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Ramli I, Cheriet T, Thuan DTB, Khoi DN, Thu DNK, Posadino AM, Fenu G, Sharifi-Rad J, Pintus G. Potential applications of antofine and its synthetic derivatives in cancer therapy: structural and molecular insights. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024:10.1007/s00210-024-03180-x. [PMID: 38842561 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-03180-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is a major global health challenge, being the second leading cause of morbidity and mortality after cardiovascular disease. The growing economic burden and profound psychosocial impact on patients and their families make it urgent to find innovative and effective anticancer solutions. For this reason, interest in using natural compounds to develop new cancer treatments has grown. In this respect, antofine, an alkaloid class found in Apocynaceae, Lauraceae, and Moraceae family plants, exhibits promising biological properties, including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiviral, and antifungal activities. Several molecular mechanisms have been identified underlying antofine anti-cancerous effects, including the inhibition of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and AKT/mTOR signaling pathways, epigenetic inhibition of protein synthesis, ribosomal targeting, induction of apoptosis, inhibition of DNA synthesis, and cell cycle arrest. This study discusses the molecular structure, sources, photochemistry, and anticancer properties of antofine in relation to its structure-activity relationship and molecular targets. Then, examine in vitro and in vivo studies and analyze the mechanisms of action underpinning antofine efficacy against cancer cells. This review also discusses multidrug resistance in human cancer and the potential of antofine in this context. Safety and toxicity concerns are also addressed as well as current challenges in antofine research, including the need for clinical trials and bioavailability optimization. This review aims to provide comprehensive information for more effective natural compound-based cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman Ramli
- Laboratory of Applied Biochemistry, Faculté Des Sciences de La Nature Et de La Vie, Université Frères Mentouri Constantine 1, 25000, Constantine, Algeria
| | - Thamere Cheriet
- Unité de Valorisation Des Ressources Naturelles, Molécules Bioactives Et Analyses Physicochimiques Et Biologiques, Université Des Frères Mentouri Constantine, 25000, Constantine, Algeria
- Département Science de La Nature Et de La Vie, Faculté Des Sciences Exactes Et Science de La Natute Et de La Vie, Université Mohammed Boudiaf-Oum El-Bouaghi, 04000, Oum El-Bouaghi, Algeria
| | | | - Dang Ngoc Khoi
- College of Health Sciences, VinUniversity, Gia Lam, 100000, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | | | - Anna Maria Posadino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43B, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Grazia Fenu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43B, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Javad Sharifi-Rad
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Gianfranco Pintus
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Viale San Pietro 43B, 07100, Sassari, Italy.
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health Sciences and Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
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2
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Githaka JM, Pirayeshfard L, Goping IS. Cancer invasion and metastasis: Insights from murine pubertal mammary gland morphogenesis. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2023; 1867:130375. [PMID: 37150225 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2023.130375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Cancer invasion and metastasis accounts for the majority of cancer related mortality. A better understanding of the players that drive the aberrant invasion and migration of tumors cells will provide critical targets to inhibit metastasis. Postnatal pubertal mammary gland morphogenesis is characterized by highly proliferative, invasive, and migratory normal epithelial cells. Identifying the molecular regulators of pubertal gland development is a promising strategy since tumorigenesis and metastasis is postulated to be a consequence of aberrant reactivation of developmental stages. In this review, we summarize the pubertal morphogenesis regulators that are involved in cancer metastasis and revisit pubertal mammary gland transcriptome profiling to uncover both known and unknown metastasis genes. Our updated list of pubertal morphogenesis regulators shows that most are implicated in invasion and metastasis. This review highlights molecular linkages between development and metastasis and provides a guide for exploring novel metastatic drivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Maringa Githaka
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada.
| | - Leila Pirayeshfard
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Ing Swie Goping
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada; Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada.
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3
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The Genes-Stemness-Secretome Interplay in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: Molecular Dynamics and Clinical Hints. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043496. [PMID: 36834912 PMCID: PMC9963101 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
MPM has a uniquely poor somatic mutational landscape, mainly driven by environmental selective pressure. This feature has dramatically limited the development of effective treatment. However, genomic events are known to be associated with MPM progression, and specific genetic signatures emerge from the exceptional crosstalk between neoplastic cells and matrix components, among which one main area of focus is hypoxia. Here we discuss the novel therapeutic strategies focused on the exploitation of MPM genetic asset and its interconnection with the surrounding hypoxic microenvironment as well as transcript products and microvesicles representing both an insight into the pathogenesis and promising actionable targets.
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4
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Wang L, Wang X, Wang T, Zhuang Y, Wang G. Multi-omics analysis defines 5-fluorouracil drug resistance in 3D HeLa carcinoma cell model. BIORESOUR BIOPROCESS 2021; 8:135. [PMID: 38650282 PMCID: PMC10991626 DOI: 10.1186/s40643-021-00486-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer is a serious health problem in women around the globe. However, the use of clinical drug is seriously dampened by the development of drug resistance. Efficient in vitro tumor model is essential to improve the efficiency of drug screening and the accuracy of clinical application. Multicellular tumor spheroids (MTSs) can in a way recapitulates tumor traits in vivo, thereby representing a powerful transitional model between 2D monolayer culture and xenograft. In this study, based on the liquid overlay method, a protocol for rapid generation of the MTSs with uniform size and high reproducibility in a high-throughput manner was established. As expected, the cytotoxicity results showed that there was enhanced 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) resistance of HeLa carcinoma cells in 3D MTSs than 2D monolayer culture with a resistance index of 5.72. In order to obtain a holistic view of the molecular mechanisms that drive 5-FU resistance in 3D HeLa carcinoma cells, a multi-omics study was applied to discover hidden biological regularities. It was observed that in the 3D MTSs mitochondrial function-related proteins and the metabolites of the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle) were significantly decreased, and the cellular metabolism was shifted towards glycolysis. The differences in the protein synthesis, processing, and transportation between 2D monolayer cultures and 3D MTSs were significant, mainly in the heat shock protein family, with the up-regulation of protein folding function in endoplasmic reticulum (ER), which promoted the maintenance of ER homeostasis in the 3D MTSs. In addition, at the transcript and protein level, the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins (e.g., laminin and collagen) were up-regulated in the 3D MTSs, which enhanced the physical barrier of drug penetration. Summarizing, this study formulates a rapid, scalable and reproducible in vitro model of 3D MTS for drug screening purposes, and the findings establish a critical role of glycolytic metabolism, ER hemostasis and ECM proteins expression profiling in tumor chemoresistance of HeLa carcinoma cells towards 5-FU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueting Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Tong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingping Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Qingdao Innovation Institute of East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Guan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
- Qingdao Innovation Institute of East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
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5
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Rodríguez-Cerdeira C, Molares-Vila A, Carnero-Gregorio M, Corbalán-Rivas A. Recent advances in melanoma research via "omics" platforms. J Proteomics 2017; 188:152-166. [PMID: 29138111 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2017.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Revised: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Melanoma has a high mortality rate and metastatic melanoma is highly resistant to conventional therapies. "Omics" fields such as proteomics and microRNA and exosome studies have provided new knowledge to complement the information generated by genomic studies. This work aimed to review the current status of biomarker discovery for melanoma through multi-"omics" platforms. A few sets of novel microRNAs and proteins are described, some of them with important implications in suppressing melanoma at different stages. Upregulation of genes involved in angiogenesis, immunosuppressive factors, modification of stroma, capture of melanoma cells in lymph nodes and factors responsible for tumour cell recruitment have been identified in exosomes, among molecules with other functions. A remarkable series of proteins involved in epithelial-mesenchymal/mesenchymal-epithelial transitions, inflammation, motility, proliferation and progression processes, centrosome amplification, aneuploidy, inhibition of CD8+ effector T-cells, and metastasis in general were identified. Genomic and protein-protein interactions or metabolome levels were not analysed. Proteomics tools such as Orbitrap shotgun mass spectrometry or deep mining proteomic analysis utilizing high-resolution reversed phase nanoseparation in combination with mass spectrometry are also discussed. The application of these tools together with bioinformatics approaches applied to the clinical setting will enable the implementation of personalized medicine in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Rodríguez-Cerdeira
- Efficiency, Quality and Costs in Health Services Research Group (EFISALUD), Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, Spain; Dermatology Department, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Vigo (CHUVI), SERGAS, Vigo, Spain.
| | - Alberto Molares-Vila
- Efficiency, Quality and Costs in Health Services Research Group (EFISALUD), Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, Spain; Department of Analytical & Food Chemistry, Universidade de Vigo (UVIGO), Spain
| | - Miguel Carnero-Gregorio
- Efficiency, Quality and Costs in Health Services Research Group (EFISALUD), Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, Spain; Department of Biochemistry, Genetics & Immunology, Universidade de Vigo (UVIGO), Spain
| | - Alberte Corbalán-Rivas
- Nursery Department, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), SERGAS, A Coruña, Spain
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6
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Lung cancer-associated brain metastasis: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic options. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2017; 40:419-441. [PMID: 28921309 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-017-0345-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related mortality in humans. There are several reasons for this high rate of mortality, including metastasis to several organs, especially the brain. In fact, lung cancer is responsible for approximately 50% of all brain metastases, which are very difficult to manage. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying lung cancer-associated brain metastasis brings up novel therapeutic promises with the hope to ameliorate the severity of the disease. Here, we provide an overview of the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of lung cancer dissemination and metastasis to the brain, as well as promising horizons for impeding lung cancer brain metastasis, including the role of cancer stem cells, the blood-brain barrier, interactions of lung cancer cells with the brain microenvironment and lung cancer-driven systemic processes, as well as the role of growth factor/receptor tyrosine kinases, cell adhesion molecules and non-coding RNAs. In addition, we provide an overview of current and novel therapeutic approaches, including radiotherapy, surgery and stereotactic radiosurgery, chemotherapy, as also targeted cancer stem cell and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-based therapies, micro-RNA-based therapies and other small molecule or antibody-based therapies. We will also discuss the daunting potential of some combined therapies. CONCLUSIONS The identification of molecular mechanisms underlying lung cancer metastasis has opened up new avenues towards their eradication and provides interesting opportunities for future research aimed at the development of novel targeted therapies.
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7
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Rodon J, Postel-Vinay S, Hollebecque A, Nuciforo P, Azaro A, Cattan V, Marfai L, Sudey I, Brendel K, Delmas A, Malasse S, Soria JC. First-in-human phase I study of oral S49076, a unique MET/AXL/FGFR inhibitor, in advanced solid tumours. Eur J Cancer 2017. [PMID: 28624695 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2017.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES S49076 is a novel ATP-competitive tyrosine kinase inhibitor of MET, AXL and FGFR with a unique selectivity profile. A phase I open-label study was undertaken to establish the tolerability profile and determine the recommended dose (RD) and administration schedule. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients with advanced solid tumours received S49076 orally once-daily (qd) or twice-daily (bid) in continuous 21-day cycles at escalating doses guided by a 3 + 3 design and followed by an expansion phase at the RD. Pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters were assessed and pharmacodynamic end-points were evaluated in pre- and post-treatment tumour biopsies. Preliminary anti-tumour activity was evaluated as per the Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumours 1.1 criteria. RESULTS A total of 103 patients were treated: 79 in the dose-escalation and 24 in the expansion. Doses from 15 to 900 mg were evaluated. Dose-limiting toxicities were reported in 9 patients and occurred at 30, 760 and 900 mg in the qd arm and at 180, 225 and 285 mg in the bid arm. The RD was defined at 600 mg qd. Adverse events (AEs) occurred with similar frequency in both regimens at an equivalent total daily dose. Overall, 83 patients (81.4%) had drug-related AEs, the majority (93%) of which were grade I-II (National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0) and only 3% led to drug discontinuation. Intratumoural PK analysis at the RD suggested hitting of MET, AXL and FGFR. CONCLUSION S49076 demonstrated a tolerable safety profile with limited single-agent activity. PK/pharmacodynamic readouts of S49076 are encouraging for further investigation of S49076 in combination therapies. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN00759419.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Rodon
- Medical Oncology, Vall D'Hebron University Hospital and Vall D'Hebron Institut D'Oncologia, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Sophie Postel-Vinay
- Drug Development Department DITEP, Institut Gustave Roussy, 94805, Villejuif, France; Université Paris-Sud, Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, 91405, France
| | - Antoine Hollebecque
- Drug Development Department DITEP, Institut Gustave Roussy, 94805, Villejuif, France; Université Paris-Sud, Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, 91405, France
| | - Paolo Nuciforo
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Vall D'Hebron University Hospital Institut D'Oncologia, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Analia Azaro
- Medical Oncology, Vall D'Hebron University Hospital and Vall D'Hebron Institut D'Oncologia, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Valérie Cattan
- Oncology R&D Unit, Institut de Recherches Internationales Servier, 92284, Suresnes, France
| | - Lucie Marfai
- Oncology R&D Unit, Institut de Recherches Internationales Servier, 92284, Suresnes, France
| | - Isabelle Sudey
- Oncology R&D Unit, Institut de Recherches Internationales Servier, 92284, Suresnes, France
| | - Karl Brendel
- Division of Clinical Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacometrics, Institut de Recherches Internationales Servier, 92284, Suresnes, France
| | - Audrey Delmas
- Division of Clinical Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacometrics, Institut de Recherches Internationales Servier, 92284, Suresnes, France
| | - Stéphanie Malasse
- Division of Biostatistics, Institut de Recherches Internationales Servier, 92284, Suresnes, France
| | - Jean-Charles Soria
- Drug Development Department DITEP, Institut Gustave Roussy, 94805, Villejuif, France; Université Paris-Sud, Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, 91405, France
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8
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Siddiqui-Jain A, Hoj JP, Hargiss JB, Hoj TH, Payne CJ, Ritchie CA, Herron SR, Quinn C, Schuler JT, Hansen MDH. Pyridine-pyrimidine amides that prevent HGF-induced epithelial scattering by two distinct mechanisms. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2017; 27:3992-4000. [PMID: 28780159 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2017.07.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Revised: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Stimulation of cultured epithelial cells with scatter factor/hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) results in individual cells detaching and assuming a migratory and invasive phenotype. Epithelial scattering recapitulates cancer progression and studies have implicated HGF signaling as a driver of cancer metastasis. Inhibitors of HGF signaling have been proposed to act as anti-cancer agents. We previously screened a small molecule library for compounds that block HGF-induced epithelial scattering. Most hits identified in this screen exhibit anti-mitotic properties. Here we assess the biological mechanism of a compound that blocks HGF-induced scattering with limited anti-mitotic activity. Analogs of this compound have one of two distinct activities: inhibiting either cell migration or cell proliferation with cell cycle arrest in G2/M. Each activity bears unique structure-activity relationships. The mechanism of action of anti-mitotic compounds is by inhibition of microtubule polymerization; these compounds entropically and enthalpically bind tubulin in the colchicine binding site, generating a conformational change in the tubulin dimer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Siddiqui-Jain
- Frost Biologic, Inc., 5201 South Green St., Suite 160, Salt Lake City, UT 84123, USA
| | - Jacob P Hoj
- Frost Biologic, Inc., 5201 South Green St., Suite 160, Salt Lake City, UT 84123, USA
| | - J Blade Hargiss
- Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology, Brigham Young University, 4005 LSB, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Taylor H Hoj
- Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology, Brigham Young University, 4005 LSB, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Carter J Payne
- Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology, Brigham Young University, 4005 LSB, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Collin A Ritchie
- Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology, Brigham Young University, 4005 LSB, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | | | | | - Jeffrey T Schuler
- Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology, Brigham Young University, 4005 LSB, Provo, UT 84602, USA
| | - Marc D H Hansen
- Frost Biologic, Inc., 5201 South Green St., Suite 160, Salt Lake City, UT 84123, USA; Department of Physiology and Developmental Biology, Brigham Young University, 4005 LSB, Provo, UT 84602, USA.
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9
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Weidle UH, Birzele F, Kollmorgen G, Rüger R. The Multiple Roles of Exosomes in Metastasis. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2017; 14:1-15. [PMID: 28031234 DOI: 10.21873/cgp.20015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Revised: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 12/09/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Exosomes are important contributors to cell-cell communication and their role as diagnostic markers for cancer and the pathogenesis for cancer is under intensive investigation. Here, we focus on their role in metastasis-related processes. We discuss their impact regarding promotion of invasion and migration of tumor cells, conditioning of lymph nodes, generation of premetastatic niches and organotropism of metastasis. Furthermore, we highlight interactions of exosomes with bone marrow and stromal components such as fibroblasts, endothelial cells, myeloid- and other immune-related cells in the context of metastases. For all processes as described above, we outline molecular and cellular components for therapeutic intervention with metastatic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich H Weidle
- Roche Innovation Center Munich, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Fabian Birzele
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffman La-Roche, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gwen Kollmorgen
- Roche Innovation Center Munich, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Rüger
- Roche Innovation Center Munich, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Penzberg, Germany
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10
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Stella GM, Gentile A, Baderacchi A, Meloni F, Milan M, Benvenuti S. Ockham's razor for the MET-driven invasive growth linking idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and cancer. J Transl Med 2016; 14:256. [PMID: 27590450 PMCID: PMC5010719 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-016-1008-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) identifies a specific lung disorder characterized by chronic, progressive fibrosing interstitial pneumonia of unknown etiology, which lacks effective treatment. According to the current pathogenic perspective, the aberrant proliferative events in IPF resemble those occurring during malignant transformation. MAIN BODY Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) are known to be key players in cancer onset and progression. It has been demonstrated that RTK expression is sometimes also altered and even druggable in IPF. One example of an RTK-the MET proto-oncogene-is a key regulator of invasive growth. This physiological genetic program supports embryonic development and post-natal organ regeneration, as well as cooperating in the evolution of cancer metastasis when aberrantly activated. Growing evidence sustains that MET activation may collaborate in maintaining tissue plasticity and the regenerative potential that characterizes IPF. CONCLUSION The present work aims to elucidate-by applying the logic of simplicity-the bio-molecular mechanisms involved in MET activation in IPF. This clarification is crucial to accurately design MET blockade strategies within a fully personalized approach to IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia M. Stella
- Pneumology Unit, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Department, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation and University of Pavia Medical School, Piazzale Golgi 19, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Investigational Clinical Oncology (INCO), IRCCS Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, Candiolo, 20060 Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gentile
- Experimental Clinical Molecular Oncology (ECMO), IRCCS Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, Candiolo, 20060 Turin, Italy
| | - Alice Baderacchi
- Investigational Clinical Oncology (INCO), IRCCS Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, Candiolo, 20060 Turin, Italy
| | - Federica Meloni
- Pneumology Unit, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Department, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation and University of Pavia Medical School, Piazzale Golgi 19, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Melissa Milan
- Experimental Clinical Molecular Oncology (ECMO), IRCCS Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, Candiolo, 20060 Turin, Italy
| | - Silvia Benvenuti
- Experimental Clinical Molecular Oncology (ECMO), IRCCS Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, Candiolo, 20060 Turin, Italy
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11
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Hoj TH, Robinson RJ, Burton JC, Densley-Ure RA, Olson TV, Williams LK, Coward L, Gorman G, Hansen MDH. Small Molecules Revealed in a Screen Targeting Epithelial Scattering Are Inhibitors of Microtubule Polymerization. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 21:671-9. [DOI: 10.1177/1087057116651850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Stimulation of cultured epithelial cells with scatter factor/hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) results in the detachment of cell-cell junctions and initiation of cell migration. Instead of coordinating collective cell behavior within a tissue, cells become solitary and have few cell-cell interactions. Since epithelial scattering is recapitulated in cancer progression and since HGF signaling drives cancer metastasis in many cases, inhibitors of HGF signaling have been proposed to act as anticancer agents. We previously sought to better understand critical components required for HGF-induced epithelial scattering by performing a forward chemical genetics screen, which resulted in the identification of compounds with no previously reported biological activity that we report here. In efforts to determine the mechanism of these compounds, we find that many compounds have broad antiproliferative effects on cancer cell lines by arrest of cell division in G2/M with minimal induction of apoptosis. This effect is reminiscent of microtubule-targeting agents, and we find that several of these scaffolds directly inhibit microtubule polymerization. Compounds are assessed for their toxicity and pharmacokinetics in vivo. The identification of novel small-molecule inhibitors of microtubule polymerization highlights the role of the microtubule cytoskeleton in HGF-induced epithelial scattering.
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12
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Wang Y, Zhan Z, Jiang X, Peng X, Shen Y, Chen F, Ji Y, Liu W, Shi Y, Duan W, Ding J, Ai J, Geng M. Simm530, a novel and highly selective c-Met inhibitor, blocks c-Met-stimulated signaling and neoplastic activities. Oncotarget 2016; 7:38091-38104. [PMID: 27191264 PMCID: PMC5122374 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The aberrant c-Met activation has been implicated in a variety of human cancers for its critical role in tumor growth, metastasis and tumor angiogenesis. Thus, c-Met axis presents as an attractive therapeutic target. Notably, most of these c-Met inhibitors currently being evaluated in clinical trials lack selectivity and target multiple kinases, often accounting for the undesirable toxicities. Here we described Simm530 as a potent and selective c-Met inhibitor. Simm530 demonstrated >2,000 fold selectivity for c-Met compared with other 282 kinases, making it one of the most selective c-Met inhibitors described to date. This inhibitor significantly blocked c-Met signaling pathways regardless of mechanistic complexity implicated in c-Met activation. As a result, Simm530 led to substantial inhibition of c-Met-promoted cell proliferation, migration, invasion, ECM degradation, cell scattering and invasive growth. In addition, Simm530 inhibited primary human umbilical vascular endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation, decreased intratumoral CD31 expression and plasma pro-angiogenic factor interleukin-8 secretion, suggesting its significant anti-angiogenic properties. Simm530 resulted in dose-dependent inhibition of c-Met phosphorylation and tumor growth in c-Met-driven lung and gastric cancer xenografts. And, the inhibitor is well tolerated even at doses that achieve complete tumor regression. Together, Simm530 is a potent and highly selective c-Met kinase inhibitor that may have promising therapeutic potential in c-Met-driven cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, P.R.China
| | - Zhengsheng Zhan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, P.R.China
| | - Xifei Jiang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R.China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Shanghai, P.R.China
| | - Xia Peng
- Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, P.R.China
| | - Yanyan Shen
- Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, P.R.China
| | - Fang Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, P.R.China
| | - Yinchun Ji
- Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, P.R.China
| | - Weiren Liu
- Department of Liver Surgery, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R.China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Shanghai, P.R.China
| | - Yinghong Shi
- Department of Liver Surgery, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R.China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, Shanghai, P.R.China
| | - Wenhu Duan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, P.R.China
| | - Jian Ding
- Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, P.R.China
| | - Jing Ai
- Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, P.R.China
| | - Meiyu Geng
- Division of Anti-Tumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, P.R.China
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Zhan Z, Peng X, Liu Q, Chen F, Ji Y, Yao S, Xi Y, Lin Y, Chen T, Xu Y, Ai J, Geng M, Duan W. Discovery of 6-(difluoro(6-(4-fluorophenyl)-[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3- b ][1,2,4]triazin-3-yl)methyl)quinoline as a highly potent and selective c-Met inhibitor. Eur J Med Chem 2016; 116:239-251. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2016.03.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Revised: 03/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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Ross JS, Wang K, Gay L, Otto GA, White E, Iwanik K, Palmer G, Yelensky R, Lipson DM, Chmielecki J, Erlich RL, Rankin AN, Ali SM, Elvin JA, Morosini D, Miller VA, Stephens PJ. Comprehensive Genomic Profiling of Carcinoma of Unknown Primary Site: New Routes to Targeted Therapies. JAMA Oncol 2016; 1:40-49. [PMID: 26182302 DOI: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2014.216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE For carcinoma of unknown primary site (CUP), determining the primary tumor site may be uninformative and often does not improve outcome. OBJECTIVE To discover opportunities for targeted therapies in patients with CUP not currently searched for in routine practice. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Comprehensive genomic profiling on 200 CUP formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens (mean, 756× coverage) using the hybrid-capture-based FoundationOne assay at academic and community oncology clinics. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Presence of targetable genomic alterations (GAs) in CUP and responses to targeted therapies. RESULTS There were 125 adenocarcinomas of unknown primary site (ACUPs) and 75 carcinomas of unknown primary site without features of adenocarcinoma (non-ACUPs). At least 1 GA was found in 192 (96%) of CUP specimens, with a mean (SD) of 4.2 (2.8) GAs per tumor. The most frequent GAs were in TP53 (110 [55%]), KRAS (40 [20%]), CDKN2A (37 [19%]), MYC (23 [12%]), ARID1A (21 [11%]), MCL1 (19 [10%]), PIK3CA (17 [9%]), ERBB2 (16 [8%]), PTEN (14 [7%]), EGFR (12 [6%]), SMAD4 (13 [7%]), STK11 (13 [7%]), SMARCA4 (12 [6%]), RB1 (12 [6%]), RICTOR (12 [6%]), MLL2 (12 [6%]), BRAF (11 [6%]), and BRCA2 (11 [6%]). One or more potentially targetable GAs were identified in 169 of 200 (85%) CUP specimens. Mutations or amplifications of ERBB2 were more frequent in ACUPs (13 [10%]) than in non-ACUPs (3 [4%]). Alterations of EGFR (10 [8%] vs 2 [3%]) and BRAF (8 [6%] vs 3 [4%]) were more common in ACUPs than in non-ACUPs. Strikingly, clinically relevant alterations in the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK)/Ras signaling pathway including alterations in ALK, ARAF, BRAF, EGFR, FGFR1, FGFR2, KIT, KRAS, MAP2K1, MET, NF1, NF2, NRAS, RAF1, RET, and ROS1 were found in 90 (72%) ACUPs but in only 29 (39%) non-ACUPs (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Almost all CUP samples harbored at least 1 clinically relevant GA with potential to influence and personalize therapy. The ACUP tumors were more frequently driven by GAs in the highly druggable RTK/Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway than the non-ACUP tumors. Comprehensive genomic profiling can identify novel treatment paradigms to address the limited options and poor prognoses of patients with CUP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey S Ross
- Foundation Medicine Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York
| | - Kai Wang
- Foundation Medicine Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Laurie Gay
- Foundation Medicine Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Geoff A Otto
- Foundation Medicine Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Emily White
- Foundation Medicine Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Kiel Iwanik
- Foundation Medicine Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Gary Palmer
- Foundation Medicine Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Siraj M Ali
- Foundation Medicine Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts
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Loaiza-Bonilla A, Furth EE, Morrissette JJD. Next-generation sequencing and personalized genomic medicine in hepatobiliary malignancies. Hepat Oncol 2015; 2:359-370. [PMID: 30191018 PMCID: PMC6095428 DOI: 10.2217/hep.15.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is a heterogeneous group of tumors characterized by significant molecular and genomic heterogeneity. The advent of powerful genomic technologies has allowed detection of recurrent somatic alterations in liver cancer, including mutations, copy number alterations as well as changes in transcriptomes and epigenomes, with the potential to translate these data into clinically relevant predictive and prognostic factors. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the application of high-throughput genomic technologies in liver cancer and the integration of such cancer genome profiling data, highlighting specific relevant subgroups and explain how this knowledge can be used in translational clinical research, 'basket trials', molecular tumor boards, targeted therapy and for personalized genomic medicine applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arturo Loaiza-Bonilla
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Emma E Furth
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Jennifer JD Morrissette
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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16
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Wu Z, Wang H, Fang S, Xu C. MiR-449c inhibits gastric carcinoma growth. Life Sci 2015; 137:14-9. [PMID: 26141986 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2015.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2015] [Revised: 06/13/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Gastric carcinoma (GC) is among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in China. Growing evidence indicates that dysregulation of miRNAs contributes to GC development. Although it has been shown that miR-449c acts as a tumor suppressor in lung cancer, the role of miR-449c in GC remains unclear. MAIN METHODS Here, we analyzed miR-449c levels in GC tissues and cell lines by RT-qPCR. We also overexpressed and inhibited miR-449c by transfecting miRNA mimics and antisense oligonucleotides (ASO), respectively. Cell growth was analyzed by MTT assay, and cell apoptosis was evaluated by FACS analysis. MiR-449c target genes were predicted using bioinformatics algorithms and confirmed by a dual luciferase reporter assay. KEY FINDINGS We detected lower miR-449c levels in GC tissues; the low miR-449c levels correlated with low survival rate. Overexpression of miR-449c inhibited cell growth and promoted apoptosis, while depletion of miR-449c increased cell growth and suppressed apoptosis. Moreover, the 3' UTR of MET, an oncogene that activates tumor cell growth, appeared to be targeted by miR-449c. SIGNIFICANCE Together, we showed that the reduced miR-449c levels in GC tissues promote GC growth, which possibly contributes to the low survival rate of GC patients. Mechanistically, miR-449c may target MET to suppress GC cell growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiming Wu
- Department of Surgery, Shaoxing Hospital of China Medical University, 1 Huayu Road, Shaoxing 312030, China.
| | - Huangen Wang
- Department of Surgery, Shaoxing Hospital of China Medical University, 1 Huayu Road, Shaoxing 312030, China
| | - Sunyang Fang
- Department of Surgery, Shaoxing Hospital of China Medical University, 1 Huayu Road, Shaoxing 312030, China
| | - Chaoyang Xu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Shaoxing People's Hospital, 568 Zhongxingbei Road, Shaoxing 312000, China
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17
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Song J, Kwon Y, Kim S, Lee SK. Antitumor activity of phenanthroindolizidine alkaloids is associated with negative regulation of Met endosomal signaling in renal cancer cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 22:504-515. [PMID: 25865310 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2015.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2015] [Revised: 03/08/2015] [Accepted: 03/13/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Met is a receptor tyrosine kinase for hepatocyte growth factor. Met mutations have been considered as a major cause of primary resistance to Met tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Mutated Met enhances its endosomal signaling, which includes internalization, signaling within endosomes, recycling to membrane, and sorting for degradation. These sequential events lead to a plausible mechanism for resistance. (-)-Antofine, a phenanthroindolizidine alkaloid, has exhibited potent antitumor activity but the precise underlying mechanism has been poorly understood. We found that (-)-antofine effectively inhibited the proliferation of Met-mutated Caki-1 cells, which were resistant to well-known Met TKIs. (-)-Antofine negatively regulated Met endosomal signaling and consequently inhibited the nuclear translocation of STAT3 both in vitro and in vivo. These findings emphasize the potential of Met endosomal signaling as a novel target for Met TKI-resistant cancers and (-)-antofine as a novel lead compound associated with the suppression of Met endosomal signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayoung Song
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 151-742, Korea
| | - Yongseok Kwon
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 151-742, Korea
| | - Sanghee Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 151-742, Korea
| | - Sang Kook Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 151-742, Korea.
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18
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Zorzetto M, Ferrari S, Saracino L, Inghilleri S, Stella GM. MET genetic lesions in non-small-cell lung cancer: pharmacological and clinical implications. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2015; 1:194-207. [PMID: 25806181 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2218-6751.2012.09.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2012] [Accepted: 09/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of death for solid tumors worldwide with an annual mortality of over one million. Lung carcinoma includes a series of different diseases which are roughly divided into two groups based on clinical and histo-pathological features: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), accounting for almost 80% of lung cancer diagnosis and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) responsible for the remaining 20%. The NSCLC molecular profile has been deeply investigated; alterations in several oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes and transcription factors have been detected, mainly in adenocarcinomas. Dissection of such a complex scenario represents a still open challenge for both researchers and clinicians. MET, the receptor for Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF), has been recently identified as a novel promising target in several human malignancies, including NSCLC. Deregulation of the HGF/MET signaling pathway can occur via different mechanisms, including HGF and/or MET overexpression, MET gene amplification, mutations or rearrangements. While the role of MET mutations in NSCLC is not yet fully understood, MET amplification emerged as a critical event in driving cell survival, with preclinical data suggesting that MET-amplified cell lines are exquisitely sensitive to MET inhibition. True MET amplification, which has been associated with poor prognosis in different retrospective series, is a relatively uncommon event in NSCLC, occurring in 1-7% of unselected cases. Nevertheless, in highly selected cohorts of patients, such as those harboring somatic mutations of EGFR with acquired resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors, MET amplification can be observed in up to 20% of cases. Preclinical data suggested that a treatment approach including a combination of EGFR and MET tyrosine kinases could be an effective strategy in this setting and led to the clinical investigation of multiple MET inhibitors in combination with anti-EGFR agents. Results from ongoing and future trials will clarify the role of anti-MET molecules for the treatment of NSCLC and will provide insights into the most appropriate timing for their use. The present review recapitulates the current knowledge on the role of MET signaling in NSCLC mainly focusing on its implications in molecular diagnostic approach and on the novel targeted inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Zorzetto
- Department of Molecular Medicine, - Section of Pneumology, Laboratory of Biochemistry & Genetics; University and Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia- Italy
| | - Simona Ferrari
- Department of Molecular Medicine, - Section of Pneumology, Laboratory of Biochemistry & Genetics; University and Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia- Italy
| | - Laura Saracino
- Department of Molecular Medicine, - Section of Pneumology, Laboratory of Biochemistry & Genetics; University and Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia- Italy
| | - Simona Inghilleri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, - Section of Pneumology, Laboratory of Biochemistry & Genetics; University and Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia- Italy
| | - Giulia M Stella
- Department of Molecular Medicine, - Section of Pneumology, Laboratory of Biochemistry & Genetics; University and Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia- Italy
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Whitsett TG, Inge LJ, Dhruv HD, Cheung PY, Weiss GJ, Bremner RM, Winkles JA, Tran NL. Molecular determinants of lung cancer metastasis to the central nervous system. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2015; 2:273-83. [PMID: 25806243 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2218-6751.2013.03.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2013] [Accepted: 03/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The propensity for metastasis to the central nervous system (CNS) is a major clinical hurdle contributing to the low five-year survival rate of advanced disease. CNS metastases significantly outnumber primary brain tumors and carry a dismal prognosis in part due to the inability of therapeutic agents to cross the blood brain barrier. Standard treatment using radiation has been largely ineffective in improving mortality, suggesting the need for new agents targeting the critical metastatic drivers. The genetic and molecular events governing CNS metastasis from the lung are poorly understood at this time. This review highlights genetic events associated with CNS dissemination from the lung and molecular mechanisms associated with CNS metastasis. In vivo model systems that faithfully recapitulate escape from the lung and colonization of the CNS are described as tools for understanding the metastatic phenotype and for testing new therapeutic agents. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms of lung cancer metastasis to the CNS is needed to elucidate novel therapeutic avenues towards the improvement of the mortality associated with advanced stage lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy G Whitsett
- Cancer and Cell Biology Division, The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Landon J Inge
- Center for Thoracic and Esophageal Disease, Heart and Lung Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Harshil D Dhruv
- Cancer and Cell Biology Division, The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Philip Y Cheung
- Cancer and Cell Biology Division, The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Glen J Weiss
- Cancer and Cell Biology Division, The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), Phoenix, AZ, USA ; ; Medical Oncology, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Goodyear, AZ, USA
| | - Ross M Bremner
- Center for Thoracic and Esophageal Disease, Heart and Lung Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Winkles
- Departments of Surgery and Physiology, Center for Vascular and Inflammatory Diseases and the Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nhan L Tran
- Cancer and Cell Biology Division, The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), Phoenix, AZ, USA
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20
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Gangemi R, Amaro A, Gino A, Barisione G, Fabbi M, Pfeffer U, Brizzolara A, Queirolo P, Salvi S, Boccardo S, Gualco M, Spagnolo F, Jager MJ, Mosci C, Rossello A, Ferrini S. ADAM10 correlates with uveal melanoma metastasis and promotes in vitro invasion. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2014; 27:1138-48. [PMID: 25124714 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2014] [Accepted: 08/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is a rare ocular tumor that may lead to deadly metastases in 50% of patients. A disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM)10, ADAM17, and the HGF-receptor c-Met support invasiveness in different tumors. Here, we report that high ADAM10, MET, and, to a lesser extent, ADAM17 gene expression correlates with poor progression-free survival in UM patients (hazard ratio 2.7, 2.6, and 1.9, respectively). About 60% of primary UM expresses c-Met and/or ADAM10 proteins. Four UM cell lines display high levels of ADAM10 and ADAM17, which constitutively cleave c-Met, inducing the release of soluble c-Met. ADAM10/17 pharmacological inhibition or gene silencing reduces c-Met shedding, but has limited impact on surface c-Met, which is overexpressed. Importantly, ADAM10 silencing inhibits UM cell invasion driven by FCS or HGF, while ADAM17 silencing has a limited effect. Altogether our data indicate that ADAM10 has a pro-invasive role and may contribute to UM progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosaria Gangemi
- IRCCS A.O.U. San Martino - IST Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genoa, Italy
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21
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Whitsett TG, Fortin Ensign SP, Dhruv HD, Inge LJ, Kurywchak P, Wolf KK, LoBello J, Kingsley CB, Allen JW, Weiss GJ, Tran NL. FN14 expression correlates with MET in NSCLC and promotes MET-driven cell invasion. Clin Exp Metastasis 2014; 31:613-23. [PMID: 24710956 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-014-9653-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2013] [Accepted: 03/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The five-year survival rate in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains below ten percent. The invasive and metastatic nature of NSCLC tumor cells contributes to the high mortality rate, and as such the mechanisms that govern NSCLC metastasis is an active area of investigation. Two surface receptors that influence NSCLC invasion and metastasis are the hepatocyte growth factor receptor (HGFR/MET) and fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 (FN14). MET protein is over-expressed in NSCLC tumors and associated with poor clinical outcome and metastasis. FN14 protein is also elevated in NSCLC tumors and positively correlates with tumor cell migration and invasion. In this report, we show that MET and FN14 protein expressions are significantly correlated in human primary NSCLC tumors, and the protein levels of MET and FN14 are elevated in metastatic lesions relative to patient-matched primary tumors. In vitro, HGF/MET activation significantly enhances FN14 mRNA and protein expression. Importantly, depletion of FN14 is sufficient to inhibit MET-driven NSCLC tumor cell migration and invasion in vitro. This work suggests that MET and FN14 protein expressions are associated with the invasive and metastatic potential of NSCLC. Receptor-targeted therapeutics for both MET and FN14 are in clinical development, the use of which may mitigate the metastatic potential of NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy G Whitsett
- Cancer and Cell Biology Division, The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), 445 N. Fifth St., Suite 400, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA,
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22
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Morani F, Titone R, Pagano L, Galetto A, Alabiso O, Aimaretti G, Isidoro C. Autophagy and thyroid carcinogenesis: genetic and epigenetic links. Endocr Relat Cancer 2014; 21:R13-29. [PMID: 24163390 DOI: 10.1530/erc-13-0271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Thyroid cancer is the most common cancer of the endocrine system and is responsible for the majority of deaths from endocrine malignancies. Although a large proportion of thyroid cancers belong to well differentiated histologic subtypes, which in general show a good prognosis after surgery and radioiodine ablation, the treatment of radio-resistant papillary-type, of undifferentiated anaplastic, and of medullary-type thyroid cancers remains unsatisfactory. Autophagy is a vesicular process for the lysosomal degradation of protein aggregates and of damaged or redundant organelles. Autophagy plays an important role in cell homeostasis, and there is evidence that this process is dysregulated in cancer cells. Recent in vitro preclinical studies have indicated that autophagy is involved in the cytotoxic response to chemotherapeutics in thyroid cancer cells. Indeed, several oncogenes and oncosuppressor genes implicated in thyroid carcinogenesis also play a role in the regulation of autophagy. In addition, some epigenetic modulators involved in thyroid carcinogenesis also influence autophagy. In this review, we highlight the genetic and epigenetic factors that mechanistically link thyroid carcinogenesis and autophagy, thus substantiating the rationale for an autophagy-targeted therapy of aggressive and radio-chemo-resistant thyroid cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Morani
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Health SciencesUnit of Clinical Endocrinology Unit of Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale 'A. Avogadro', Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy
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Dai J, Zhang H, Karatsinides A, Keller JM, Kozloff KM, Aftab DT, Schimmoller F, Keller ET. Cabozantinib inhibits prostate cancer growth and prevents tumor-induced bone lesions. Clin Cancer Res 2013; 20:617-30. [PMID: 24097861 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-13-0839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cabozantinib, an orally available multityrosine kinase inhibitor with activity against mesenchymal epithelial transition factor (MET) and VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2), induces resolution of bone scan lesions in men with castration-resistant prostate cancer bone metastases. The purpose of this study was to determine whether cabozantinib elicited a direct antitumor effect, an indirect effect through modulating bone, or both. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Using human prostate cancer xenograft studies in mice, we determined the impact of cabozantinib on tumor growth in soft tissue and bone. In vitro studies with cabozantinib were performed using (i) prostate cancer cell lines to evaluate its impact on cell growth, invasive ability, and MET and (ii) osteoblast cell lines to evaluate its impact on viability and differentiation and VEGFR2. RESULTS Cabozantinib inhibited progression of multiple prostate cancer cell lines (Ace-1, C4-2B, and LuCaP 35) in bone metastatic and soft tissue murine models of prostate cancer, except for PC-3 prostate cancer cells in which it inhibited only subcutaneous growth. Cabozantinib directly inhibited prostate cancer cell viability and induced apoptosis in vitro and in vivo and inhibited cell invasion in vitro. Cabozantinib had a dose-dependent biphasic effect on osteoblast activity and inhibitory effect on osteoclast production in vitro that was reflected in vivo. It blocked MET and VEGFR2 phosphorylation in prostate cancer cells and osteoblast-like cells, respectively. CONCLUSION These data indicate that cabozantinib has direct antitumor activity, and that its ability to modulate osteoblast activity may contribute to its antitumor efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinlu Dai
- Authors' Affiliations: Departments of Urology and Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; and Exelixis Inc., South San Francisco, California
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Medová M, Pochon B, Streit B, Blank-Liss W, Francica P, Stroka D, Keogh A, Aebersold DM, Blaukat A, Bladt F, Zimmer Y. The novel ATP-competitive inhibitor of the MET hepatocyte growth factor receptor EMD1214063 displays inhibitory activity against selected MET-mutated variants. Mol Cancer Ther 2013; 12:2415-24. [PMID: 24061647 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-13-0151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The receptor tyrosine kinase MET is a prime target in clinical oncology due to its aberrant activation and involvement in the pathogenesis of a broad spectrum of malignancies. Similar to other targeted kinases, primary and secondary mutations seem to represent an important resistance mechanism to MET inhibitors. Here, we report the biologic activity of a novel MET inhibitor, EMD1214063, on cells that ectopically express the mutated MET variants M1268T, Y1248H, H1112Y, L1213V, H1112L, V1110I, V1206L, and V1238I. Our results show a dose-dependent decrease in MET autophosphorylation in response to EMD1214063 in five of the eight cell lines (IC50 2-43 nmol/L). Blockade of MET by EMD1214063 was accompanied by a reduced activation of downstream effectors in cells expressing EMD1214063-sensitive mutants. In all sensitive mutant-expressing lines, EMD1214063 altered cell-cycle distribution, primarily with an increase in G1 phase. EMD1214063 strongly influenced MET-driven biologic functions, such as cellular morphology, MET-dependent cell motility, and anchorage-independent growth. To assess the in vivo efficacy of EMD1214063, we used a xenograft tumor model in immunocompromised mice bearing NIH3T3 cells expressing sensitive and resistant MET-mutated variants. Animals were randomized for the treatment with EMD1214063 (50 mg/kg/d) or vehicle only. Remarkably, five days of EMD1214063 treatment resulted in a complete regression of the sensitive H1112L-derived tumors, whereas tumor growth remained unaffected in mice with L1213V tumors and in vehicle-treated animals. Collectively, the current data identifies EMD1214063 as a potent MET small-molecule inhibitor with selective activity towards mutated MET variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Medová
- Corresponding Author: Michaela Medová, Radiation Oncology, Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern/Inselspital, MEM-E815, Murtenstrassse 35, 3010 Bern, Switzerland.
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Raibaut L, Vicogne J, Leclercq B, Drobecq H, Desmet R, Melnyk O. Total synthesis of biotinylated N domain of human hepatocyte growth factor. Bioorg Med Chem 2013; 21:3486-94. [PMID: 23523386 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2013.02.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2013] [Revised: 02/18/2013] [Accepted: 02/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF) is the high affinity ligand of MET tyrosine kinase receptor. We report here the total synthesis of a biotinylated analogue of human HGF/SF N domain. Functionally, N domain is part of the HGF/SF high affinity binding site for MET and also the main HGF/SF binding site for heparin. The 97 Aa linear chain featuring a C-terminal biotin group was assembled in high yield using an N-to-C one-pot three segments assembly strategy relying on a sequential Native Chemical Ligation (NCL)/bis(2-sulfanylethyl)amido (SEA) native peptide ligation process. The folded protein displayed the native disulfide bond pattern and showed the ability to bind heparin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Raibaut
- UMR CNRS 8161 Univ Lille Nord de France, Institut Pasteur de Lille, 1 rue du Pr Calmette, Lille 59021, France
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27
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Yu H, Yuan J, Xiao C, Qin Y. Integrative genomic analyses of recepteur d'origine nantais and its prognostic value in cancer. Int J Mol Med 2013; 31:1248-54. [PMID: 23483216 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2013.1296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2012] [Accepted: 02/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Recepteur d'origine nantais (RON) is a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) normally expressed at low levels in epithelial cells. RON is a 180-kDa heterodimeric protein composed of a 40-kDa α-chain and a 150-kDa transmembrane β-chain with intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity. The extracellular sequences of RON contain several domains including an N-terminal semaphorin (sema) domain, followed by the plexin, semaphorin, integrin (PSI) domain, and four immunoglobulin, plexin, transcription factor (IPT) domains. Here, we identified RON genes from 14 vertebrate genomes and found that RON exists in all types of vertebrates including fish, amphibians, birds and mammals. We found that the human RON gene showed predominant expression in the liver, lymph node, thymus, intestine, lung, mammary gland, bone marrow, brain, heart, placenta, bladder, cortex, cervix, skin, kidney and prostate. When searched in the PrognoScan database, human RON was also found to be expressed in bladder, blood, breast, glioma, esophageal, colorectal, head and neck, ovarian, lung and skin cancer. The relationship between the expression of RON and prognosis was found to vary in different cancer types, even in the same cancer from different databases. This suggests that the function of RON in these tumors may be multidimensional, not just as a tumor suppressor or oncogene. Six available single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) disrupting existing exonic splicing enhancers were identified in RON. This may contribute to the generation of active RON variants by alternative splicing, which is frequently observed in primary tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haizhong Yu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory of the Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital of Nantong City, Nantong, Jiangsu, P.R. China.
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Oncogenes in non-small-cell lung cancer: emerging connections and novel therapeutic dynamics. THE LANCET RESPIRATORY MEDICINE 2013; 1:251-61. [PMID: 24429131 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-2600(13)70009-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Non-small-cell lung cancer is a heterogeneous disease that is difficult to treat. Through efforts to define the molecular mechanisms involved in lung oncogenesis, molecularly targeted approaches for patients with lung cancer have now reached the clinical arena. Despite elucidation of some molecular mechanisms of lung carcinogenesis, prognosis for patients remains poor. This Review aims to highlight the functional associations between key oncogenes that drive lung tumorigenesis and are distinct targetable molecules. Oncogenes are defined by acquisition of mutations, which results in a dominant gain-of-function of the targeted protein. In this situation, a single mutated allele is sufficient to induce malignant transformation. Importantly, tumours become addicted to particular genetic alterations that cause oncogene activation and the continued expression of the signalling. An increasing amount of evidence sustains the rationale for targeting of oncogenic pathways rather than a single oncogene. A clear priority for both researchers and clinicians is to better understand the complexity of biological networks underlying lung cancer pathogenesis. This paradigmatic shift in tailoring therapies should effectively improve outcomes for patients.
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29
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Olanich ME, Barr FG. A call to ARMS: targeting the PAX3-FOXO1 gene in alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2013; 17:607-23. [PMID: 23432728 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2013.772136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Expression of fusion oncoproteins generated by recurrent chromosomal translocations represents a major tumorigenic mechanism characteristic of multiple cancers, including one-third of all sarcomas. Oncogenic fusion genes provide novel targets for therapeutic intervention. The PAX3-FOXO1 oncoprotein in alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS) is presented as a paradigm to examine therapeutic strategies for targeting sarcoma-associated fusion genes. AREAS COVERED This review discusses the role of PAX3-FOXO1 in ARMS tumors. Besides evaluating various approaches to molecularly target PAX3-FOXO1 itself, this review highlights therapeutically attractive downstream genes activated by PAX3-FOXO1. EXPERT OPINION Oncogenic fusion proteins represent desirable therapeutic targets because their expression is specific to tumor cells, but these fusions generally characterize rare malignancies. Full development and testing of potential drugs targeted to these fusions are complicated by the small numbers of patients in these disease categories. Although efforts to develop targeted therapies against fusion proteins should continue, molecular targets that are applicable to a broader tumor landscape should be pursued. A shift of the traditional paradigm to view therapeutic intervention as target-specific rather than tumor-specific will help to circumvent the challenges posed by rare tumors and maximize the possibility of developing successful new treatments for patients with these rare translocation-associated sarcomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary E Olanich
- National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, Laboratory of Pathology , Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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30
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Humbert M, Medová M, Aebersold DM, Blaukat A, Bladt F, Fey MF, Zimmer Y, Tschan MP. Protective autophagy is involved in resistance towards MET inhibitors in human gastric adenocarcinoma cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2013; 431:264-9. [PMID: 23313490 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2012.12.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2012] [Accepted: 12/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
MET, also known as hepatocyte growth factor receptor (HGFR), is a receptor tyrosine kinase with an important role, both in normal cellular function as well as in oncogenesis. In many cancer types, abnormal activation of MET is related to poor prognosis and various strategies to inhibit its function, including small molecule inhibitors, are currently in preclinical and clinical evaluation. Autophagy, a self-digesting recycling mechanism with cytoprotective functions, is induced by cellular stress. This process is also induced upon cytotoxic drug treatment of cancer cells and partially allows these cells to escape cell death. Thus, since autophagy protects different tumor cells from chemotherapy-induced cell death, current clinical trials aim at combining autophagy inhibitors with different cancer treatments. We found that in a gastric adenocarcinoma cell line GTL-16, where MET activity is deregulated due to receptor overexpression, two different MET inhibitors PHA665752 and EMD1214063 lead to cell death paralleled by the induction of autophagy. A combined treatment of MET inhibitors together with the autophagy inhibitor 3-MA or genetically impairing autophagy by knocking down the key autophagy gene ATG7 further decreased cell viability of gastric cancer cells. In general, we observed the induction of cytoprotective autophagy in MET expressing cells upon MET inhibition and a combination of MET and autophagy inhibition resulted in significantly decreased cell viability in gastric cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magali Humbert
- Experimental Oncology/Hematology, Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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31
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Broggini M, Garassino MC, Damia G. Evaluation of safety and efficacy of tivantinib in the treatment of inoperable or recurrent non-small-cell lung cancer. Cancer Manag Res 2013; 5:15-20. [PMID: 23378782 PMCID: PMC3559079 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s29995] [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: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Tivantinib is a selective, oral, non-ATP-competitive, small molecule inhibitor of the c-Met receptor, tyrosine kinase, which is implicated at different levels of tumor cell migration, invasion, proliferation, and metastasis. Tivantinib has shown antitumor activity in various human tumor cell lines and in xenograft models of human cancers, including non-small-cell lung cancer. Few therapeutic options are available at present for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer, so there is a pressing need for new therapeutic strategies to improve response and survival. Amplification of Met has been reported in more than 20% of lung tumors that have acquired resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors, implying that treatment of these tumors with a c-Met inhibitor should overcome resistance. Tivantinib has shown interesting and promising results in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer and appears to be well tolerated, either alone or in combination with other drugs. An interesting additional feature is the ability of the drug to delay development of new metastasis, in agreement with the proposed role of Met in this particular setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Broggini
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche "Mario Negri", Milan, Italy
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Fasolo A, Sessa C, Gianni L, Broggini M. Seminars in clinical pharmacology: an introduction to MET inhibitors for the medical oncologist. Ann Oncol 2012; 24:14-20. [PMID: 23110808 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mds520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
MET is a tyrosine kinase receptor for hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), primarily expressed on epithelial cells; the activation of MET induces several biological responses relevant for the development and growth of many human cancers. Several human malignancies present altered expression of MET and this is usually associated with poor prognosis and aggressive phenotype. The majority of MET inhibitors in clinical development target directly the receptor through the use of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) or through small molecule inhibitors of MET kinase activity; small molecule inhibitors are very potent but less specific than MAbs. MET inhibitors are of great clinical interest because of the extensive crosstalk of the HGF/MET axis with many other signaling pathways, including growth factor-dependent pathways (like PI3K/AKT/mTOR,RAS/RAF/ERK) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) axis. In preclinical studies, the treatment with MET inhibitors could prevent or reverse resistance to inhibitors of growth factor-dependent signaling; this hypothesis is currently tested in phase III trials with anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Based on preclinical and preliminary clinical results, a rational strategy for the clinical development of MET antagonists should include a selection of the tumors with MET overexpression, the identification of prognostic/predictive biomarkers, the evaluation of combinations with anti-VEGF compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Fasolo
- San Raffaele Hospital, IRCCS, Unit of New Drugs & Innovative Therapies, Department of Medical Oncology, Milan, Italy
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Kraft R, Kahn A, Medina-Franco JL, Orlowski ML, Baynes C, López-Vallejo F, Barnard K, Maggiora GM, Restifo LL. A cell-based fascin bioassay identifies compounds with potential anti-metastasis or cognition-enhancing functions. Dis Model Mech 2012; 6:217-35. [PMID: 22917928 PMCID: PMC3529353 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.008243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The actin-bundling protein fascin is a key mediator of tumor invasion and metastasis and its activity drives filopodia formation, cell-shape changes and cell migration. Small-molecule inhibitors of fascin block tumor metastasis in animal models. Conversely, fascin deficiency might underlie the pathogenesis of some developmental brain disorders. To identify fascin-pathway modulators we devised a cell-based assay for fascin function and used it in a bidirectional drug screen. The screen utilized cultured fascin-deficient mutant Drosophila neurons, whose neurite arbors manifest the 'filagree' phenotype. Taking a repurposing approach, we screened a library of 1040 known compounds, many of them FDA-approved drugs, for filagree modifiers. Based on scaffold distribution, molecular-fingerprint similarities, and chemical-space distribution, this library has high structural diversity, supporting its utility as a screening tool. We identified 34 fascin-pathway blockers (with potential anti-metastasis activity) and 48 fascin-pathway enhancers (with potential cognitive-enhancer activity). The structural diversity of the active compounds suggests multiple molecular targets. Comparisons of active and inactive compounds provided preliminary structure-activity relationship information. The screen also revealed diverse neurotoxic effects of other drugs, notably the 'beads-on-a-string' defect, which is induced solely by statins. Statin-induced neurotoxicity is enhanced by fascin deficiency. In summary, we provide evidence that primary neuron culture using a genetic model organism can be valuable for early-stage drug discovery and developmental neurotoxicity testing. Furthermore, we propose that, given an appropriate assay for target-pathway function, bidirectional screening for brain-development disorders and invasive cancers represents an efficient, multipurpose strategy for drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Kraft
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
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Peinado H, Alečković M, Lavotshkin S, Matei I, Costa-Silva B, Moreno-Bueno G, Hergueta-Redondo M, Williams C, García-Santos G, Nitadori-Hoshino A, Hoffman C, Badal K, Garcia BA, Callahan MK, Yuan J, Martins VR, Skog J, Kaplan RN, Brady MS, Wolchok JD, Chapman PB, Kang Y, Bromberg J, Lyden D. Melanoma exosomes educate bone marrow progenitor cells toward a pro-metastatic phenotype through MET. Nat Med 2012; 18:883-91. [PMID: 22635005 PMCID: PMC3645291 DOI: 10.1038/nm.2753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2757] [Impact Index Per Article: 229.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2012] [Accepted: 03/26/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Tumor-derived exosomes are emerging mediators of tumorigenesis. We explored the function of melanoma-derived exosomes in the formation of primary tumors and metastases in mice and human subjects. Exosomes from highly metastatic melanomas increased the metastatic behavior of primary tumors by permanently 'educating' bone marrow progenitors through the receptor tyrosine kinase MET. Melanoma-derived exosomes also induced vascular leakiness at pre-metastatic sites and reprogrammed bone marrow progenitors toward a pro-vasculogenic phenotype that was positive for c-Kit, the receptor tyrosine kinase Tie2 and Met. Reducing Met expression in exosomes diminished the pro-metastatic behavior of bone marrow cells. Notably, MET expression was elevated in circulating CD45(-)C-KIT(low/+)TIE2(+) bone marrow progenitors from individuals with metastatic melanoma. RAB1A, RAB5B, RAB7 and RAB27A, regulators of membrane trafficking and exosome formation, were highly expressed in melanoma cells. Rab27A RNA interference decreased exosome production, preventing bone marrow education and reducing, tumor growth and metastasis. In addition, we identified an exosome-specific melanoma signature with prognostic and therapeutic potential comprised of TYRP2, VLA-4, HSP70, an HSP90 isoform and the MET oncoprotein. Our data show that exosome production, transfer and education of bone marrow cells supports tumor growth and metastasis, has prognostic value and offers promise for new therapeutic directions in the metastatic process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Héctor Peinado
- Department of Pediatrics, Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Maša Alečković
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Simon Lavotshkin
- Department of Surgery, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Irina Matei
- Department of Pediatrics, Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Bruno Costa-Silva
- Department of Pediatrics, Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021, USA
- International Center for Research and Education, Antonio Prudente Foundation, A. C. Camargo Hospital, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gema Moreno-Bueno
- Departamento de Bioquímica, UAM, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas “Alberto Sols”, CSIC-UAM, IdiPAZ (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Paz) & Fundación MD Anderson Cancer Center, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Hergueta-Redondo
- Departamento de Bioquímica, UAM, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas “Alberto Sols”, CSIC-UAM, IdiPAZ (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Paz) & Fundación MD Anderson Cancer Center, Madrid, Spain
| | - Caitlin Williams
- Department of Pediatrics, Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Guillermo García-Santos
- Department of Pediatrics, Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Ayuko Nitadori-Hoshino
- Department of Pediatrics, Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Caitlin Hoffman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Karen Badal
- Department of Pediatrics, Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Benjamin A. Garcia
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Margaret K. Callahan
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jianda Yuan
- Department of Immunology, Ludwig Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sloan-Kettering Institute and Weill-Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Vilma R. Martins
- International Center for Research and Education, Antonio Prudente Foundation, A. C. Camargo Hospital, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Johan Skog
- Exosome Diagnostics Inc. 3960 Broadway, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Rosandra N. Kaplan
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Mary S. Brady
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jedd D. Wolchok
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Department of Immunology, Ludwig Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Sloan-Kettering Institute and Weill-Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Paul B. Chapman
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Yibin Kang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
- Genomic Instability and Tumor Progression Program, Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
- Champalimaud Metastasis Programme, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Jacqueline Bromberg
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - David Lyden
- Department of Pediatrics, Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021, USA
- Champalimaud Metastasis Programme, Lisbon, Portugal
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Identification of MET and SRC activation in melanoma cell lines showing primary resistance to PLX4032. Neoplasia 2012; 13:1132-42. [PMID: 22241959 DOI: 10.1593/neo.111102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2011] [Revised: 11/04/2011] [Accepted: 11/08/2011] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PLX4032/vemurafenib is a first-in-class small-molecule BRAF(V600E) inhibitor with clinical activity in patients with BRAF mutant melanoma. Nevertheless, drug resistance develops in treated patients, and strategies to overcome primary and acquired resistance are required. To explore the molecular mechanisms involved in primary resistance to PLX4032, we investigated its effects on cell proliferation and signaling in a panel of 27 genetically characterized patient-derived melanoma cell lines. Cell sensitivity to PLX4032 was dependent on BRAF(V600E) and independent from other gene alterations that commonly occur in melanoma such as PTEN loss, BRAF, and MITF gene amplification. Two cell lines lacking sensitivity to PLX4032 and harboring a different set of genetic alterations were studied as models of primary resistance. Treatment with the MEK inhibitor UO126 but not with PLX4032 inhibited cell growth and ERK activation. Resistance to PLX4032 was maintained after CRAF down-regulation by siRNA indicating alternative activation of MEK-ERK signaling. Genetic characterization by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification and analysis of phosphotyrosine signaling by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry analysis revealed the activation of MET and SRC signaling, associated with the amplification of MET and of CTNNB1 and CCND1 genes, respectively. The combination of PLX4032 with drugs or siRNA targeting MET was effective in inhibiting cell growth and reducing cell invasion and migration in melanoma cells with MET amplification; similar effects were observed after targeting SRC in the other cell line, indicating a role for MET and SRC signaling in primary resistance to PLX4032. Our results support the development of classification of melanoma in molecular subtypes for more effective therapies.
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Greenall SA, Gherardi E, Liu Z, Donoghue JF, Vitali AA, Li Q, Murphy R, Iamele L, Scott AM, Johns TG. Non-agonistic bivalent antibodies that promote c-MET degradation and inhibit tumor growth and others specific for tumor related c-MET. PLoS One 2012; 7:e34658. [PMID: 22511956 PMCID: PMC3325269 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0034658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2011] [Accepted: 03/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The c-MET receptor has a function in many human cancers and is a proven therapeutic target. Generating antagonistic or therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting c-MET has been difficult because bivalent, intact anti-Met antibodies frequently display agonistic activity, necessitating the use of monovalent antibody fragments for therapy. By using a novel strategy that included immunizing with cells expressing c-MET, we obtained a range of mAbs. These c-MET mAbs were tested for binding specificity and anti-tumor activity using a range of cell-based techniques and in silico modeling. The LMH 80 antibody bound an epitope, contained in the small cysteine-rich domain of c-MET (amino acids 519–561), that was preferentially exposed on the c-MET precursor. Since the c-MET precursor is only expressed on the surface of cancer cells and not normal cells, this antibody is potentially tumor specific. An interesting subset of our antibodies displayed profound activities on c-MET internalization and degradation. LMH 87, an antibody binding the loop connecting strands 3d and 4a of the 7-bladed β-propeller domain of c-MET, displayed no intrinsic agonistic activity but promoted receptor internalization and degradation. LMH 87 inhibited HGF/SF-induced migration of SK-OV-3 ovarian carcinoma cells, the proliferation of A549 lung cancer cells and the growth of human U87MG glioma cells in a mouse xenograft model. These results indicate that c-MET antibodies targeting epitopes controlling receptor internalization and degradation provide new ways of controlling c-MET expression and activity and may enable the therapeutic targeting of c-MET by intact, bivalent antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameer A. Greenall
- Oncogenic Signaling Laboratory, Monash Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Zhanqi Liu
- Tumour Targeting Laboratory, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jacqueline F. Donoghue
- Oncogenic Signaling Laboratory, Monash Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Angela A. Vitali
- Tumour Targeting Laboratory, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Qian Li
- Oncogenic Signaling Laboratory, Monash Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Roger Murphy
- Tumour Targeting Laboratory, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Luisa Iamele
- Medical Research Council Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew M. Scott
- Tumour Targeting Laboratory, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Terrance G. Johns
- Oncogenic Signaling Laboratory, Monash Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
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37
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Raghav KP, Wang W, Liu S, Chavez-MacGregor M, Meng X, Hortobagyi GN, Mills GB, Meric-Bernstam F, Blumenschein GR, Gonzalez-Angulo AM. cMET and phospho-cMET protein levels in breast cancers and survival outcomes. Clin Cancer Res 2012; 18:2269-77. [PMID: 22374333 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-11-2830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate cMET (mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor gene) and phospho-cMET (p-cMET) levels in breast cancer subtypes and its impact on survival outcomes. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We measured protein levels of cMET and p-cMET in 257 breast cancers using reverse phase protein array. Regression tree method and Martingale residual plots were applied to find best cutoff point for high and low levels. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to estimate relapse-free (RFS) and overall (OS) survival. Cox proportional hazards models were fit to determine associations of cMET/p-cMET with outcomes after adjustment for other characteristics. RESULTS Median age was 51 years. There were 140 (54.5%) hormone receptor (HR) positive, 53 (20.6%) HER2 positive, and 64 (24.9%) triple-negative tumors. Using selected cutoffs, 181 (70.4%) and 123 (47.9%) cancers had high levels of cMET and p-cMET, respectively. There were no significant differences in mean expression of cMET (P < 0.128) and p-cMET (P < 0.088) by breast cancer subtype. Dichotomized cMET and p-cMET level was a significant prognostic factor for RFS [HR: 2.44, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.34-4.44, P = 0.003 and HR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.04-2.60, P = 0.033] and OS (HR: 3.18, 95% CI: 1.43-7.11, P = 0.003 and HR: 1.92, 95% CI: 1.08-3.44, P = 0.025). Within breast cancer subtypes, high cMET levels were associated with worse RFS (P = 0.014) and OS (P = 0.006) in HR-positive tumors, and high p-cMET levels were associated with worse RFS (P = 0.019) and OS (P = 0.014) in HER2-positive breast cancers. In multivariable analysis, patients with high cMET had a significantly higher risk of recurrence (HR: 2.06, 95% CI: 1.08-3.94, P = 0.028) and death (HR: 2.81, 95% CI: 1.19-6.64, P = 0.019). High p-cMET level was associated with higher risk of recurrence (HR: 1.79, 95% CI: 1.08-2.95.77, P = 0.020). CONCLUSIONS High levels of cMET and p-cMET were seen in all breast cancer subtypes and correlated with poor prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanwal P Raghav
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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Stella GM, Senetta R, Cassenti A, Ronco M, Cassoni P. Cancers of unknown primary origin: current perspectives and future therapeutic strategies. J Transl Med 2012; 10:12. [PMID: 22272606 PMCID: PMC3315427 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-10-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2011] [Accepted: 01/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
It is widely accepted that systemic neoplastic spread is a late event in tumour progression. However, sometimes, rapidly invasive cancers are diagnosed because of appearance of metastatic lesions in absence of a clearly detectable primary mass. This kind of disease is referred to as cancer of unknown primary (CUP) origin and accounts for 3-5% of all cancer diagnosis. There is poor consensus on the extent of diagnostic and pathologic evaluations required for these enigmatic cases which still lack effective treatment. Although technology to predict the primary tumour site of origin is improving rapidly, the key issue is concerning the biology which drives early occult metastatic spreading. This review provides the state of the art about clinical and therapeutic management of this malignant syndrome; main interest is addressed to the most recent improvements in CUP molecular biology and pathology, which will lead to successful tailored therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Maria Stella
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (IRCC), Candiolo (Turin), Italy.
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39
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HGF/c-Met pathway is one of the mediators of sunitinib-induced tumor cell type-dependent metastasis. Cancer Lett 2012; 320:48-55. [PMID: 22269210 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2012.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2011] [Revised: 01/11/2012] [Accepted: 01/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies in several tumor models indicated that treatment with angiogenic inhibitors may trigger induction of metastasis to other organs. Here we investigated modes of resistance and invasion in several tumor cell lines including 4T1 (breast), H460 (lung) and Colo205 (colorectal) using sunitinib at doses comparable to clinically utilized regimen. In comparison with vehicle-treated tumors, sunitinib increased metastasis to lung in 4T1 tumors and to peritoneal lymph node in Colo205 tumors. However, the same treatment did not induce invasiveness in H460 tumors, further suggesting that accelerating metastasis during treatment with angiogenic inhibitors is tumor cell-type dependent. Interestingly, Crizotinib (a dual inhibitor of c-Met and ALK pathways) as single agent or in combination with sunitinib reduced metastasis in all models tested suggesting a role for c-Met/HGF pathway in intrinsic- or sunitinib-induced-metastasis. Moreover, ELISA data showed that while c-Met is highly enriched in tumor cells, HGF is secreted mainly by the stroma (mouse HGF) suggesting a paracrine fashion for c-Met pathway activation in the tumors. In conclusion, our findings indicate that sunitinib-induced metastasis is tumor cell-type dependent and further supports a rationale for combination of anti-angiogenics and c-Met inhibition in the clinic.
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Marquardt JU, Galle PR, Teufel A. Molecular diagnosis and therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): an emerging field for advanced technologies. J Hepatol 2012; 56:267-75. [PMID: 21782758 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2011.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2011] [Revised: 07/07/2011] [Accepted: 07/10/2011] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Despite great progress in diagnosis and management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the exact biology of the tumor remains poorly understood overall limiting the patients' outcome. Detailed analysis and characterization of the molecular mechanisms and subsequently individual prediction of corresponding prognostic traits would revolutionize both diagnosis and treatment of HCC and is the key goal of modern personalized medicine. Over the recent years systematic approaches for the analysis of whole tumor genomes and transcriptomes as well as epigenomes became affordable tools in translational research. This includes simultaneous analyses of thousands of molecular targets using microarray-based technologies as well as next-generation sequencing. Although currently diagnosis and classification of hepatocellular cancers still rely on histological examination of tumor sections, these technologies show great promise to advance the current knowledge of hepatocarcinogenesis, complement diagnostic classification in a setting of microarray-aided pathology, and rationalize the individual drug selection. This review aims to summarize recent progress of system biological approaches in hepatocarcinogenesis and outline potential areas for translational application in a clinical setting. Further, we give an update about known signaling pathways active in HCC, summarize the historical application of whole genomic approaches in liver cancer and indicate ongoing experimental research utilizing novel technologies in diagnosis and treatment of this deadly disease. This will also include the discussion and characterization of new molecular and cellular targets such as Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens U Marquardt
- Department of Medicine I, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany.
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