- Department of ZoologyCollege of ScienceKing Saud University, P.O. Box 2455 Riyadh11451 Saudia Arabia
| | - Ahmed H. Mahmoud
- Department of ZoologyCollege of ScienceKing Saud University, P.O. Box 2455 Riyadh11451 Saudia Arabia
| | - Mohammad AbulFarah
- Department of ZoologyCollege of ScienceKing Saud University, P.O. Box 2455 Riyadh11451 Saudia Arabia
| | - Ahmed A. Allam
- Department of ZoologyCollege of ScienceKing Saud University, P.O. Box 2455 Riyadh11451 Saudia Arabia
- Department of ZoologyFaculty of ScienceBeni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 65211 Egypt
| | - Moustafa M. G. Fouda
- Textile Industries Research DivisionNational Research Centre 33 El-Buhouth Street, Dokki Cairo12622 Egypt
| | - Hatem E. Gaffer
- Textile Industries Research DivisionNational Research Centre 33 El-Buhouth Street, Dokki Cairo12622 Egypt
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10
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Wang C, Zhu M, Lu X, Wang H, Zhao W, Zhang X, Dong X. Synthesis and evaluation of novel dimethylpyridazine derivatives as hedgehog signaling pathway inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem 2018; 26:3308-3320. [PMID: 29739714 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2018.04.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
We report herein the design and synthesis of a series of structural modified dimethylpyridazine compounds as novel hedgehog signaling pathway inhibitors. The bicyclic phthalazine core and 4-methylamino-piperidine moiety of Taladegib were replaced with dimethylpyridazine and different azacycle building blocks, respectively. The in vitro Gli-luciferase assay results demonstrate that the new scaffold still retained potent inhibitory potency. Piperidin-4-amine moiety was found to be the best linker between pharmacophores dimethylpyridazine and fluorine substituted benzoyl group. Furthermore, the optimization of 1-methyl-1H-pyrazol and 4-fluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzamide by different aliphatic or aromatic rings were also investigated and the SAR were described. Several new derivatives were found to show potent Hh signaling inhibitory activity with nanomolar IC50 values. Among these compounds, compound 11c showed the highest inhibitory potency with an IC50 value of 2.33 nM, which was comparable to the lead compound Taladegib. In vivo efficacy of 11c in a ptch+/-p53-/- mouse medulloblastoma allograft model also indicated encouraging results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenglin Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, PR China
| | - Mingfei Zhu
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, PR China
| | - Xiuhong Lu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, PR China
| | - Hong Wang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, PR China
| | - Weili Zhao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, PR China
| | - Xiongwen Zhang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, PR China.
| | - Xiaochun Dong
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, PR China.
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11
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Bernardini G, Geminiani M, Gambassi S, Orlandini M, Petricci E, Marzocchi B, Laschi M, Taddei M, Manetti F, Santucci A. Novel smoothened antagonists as anti-neoplastic agents for the treatment of osteosarcoma. J Cell Physiol 2018; 233:4961-4971. [PMID: 29215700 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Osteosarcoma (OS) is an ultra-rare highly malignant tumor of the skeletal system affecting mainly children and young adults and it is characterized by an extremely aggressive clinical course. OS patients are currently treated with chemotherapy and complete surgical resection of cancer tissue. However, resistance to chemotherapy and the recurrence of disease, as pulmonary metastasis, remain the two greatest challenges in the management, and treatment of this tumor. For these reasons, it is of primary interest to find alternative therapeutic strategies for OS. Dysregulated Hedgehog signalling is involved in the development of various types of cancers including OS. It has also been implicated in tumor/stromal interaction and cancer stem cell biology, and therefore presents a novel therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. In our work, we tested the activity of five potent Smoothened (SMO) inhibitors, four acylguanidine and one acylthiourea derivatives, against an OS cell line. We found that almost all our compounds were able to inhibit OS cells proliferation and to reduce Gli1 protein levels. Our results also indicated that SMO inhibition in OS cells by such compounds, induces apoptosis with a nanomolar potency. These findings suggest that inactivation of SMO may be a useful approach to the treatment of patients with OS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Bernardini
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Michela Geminiani
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Silvia Gambassi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Maurizio Orlandini
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Elena Petricci
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Barbara Marzocchi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy.,UOC Patologia Clinica, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, Siena, Italy
| | - Marcella Laschi
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Maurizio Taddei
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Manetti
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Annalisa Santucci
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Siena, Italy
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12
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Ding H, Chen K, Song B, Deng C, Li W, Niu L, Bai M, Song H, Zhang L. Synthesis and Smo Activity of Some Novel Benzamide Derivatives. Molecules 2017; 23:molecules23010085. [PMID: 29301237 PMCID: PMC6017536 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23010085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Revised: 12/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Two series of benzamides compounds bearing piperidine groups were synthesized and the Gli-luc luciferase activity was screened by Gys-luc luciferase gene detection method. Compound 5q showed promising inhibition of hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway. To further verify whether the Hh inhibitory activities of the target compounds are derived from their inhibition to the Smoothened (Smo) receptor, the compounds with good potency were evaluated in a fluorescence competitive displacement assays, the results showed the Smo inhibitory potency of these compounds correlated well with their Hh inhibition, which suggested that the observed Hh activity was driven by Smo inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaiwei Ding
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Kai Chen
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Bingke Song
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Chenglong Deng
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Wei Li
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Li Niu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Mengxuan Bai
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Hongrui Song
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
| | - Lijuan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
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13
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Lu X, Peng Y, Wang C, Yang J, Bao X, Dong Q, Zhao W, Tan W, Dong X. Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of optimized phthalazine derivatives as hedgehog signaling pathway inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2017; 138:384-395. [PMID: 28688278 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2017.06.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Revised: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
We report herein the design and synthesis of a series of optimized phthalazine compounds as novel hedgehog signaling pathway inhibitors. The 4-methylamino-piperidine moiety of Taladegib was replaced by different four, five or six-membered azacycle or azaspirocycle building blocks. The in vitro Gli-luciferase assay results demonstrate that the scaffold hopping in this region afforded significant influences on Hh pathway inhibition. Pyrrolidin-3-amine moiety was found to be the best linker between pharmacophores phthalazine and fluorine substituted benzoyl group. Meanwhile the optimization of 1-methyl-1H-pyrazol by different aromatic rings was also investigated and the SAR was described. Many new derivatives were found to show potent Hh signaling inhibitory activity with nanomolar IC50 values. Among these compounds, compound 23b showed the highest inhibitory potency with an IC50 value of 0.17 nM, which was 35-fold more potent than the lead compound Taladegib and 23-fold more potent than the marketed drug Vismodegib. The selected compounds 23a and 23b also possess potent antitumor activities against medulloblastoma cells proliferation in vitro. In vivo efficacy of 23b in a ptch+/-p53-/- mouse medulloblastoma allograft model also indicated encouraging results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuhong Lu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, PR China
| | - Yuanqiu Peng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, PR China
| | - Chenglin Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, PR China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, PR China
| | - Xiaolong Bao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, PR China
| | - Qian Dong
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, PR China
| | - Weili Zhao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, PR China.
| | - Wenfu Tan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, PR China.
| | - Xiaochun Dong
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, PR China.
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14
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Infante P, Alfonsi R, Ingallina C, Quaglio D, Ghirga F, D'Acquarica I, Bernardi F, Di Magno L, Canettieri G, Screpanti I, Gulino A, Botta B, Mori M, Di Marcotullio L. Inhibition of Hedgehog-dependent tumors and cancer stem cells by a newly identified naturally occurring chemotype. Cell Death Dis 2016; 7:e2376. [PMID: 27899820 PMCID: PMC5059851 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2016.195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Revised: 05/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) inhibitors have emerged as valid tools in the treatment of a wide range of cancers. Indeed, aberrant activation of the Hh pathway occurring either by ligand-dependent or -independent mechanisms is a key driver in tumorigenesis. The smoothened (Smo) receptor is one of the main upstream transducers of the Hh signaling and is a validated target for the development of anticancer compounds, as underlined by the FDA-approved Smo antagonist Vismodegib (GDC-0449/Erivedge) for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma. However, Smo mutations that confer constitutive activity and drug resistance have emerged during treatment with Vismodegib. For this reason, the development of new effective Hh inhibitors represents a major challenge for cancer therapy. Natural products have always represented a unique source of lead structures in drug discovery, and in recent years have been used to modulate the Hh pathway at multiple levels. Here, starting from an in house library of natural compounds and their derivatives, we discovered novel chemotypes of Hh inhibitors by mean of virtual screening against the crystallographic structure of Smo. Hh functional based assay identified the chalcone derivative 12 as the most effective Hh inhibitor within the test set. The chalcone 12 binds the Smo receptor and promotes the displacement of Bodipy-Cyclopamine in both Smo WT and drug-resistant Smo mutant. Our molecule stands as a promising Smo antagonist able to specifically impair the growth of Hh-dependent tumor cells in vitro and in vivo and medulloblastoma stem-like cells and potentially overcome the associated drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Infante
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291 Rome, Italy
| | - Romina Alfonsi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza Università di Roma, Viale Regina Elena 291, Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Ingallina
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291 Rome, Italy
| | - Deborah Quaglio
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Ghirga
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291 Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria D'Acquarica
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, Italy
| | - Flavia Bernardi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza Università di Roma, Viale Regina Elena 291, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Di Magno
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291 Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Canettieri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza Università di Roma, Viale Regina Elena 291, Rome, Italy
| | - Isabella Screpanti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza Università di Roma, Viale Regina Elena 291, Rome, Italy
- Istituto Pasteur Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza Università di Roma, Viale Regina Elena 291, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Gulino
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza Università di Roma, Viale Regina Elena 291, Rome, Italy
| | - Bruno Botta
- Dipartimento di Chimica e Tecnologie del Farmaco, Sapienza Università di Roma, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome, Italy
| | - Mattia Mori
- Center for Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291 Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Di Marcotullio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza Università di Roma, Viale Regina Elena 291, Rome, Italy
- Istituto Pasteur Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza Università di Roma, Viale Regina Elena 291, Rome, Italy
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15
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Lauressergues E, Heusler P, Lestienne F, Troulier D, Rauly-Lestienne I, Tourette A, Ailhaud MC, Cathala C, Tardif S, Denais-Laliève D, Calmettes MT, Degryse AD, Dumoulin A, De Vries L, Cussac D. Pharmacological evaluation of a series of smoothened antagonists in signaling pathways and after topical application in a depilated mouse model. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2016; 4:e00214. [PMID: 27069629 PMCID: PMC4804317 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Revised: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog (HH) pathway has been linked to the formation of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), medulloblastoma, and other cancers. The recently approved orally active drugs vismodegib (GDC-0449) and sonidegib (LDE-225) were not only efficacious for the treatment of advanced or metastatic BCC by antagonizing the smoothened (SMO) receptor, but also produced important side effects, limiting their use for less invasive BCC. Herein, we compared a large series of SMO antagonists, including GDC-0449 and LDE-225, the clinically tested BMS-833923, CUR-61414, cyclopamine, IPI-926 (saridegib), itraconazole, LEQ-506, LY-2940680 (taladegib), PF-04449913 (glasdegib), and TAK-441 as well as preclinical candidates (PF-5274857, MRT-83) in two SMO-dependent cellular assays and for G-protein activation. We report marked differences in inhibitor potencies between compounds as well as a notable disparity between the G-protein assay and the cellular tests, suggesting that classification of drugs is assay dependent. Furthermore, we explored topical efficacies of SMO antagonists on depilated mice using Gli1 and Ptch1 mRNA quantification in skin as biomarkers of the HH signaling inhibition. This topical model rapidly discriminated drugs in terms of efficacies and potencies for inhibition of both biomarkers. SMO antagonists showed also a large variation in their blood and skin partition, suggesting that some drugs are more favorable for topical application. Overall, our data suggested that in vitro and in vivo efficacious drugs such as LEQ-506 and TAK-441 may be of interest for topical treatment of less invasive BCC with minimal side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Lauressergues
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology Pierre Fabre Research Centre 17, avenue Jean Moulin F-81106 Castres Cedex France
| | - Peter Heusler
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology Pierre Fabre Research Centre 17, avenue Jean Moulin F-81106 Castres Cedex France
| | - Fabrice Lestienne
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology Pierre Fabre Research Centre 17, avenue Jean Moulin F-81106 Castres Cedex France
| | - David Troulier
- Department of Developability Pierre Fabre Research Centre Castres France
| | - Isabelle Rauly-Lestienne
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology Pierre Fabre Research Centre 17, avenue Jean Moulin F-81106 Castres Cedex France
| | - Amélie Tourette
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology Pierre Fabre Research Centre 17, avenue Jean Moulin F-81106 Castres Cedex France
| | - Marie-Christine Ailhaud
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology Pierre Fabre Research Centre 17, avenue Jean Moulin F-81106 Castres Cedex France
| | - Claudie Cathala
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology Pierre Fabre Research Centre 17, avenue Jean Moulin F-81106 Castres Cedex France
| | - Stéphanie Tardif
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology Pierre Fabre Research Centre 17, avenue Jean Moulin F-81106 Castres Cedex France
| | | | | | | | - Antoine Dumoulin
- Department of Developability Pierre Fabre Research Centre Castres France
| | - Luc De Vries
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology Pierre Fabre Research Centre 17, avenue Jean Moulin F-81106 Castres Cedex France
| | - Didier Cussac
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology Pierre Fabre Research Centre 17, avenue Jean Moulin F-81106 Castres Cedex France
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16
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Singh AR, Joshi S, Zulcic M, Alcaraz M, Garlich JR, Morales GA, Cho YJ, Bao L, Levy ML, Newbury R, Malicki D, Messer K, Crawford J, Durden DL. PI-3K Inhibitors Preferentially Target CD15+ Cancer Stem Cell Population in SHH Driven Medulloblastoma. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0150836. [PMID: 26938241 PMCID: PMC4777592 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 02/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Sonic hedgehog (SHH) medulloblastoma (MB) subtype is driven by a proliferative CD15+ tumor propagating cell (TPC), also considered in the literature as a putative cancer stem cell (CSC). Despite considerable research, much of the biology of this TPC remains unknown. We report evidence that phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI-3K) play a crucial role in the propagation, survival and potential response to therapy in this CD15+ CSC/TPC-driven malignant disease. Using the ND2-SmoA1 transgenic mouse model for MB, mouse genetics and patient-derived xenografts (PDXs), we demonstrate that the CD15+TPCs are 1) obligately required for SmoA1Tg-driven tumorigenicity 2) regulated by PTEN and PI-3K signaling 3) selectively sensitive to the cytotoxic effects of pan PI-3K inhibitors in vitro and in vivo but resistant to chemotherapy 4) in the SmoA1Tg mouse model are genomically similar to the SHH human MB subgroup. The results provide the first evidence that PTEN plays a role in MB TPC signaling and biology and that PI-3K inhibitors target and suppress the survival and proliferation of cells within the mouse and human CD15+ cancer stem cell compartment. In contrast, CD15+ TPCs are resistant to cisplatinum, temozolomide and the SHH inhibitor, NVP-LDE-225, agents currently used in treatment of medulloblastoma. These studies validate the therapeutic efficacy of pan PI-3K inhibitors in the treatment of CD15+ TPC dependent medulloblastoma and suggest a sequential combination of PI-3K inhibitors and chemotherapy will have augmented efficacy in the treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alok R. Singh
- Department of Pediatrics, Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego Health System, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Shweta Joshi
- Department of Pediatrics, Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego Health System, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Muamera Zulcic
- Department of Pediatrics, Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego Health System, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Michael Alcaraz
- Department of Pediatrics, Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego Health System, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | | | | | - Yoon J. Cho
- Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Lei Bao
- Biostatistics Department, Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego Health System, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Michael L. Levy
- Department of Neurosurgery, UCSD Rady Children’s Hospital, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Robert Newbury
- Department of Pathology, UCSD Rady Children’s Hospital, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Denise Malicki
- Department of Pathology, UCSD Rady Children’s Hospital, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Karen Messer
- Biostatistics Department, Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego Health System, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - John Crawford
- Department of Neurosciences Division of Child Neurology, UCSD Rady Children’s Hospital, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Donald L. Durden
- Department of Pediatrics, Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego Health System, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, UCSD Rady Children’s Hospital, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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17
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Manetti F, Petricci E. Evaluation of WO2014207069 A1: Multitarget Hedgehog pathway inhibitors and uses thereof. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2016; 26:529-35. [PMID: 26666870 DOI: 10.1517/13543776.2016.1132309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the involvement of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway in various human diseases and dysfunctions has been clearly demonstrated. Smoothened (Smo), one of the upstream signal transducers, has been the most druggable target of the Hh pathway. However, the emergence of resistance to Smo inhibitors and the identification of Smo-independent activation of the Hh pathway led to the need to find new chemical entities able to interfere with downstream components, such as Gli. For this purpose, two different computational approaches have been applied to a small-sized library of natural compounds. As a result, an isoflavone derivative that showed ability to inhibit both Smo and Gli1 has been identified; namely, Glabrescione B. A new synthetic approach has been planned for this compound and its derivatives. Biological evaluation demonstrated the mechanism of action and showed a promising preclinical profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Manetti
- a Dipartimento di Biotecnologie , Chimica e Farmacia, Università di Siena , Siena , Italy
| | - Elena Petricci
- a Dipartimento di Biotecnologie , Chimica e Farmacia, Università di Siena , Siena , Italy
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18
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19
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Trinh TN, McLaughlin EA, Gordon CP, McCluskey A. Hedgehog signalling pathway inhibitors as cancer suppressing agents. MEDCHEMCOMM 2014. [DOI: 10.1039/c3md00334e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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20
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Chenna V, Hu C, Khan SR. Synthesis and cytotoxicity studies of Hedgehog enzyme inhibitors SANT-1 and GANT-61 as anticancer agents. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2014; 49:641-647. [PMID: 24521409 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2014.865425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-related death is one of the most common causes of mortality in society. Small molecules have the capability to disrupt aberrant signaling pathways in tumors, leading to anticancer activities. Therefore the search for new molecules for cancer treatment continues to draw attention to the scientific research community. Synthesis and biological evaluation of hedgehog (Hh) pathway inhibitors SANT-1 and GANT-61 are disclosed. These molecules have been synthesized from common precursors using simple conversions, our synthesis features Vils-Meier-Haack reaction, imine formation reaction and N-arylation reaction. These drugs were evaluated using a Hh reporter assay to confirm pathway inhibitory activity, and tested for cell viability against pancreatic and prostate cancer cells. These methodologies can be applied to make potent analogs of both inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venugopal Chenna
- a Department of Pathology , Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine , Baltimore , Maryland , USA
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21
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Delloye-Bourgeois C, Gibert B, Rama N, Delcros JG, Gadot N, Scoazec JY, Krauss R, Bernet A, Mehlen P. Sonic Hedgehog promotes tumor cell survival by inhibiting CDON pro-apoptotic activity. PLoS Biol 2013; 11:e1001623. [PMID: 23940460 PMCID: PMC3735457 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.1001623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2013] [Accepted: 06/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog signaling is a determinant pathway for tumor progression. However, while inhibition of the Hedgehog canonical pathway-Patched-Smoothened-Gli-has proved efficient in human tumors with activating mutations in this pathway, recent clinical data have failed to show any benefit in other cancers, even though Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) expression is detected in these cancers. Cell-adhesion molecule-related/down-regulated by Oncogenes (CDON), a positive regulator of skeletal muscle development, was recently identified as a receptor for SHH. We show here that CDON behaves as a SHH dependence receptor: it actively triggers apoptosis in the absence of SHH. The pro-apoptotic activity of unbound CDON requires a proteolytic cleavage in its intracellular domain, allowing the recruitment and activation of caspase-9. We show that by inducing apoptosis in settings of SHH limitation, CDON expression constrains tumor progression, and as such, decreased CDON expression observed in a large fraction of human colorectal cancer is associated in mice with intestinal tumor progression. Reciprocally, we propose that the SHH expression, detected in human cancers and previously considered as a mechanism for activation of the canonical pathway in an autocrine or paracrine manner, actually provides a selective tumor growth advantage by blocking CDON-induced apoptosis. In support of this notion, we present the preclinical demonstration that interference with the SHH-CDON interaction triggers a CDON-dependent apoptosis in vitro and tumor growth inhibition in vivo. The latter observation qualifies CDON as a relevant alternative target for anticancer therapy in SHH-expressing tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Delloye-Bourgeois
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory–Equipe labellisée ‘La Ligue’, LabEx DEVweCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1052– Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR5286), Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Benjamin Gibert
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory–Equipe labellisée ‘La Ligue’, LabEx DEVweCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1052– Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR5286), Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Nicolas Rama
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory–Equipe labellisée ‘La Ligue’, LabEx DEVweCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1052– Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR5286), Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Jean-Guy Delcros
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory–Equipe labellisée ‘La Ligue’, LabEx DEVweCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1052– Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR5286), Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Nicolas Gadot
- Endocrine Differentiation Laboratory, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052–CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hôpital Edouard Herriot, Anatomie Pathologique, 69437 Lyon, France
| | - Jean-Yves Scoazec
- Endocrine Differentiation Laboratory, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052–CNRS UMR5286, Université de Lyon, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hôpital Edouard Herriot, Anatomie Pathologique, 69437 Lyon, France
| | - Robert Krauss
- Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Agnès Bernet
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory–Equipe labellisée ‘La Ligue’, LabEx DEVweCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1052– Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR5286), Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008 Lyon, France
| | - Patrick Mehlen
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory–Equipe labellisée ‘La Ligue’, LabEx DEVweCAN, Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1052– Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR5286), Université de Lyon, Centre Léon Bérard, 69008 Lyon, France
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Zhang XL, Liao YQ, Cai PJ, Yao HQ, Kong LY, Sun HB. Synthesis of A B C-ring subunit of C-nor-D-homo-steroidal alkaloids: towards the total synthesis of cyclopamine. Chin J Nat Med 2013; 11:277-83. [PMID: 23725842 DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(13)60029-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2012] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
A practical approach to the synthesis of the A, B and C-ring subunit of cyclopamine has been developed. This synthetic tactic highlights the utility of mandelate acetal-mediated resolution of the fused ring ketone (±)-4 and IBX-mediated oxidation cascades from 12 to 9. The availability of advanced intermediates from enantiomerically pure (+)-4 and 2 could provide efficient access to biologically active and structurally diverse C-nor-D-homo-steroidal alkaloids such as cyclopamine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Li Zhang
- Center for Drug Discovery, College of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
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23
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Onishi H, Morisaki T, Kiyota A, Koya N, Tanaka H, Umebayashi M, Katano M. The Hedgehog inhibitor cyclopamine impairs the benefits of immunotherapy with activated T and NK lymphocytes derived from patients with advanced cancer. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2013; 62:1029-39. [PMID: 23591983 PMCID: PMC11029486 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-013-1419-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2013] [Accepted: 03/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is activated in various types of cancer and contributes to the progression, proliferation, and invasiveness of cancer cells. Many Hh inhibitors are undergoing clinical trial and show promise as anticancer drugs. Hh signaling is also induced in the activated T and NK (TNK) lymphocytes that are used in immunotherapy. Activated TNK lymphocyte therapy is anticipated to work well within a tumor's hypoxic environment. However, most studies on the immunobiological functions of activated TNK lymphocytes have been conducted on healthy donor samples, under normoxic conditions. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of Hh inhibition and oxygen concentrations on the function of activated TNK lymphocytes derived from patients with advanced cancer. Proliferation, migration, surface NKG2D expression, and cytotoxicity were all significantly inhibited, and IFN-γ secretion was significantly increased upon Hh inhibitor treatment of activated TNK lymphocytes under hypoxic conditions in vitro. Tumors from mice injected with cyclopamine-treated activated TNK lymphocytes showed a significant increase in tumor size and had fewer apoptotic cells compared with the tumors in mice injected with control activated TNK lymphocytes. These results suggest that Hh signaling plays a pivotal role in activated TNK lymphocyte cell function. Combination therapy using Hh inhibitors and activated TNK lymphocytes derived from patients with advanced cancer may not be advantageous.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideya Onishi
- Department of Cancer Therapy and Research, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan.
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24
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Ibuki N, Ghaffari M, Pandey M, Iu I, Fazli L, Kashiwagi M, Tojo H, Nakanishi O, Gleave ME, Cox ME. TAK-441, a novel investigational smoothened antagonist, delays castration-resistant progression in prostate cancer by disrupting paracrine hedgehog signaling. Int J Cancer 2013; 133:1955-66. [PMID: 23564295 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.28193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2013] [Accepted: 03/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is a highly conserved intercellular and intracellular communication mechanism that governs organogenesis and is dysregulated in cancers of numerous tissues, including prostate. Up-regulated expression of the Hh ligands, Sonic (Shh) and Desert (Dhh), has been reported in androgen-deprived and castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). In a cohort of therapy naive, short- and long-term neoadjuvant hormone therapy-treated (NHT), and CRPC specimens, we observed elevated Dhh expression predominantly in long-term NHT specimens and elevated Shh expression predominantly in CRPC specimens. Together with previously demonstrated reciprocal signaling between Shh-producing prostate cancer (PCa) cells and urogenital mesenchymal fibroblasts, these results suggest that castration-induced Hh expression promotes CRPC progression through reciprocal paracrine signaling within the tumor microenvironment. We tested whether the orally available Smoothened (Smo) antagonist, TAK-441, could impair castration-resistant progression of LNCaP PCa xenografts by disrupting paracrine Hh signaling. Although TAK-441 or cyclopamine did not affect androgen withdrawal-induced Shh up-regulation or viability of LNCaP cells, castration-resistant progression of LNCaP xenografts was significantly delayed in animals treated with TAK-441. In TAK-441-treated xenografts, expression of murine orthologs of the Hh-activated genes, Gli1, Gli2 and Ptch1, was substantially suppressed, while expression of the corresponding human orthologs was unaffected. As androgen-deprived LNCaP cells up-regulate Shh expression, but are not sensitive to Smo antagonists, these studies indicate that TAK-441 leads to delayed castration-resistant progression of LNCaP xenografts by disrupting paracrine Hh signaling with the tumor stroma. Thus, paracrine Hh signaling may offer unique opportunities for prognostic biomarker development, drug targeting and therapeutic response monitoring of PCa progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naokazu Ibuki
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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25
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Gu D, Liu H, Su GH, Zhang X, Chin-Sinex H, Hanenberg H, Mendonca MS, Shannon HE, Chiorean EG, Xie J. Combining hedgehog signaling inhibition with focal irradiation on reduction of pancreatic cancer metastasis. Mol Cancer Ther 2013; 12:1038-48. [PMID: 23468532 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-12-1030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer often presents in advanced stages and is unresponsive to conventional treatments. Thus, the need to develop novel treatment strategies for pancreatic cancer has never been greater. Here, we report that combination of focal irradiation with hedgehog (Hh) signaling inhibition exerts better than additive effects on reducing metastases. In an orthotopic model, we found that focal irradiation alone effectively reduced primary tumor growth but did not significantly affect metastasis. We hypothesized that cancer stem cells (CSC) of pancreatic cancer are responsible for the residual tumors following irradiation, which may be regulated by Hh signaling. To test our hypothesis, we showed that tumor metastasis in our model was accompanied by increased expression of CSC cell surface markers as well as Hh target genes. We generated tumor spheres from orthotopic pancreatic and metastatic tumors, which have elevated levels of CSC markers relative to the parental cells and elevated expression of Hh target genes. Irradiation of tumor spheres further elevated CSC cell surface markers and increased Hh target gene expression. Combination of Hh signaling inhibition with radiation had more than additive effects on tumor sphere regeneration in vitro. This phenotype was observed in two independent cell lines. In our orthotopic animal model, focal radiation plus Hh inhibition had more than additive effects on reducing lymph node metastasis. We identified several potential molecules in mediating Hh signaling effects. Taken together, our data provide a rationale for combined use of Hh inhibition with irradiation for clinical treatment of patients with pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongsheng Gu
- Division of Medical Oncology, IU Simon Cancer Center, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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26
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Onishi H, Morisaki T, Nakao F, Odate S, Morisaki T, Katano M. Protein-bound polysaccharide decreases invasiveness and proliferation in pancreatic cancer by inhibition of hedgehog signaling and HIF-1α pathways under hypoxia. Cancer Lett 2013; 335:289-98. [PMID: 23485726 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2013.02.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2012] [Revised: 02/13/2013] [Accepted: 02/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
To develop an effective therapeutic approach to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), we focused on the antitumor mechanism of protein-bound polysaccharide (PSK) under hypoxia. PSK decreased proliferation in PDAC cells under hypoxia but not normoxia. PSK also showed anti-tumor effects in vivo, inhibited invasiveness of PDAC cells, and decreased the expression of HIF-1α and hedgehog (Hh) signaling-related molecules under hypoxia. Inhibition of HIF-1α and Hh signaling reduced proliferation and invasiveness in PDAC cells under hypoxia. In conclusion, we found new PSK-related pathways in invasiveness and proliferation in PDAC under hypoxia. PSK may be a promising therapeutic drug to treat refractory PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideya Onishi
- Department of Cancer Therapy and Research, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION The hedgehog (Hh) pathway is a developmental signaling pathway that plays a key role in directing cellular growth and tissue patterning during embryonic development. Dysregulation of Hh signaling has been linked to the development of a variety of human tumors, and numerous drug development programs in both academia and industry are actively exploring inhibitors of the pathway as anti-cancer agents. AREAS COVERED This review surveys the recent patent literature (2009 - 2012) for Hh pathway inhibitors as treatments for a variety of human malignancies. EXPERT OPINION To date, all of the pathway inhibitors that have entered clinical trials and the majority of compounds identified via high-throughput screens target smoothened (Smo), a transmembrane protein that is essential for pathway signaling. While these compounds have shown initial promise in preclinical and clinical trials, several mechanisms of resistance to Smo inhibitors have been identified. Even with this knowledge, the majority of small-molecule pathway inhibitors disclosed in the recent patent literature directly target Smo. The continued identification of Hh pathway inhibitors that function either upstream or downstream is warranted not only to combat these emerging resistance mechanisms, but also to help elucidate the various cellular mechanisms that control both normal and oncogenic pathway signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Kyle Hadden
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, 69 N Eagleville Rd, Unit 3092, Storrs, CT 06269-3092, USA
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Cucchi D, Occhione MA, Gulino A, De Smaele E. Hedgehog signaling pathway and its targets for treatment in basal cell carcinoma. J Exp Pharmacol 2012; 4:173-85. [PMID: 27186130 PMCID: PMC4863577 DOI: 10.2147/jep.s28553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the skin is the most common type of cancer and accounts for up to 40% of all cancers in the US, with a growing incidence rate over recent decades in all developed countries. Surgery is curative for most patients, although it leaves unaesthetic scars, but those that develop locally advanced or metastatic BCC require different therapeutic approaches. Furthermore, patients with BCC present a high risk of developing additional tumors. The increasing economic burden and the morbidity of BCC render primary interest in the development of targeted treatments for this disease. Among the molecular signals involved in the development of BCC, the critical role of the morphogenetic Hedgehog (Hh) pathway has become evident. This pathway is found altered and activated in almost all BCCs, both sporadic and inherited. Given the centrality of the Hh pathway in the pathophysiology of BCC, the primary efforts to identify molecular targets for the topical or systemic treatment of this cancer have focused on the Hh components. Several Hh inhibitors have been so far identified - from the first identified natural cyclopamine to the recently Food and Drug Administration-approved synthetic vismodegib - most of which target the Hh receptor Smoothened (either its function or its translocation to the primary cilium). Other molecules await further characterization (bisamide compounds), while drugs currently approved for other diseases such as itraconazole (an antimicotic agent) and vitamin D3 have been tested on BCC with encouraging results. The outcomes of the numerous ongoing clinical trials are expected to expand the field in the very near future. Further research is needed to obtain drugs targeting downstream components of the Hh pathway (eg, Gli) or to exploit combinatorial therapies (eg, with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitors or retinoids) in order to overcome potential drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo Cucchi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Gulino
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy; Center of Life NanoScience @ La Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico De Smaele
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Wang J, Mook RA, Lu J, Gooden DM, Ribeiro A, Guo A, Barak LS, Lyerly HK, Chen W. Identification of a novel Smoothened antagonist that potently suppresses Hedgehog signaling. Bioorg Med Chem 2012; 20:6751-7. [PMID: 23063522 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2012.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2012] [Revised: 08/31/2012] [Accepted: 09/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The Hedgehog signaling pathway plays an essential role in embryo development and adult tissue homeostasis, in regulating stem cells and is abnormally activated in many cancers. Given the importance of this signaling pathway, we developed a novel and versatile high-throughput, cell-based screening platform using confocal imaging, based on the role of β-arrestin in Hedgehog signal transduction, that can identify agonists or antagonist of the pathway by a simple change to the screening protocol. Here we report the use of this assay in the antagonist mode to identify novel antagonists of Smoothened, including a compound (A8) with low nanomolar activity against wild-type Smo also capable of binding the Smo point mutant D473H associated with clinical resistance in medulloblastoma. Our data validate this novel screening approach in the further development of A8 and related congeners to treat Hedgehog related diseases, including the treatment of basal cell carcinoma and medulloblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangbo Wang
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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Shahi MH, Rey JA, Castresana JS. The sonic hedgehog-GLI1 signaling pathway in brain tumor development. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2012; 16:1227-38. [PMID: 22992192 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2012.720975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The sonic hedgehog (Shh) pathway is a regulatory network involved in development and cancer. Proteins like Ptch, SMO, and Gli are central to the Shh pathway. Other proteins like HHIP, SUFU, Bmi-1, Cyclin D2, Plakoglobin, PAX6, Nkx2.2, and SFRP1 are not so well understood in Shh regulation as Gli-1 downstream target genes. AREAS COVERED In this review we try to explain the Shh pathway components and their role in development and cancer, mainly of the brain. A summary of each of the proteins is presented together with an overview of their involvement in cancer. EXPERT OPINION Genetic alterations of the Shh pathway have been detected in cancer stem cells, a subgroup of tumor cells implicated in the origin and maintenance of tumors, being responsible for cancer recurrence and chemotherapy resistance. Cancer stem cells constitute a novel target for biomedical researchers. Specifically, the Shh pathway is being explored as a new opportunity for targeted therapies against tumors. Therefore, a better knowledge of every of the regulators of the Shh pathway is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi H Shahi
- University of California, Department of Pharmacology, Davis, CA, USA
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Abstract
The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway has been implicated in tumor initiation and metastasis across different malignancies. Major mechanisms by which the Hh pathway is aberrantly activated can be attributed to mutations of members of Hh pathway or excessive/inappropriate expression of Hh pathway ligands. The Hh signaling pathway also affects the regulation of cancer stem cells, leading to their capabilities in tumor formation, disease progression, and metastasis. Preliminary results of early phase clinical trials of Hh inhibitors administered as monotherapy demonstrated promising results in patients with basal cell carcinoma and medulloblastoma, but clinically meaningful anticancer efficacy across other tumor types seems to be lacking. Additionally, cases of resistance have been already observed. Mutations of SMO, activation of Hh pathway components downstream to SMO, and upregulation of alternative signaling pathways are possible mechanisms of resistance development. Determination of effective Hh inhibitor-based combination regimens and development of correlative biomarkers relevant to this pathway should remain as clear priorities for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solmaz Sahebjam
- Drug Development Program, Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Onishi H, Morifuji Y, Kai M, Suyama K, Iwasaki H, Katano M. Hedgehog inhibitor decreases chemosensitivity to 5-fluorouracil and gemcitabine under hypoxic conditions in pancreatic cancer. Cancer Sci 2012; 103:1272-9. [PMID: 22486854 DOI: 10.1111/j.1349-7006.2012.02297.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2012] [Revised: 04/04/2012] [Accepted: 04/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest types of cancer. Previously, we showed that hypoxia increases invasiveness through upregulation of Smoothened (Smo) transcription in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells. Here, we first evaluated whether hypoxia-induced increase in Smo contributes to the proliferation of PDAC cells. We showed that Smo, but not Gli1, inhibition decreases proliferation significantly under hypoxic conditions. To further investigate the effects of Smo on PDAC growth, cell cycle analysis was carried out. Inhibition of Smo under hypoxia led to G(0) /G(1) arrest and decreased S phase. As 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and gemcitabine, which are first-line drugs for pancreatic cancer, are sensitive to S phase, we then evaluated whether cyclopamine-induced decreased S phase under hypoxia affected the chemosensitivity of 5-FU and gemcitabine in PDAC cells. Cyclopamine treatment under hypoxia significantly decreased chemosensitivity to 5-FU and gemcitabine under hypoxia in both in vitro and in vivo models. In contrast, cis-diamminedichloroplatinum, which is cell cycle-independent, showed significant synergistic effects. These results suggest that hypoxia-induced increase of Smo directly contributes to the proliferation of PDAC cells through a hedgehog/Gli1-independent pathway, and that decreased S phase due to the use of Smo inhibitor under hypoxia leads to chemoresistance in S phase-sensitive anticancer drugs. Our results could be very important clinically because a clinical trial using Smo inhibitors and chemotherapy drugs will begin in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideya Onishi
- Department of Cancer Therapy and Research, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
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Markant SL, Wechsler-Reya RJ. Personalized mice: modelling the molecular heterogeneity of medulloblastoma. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2012; 38:228-40. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2990.2011.01235.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Meyers-Needham M, Lewis JA, Gencer S, Sentelle RD, Saddoughi SA, Clarke CJ, Hannun YA, Norell H, da Palma TM, Nishimura M, Kraveka JM, Khavandgar Z, Murshed M, Cevik MO, Ogretmen B. Off-target function of the Sonic hedgehog inhibitor cyclopamine in mediating apoptosis via nitric oxide-dependent neutral sphingomyelinase 2/ceramide induction. Mol Cancer Ther 2012; 11:1092-102. [PMID: 22452947 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-11-0705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Sonic hedgehog (SHh) signaling is important in the pathogenesis of various human cancers, such as medulloblastomas, and it has been identified as a valid target for anticancer therapeutics. The SHh inhibitor cyclopamine induces apoptosis. The bioactive sphingolipid ceramide mediates cell death in response to various chemotherapeutic agents; however, ceramide's roles/mechanisms in cyclopamine-induced apoptosis are unknown. Here, we report that cyclopamine mediates ceramide generation selectively via induction of neutral sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase 3, SMPD3 (nSMase2) in Daoy human medulloblastoma cells. Importantly, short interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of nSMase2 prevented cyclopamine-induced ceramide generation and protected Daoy cells from drug-induced apoptosis. Accordingly, ectopic wild-type N-SMase2 caused cell death, compared with controls, which express the catalytically inactive N-SMase2 mutant. Interestingly, knockdown of smoothened (Smo), a target protein for cyclopamine, or Gli1, a downstream signaling transcription factor of Smo, did not affect nSMase2. Mechanistically, our data showed that cyclopamine induced nSMase2 and cell death selectively via increased nitric oxide (NO) generation by neuronal-nitric oxide synthase (n-NOS) induction, in Daoy medulloblastoma, and multiple other human cancer cell lines. Knockdown of n-NOS prevented nSMase2 induction and cell death in response to cyclopamine. Accordingly, N-SMase2 activity-deficient skin fibroblasts isolated from homozygous fro/fro (fragilitas ossium) mice exhibited resistance to NO-induced cell death. Thus, our data suggest a novel off-target function of cyclopamine in inducing apoptosis, at least in part, by n-NOS/NO-dependent induction of N-SMase2/ceramide axis, independent of Smo/Gli inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa Meyers-Needham
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
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Hedgehog inhibition with the orally bioavailable Smo antagonist LDE225 represses tumor growth and prolongs survival in a transgenic mouse model of islet cell neoplasms. Ann Surg 2012; 254:818-23; discussion 823. [PMID: 22042473 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0b013e318236bc0f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study was designed to evaluate the role of the hedgehog pathway in tumor progression of murine islet cell tumors. Blockade of aberrant hedgehog activation has recently been proposed as a therapeutic target, but effects in models of islet cell tumors with a new orally bioavailable Smoothened (Smo) antagonist LDE225 have not been examined. MATERIAL AND METHODS To assess in vivo effects, transgenic Rip1Tag2 mice, which develop islet cell neoplasms, were treated with vehicle or LDE225 (80 mg/kg/d) from week 5 until death. The resected pancreata were evaluated macroscopically and microscopically by iummohistochemsistry. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed for hedgehog target genes with RNA from islet, isolated from treated and untreated Rip1Tag2 mice. RESULTS LDE225 significantly reduced tumor volume by 95% compared with untreated control mice. Hedgehog inhibition with LDE225 significantly prolonged median survival in the used transgenic mouse model (105 vs 116 days; P = 0.02). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction for downstream hedgehog target genes demonstrated significant downregulation in the islet cell tumors of Rip1Tag2 mice treated with LDE225, confirming the ability to achieve effective pharmacologic levels of LDE225 within the desired tissue site, in vivo. CONCLUSION This is the first study to show that the orally bioavailable Smo antagonist LDE225 may provide a new option for therapy of islet cell neoplasms.
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Beauchamp EM, Uren A. A new era for an ancient drug: arsenic trioxide and Hedgehog signaling. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2012; 88:333-54. [PMID: 22391311 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-394622-5.00015-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Arsenic has been used for ages as a therapeutic agent. Currently, it is an FDA approved drug to treat acute promyelocytic leukemia where it leads to degradation of the PML-RAR fusion protein. It has been shown to have various other targets in cells such as JNK, NFκB, thioredoxin reductase, and MAPK pathways. Most of its effects in cells have been through arsenic's ability to bind to thiol groups in cysteine residues. Recent evidence has shown that arsenic can inhibit the Hedgehog pathway by inhibiting GLI proteins. The proposed mechanism of action is through direct binding. Potential binding sites include the critical cysteine residues in GLI zinc finger domains. The role of the Hedgehog pathway has been implicated in many cancers such as basal cell carcinoma, medulloblastoma, Ewing sarcoma, and rhabdoid tumors. Current Hedgehog pathway inhibitors have been fraught with resistance issues and so arsenic trioxide may provide an alternative therapy when combined with these other inhibitors or after acquired resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elspeth M Beauchamp
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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Alcaide B, Almendros P, Martínez del Campo T, Redondo MC, Fernández I. Striking Alkenol Versus Allenol Reactivity: Metal-Catalyzed Chemodifferentiating Oxycyclization of Enallenols. Chemistry 2011; 17:15005-13. [DOI: 10.1002/chem.201102100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2011] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Abstract
The Hedgehog (Hh) pathway is a conserved signalling system essential for embryonic development and for the maintenance of self-renewal pathways in progenitor cells. Mutations that deregulate Hh signalling are directly implicated in basal cell carcinoma and medulloblastoma. The mechanisms of Hh pathway activation in cancers in which no pathway mutations have been identified are less clear, but of great translational significance. Small molecule inhibitors of the pathway, many of which are in early phase clinical trials, may shed further light on this question. Canonical Hh signalling promotes the expression of target genes through the Glioma-associated oncogene (GLI) transcription factors. There is now increasing evidence suggesting that 'non-canonical' Hh signalling mechanisms, some of which are independent of GLI-mediated transcription, may be important in cancer and development. The focus of this review is to summarise some of the known mechanisms of Hh signalling as well as its emerging role in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kieren D Marini
- Monash Institute of Medical Research, Centre for Cancer Research, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
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Onishi H, Katano M. Hedgehog signaling pathway as a therapeutic target in various types of cancer. Cancer Sci 2011; 102:1756-60. [PMID: 21679342 DOI: 10.1111/j.1349-7006.2011.02010.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is an important factor in growth and patterning during embryonic development. A mutation in Patched, Smoothened or Gli1, which regulate the Hh signaling pathway, might lead to the onset of glioblastoma, basal cell carcinoma, medulloblastoma and rhabdomyosarcoma. Recently, Hh signaling has been reported to be activated in a ligand-dependent manner, contributing to carcinogenesis and cancer progression. Hedgehog signaling is reactivated in various types of cancer, and this contributes to cancer progression by facilitating proliferation, invasion and cell survival. Moreover, Hh signaling is associated with several other signaling pathways that contribute to cancer progression. These observations indicate that controlling Hh signaling might become a target for novel molecular targeting therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideya Onishi
- Department of Cancer Therapy and Research, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
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Wong H, Alicke B, West KA, Pacheco P, La H, Januario T, Yauch RL, de Sauvage FJ, Gould SE. Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic analysis of vismodegib in preclinical models of mutational and ligand-dependent Hedgehog pathway activation. Clin Cancer Res 2011; 17:4682-92. [PMID: 21610148 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-11-0975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Vismodegib (GDC-0449) is a potent and selective inhibitor of the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway that shows antitumor activity in preclinical models driven by mutational or ligand-dependent activation of the Hh pathway. We wished to characterize the pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) relationship of vismodegib in both model systems to guide optimal dose and schedule for vismodegib in the clinic. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Preclinical efficacy and PK/PD studies were carried out with vismodegib in a Ptch(+/-) allograft model of medulloblastoma exhibiting mutational activation of the Hh pathway and patient-derived colorectal cancer (CRC) xenograft models exhibiting ligand-dependent pathway activation. Inhibition of the hedgehog pathway was related to vismodegib levels in plasma and to antitumor efficacy using an integrated population-based PK/PD model. RESULTS Oral dosing of vismodegib caused tumor regressions in the Ptch(+/-) allograft model of medulloblastoma at doses ≥25 mg/kg and tumor growth inhibition at doses up to 92 mg/kg dosed twice daily in two ligand-dependent CRC models, D5123, and 1040830. Analysis of Hh pathway activity and PK/PD modeling reveals that vismodegib inhibits Gli1 with a similar IC(50) in both the medulloblastoma and D5123 models (0.165 μmol/L ±11.5% and 0.267 μmol/L ±4.83%, respectively). Pathway modulation was linked to efficacy using an integrated PK/PD model revealing a steep relationship where > 50% of the activity of vismodegib is associated with >80% repression of the Hh pathway. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that even small reductions in vismodegib exposure can lead to large changes in antitumor activity and will help guide proper dose selection for vismodegib in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harvey Wong
- Department of Translational Oncology, Genentech Inc, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, USA
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Graham RA, Lum BL, Morrison G, Chang I, Jorga K, Dean B, Shin YG, Yue Q, Mulder T, Malhi V, Xie M, Low JA, Hop CECA. A single dose mass balance study of the Hedgehog pathway inhibitor vismodegib (GDC-0449) in humans using accelerator mass spectrometry. Drug Metab Dispos 2011; 39:1460-7. [PMID: 21602311 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.111.039339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Vismodegib (GDC-0449), a small-molecule Hedgehog pathway inhibitor, was well tolerated in patients with solid tumors and showed promising efficacy in advanced basal cell carcinoma in a Phase I trial. The purpose of the study presented here was to determine routes of elimination and the extent of vismodegib metabolism, including assessment and identification of metabolites in plasma, urine, and feces. Six healthy female subjects of nonchildbearing potential were enrolled; each received a single 30-ml oral suspension containing 150 mg of vismodegib with 6.5 μg of [(14)C]vismodegib to yield a radioactivity dose of approximately 37 kBq (1000 nCi). Plasma, urine, and feces samples were collected over 56 days to permit sample collection for up to 5 elimination half-lives. Nonradioactive vismodegib was measured in plasma using liquid chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometry, and total radioactivity in plasma, urine, and feces was measured using accelerator mass spectrometry. Vismodegib was slowly eliminated by a combination of metabolism and excretion of parent drug, most of which was recovered in feces. The estimated excretion of the administered dose was 86.6% on average, with 82.2 and 4.43% recovered in feces and urine, respectively. Vismodegib was predominant in plasma, with concentrations representing >98% of the total circulating drug-related components. Metabolic pathways of vismodegib in humans included oxidation, glucuronidation, and uncommon pyridine ring cleavage. We conclude that vismodegib and any associated metabolic products are mainly eliminated through feces after oral administration in healthy volunteers.
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Oblak EZ, G-Dayanandan N, Wright DL. Tandem metathesis reactions of oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptenes: studies on the spirocyclic core of cyclopamine. Org Lett 2011; 13:2433-5. [PMID: 21456515 DOI: 10.1021/ol200706f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A rapid approach to the spirocyclic core of cyclopamine was achieved in four steps from 2-pentenyl-furan. A furan Diels-Alder reaction followed by a one-pot dehalogenation/amination sequence provides the oxabicyclic triene that upon treatment with Grubbs' catalyst undergoes smooth rearrangement to the tricyclic core.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Zachary Oblak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
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Schulte G. International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. LXXX. The class Frizzled receptors. Pharmacol Rev 2011; 62:632-67. [PMID: 21079039 DOI: 10.1124/pr.110.002931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The receptor class Frizzled, which has recently been categorized as a separate group of G protein-coupled receptors by the International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, consists of 10 Frizzleds (FZD(1-10)) and Smoothened (SMO). The FZDs are activated by secreted lipoglycoproteins of the Wingless/Int-1 (WNT) family, whereas SMO is indirectly activated by the Hedgehog (HH) family of proteins acting on the transmembrane protein Patched (PTCH). Recent years have seen major advances in our knowledge about these seven-transmembrane-spanning proteins, including: receptor function, molecular mechanisms of signal transduction, and the receptor's role in embryonic patterning, physiology, cancer, and other diseases. Despite intense efforts, many question marks and challenges remain in mapping receptor-ligand interaction, signaling routes, mechanisms of specificity and how these molecular details underlie disease and also the receptor's important role in physiology. This review therefore focuses on the molecular aspects of WNT/FZD and HH/SMO signaling discussing receptor structure, mechanisms of signal transduction, accessory proteins, receptor dynamics, and the possibility of targeting these signaling pathways pharmacologically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunnar Schulte
- Section of Receptor Biology & Signaling, Dept. of Physiology & Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Brechbiel JL, Ng JMY, Curran T. PTHrP treatment fails to rescue bone defects caused by Hedgehog pathway inhibition in young mice. Toxicol Pathol 2011; 39:478-85. [PMID: 21411723 DOI: 10.1177/0192623311399788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The advent of molecular targeted therapies offers the hope of therapeutic advance in the fight against cancer. However, this hope is tempered by recent findings that certain targeted therapies may have unique side effects. The Hedgehog (HH) pathway is a potential target for treatment of several cancers, including basal cell carcinoma and a subset of medulloblastoma. Recent clinical trials in adults have shown responses to HH pathway inhibition in both basal cell carcinoma and medulloblastoma. However, concerns have been raised about the use of HH pathway inhibitors in children because of the role the HH pathway plays in development. Indeed, young mice treated with the HH pathway inhibitor HhAntag developed severe bone defects, including premature differentiation of chondrocytes, thinning of cortical bone, and fusion of the growth plate. In an effort to lessen the severity of bone defects caused by HhAntag, we treated young mice simultaneously with HhAntag and parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP), which functions downstream of Indian Hedgehog to maintain chondrocytes in a proliferative state. The results show that whereas treatment with PTHrP causes a significant increase in trabecular bone, it does not prevent fusion of the growth plate induced by HhAntag.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian L Brechbiel
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, PA 19104, USA
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Buonamici S, Williams J, Morrissey M, Wang A, Guo R, Vattay A, Hsiao K, Yuan J, Green J, Ospina B, Yu Q, Ostrom L, Fordjour P, Anderson DL, Monahan JE, Kelleher JF, Peukert S, Pan S, Wu X, Maira SM, García-Echeverría C, Briggs KJ, Watkins DN, Yao YM, Lengauer C, Warmuth M, Sellers WR, Dorsch M. Interfering with resistance to smoothened antagonists by inhibition of the PI3K pathway in medulloblastoma. Sci Transl Med 2011; 2:51ra70. [PMID: 20881279 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3001599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 377] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The malignant brain cancer medulloblastoma is characterized by mutations in Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway genes, which lead to constitutive activation of the G protein (heterotrimeric guanosine triphosphate-binding protein)-coupled receptor Smoothened (Smo). The Smo antagonist NVP-LDE225 inhibits Hh signaling and induces tumor regression in animal models of medulloblastoma. However, evidence of resistance was observed during the course of treatment. Molecular analysis of resistant tumors revealed several resistance mechanisms. We noted chromosomal amplification of Gli2, a downstream effector of Hh signaling, and, more rarely, point mutations in Smo that led to reactivated Hh signaling and restored tumor growth. Analysis of pathway gene expression signatures also, unexpectedly, identified up-regulation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling in resistant tumors as another potential mechanism of resistance. Probing the relevance of increased PI3K signaling, we demonstrated that addition of the PI3K inhibitor NVP-BKM120 or the dual PI3K-mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) inhibitor NVP-BEZ235 to the initial treatment with the Smo antagonist markedly delayed the development of resistance. Our findings may be useful in informing treatment strategies for medulloblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Buonamici
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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So PL, Tang JY, Epstein EH. Novel investigational drugs for basal cell carcinoma. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2011; 19:1099-112. [PMID: 20662553 DOI: 10.1517/13543784.2010.504714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD In the United States, the annual incidence of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is close to 1 million. Ultraviolet radiation exposure is the main risk factor; however, the availability of ever more potent sunscreens and education have not prevented the rise in BCC incidence. Therefore, concerted effects to identify novel preventive and therapeutic strategies are necessary. AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW This article summarizes our current understanding of the etiology and molecular mechanisms of BCC tumorigenesis and discusses the preclinical and clinical studies to identify agents with anti-BCC efficacy. WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN The discovery that hyperactive Hh pathway signaling causes several cancers, including BCC, has spawned the development of many pharmacologic inhibitors of Hh signaling. Early clinical testing of the most advanced, GDC-0449, demonstrated impressive efficacy in patients with advanced BCC. Other promising anti-BCC chemopreventive strategies include drugs that are already FDA-approved for treating other diseases. TAKE HOME MESSAGE Preclinical and clinical trials with pre-existing FDA-approved drugs suggest novel uses for BCC chemoprevention and treatment. Also, new chemical entities that inhibit the Hh pathway show promise, and in combination with other drugs may provide a nonsurgical cure for this most common cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Lin So
- Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute, Cancer Division, 5700 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Oakland, CA 94609, USA.
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Castanedo GM, Wang S, Robarge KD, Blackwood E, Burdick D, Chang C, Dijkgraaf GJ, Gould S, Gunzner J, Guichert O, Halladay J, Khojasteh C, Lee L, Marsters JC, Murray L, Peterson D, Plise E, Salphati L, de Sauvage FJ, Wong S, Sutherlin DP. Second generation 2-pyridyl biphenyl amide inhibitors of the hedgehog pathway. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2010; 20:6748-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2010.08.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2010] [Revised: 08/24/2010] [Accepted: 08/27/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Abstract
The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is critical for cell growth and differentiation during embryogenesis and early development. While it is mostly quiescent in adults, inappropriate reactivation of the Hh pathway has been shown to be involved in the development of cancer. A number of tumor types rely on overexpression of Hh ligands to activate the pathway in a paracrine manner from the tumor to the surrounding stroma. Alternatively, Hh ligands may act on cancer stem cells in some hematopoietic cancers, such as chronic myelogenous leukemia. However, the role of the Hh pathway is best established in tumors, such as basal cell carcinoma and medulloblastoma, where the pathway is activated via mutations. Understanding the contribution of Hh signaling in these various tumor types will be critical to the development and use of agents targeting this pathway in the clinic. We review here the activity of clinical inhibitors of the Hh pathway, including GDC-0449, a small molecule inhibitor of Smoothened (SMO).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Low
- Genentech Inc, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
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Garvalov BK, Acker T. Cancer stem cells: a new framework for the design of tumor therapies. J Mol Med (Berl) 2010; 89:95-107. [DOI: 10.1007/s00109-010-0685-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2010] [Revised: 08/27/2010] [Accepted: 09/16/2010] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Li F, Duman-Scheel M, Yang D, Du W, Zhang J, Zhao C, Qin L, Xin S. Sonic hedgehog signaling induces vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation via induction of the G1 cyclin-retinoblastoma axis. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2010; 30:1787-94. [PMID: 20720195 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.110.208520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is a crucial event in the pathogenesis of intimal hyperplasia, the main cause of restenosis following vascular reconstruction. Here, the impact of sonic hedgehog (Shh)/Gli family zinc finger 2 (Gli2) signaling on VSMC proliferation was assessed. METHODS AND RESULTS Increased Shh signaling was detected in VSMCs in the neointima of vein grafts obtained from mice undergoing restenosis. Comparable results were found in primary cultured human VSMCs (hVSMCs) obtained from patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery, which were used to further assess the impacts of Shh signaling on VSMC proliferation. Inhibition of Shh signaling in hVSMCs through treatment with cyclopamine or knockdown of Gli2 results in G(1) arrest and reduced cyclin D1, cyclin E, and phosphorylated retinoblastoma (pRB) levels. In contrast, activation of Shh/Gli2 signaling in hVSMCs results in increased levels of G(1) cyclins and promotes G(1)-S transition. Stimulation of hVSMC proliferation by Shh is abolished by cyclin D1 knockdown. CONCLUSIONS Combined, these results demonstrate that Shh/Gli2 signaling stimulates VSMC proliferation via regulation of the G(1) cyclin-retinoblastoma axis and suggest that antagonists that target the Shh pathway may be therapeutically beneficial in the prevention of intimal hyperplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fenghe Li
- Department of Vascular Surgery, 1st Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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