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Liao J, Yang Z, Azarbarzin S, Cullen KJ, Dan H. Differential modulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR activity by EGFR inhibitors: A rationale for co-targeting EGFR and PI3K in cisplatin-resistant HNSCC. Head Neck 2024; 46:1126-1135. [PMID: 38429897 PMCID: PMC11003831 DOI: 10.1002/hed.27718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To find a new strategy to treat cisplatin-resistant head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), we investigated the effects of EGFR inhibitors on the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and determined the efficacy of EGFR inhibitors in combination with PI3K inhibitors to suppress cell proliferation in cisplatin-resistant-HNSCC. METHODS The cisplatin-resistant HNSCC cell lines were treated with four FDA approved EGFR inhibitors, which included Gefitinb or Erlotinib alone, or in combination with the pan-PI3K inhibitor, BKM120. Phosphorylation and total protein levels of cells were assessed by Western blot analysis. Cell proliferation was examined by MTS assay. Apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS Cisplatin-resistant HNSCC cells were also resistant to EGFR inhibitors. However, a combination of EGFR inhibitors with PI3K inhibitor BKM120 dramatically improved the efficacy of EGFR inhibitors to inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis. Furthermore, treatment with EGFR inhibitors differentially affected the phosphorylation of Akt and mTOR, which included partial inhibition, no inhibition, and induction. A combination of EGFR inhibitors and BKM120 completely blocked phosphorylation of EGFR, Akt, and S6K (an mTOR target). CONCLUSION Our data provided a rationale for EGFR inhibitors in combination with PI3K inhibitors to treat cisplatin-resistant HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jipei Liao
- University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Zejia Yang
- University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shirin Azarbarzin
- University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kevin J. Cullen
- University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hancai Dan
- University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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2
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Chakraborty P, Lubna S, Bhuin S, K. D, Chakravarty M, Jamma T, Yogeeswari P. Targeting hexokinase 2 for oral cancer therapy: structure-based design and validation of lead compounds. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1346270. [PMID: 38529190 PMCID: PMC10961359 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1346270] [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: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The pursuit of small molecule inhibitors targeting hexokinase 2 (HK2) has significantly captivated the field of cancer drug discovery. Nevertheless, the creation of selective inhibitors aimed at specific isoforms of hexokinase (HK) remains a formidable challenge. Here, we present a multiple-pharmacophore modeling approach for designing ligands against HK2 with a marked anti-proliferative effect on FaDu and Cal27 oral cancer cell lines. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations showed that the prototype ligand exhibited a higher affinity towards HK2. Complementing this, we put forth a sustainable synthetic pathway: an environmentally conscious, single-step process facilitated through a direct amidation of the ester with an amine under transition-metal-free conditions with an excellent yield in ambient temperature, followed by a column chromatography avoided separation technique of the identified lead bioactive compound (H2) that exhibited cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. We observed that the inhibition of HK2 led to the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and increased mitophagy as a potential mechanism of anticancer action. The lead H2 also reduced the growth of spheroids. Collectively, these results indicated the proof-of-concept for the prototypical lead towards HK2 inhibition with anti-cancer potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Purbali Chakraborty
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Hyderabad, India
- Cancer Research Group, Centre for Human Diseases Research, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Hyderabad, India
| | - Syeda Lubna
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Hyderabad, India
| | - Shouvik Bhuin
- Department of Chemistry, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Hyderabad, India
| | - Deepika K.
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Hyderabad, India
| | - Manab Chakravarty
- Department of Chemistry, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Hyderabad, India
| | - Trinath Jamma
- Cancer Research Group, Centre for Human Diseases Research, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Hyderabad, India
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Hyderabad, India
| | - Perumal Yogeeswari
- Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Hyderabad, India
- Cancer Research Group, Centre for Human Diseases Research, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Hyderabad, India
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3
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Xiang Y, Si L, Zheng Y, Wang H. Shikonin enhances chemosensitivity of oral cancer through β-catenin pathway. Oral Dis 2024; 30:433-447. [PMID: 36453015 DOI: 10.1111/odi.14458] [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: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study concentrates on exploring the synergistic effect of shikonin on cisplatin against oral cancer. METHODS To analyze the IC50 value of shikonin, gradient concentrations of shikonin were added to the oral cancer cell culture medium. After the cisplatin-resistant cell line was established, the effects of cisplatin and shikonin on the survival rate, proliferation, apoptosis and related pathway protein expression of common/drug-resistant oral cancer cells were compared through MTT, clone formation, flow cytometry, and Western blot experiments. β-catenin, which had the most significant expression changes, was overexpressed and silenced, and used to design a reverse validation. RESULTS Shikonin inhibited the viability of oral cancer cells. Although cisplatin killed some cancer cells, its effect on drug-resistant cancer cells was significantly reduced. The addition of shikonin enhanced the sensitivity of drug-resistant cells to cisplatin. Shikonin regulated key proteins in cell proliferation and apoptosis-related pathways. Among them, shikonin generated the most evident inhibitory effect on β-catenin. Therefore, β-catenin overexpression plasmid/siβ-catenin was transfected into the cells. Silenced β-catenin was found to reinforce the damaging effect of cisplatin on cancer cells, and overexpressed β-catenin reversed the effect of shikonin. CONCLUSION By down-regulating β-catenin expression, shikonin improves the sensitivity of drug-resistant oral cancer cells to cisplatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Xiang
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lujie Si
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying Zheng
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Huiming Wang
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Cyran AM, Kleinegger F, Nass N, Naumann M, Haybaeck J, Arens C. Inhibition of EIF2α Dephosphorylation Decreases Cell Viability and Synergizes with Standard-of-Care Chemotherapeutics in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5350. [PMID: 38001610 PMCID: PMC10670742 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15225350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance is a common cause of therapy failure in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). One approach to tackling it is by targeting fundamental cellular processes, such as translation. The eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (EIF2α) is a key player in canonical translation initiation and integrates diverse stress signals; when phosphorylated, it curbs global protein synthesis. This study evaluates EIF2α expression and phosphorylation in HNSCC. A small-molecule inhibitor of EIF2α dephosphorylation, salubrinal, was tested in vitro, followed by viability assays, flow cytometry, and immunoblot analyses. Patient-derived 3D tumor spheres (PD3DS) were cultured with salubrinal and their viability assessed. Lastly, salubrinal was evaluated with standard-of-care chemotherapeutics. Our analysis of RNA and proteomics data shows elevated EIF2α expression in HNSCC. Immunohistochemical staining reveals increasing EIF2α abundance from premalignant lesions to invasive and metastatic carcinoma. In immunoblots from intraoperative samples, EIF2α expression and steady-state phosphorylation are higher in HNSCC than in neighboring normal tissue. Inhibition of EIF2α dephosphorylation decreases HNSCC cell viability and clonogenic survival and impairs the G1/S transition. Salubrinal also decreases the viability of PD3DS and acts synergistically with cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, bleomycin, and proteasome inhibitors. Our results indicate that pharmacological inhibition of EIF2α dephosphorylation is a potential therapeutic strategy for HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M. Cyran
- Legorreta Cancer Center, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI 02906, USA
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Florian Kleinegger
- Diagnostic & Research Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria (J.H.)
| | - Norbert Nass
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Brandenburg, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, 14770 Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany;
| | - Michael Naumann
- Institute of Experimental Internal Medicine, Otto von Guericke University, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany;
| | - Johannes Haybaeck
- Diagnostic & Research Center for Molecular Biomedicine, Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria (J.H.)
| | - Christoph Arens
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Giessen and Marburg University Hospitals, Campus Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany;
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Racea RC, Macasoi IG, Dinu S, Pinzaru I, Marcovici I, Dehelean C, Rusu LC, Chioran D, Rivis M, Buzatu R. Eugenol: In Vitro and In Ovo Assessment to Explore Cytotoxic Effects on Osteosarcoma and Oropharyngeal Cancer Cells. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:3549. [PMID: 37896013 PMCID: PMC10610311 DOI: 10.3390/plants12203549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a significant health problem worldwide; consequently, new therapeutic alternatives are being investigated, including those found in the vegetable kingdom. Eugenol (Eug) has attracted attention for its therapeutic properties, especially in stomatology. The purpose of this study was to investigate the cytotoxicity of Eug, in vitro, on osteosarcoma (SAOS-2) and oropharyngeal squamous cancer (Detroit-562) cells, as well as its potential irritant effect in ovo at the level of the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM). The data obtained following a 72 h Eug treatment highlighted the reduction in cell viability up to 41% in SAOS-2 cells and up to 37% in Detroit-562 cells, respectively. The apoptotic-like effect of Eug was indicated by the changes in cell morphology and nuclear aspect; the increase in caspase-3/7, -8 and -9 activity; the elevated expression of Bax and Bad genes; and the increase in luminescence signal (indicating phosphatidylserine externalization) that preceded the increase in fluorescence signal (indicating the compromise of membrane integrity). Regarding the vascular effects, slight signs of coagulation and vascular lysis were observed, with an irritation score of 1.69 for Eug 1 mM. Based on these results, the efficiency of Eug in cancer treatment is yet to be clarified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert-Cosmin Racea
- Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy from Timisoara, 9 Revolutiei 1989 Ave., 300070 Timisoara, Romania; (R.-C.R.); (L.-C.R.); (D.C.); (M.R.); (R.B.)
- Multidisciplinary Center for Research, Evaluation, Diagnosis and Therapies in Oral Medicine, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy from Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Ioana-Gabriela Macasoi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy from Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (I.-G.M.); (I.P.); (I.M.); (C.D.)
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluations, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy from Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Stefania Dinu
- Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy from Timisoara, 9 Revolutiei 1989 Ave., 300070 Timisoara, Romania; (R.-C.R.); (L.-C.R.); (D.C.); (M.R.); (R.B.)
- Pediatric Dentistry Research Center, Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy from Timisoara, 9 No., Revolutiei Bv., 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Iulia Pinzaru
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy from Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (I.-G.M.); (I.P.); (I.M.); (C.D.)
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluations, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy from Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Iasmina Marcovici
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy from Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (I.-G.M.); (I.P.); (I.M.); (C.D.)
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluations, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy from Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Cristina Dehelean
- Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy from Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (I.-G.M.); (I.P.); (I.M.); (C.D.)
- Research Center for Pharmaco-Toxicological Evaluations, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy from Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Laura-Cristina Rusu
- Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy from Timisoara, 9 Revolutiei 1989 Ave., 300070 Timisoara, Romania; (R.-C.R.); (L.-C.R.); (D.C.); (M.R.); (R.B.)
- Multidisciplinary Center for Research, Evaluation, Diagnosis and Therapies in Oral Medicine, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy from Timisoara, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Doina Chioran
- Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy from Timisoara, 9 Revolutiei 1989 Ave., 300070 Timisoara, Romania; (R.-C.R.); (L.-C.R.); (D.C.); (M.R.); (R.B.)
| | - Mircea Rivis
- Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy from Timisoara, 9 Revolutiei 1989 Ave., 300070 Timisoara, Romania; (R.-C.R.); (L.-C.R.); (D.C.); (M.R.); (R.B.)
| | - Roxana Buzatu
- Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy from Timisoara, 9 Revolutiei 1989 Ave., 300070 Timisoara, Romania; (R.-C.R.); (L.-C.R.); (D.C.); (M.R.); (R.B.)
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Rodriguez SMB, Kamel A, Ciubotaru GV, Onose G, Sevastre AS, Sfredel V, Danoiu S, Dricu A, Tataranu LG. An Overview of EGFR Mechanisms and Their Implications in Targeted Therapies for Glioblastoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11110. [PMID: 37446288 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite all of the progress in understanding its molecular biology and pathogenesis, glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most aggressive types of cancers, and without an efficient treatment modality at the moment, it remains largely incurable. Nowadays, one of the most frequently studied molecules with important implications in the pathogenesis of the classical subtype of GBM is the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Although many clinical trials aiming to study EGFR targeted therapies have been performed, none of them have reported promising clinical results when used in glioma patients. The resistance of GBM to these therapies was proven to be both acquired and innate, and it seems to be influenced by a cumulus of factors such as ineffective blood-brain barrier penetration, mutations, heterogeneity and compensatory signaling pathways. Recently, it was shown that EGFR possesses kinase-independent (KID) pro-survival functions in cancer cells. It seems imperative to understand how the EGFR signaling pathways function and how they interconnect with other pathways. Furthermore, it is important to identify the mechanisms of drug resistance and to develop better tailored therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Mara Baez Rodriguez
- Neurosurgical Department, Clinical Emergency Hospital "Bagdasar-Arseni", Soseaua Berceni 12, 041915 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Amira Kamel
- Neurosurgical Department, Clinical Emergency Hospital "Bagdasar-Arseni", Soseaua Berceni 12, 041915 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Gheorghe Vasile Ciubotaru
- Neurosurgical Department, Clinical Emergency Hospital "Bagdasar-Arseni", Soseaua Berceni 12, 041915 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Gelu Onose
- Neuromuscular Rehabilitation Department, Clinical Emergency Hospital "Bagdasar-Arseni", Soseaua Berceni 12, 041915 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ani-Simona Sevastre
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Str. Petru Rares nr. 2-4, 710204 Craiova, Romania
| | - Veronica Sfredel
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Str. Petru Rares nr. 2-4, 710204 Craiova, Romania
| | - Suzana Danoiu
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Str. Petru Rares nr. 2-4, 710204 Craiova, Romania
| | - Anica Dricu
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Str. Petru Rares nr. 2-4, 710204 Craiova, Romania
| | - Ligia Gabriela Tataranu
- Neurosurgical Department, Clinical Emergency Hospital "Bagdasar-Arseni", Soseaua Berceni 12, 041915 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila", 020022 Bucharest, Romania
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Yu X, Du Y, Liang S, Zhang N, Jing S, Sui L, Kong Y, Dong M, Kong H. OPN up-regulated proliferation and invasion of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma through the p38MAPK signaling pathway. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol 2023; 136:70-79. [PMID: 37286411 DOI: 10.1016/j.oooo.2023.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Osteopontin (OPN) is aberrantly expressed in various tumors. However, its role and detailed mechanisms in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have not been extensively described. STUDY DESIGN Expression of OPN in HNSCC was examined at the gene and protein levels. The effect of cell proliferation ability was examined by Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation assay, cell invasiveness by Transwell assay, the effect of OPN on protein expression of Capase-3 and Bcl2 by Western blotting, and the expression of p38MAPK signaling pathway by p38MAPK inhibitor SB203580. RESULTS We found that OPN expression was higher in human HNSCC tissues than in adjacent tissues. Osteopontin may regulate the proliferation and invasion of HNSCC cells through the p38-MAPK signaling pathway. DISCUSSION Our study identifies an important role for OPN in HNSCC and further demonstrates that it may regulate the proliferation and invasion of HNSCC cells by activating the p38-MAPK signaling pathway. Osteopontin may be a promising prognostic and diagnostic indicator and a potential target for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Yu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China; Core Lab Glycobiol & Glycoengn, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Yanling Du
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Shumin Liang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Na Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Sun Jing
- Rocket Force University of Engineering Clinic Affiliated to 986 Hospital of Air Force, Xian, Shanxi, China
| | - Linlin Sui
- Core Lab Glycobiol & Glycoengn, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Ying Kong
- Core Lab Glycobiol & Glycoengn, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China.
| | - Ming Dong
- Core Lab Glycobiol & Glycoengn, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China.
| | - Hui Kong
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China.
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Khedkar HN, Chen LC, Kuo YC, Wu ATH, Huang HS. Multi-Omics Identification of Genetic Alterations in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Therapeutic Efficacy of HNC018 as a Novel Multi-Target Agent for c-MET/STAT3/AKT Signaling Axis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10247. [PMID: 37373393 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210247] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Amongst the most prevalent malignancies worldwide, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is characterized by high morbidity and mortality. The failure of standard treatment modalities, such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, demands the need for in-depth understanding of the complex signaling networks involved in the development of treatment resistance. A tumor's invasive growth and high levels of intrinsic or acquired treatment resistance are the primary causes of treatment failure. This may be a result of the presence of HNSCC's cancer stem cells, which are known to have self-renewing capabilities that result in therapeutic resistance. Using bioinformatics methods, we discovered that elevated expressions of MET, STAT3, and AKT were associated with poor overall survival in HNSCC patients. We then evaluated the therapeutic potential of our newly synthesized small molecule HNC018 towards its potential as a novel anticancer drug. Our computer-aided structure characterization and target identification study predicted that HNC018 could target these oncogenic markers implicated in HNSCC. Subsequently, the HNC018 has demonstrated its anti-proliferative and anticancer activities towards the head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines, along with displaying the stronger binding affinities towards the MET, STAT3, and AKT than the standard drug cisplatin. Reduction in the clonogenic and tumor-sphere-forming ability displays HNC018's role in decreasing the tumorigenicity. Importantly, an vivo study has shown a significant delay in tumor growth in HNC018 alone or in combination with cisplatin-treated xenograft mice model. Collectively with our findings, HNC018 highlights the desirable properties of a drug-like candidate and could be considered as a novel small molecule for treating head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harshita Nivrutti Khedkar
- Ph.D. Program for Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, and Academia Sinica, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute for Cancer Biology & Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Lung-Ching Chen
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei 11101, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei 24205, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Cheng Kuo
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- School of Post-Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Alexander T H Wu
- Ph.D. Program for Translational Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Taipei Heart Institute (THI), Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Clinical Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- International Ph.D. Program for Translational Science, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Centre, Taipei 11490, Taiwan
| | - Hsu-Shan Huang
- Ph.D. Program for Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, and Academia Sinica, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute for Cancer Biology & Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Centre, Taipei 11490, Taiwan
- School of Pharmacy, National Defense Medical Centre, Taipei 11490, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program in Drug Discovery and Development Industry, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
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9
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Chandler KB, Pavan CH, Cotto Aparicio HG, Sackstein R. Enrichment and nLC-MS/MS Analysis of Head and Neck Cancer Mucinome Glycoproteins. J Proteome Res 2023; 22:1231-1244. [PMID: 36971183 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.2c00746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Mucin-domain glycoproteins expressed on cancer cell surfaces play central roles in cell adhesion, cancer progression, stem cell renewal, and immune evasion. Despite abundant evidence that mucin-domain glycoproteins are critical to the pathobiology of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), our knowledge of the composition of that mucinome is grossly incomplete. Here, we utilized a catalytically inactive point mutant of the enzyme StcE (StcEE447D) to capture mucin-domain glycoproteins in head and neck cancer cell line lysates followed by their characterization using sodium dodecyl-sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), in-gel digestion, nano-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (nLC-MS/MS), and enrichment analyses. We demonstrate the feasibility of this workflow for the study of mucin-domain glycoproteins in HNSCC, identify a set of mucin-domain glycoproteins common to multiple HNSCC cell lines, and report a subset of mucin-domain glycoproteins that are uniquely expressed in HSC-3 cells, a cell line derived from a highly aggressive metastatic tongue squamous cell carcinoma. This effort represents the first attempt to identify mucin-domain glycoproteins in HNSCC in an untargeted, unbiased analysis, paving the way for a more comprehensive characterization of the mucinome components that mediate aggressive tumor cell phenotypes. Data associated with this study have been deposited to the ProteomeXchange Consortium via the PRIDE partner repository with the data set identifier PXD029420.
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10
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Kang JJ, Ko A, Kil SH, Mallen-St Clair J, Shin DS, Wang MB, Srivatsan ES. EGFR pathway targeting drugs in head and neck cancer in the era of immunotherapy. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188827. [PMID: 36309124 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are cell surface receptors that bind growth factor ligands and initiate cellular signaling. Of the 20 classes of RTKs, 7 classes, I-V, VIII, and X, are linked to head and neck cancers (HNCs). We focus on the first class of RTK, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), as it is the most thoroughly studied class. EGFR overexpression is observed in 20% of tumors, and expression of EGFR variant III is seen in 15% of aggressive chemoradiotherapy resistant HNCs. Currently, the EGFR monoclonal antibody (mAb) cetuximab is the only FDA approved RTK-targeting drug for the treatment of HNCs. Clinical trials have also included EGFR mAbs, with tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and small molecule inhibitors targeting the EGFR, MAPK, and mTOR pathways. Additionally, Immunotherapy has been found to be effective in 15 to 20% of patients with recurrent or metastatic HNC as a monotherapy. Thus, attempts are underway for the combinatorial treatment of immunotherapy and EGFR mAbs to determine if the recruitment of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment can overcome EGFR resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- James J Kang
- Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Albert Ko
- Department of Surgery, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System/UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sang Hoon Kil
- Department of Surgery, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System/UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jon Mallen-St Clair
- Department of Otolaryngology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Daniel Sanghoon Shin
- Department of Medicine, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System/UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Marilene B Wang
- Department of Surgery, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System/UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Head and Neck Surgery, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Eri S Srivatsan
- Department of Surgery, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System/UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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11
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Medicine and health of 21st Century: Not just a high biotech-driven solution. NPJ Genom Med 2022; 7:67. [DOI: 10.1038/s41525-022-00336-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractMany biotechnological innovations have shaped the contemporary healthcare system (CHS) with significant progress to treat or cure several acute conditions and diseases of known causes (particularly infectious, trauma). Some have been successful while others have created additional health care challenges. For example, a reliance on drugs has not been a panacea to meet the challenges related to multifactorial noncommunicable diseases (NCDs)—the main health burden of the 21st century. In contrast, the advent of omics-based and big data technologies has raised global hope to predict, treat, and/or cure NCDs, effectively fight even the current COVID-19 pandemic, and improve overall healthcare outcomes. Although this digital revolution has introduced extensive changes on all aspects of contemporary society, economy, firms, job market, and healthcare management, it is facing and will face several intrinsic and extrinsic challenges, impacting precision medicine implementation, costs, possible outcomes, and managing expectations. With all of biotechnology’s exciting promises, biological systems’ complexity, unfortunately, continues to be underestimated since it cannot readily be compartmentalized as an independent and segregated set of problems, and therefore is, in a number of situations, not readily mimicable by the current algorithm-building proficiency tools. Although the potential of biotechnology is motivating, we should not lose sight of approaches that may not seem as glamorous but can have large impacts on the healthcare of many and across disparate population groups. A balanced approach of “omics and big data” solution in CHS along with a large scale, simpler, and suitable strategies should be defined with expectations properly managed.
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12
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Pisani S, Bertino G, Prina-Mello A, Locati LD, Mauramati S, Genta I, Dorati R, Conti B, Benazzo M. Electroporation in Head-and-Neck Cancer: An Innovative Approach with Immunotherapy and Nanotechnology Combination. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:5363. [PMID: 36358782 PMCID: PMC9658293 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common malignancy that arises in the head-and-neck district. Traditional treatment could be insufficient in case of recurrent and/or metastatic cancers; for this reason, more selective and enhanced treatments are in evaluation in preclinical and clinical trials to increase in situ concentration of chemotherapy drugs promoting a selectively antineoplastic activity. Among all cancer treatment types (i.e., surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy), electroporation (EP) has emerged as a safe, less invasive, and effective approach for cancer treatment. Reversible EP, using an intensive electric stimulus (i.e., 1000 V/cm) applied for a short time (i.e., 100 μs), determines a localized electric field that temporarily permealizes the tumor cell membranes while maintaining high cell viability, promoting cytoplasm cell uptake of antineoplastic agents such as bleomycin and cisplatin (electrochemotherapy), calcium (Ca2+ electroporation), siRNA and plasmid DNA (gene electroporation). The higher intracellular concentration of antineoplastic agents enhances the antineoplastic activity and promotes controlled tumor cell death (apoptosis). As secondary effects, localized EP (i) reduces the capillary blood flow in tumor tissue ("vascular lock"), lowering drug washout, and (ii) stimulates the immune system acting against cancer cells. After years of preclinical development, electrochemotherapy (ECT), in combination with bleomycin or cisplatin, is currently one of the most effective treatments used for cutaneous metastases and primary skin and mucosal cancers that are not amenable to surgery. To reach this clinical evidence, in vitro and in vivo models were preclinically developed for evaluating the efficacy and safety of ECT on different tumor cell lines and animal models to optimize dose and administration routes of drugs, duration, and intensity of the electric field. Improvements in reversible EP efficacy are under evaluation for HNSCC treatment, where the focus is on the development of a combination treatment between EP-enhanced nanotechnology and immunotherapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Pisani
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Viale Camillo Golgi, 19, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Giulia Bertino
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Viale Camillo Golgi, 19, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Adriele Prina-Mello
- LBCAM, Department of Clinical Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 8, Ireland
- Centre for Research on Adaptive Nanostructures and Nanodevices (CRANN), Trinity College Dublin, DO2 W085 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Laura Deborah Locati
- Translational Oncology, IRCCS ICS Maugeri, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Simone Mauramati
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Viale Camillo Golgi, 19, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Ida Genta
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Rossella Dorati
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Bice Conti
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Benazzo
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Viale Camillo Golgi, 19, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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13
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Azad A, Kong A. The Therapeutic Potential of Imidazole or Quinone-Based Compounds as Radiosensitisers in Combination with Radiotherapy for the Treatment of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194694. [PMID: 36230623 PMCID: PMC9563564 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Patients with curable head and neck cancers are usually treated with a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but they experience significant, severe side effects, which greatly affect their quality of life. Some of these patients still experience disease relapse after an intensive course of treatment due to tumours that are resistant to radiotherapy and chemotherapy because of hypoxia (lack of oxygen). In addition, some patients are not suitable for and/or are not able to have combined chemotherapy with radiotherapy due to their age or other physical conditions. Certain small-molecule drugs, which are used to treat various infections including malaria, have been shown to reduce hypoxia and thus make radiotherapy more effective. Therefore, their combination with radiotherapy could have less toxicities compared with the combination of chemotherapy with radiotherapy. Here, we discuss the promising results from preclinical work and clinical trials of these agents, and their potential use in the clinic, to reduce hypoxia and to sensitise radiotherapy. These agents could potentially be used for patients who are not suitable for combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy; they may also be used to reduce the dose of radiotherapy if able to enhance radiotherapy effect at lower dose in order to reduce toxicities while maintaining the treatment efficacy in a more personalised manner. Abstract The addition of platinum chemotherapy to primary radiotherapy (chemoradiation) improves survival outcomes for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), but it carries a high incidence of acute and long-term treatment-related complications, resulting in a poor quality of life. In addition, patients with significant co-morbidities, or older patients, cannot tolerate or do not benefit from concurrent chemoradiation. These patients are often treated with radiotherapy alone resulting in poor locoregional control and worse survival outcomes. Thus, there is an urgent need to assess other less toxic treatment modalities, which could become an alternative to chemoradiation in HNSCC. Currently, there are several promising anti-cancer drugs available, but there has been very limited success so far in replacing concurrent chemoradiation due to their low efficacy or increased toxicities. However, there is new hope that a treatment strategy that incorporates agents that act as radiosensitisers to improve the efficacy of conventional radiotherapy could be an alternative to more toxic chemotherapeutic agents. Recently, imidazole-based or quinone-based anti-malarial compounds have drawn considerable attention as potential radiosensitisers in several cancers. Here, we will discuss the possibility of using these compounds as radiosensitisers, which could be assessed as safe and effective alternatives to chemotherapy, particularly for patients with HNSCC that are not suitable for concurrent chemotherapy due to their age or co-morbidities or in metastatic settings. In addition, these agents could also be tested to assess their efficacy in combination with immunotherapy in recurrent and metastatic settings or in combination with radiotherapy and immunotherapy in curative settings.
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14
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Park SB, Jung W, Kim H, Yu HY, Kim Y, Kim J. Esculetin has therapeutic potential via the proapoptotic signaling pathway in A253 human submandibular salivary gland tumor cells. Exp Ther Med 2022; 24:533. [PMID: 35837055 PMCID: PMC9257944 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2022.11460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Esculetin is a natural lactone that is commonly derived from coumarins. According to previous experiments using human cancer cells, esculetin has potent antitumor activity; it also inhibits proliferation and induces the apoptosis of cancer cells. In the present study, the anti-proliferative effect of esculetin on the submandibular salivary gland tumor cell line, A253, was evaluated via in vitro and in vivo analyses. Furthermore, the anti-cancer effects of esculetin in A253 cells and a xenograft model of salivary gland tumors were determined using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and TUNEL assay, apoptosis protein array, quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. Esculetin (50-150 µM) was demonstrated to have an anti-proliferative effect in the A253 cell line in vitro; this observed effect was dependent on the dose and duration of treatment. Esculetin also increased the levels of Bax, cleaved caspase-3, cleaved-9 and cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase apoptosis-related proteins, and decreased the expression levels of the Bcl-2 anti-apoptotic protein. With respect to apoptosis regulation, esculetin significantly decreased the proliferation of tumor cells in a xenograft model (100 mg/kg/day) for 18 days. Overall, esculetin could be a potential oral anticancer drug against salivary gland cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Bin Park
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do 54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo Jung
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do 54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung Kim
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do 54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwa-Young Yu
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do 54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Kim
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do 54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Junghyun Kim
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do 54896, Republic of Korea
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15
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Targeting Wee1 kinase to suppress proliferation and survival of cisplatin-resistant head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2022; 89:469-478. [PMID: 35212780 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-022-04410-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We investigated the role of Wee1 kinase in cisplatin-resistant head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in multiple cisplatin-resistant HNSCC cell lines and determined the efficacy of either Wee1 inhibitor, AZD1775 alone, or in combination with cisplatin, on cisplatin-resistant HNSCC inhibition. METHODS Phosphorylation and total protein levels of cells were assessed by Western blot analysis. Cell viability and apoptosis were examined by MTS assay and flow cytometry, respectively. RESULTS Wee1 kinase protein expression levels in five cisplatin-resistant HNSCC cell types were higher than those in their parental cisplatin-sensitive partners. Importantly, Wee1 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation and re-sensitized cells to cisplatin treatment. Interestingly, previous studies have also shown that Wee1 inhibitor AZD1775 synergizes with cisplatin to suppress cell proliferation of cisplatin-sensitive HNSCC. We found that AZD1775 inhibited both cisplatin-sensitive and resistant HNSCC with similar IC50 values, which suggested that AZD1775 could overcome cisplatin resistance in cisplatin-resistant HNSCC. Mechanistically, AZD1775 and cisplatin cooperatively induced DNA damage and apoptosis. CONCLUSION Wee1 inhibitor, AZD1775, and cisplatin coordinately suppressed proliferation and survival of HNSCC.
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16
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Montesino B, Steenackers A, Lozano JM, Young GD, Hu N, Sackstein R, Chandler KB. Identification of α1,2-fucosylated signaling and adhesion molecules in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Glycobiology 2021; 32:441-455. [PMID: 34939118 PMCID: PMC9022907 DOI: 10.1093/glycob/cwab131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer is the seventh most common cancer in the world, and most cases manifest as head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Despite the prominent role of fucosylated carbohydrate antigens in tumor cell adhesion and metastasis, little is known about the functional role of fucose-modified glycoproteins in head and neck cancer pathobiology. Inactivating polymorphisms of the fut2 gene, encoding for the α1,2-fucosyltransferase FUT2, are associated with an increased incidence of head and neck cancer among tobacco users. Moreover, the presence of the α1,2-fucosylated Lewis Y epitope, with both α1,2- and α1,3-linked fucose, has been observed in head and neck cancer tumors while invasive regions lose expression, suggesting a potential role for α1,2-fucosylation in the regulation of aggressive tumor cell characteristics. Here, we report an association between fut2 expression and head and neck cancer survival, document differential surface expression of α1,2-fucosylated epitopes in a panel of normal, dysplastic, and head and neck cancer cell lines, identify a set of potentially α1,2-fucosylated signaling and adhesion molecules including the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), CD44 and integrins via tandem mass spectrometry, and finally, present evidence that EGFR is among the α1,2-fucosylated and LeY-displaying proteins in head and neck cancer. This knowledge will serve as the foundation for future studies to interrogate the role of LeY-modified and α1,2-fucosylated glycoproteins in head and neck cancer pathogenesis. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD029420.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany Montesino
- Department of Translational Medicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Translational Glycobiology Institute, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St., Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Agata Steenackers
- Department of Translational Medicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Translational Glycobiology Institute, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St., Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Juan M Lozano
- Division of Medical and Population Health Science Education and Research, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St., Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Geoffrey D Young
- Miami Cancer Institute, 8900 N Kendall Dr, Miami, FL 33176, USA,Department of Surgery, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St., Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Nan Hu
- Department of Biostatistics, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St., Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Robert Sackstein
- Department of Translational Medicine, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Translational Glycobiology Institute, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St., Miami, FL 33199, USA
| | - Kevin Brown Chandler
- To whom correspondence should be addressed: Tel: 305.348.9136; Fax: 305.348.0123; e-mail:
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17
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Hsueh WT, Chen SH, Chien CH, Chou SW, Chi PI, Chu JM, Chang KY. SOD2 Enhancement by Long-Term Inhibition of the PI3K Pathway Confers Multi-Drug Resistance and Enhanced Tumor-Initiating Features in Head and Neck Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222011260. [PMID: 34681918 PMCID: PMC8537886 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) pathway has widely been considered as a potential therapeutic target for head and neck cancer (HNC); however, the application of PI3K inhibitors is often overshadowed by the induction of drug resistance with unknown mechanisms. In this study, PII3K inhibitor resistant cancer cells were developed by prolonged culturing of cell lines with BEZ235, a dual PI3K and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor. The drug resistant HNC cells showed higher IC50 of the proliferation to inhibitors specifically targeting PI3K and/or mTOR, as compared to their parental cells. These cells also showed profound resistance to drugs of other classes. Molecular analysis revealed persistent activation of phosphorylated AKT at threonine 308 in the drug resistant cells and increased expression of markers for tumor-initiating cells. Interestingly, increased intra-cellular ROS levels were observed in the drug resistant cells. Among anti-oxidant molecules, the expression of SOD2 was increased and was associated with the ALDH-positive tumor-initiating cell features. Co-incubation of SOD inhibitors and BEZ235 decreased the stemness feature of the cells in vitro, as shown by results of the spheroid formation assay. In conclusion, dysregulation of SOD2 might contribute to the profound resistance to PI3K inhibitors and the other drugs in HNC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Ting Hsueh
- Department of Oncology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70456, Taiwan; (W.-T.H.); (S.-H.C.)
| | - Shang-Hung Chen
- Department of Oncology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70456, Taiwan; (W.-T.H.); (S.-H.C.)
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan 70456, Taiwan; (C.-H.C.); (S.-W.C.); (P.-I.C.); (J.-M.C.)
| | - Chia-Hung Chien
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan 70456, Taiwan; (C.-H.C.); (S.-W.C.); (P.-I.C.); (J.-M.C.)
- School of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan
| | - Shao-Wen Chou
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan 70456, Taiwan; (C.-H.C.); (S.-W.C.); (P.-I.C.); (J.-M.C.)
| | - Pei-I Chi
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan 70456, Taiwan; (C.-H.C.); (S.-W.C.); (P.-I.C.); (J.-M.C.)
| | - Jui-Mei Chu
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan 70456, Taiwan; (C.-H.C.); (S.-W.C.); (P.-I.C.); (J.-M.C.)
| | - Kwang-Yu Chang
- Department of Oncology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70456, Taiwan; (W.-T.H.); (S.-H.C.)
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan 70456, Taiwan; (C.-H.C.); (S.-W.C.); (P.-I.C.); (J.-M.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-6-208-3422
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18
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High-throughput compound screening identifies navitoclax combined with irradiation as a candidate therapy for HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14755. [PMID: 34285300 PMCID: PMC8292418 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94259-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Conventional chemotherapeutic agents are nonselective, often resulting in severe side effects and the development of resistance. Therefore, new molecular-targeted therapies are urgently needed to be integrated into existing treatment regimens. Here, we performed a high-throughput compound screen to identify a synergistic interaction between ionizing radiation and 396 anticancer compounds. The assay was run using five human papillomavirus (HPV)-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines cultured on the human tumor-derived matrix Myogel. Our screen identified several compounds with strong synergistic and antagonistic effects, which we further investigated using multiple irradiation doses. Navitoclax, which emerged as the most promising radiosensitizer, exhibited synergy with irradiation regardless of the p53 mutation status in all 13 HNSCC cell lines. We performed a live cell apoptosis assay for two representative HNSCC cell lines to examine the effects of navitoclax and irradiation. As a single agent, navitoclax reduced proliferation and induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner, whereas the navitoclax-irradiation combination arrested cell cycle progression and resulted in substantially elevated apoptosis. Overall, we demonstrated that combining navitoclax with irradiation resulted in synergistic in vitro antitumor effects in HNSCC cell lines, possibly indicating the therapeutic potential for HNSCC patients.
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19
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Mahmutović L, Bilajac E, Hromić-Jahjefendić A. Meet the Insidious Players: Review of Viral Infections in Head and Neck Cancer Etiology with an Update on Clinical Trials. Microorganisms 2021; 9:1001. [PMID: 34066342 PMCID: PMC8148100 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9051001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancers (HNC) occur in the upper aerodigestive tract and are among the most common cancers. The etiology of HNC is complex, involving many factors, including excessive tobacco and alcohol consumption; over the last two decades, oncogenic viruses have also been recognized as an important cause of HNC. Major etiological agents of nasopharynx carcinoma and oropharyngeal carcinoma include Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human papillomaviruses (HPVs), both of which are able to interfere with cell cycle control. Additionally, the association of hepatitis C and hepatitis B infection was observed in oral cavity, oropharyngeal, laryngeal, and nasopharyngeal cancers. Overall prognoses depend on anatomic site, stage, and viral status. Current treatment options, including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapies and immunotherapies, are distributed in order to improve overall patient prognosis and survival rates. However, the interplay between viral genome sequences and the health, disease, geography, and ethnicity of the host are crucial for understanding the role of viruses and for development of potential personalized treatment and prevention strategies. This review provides the most comprehensive analysis to date of a vast field, including HNC risk factors, as well as viral mechanisms of infection and their role in HNC development. Additionally, currently available treatment options investigated through clinical practice are emphasized in the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Altijana Hromić-Jahjefendić
- Genetics and Bioengineering Department, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, International University of Sarajevo, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; (L.M.); (E.B.)
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Madhukar G, Subbarao N. Current and Future Therapeutic Targets: A Review on Treating Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2020; 21:386-400. [PMID: 33372876 DOI: 10.2174/1568009620666201229120332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) continues to be a global public health burden even after a tremendous development in its treatment. It is a heterogeneous cancer of upper aero-digestive tract. The contemporary strategy to treat cancer is the use of anticancer drugs against proteins possessing abnormal expression. Targeted chemotherapy was found successful in HNSCC, but, there is still a stagnant improvement in the survival rates and high recurrence rates due to undesirable chemotherapy reactions, non-specificity of drugs, resistance against drugs and drug toxicity on non-cancerous tissues and cells. Various extensive studies lead to the identification of drug targets capable to treat HNSCC effectively. The current review article gives an insight into these promising anticancer targets along with knowledge of drugs under various phases of development. In addition, new potential targets that are not yet explored against HNSCC are also described. We believe that exploring and developing drugs against these targets might prove beneficial in treating HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geet Madhukar
- School of Computational and Integrative Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Naidu Subbarao
- School of Computational and Integrative Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
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21
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Emerging therapeutic modality enhancing the efficiency of chemotherapeutic agents against head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines. Cancer Treat Res Commun 2020; 25:100242. [PMID: 33249209 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctarc.2020.100242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The current work aimed to evaluate bee venom (BV) cytotoxic effect and its synergistic action when combined with cisplatin (CIS) against four types of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines. 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-Yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay for cell viability, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for expression of BCL2 associated X (BAX), B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) genes and, flow cytometry for cell cycle analysis were performed. MTT assay revealed that BV caused an approximately 50% cell death for UMSCC12, UMSCC29, UMSCC38 and, UMSCC47 cell lines after 72 hr with 54.809 µg/ml, 61.287 µg/ml, 71.328 µg/ml and, 61.045 µg/ml, respectively. RT-PCR demonstrated a significant up-regulation of BAX gene and a significant down-regulation of BCL2 and EGFR genes among single or combined treatments with CIS and BV as compared to vehicle-treated. The cell lines treated with both BV and CIS showed marked elevation of BAX and a notable drop of BCL2 and EGFR expressions than single-treated groups. Cell cycle analysis via flow cytometry revealed significantly increased cells in the G2/M phase in single or combined-treated cell lines with CIS and BV when compared with vehicle-treated. Moreover, a significant decrease in cells in S phases among all single and combined treatments when matched with vehicle-treated. Briefly, the findings of the present study suggest that BV can exert an anti-cancer effect on HNSCC and may have the potentiality for potentiation of CIS cytotoxic effects and reduction of its adverse effects.
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Warawdekar UM, Jain V, Patel H, Nanda A, Kamble V. Modifying gap junction communication in cancer therapy. Curr Res Transl Med 2020; 69:103268. [PMID: 33069641 DOI: 10.1016/j.retram.2020.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
AIM Drug delivery is crucial for therapeutic efficacy and gap junction communication channels (GJIC) facilitate movement within the tumour. Pro-drug activation, a modality of cancer therapy leads to Ganciclovir triphosphate (GCV-TP) incorporation into newly synthesized DNA resulting in cell death. The objective was to enhance, with Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) and All Trans Retinoic Acid (ATRA), GJIC, crucial for drug delivery, and with combination, abrogate the observed detrimental effect of Dexamethasone (DXM). METHODS Cell lines (NT8E, and HeLa) were pre-treated with Valproic Acid (VPA) (1 mM), 4 Phenyl Butyrate (4PB) (2 mM), ATRA (10 μM) and Dexamethasone (1 μM). Protein quantitated with the Bicinchoninic (BCA) assay for cell lysates, membrane and soluble fractions was assessed with Western blotting for Connexins (43, 26 and 32) and E-Cadherin. A qRT-PCR was done for CX 43-GJA1, CX 26-GJB2, CX 32-GJB1 and E-Cadherin, and normalized with Glyceraldehyde Phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). Further, localization of Connexins (CX) and E-Cadherin, GJIC competence, pre-clinical in-vitro studies and the mechanism of cell death were evaluated. RESULTS There was no toxicity or change in growth patterns observed with the drugs. In both the cell lines CX 43 localized to the membrane whereas CX 32 and CX 26 were present but not membrane bound. E-Cadherin was present on the membrane in NT8E and completely absent in HeLa cells. Effects of HDACi, DXM and ATRA were seen on the expression of Connexins and E-Cadherin in both the cell lines. NT8E and HeLa cell lines showed enhanced GJIC with 4PB [30 %], VPA [36 %] and ATRA [54 %] with a 60 % increase in cytotoxicity and an abrogation of Dexamethasone inhibition on combination with VPA or ATRA. CONCLUSION An enhancement of GJIC function by HDACi and ATRA increased cytotoxicity and could be effective in the presence of Dexamethasone, when combined with ATRA or VPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ujjwala M Warawdekar
- CRI Lab 1, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research & Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Navi Mumbai, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, 400085, India.
| | - Vaishali Jain
- CRI Lab 1, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research & Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Navi Mumbai, India
| | - Himani Patel
- CRI Lab 1, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research & Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Navi Mumbai, India
| | - Adyasha Nanda
- CRI Lab 1, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research & Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Navi Mumbai, India
| | - Vishal Kamble
- CRI Lab 1, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research & Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Navi Mumbai, India
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Keefe DMK, Bateman EH. Potential Successes and Challenges of Targeted Cancer Therapies. J Natl Cancer Inst Monogr 2020; 2019:5551349. [PMID: 31425592 DOI: 10.1093/jncimonographs/lgz008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2018] [Revised: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The concept and realization of targeted anticancer therapy (TAT) have existed for at least two decades and continue to expand rapidly. It has become clear that there is no "magic bullet" to cure cancer and that even TATs are unlikely to be successful as single agents, necessitating combination with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or even other targeting agents. The other promise that has not been fulfilled by TAT is that of reduced toxicity. It was thought that by targeting receptors on or within cells, rather than particular phases of the cell cycle, TATs would not be toxic. However, it turns out that the targets also exist on or within normal cells and that there is even cross-reactivity between receptors on nontarget tissues. All of this results in toxicity, the mechanism of which are the same as the mechanism of action of the drugs, making toxicity reduction or prevention very difficult. This leads to new toxicities with new targeted treatments. Nevertheless, all of the above should not detract from the obvious successes of targeted agents, which have turned several acutely fatal cancers into chronic diseases and rendered some hitherto untreatable cancers into treatable diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothy M K Keefe
- Mucositis Research Group, Discipline of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Emma H Bateman
- Mucositis Research Group, Discipline of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
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Wu C, Tong L, Wu C, Chen D, Chen J, Li Q, Jia F, Huang Z. Two miRNA prognostic signatures of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A bioinformatic analysis based on the TCGA dataset. Cancer Med 2020; 9:2631-2642. [PMID: 32064753 PMCID: PMC7163094 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.2915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 12/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs(miRNAs) are maladjusted in multifarious malignant tumor and can be considered as both carcinogens and tumor‐inhibiting factor. In the present study, we analyzed the miRNAs expression profiles and clinical information of 481 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) through the TCGA dataset to identify the prognostic miRNAs signature. A total of 114 significantly differentially expressed miRNAs (SDEMs) were identified, consisting of 60 up‐adjusted and 54 down‐adjusted miRNAs. The Kaplan‐Meier survival method identified the prognostic function of 2 miRNAs (miR‐4652‐5p and miR‐99a‐3P). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses indicated that the 2 miRNAs were significant prognostic elements of HNSCC. Furthermore, bioinformatic analysis was conducted by means of 4 online gene predicted toolkits to recognize the target genes, and enrichment analysis was performed on the target genes by DAVID. The outcomes depicted that target genes were correlated with calcium, as well as cell proliferation, circadian entrainment, EGFR, PI3K‐Akt‐mTOR, and P53 signaling pathways. Finally, the PPI network was conducted in view of STRING database and Cytoscape. Eight hub genes were identified by CytoHubba and MCODE app, respectively, CBL, SKP1, H2AFX, HGF, POLR2F, UBE2I, VAMP2, and GNAI2 genes. As a result, we identified 2 miRNAs signatures, 8 hub genes, and significant signaling pathways for estimating the prognosis of HNSCC. In order to further explore the molecular mechanism of HNSCC occurrence and development, more comprehensive basic and clinical studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoying Wu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical UniversityJinzhouLiaoningChina
| | - Lingxia Tong
- Department of UltrasoundJilin Cancer HospitalChangchunJilinChina
| | - Chaoqun Wu
- Department of General MedicineNingbo Medical Center Lihuili HospitalNingboZhejiangChina
| | - Dong Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical UniversityJinzhouLiaoningChina
| | - Jianguo Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical UniversityJinzhouLiaoningChina
| | - Qianyun Li
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical UniversityJinzhouLiaoningChina
| | - Fang Jia
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck SurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical UniversityJinzhouLiaoningChina
| | - Zirui Huang
- Jinzhou Medical UniversityJinzhouLiaoningChina
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Tuomainen K, Al-Samadi A, Potdar S, Turunen L, Turunen M, Karhemo PR, Bergman P, Risteli M, Åström P, Tiikkaja R, Grenman R, Wennerberg K, Monni O, Salo T. Human Tumor-Derived Matrix Improves the Predictability of Head and Neck Cancer Drug Testing. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 12:cancers12010092. [PMID: 31905951 PMCID: PMC7017272 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12010092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro cancer drug testing carries a low predictive value. We developed the human leiomyoma–derived matrix “Myogel” to better mimic the human tumor microenvironment (TME). We hypothesized that Myogel could provide an appropriate microenvironment for cancer cells, thereby allowing more in vivo–relevant drug testing. We screened 19 anticancer compounds, targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), MEK, and PI3K/mTOR on 12 head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines cultured on plastic, mouse sarcoma–derived Matrigel (MSDM), and Myogel. We applied a high-throughput drug screening assay under five different culturing conditions: cells in two-dimensional (2D) plastic wells and on top or embedded in Matrigel or Myogel. We then compared the efficacy of the anticancer compounds to the response rates of 19 HNSCC monotherapy clinical trials. Cancer cells on top of Myogel responded less to EGFR and MEK inhibitors compared to cells cultured on plastic or Matrigel. However, we found a similar response to the PI3K/mTOR inhibitors under all culturing conditions. Cells grown on Myogel more closely resembled the response rates reported in EGFR-inhibitor monotherapy clinical trials. Our findings suggest that a human tumor matrix improves the predictability of in vitro anticancer drug testing compared to current 2D and MSDM methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Tuomainen
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, Clinicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; (K.T.); (A.A.-S.); (M.T.)
- Translational Immunology Research Program (TRIMM), University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ahmed Al-Samadi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, Clinicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; (K.T.); (A.A.-S.); (M.T.)
- Translational Immunology Research Program (TRIMM), University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Swapnil Potdar
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland; (S.P.); (L.T.); (K.W.)
| | - Laura Turunen
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland; (S.P.); (L.T.); (K.W.)
| | - Minna Turunen
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, Clinicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; (K.T.); (A.A.-S.); (M.T.)
- Translational Immunology Research Program (TRIMM), University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Piia-Riitta Karhemo
- Research Programs Unit, Genome-Scale Biology Program and Medicum, Biochemistry and Developmental Biology, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; (P.-R.K.); (O.M.)
| | - Paula Bergman
- Biostatistics Consulting, Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, 00014 Helsinki, Finland;
| | - Maija Risteli
- Cancer and Translational Medicine Research Unit, University of Oulu, 90014 Oulu, Finland; (M.R.); (P.Å.); (R.T.)
| | - Pirjo Åström
- Cancer and Translational Medicine Research Unit, University of Oulu, 90014 Oulu, Finland; (M.R.); (P.Å.); (R.T.)
| | - Riia Tiikkaja
- Cancer and Translational Medicine Research Unit, University of Oulu, 90014 Oulu, Finland; (M.R.); (P.Å.); (R.T.)
| | - Reidar Grenman
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, 20520 Turku, Finland;
| | - Krister Wennerberg
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland; (S.P.); (L.T.); (K.W.)
- Biotech Research and Innovation Center, Department of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Outi Monni
- Research Programs Unit, Genome-Scale Biology Program and Medicum, Biochemistry and Developmental Biology, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; (P.-R.K.); (O.M.)
| | - Tuula Salo
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, Clinicum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; (K.T.); (A.A.-S.); (M.T.)
- Translational Immunology Research Program (TRIMM), University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Cancer and Translational Medicine Research Unit, University of Oulu, 90014 Oulu, Finland; (M.R.); (P.Å.); (R.T.)
- Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital, 90014 Oulu, Finland
- Helsinki University Hospital, 00029 Helsinki, Finland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +358-40-544-1560
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Thomas R, Weihua Z. Rethink of EGFR in Cancer With Its Kinase Independent Function on Board. Front Oncol 2019; 9:800. [PMID: 31508364 PMCID: PMC6716122 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is one of most potent oncogenes that are commonly altered in cancers. As a receptor tyrosine kinase, EGFR's kinase activity has been serving as the primary target for developing cancer therapeutics, namely the EGFR inhibitors including small molecules targeting its ATP binding pocket and monoclonal antibodies targeting its ligand binding domains. EGFR inhibitors have produced impressive therapeutic benefits to responsive types of cancers. However, acquired and innate resistances have precluded current anti-EGFR agents from offering sustainable benefits to initially responsive cancers and benefits to EGFR-positive cancers that are innately resistant. Recent years have witnessed a realization that EGFR possesses kinase-independent (KID) pro-survival functions in cancer cells. This new knowledge has offered a different angle of understanding of EGFR in cancer and opened a new avenue of targeting EGFR for cancer therapy. There are already many excellent reviews on the role of EGFR with a focus on its kinase-dependent functions and mechanisms of resistance to EGFR targeted therapies. The present opinion aims to initiate a fresh discussion about the function of EGFR in cancer cells by laying out some unanswered questions pertaining to EGFR in cancer cells, by rethinking the unmet therapeutic challenges from a view of EGFR's KID function, and by proposing novel approaches to target the KID functions of EGFR for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rintu Thomas
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, College of Natural Science and Mathematics, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Zhang Weihua
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, College of Natural Science and Mathematics, University of Houston, Houston, TX, United States
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Kanazawa T, Misawa K, Shinmura K, Misawa Y, Kusaka G, Maruta M, Sasaki T, Watanabe Y, Carey TE. Promoter methylation of galanin receptors as epigenetic biomarkers for head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2019; 19:137-148. [PMID: 30640567 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2019.1567334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION While remarkable progress has been made in standard treatments for head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs), the long-term survival remains at an unsatisfactory 40-50%. To improve the survival rate, biomarkers for optimal treatment selection and prognostic prediction, as well as novel, low-toxicity treatment strategies, are required. Galanin receptor (GALR) 1 and GALR2 are well-studied tumor suppressors in HNSCCs. Compared with other clinicopathological factors, the epigenetic variants of GALRs have been found to be the most powerful markers to predict the prognosis of HNSCC patients. Areas covered: This review outlines the functions and signaling pathways of GALRs and explains the potential of GALR promoter methylation as a biomarker for HNSCC prognosis. We also summarize recent developments in promoter methylation studies in HNSCC and indicate future directions for GALR promoter methylation studies. Expert commentary: GALR studies have highlighted two major aspects with implications in HNSCC - that G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) act as tumor suppressor genes and that GALR promoter methylation is significantly related to the carcinogenesis of HNSCC. The findings of GALR studies can be applied to studies on other GPCRs and further in-depth DNA methylation studies. Deeper insights into GPCR epigenetics are expected to markedly improve HNSCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeharu Kanazawa
- a Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery , International University of Health and Welfare , Tokyo , Japan.,b Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery , Jichi Medical University , Shimotsuke , Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Misawa
- c Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery , Hamamatsu University School of Medicine , Hamamatsu , Japan
| | - Kazuya Shinmura
- d Department of Tumor Pathology , Hamamatsu University School of Medicine , Hamamatsu , Japan
| | - Yuki Misawa
- c Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery , Hamamatsu University School of Medicine , Hamamatsu , Japan
| | - Gen Kusaka
- e Department of Neurosurgery , Jichi Medical University Saitama Medical Center , Saitama , Saitama , Japan
| | - Mikiko Maruta
- b Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery , Jichi Medical University , Shimotsuke , Japan
| | - Toru Sasaki
- b Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery , Jichi Medical University , Shimotsuke , Japan
| | - Yusuke Watanabe
- a Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery , International University of Health and Welfare , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Thomas E Carey
- f Laboratory of Head and Neck Center Biology, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery , The University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , MI , USA
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Co-targeting EGFR and IKKβ/NF-κB signalling pathways in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a potential novel therapy for head and neck squamous cell cancer. Br J Cancer 2018; 120:306-316. [PMID: 30585254 PMCID: PMC6353914 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-018-0351-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) plays an important role in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) proliferation and therapy resistance, but the efficacy of targeting of EGFR for therapy has been limited. Here, we explore the molecular link between EGFR and inhibitor of κB kinase β/nuclear factor-κB (IKKβ/NF-κB) signalling pathways in the regulation of HNSCC EGFR inhibitor resistance. Methods We performed in vitro experiments in eight human HNSCC cell lines and a patient-derived HNSCC cell line as well as in vivo xenografts in a human HNSCC cell line. Results We found that treatment of all HNSCC cells with Gefitinib and Erlotinib, two Food Drug Administration-approved EGFR inhibitors, blocked the activity of Akt/mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase, two crucial downstream effectors of EGFR, but up-regulated IKKβ/NF-κB signalling. In addition, induction of IKKβ/NF-κB by EGFR inhibitors required HER2 and HER3 expression. In keeping with these, IKKβ inhibitor CmpdA synergistically enhanced the efficacy of EGFR inhibitors to further inhibit in vitro HNSCC cell growth. Importantly, we demonstrated that the combination of Gefitinib with CmpdA inhibited xenograft tumour formation. Conclusion Our data demonstrated that co-targeting EGFR and IKKβ with Gefitinib and IKKβ inhibitors could provide a potential novel therapy for head and neck squamous cell cancer.
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Abstract
Over 90% of head and neck cancers overexpress the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). In diverse tumor types, EGFR overexpression has been associated with poorer prognosis and outcomes. Therapies targeting EGFR include monoclonal antibodies, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors, and antisense gene therapy. Few EGFR-targeted therapeutics are approved for clinical use. The monoclonal antibody cetuximab is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved EGFR-targeted therapy, yet has exhibited modest benefit in clinical trials. The humanized monoclonal antibody nimotuzumab is also approved for head and neck cancers in Cuba, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, India, Ukraine, Ivory Coast, and Gabon in addition to nasopharyngeal cancers in China. Few other EGFR-targeted therapeutics for head and neck cancers have led to as significant responses as seen in lung carcinomas, for instance. Recent genome sequencing of head and neck tumors has helped identify patient subgroups with improved response to EGFR inhibitors, for example, cetuximab in patients with the KRAS-variant and the tyrosine kinase inhibitor erlotinib for tumors harboring MAPK1E322K mutations. Genome sequencing has furthermore broadened our understanding of dysregulated pathways, holding the potential to enhance the benefit derived from therapies targeting EGFR.
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Ma H, Jin S, Yang W, Zhou G, Zhao M, Fang S, Zhang Z, Hu J. Interferon-alpha enhances the antitumour activity of EGFR-targeted therapies by upregulating RIG-I in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Br J Cancer 2018; 118:509-521. [PMID: 29348488 PMCID: PMC5830595 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2017.442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Revised: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted therapies have been tested in the clinic as treatments for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Owing to intrinsic or acquired resistance, EGFR-targeted therapies often lead to a low response rate and treatment failure. Interferon-alpha (IFNα) is a chemosensitising agent and multi-functional cytokine with a tumour inhibitory effect. However, the synergic effect of IFNα and EGFR-targeted therapies (erlotinib and nimotuzumab) and their mechanisms in HNSCC remain unclear. Methods: The interactions between IFNα, erlotinib, and nimotuzumab were evaluated in vitro in HNSCC cells. The synergistic effect of IFNα (20 000 IU per day, s.c.), erlotinib (50 mg kg−1 per day, i.g.) and nimotuzumab (10 mg kg−1 per day, i.p.) was further confirmed in vivo using HNSCC xenografts in nude mice. The upregulation of retinoic-acid inducible gene I (RIG-I) induced by IFNα and EGFR-targeted therapies and its mechanism were detected in vitro and in vivo. Results: IFNα enhances the antitumour effects of erlotinib and nimotuzumab on HNSCC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, both IFNα and EGFR-targeted therapies promote the expression of RIG-I by activating signal transducers and activators of transcription 1 (STAT1) in HNSCC cells. RIG-I knockdown reduced the sensitivity of HN4 and HN30 cells to IFNα, erlotinib, and nimotuzumab. Moreover, IFNα transcriptionally induced RIG-I expression in HNSCC cells through STAT1. Conclusions: IFNα enhances the effect of EGFR-targeted therapies by upregulating RIG-I, and its expression may represent a predictor of the effectiveness of a combination treatment including IFNα in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailong Ma
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Shufang Jin
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Wenyi Yang
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Ge Zhou
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mei Zhao
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sijie Fang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Zhiyuan Zhang
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Jingzhou Hu
- Department of Oral Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai 200011, China
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Vesci L, Milazzo FM, Anastasi AM, Petronzelli F, Chiapparino C, Carollo V, Roscilli G, Marra E, Luberto L, Aurisicchio L, Pacello ML, Spagnoli LG, De Santis R. Intra-tumor AvidinOX allows efficacy of low dose systemic biotinylated Cetuximab in a model of head and neck cancer. Oncotarget 2016; 7:914-28. [PMID: 26575422 PMCID: PMC4808042 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
For locally advanced and metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), the current clinical use of Cetuximab in chemo/radiotherapy protocols is often associated to severe systemic toxicity. Here we report in vitro data in human FaDu pharynx SCC cells, showing that inactive concentrations of biotinylated Cetuximab (bCet) become active upon anchorage to AvidinOX on the surface of tumor cells. AvidinOX-anchored bCet induces apoptosis and DNA damage as well as specific inhibition of signaling, degradation and abrogation of nuclear translocation of EGFR. In the mouse model of FaDu cancer, we show that intra-tumor injection of AvidinOX allows anti-tumor activity of an otherwise inactive, intraperitoneally delivered, low dose bCet. Consistently with in vitro data, in vivo tumor inhibition is associated to induction of apoptosis, DNA damage and reduced angiogenesis. AvidinOX is under clinical investigation for delivering radioactive biotin to inoperable tumors (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02053324) and present data support its use for the local treatment of HNSCC in combination with systemic administration of low dose bCet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loredana Vesci
- Biotechnology, Research & Development, Sigma-Tau SpA, 00071 Pomezia, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Anna Maria Anastasi
- Biotechnology, Research & Development, Sigma-Tau SpA, 00071 Pomezia, Rome, Italy
| | - Fiorella Petronzelli
- Biotechnology, Research & Development, Sigma-Tau SpA, 00071 Pomezia, Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Chiapparino
- Biotechnology, Research & Development, Sigma-Tau SpA, 00071 Pomezia, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Carollo
- Tissue Macro Array Lab, University of Tor Vergata, via della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Luigi Giusto Spagnoli
- Tissue Macro Array Lab, University of Tor Vergata, via della Ricerca Scientifica, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Rita De Santis
- Biotechnology, Research & Development, Sigma-Tau SpA, 00071 Pomezia, Rome, Italy
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Shen H, Yu X, Yang F, Zhang Z, Shen J, Sun J, Choksi S, Jitkaew S, Shu Y. Reprogramming of Normal Fibroblasts into Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts by miRNAs-Mediated CCL2/VEGFA Signaling. PLoS Genet 2016; 12:e1006244. [PMID: 27541266 PMCID: PMC4991802 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the most common constituent of the tumor stoma, are known to promote tumor initiation, progression and metastasis. However, the mechanism of how cancer cells transform normal fibroblasts (NFs) into CAFs is largely unknown. In this study, we determined the contribution of miRNAs in the transformation of NFs into CAFs. We found that miR-1 and miR-206 were down-regulated, whereas miR-31 was up-regulated in lung CAFs when compared with matched NFs. Importantly, modifying the expression of these three deregulated miRNAs induced a functional conversion of NFs into CAFs and vice versa. When the miRNA-reprogrammed NFs and CAFs were co-cultured with lung cancer cells (LCCs), a similar pattern of cytokine expression profiling were observed between two groups. Using a combination of cytokine expression profiling and miRNAs algorithms, we identified VEGFA/CCL2 and FOXO3a as direct targets of miR-1, miR-206 and miR-31, respectively. Importantly, systemic delivery of anti-VEGFA/CCL2 or pre-miR-1, pre-miR-206 and anti-miR-31 significantly inhibited tumor angiogenesis, TAMs accumulation, tumor growth and lung metastasis. Our results show that miRNAs-mediated FOXO3a/VEGF/CCL2 signaling plays a prominent role in LCCs-mediated NFs into CAFs, which may have clinical implications for providing novel biomarker(s) and potential therapeutic target(s) of lung cancer in the future. During tumorigenesis, normal fibroblasts (NFs) within the tumor stroma acquire a modified phenotype and become cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). CAFs provide oncogenic signals to facilitate tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. Here, we set out to determine the factors that mediate the conversion of NFs into CAFs, focusing on miRNAs and secreted factors. Down-regulation of miR-1 and miR-206 and upregulation of miR-31 were found in CAFs derived from human lung cancer compared to paired NFs. Dysregulation of miR-1, miR-206 and miR-31 expression promotes the conversion of NFs into CAFs through regulating VEGFA, CCL2 and FOXO3a expression. In addition, down-regulation of miR-1 and miR-206 and up-regulation of miR-31 has been observed in lung cancer patient plasma. More importantly, we demonstrated that systemic delivery of anti-VEGFA/CCL2 or pre-miR-1, pre-miR-206 and anti-miR-31 dramatically decreased tumor angiogenesis, TAMs accumulation, tumor growth and lung metastasis. In conclusion, our data showed that miRNAs-mediated FOXO3a/VEGF/CCL2 signaling plays a prominent role in transforming NFs into CAFs, thus providing further support for the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Shen
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiaobo Yu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fengming Yang
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhihua Zhang
- Department of Respiration, First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province, China
| | - Jianxin Shen
- Department of Clinical Laborotory, First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province, China
| | - Jin Sun
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Swati Choksi
- National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Siriporn Jitkaew
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Yongqian Shu
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
- * E-mail:
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Campbell NP, Hensing TA, Bhayani MK, Shaikh AY, Brockstein BE. Targeting pathways mediating resistance to anti-EGFR therapy in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2016; 16:847-58. [PMID: 27400139 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2016.1202116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is overexpressed in approximately 90% of squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (SCCHN), several therapeutic agents that target EGFR have been evaluated for the treatment of SCCHN. Although patients with SCCHN derive clinical benefit from anti-EGFR agents, most notably the EGFR monoclonal antibody cetuximab, these patients eventually become resistant to EGFR-based therapies; preclinical studies have shown activation of secondary signaling pathways that lead to resistance to EGFR inhibition and, as such, serve as potential therapeutic targets to overcome resistance to EGFR inhibitors. AREAS COVERED This review summarizes the results of recently completed trials of anti-EGFR agents in SCCHN, highlights the various mechanisms that drive resistance to EGFR inhibitors in SCCHN, and focuses on several novel targeted agents that could potentially help overcome resistance to EGFR-based therapies in SCCHN. Expert commentary: Due to the development of resistance to EGFR-targeted therapies, novel treatment approaches to overcome resistance are a key unmet need for SCCHN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas P Campbell
- a Kellogg Cancer Center , NorthShore University HealthSystem , Evanston , IL , USA
| | - Thomas A Hensing
- a Kellogg Cancer Center , NorthShore University HealthSystem , Evanston , IL , USA
| | - Mihir K Bhayani
- a Kellogg Cancer Center , NorthShore University HealthSystem , Evanston , IL , USA
| | - Arif Y Shaikh
- a Kellogg Cancer Center , NorthShore University HealthSystem , Evanston , IL , USA
| | - Bruce E Brockstein
- a Kellogg Cancer Center , NorthShore University HealthSystem , Evanston , IL , USA
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De Meulenaere A, Vermassen T, Aspeslagh S, Zwaenepoel K, Deron P, Duprez F, Ferdinande L, Rottey S. CD70 Expression and Its Correlation with Clinicopathological Variables in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck. Pathobiology 2016; 83:327-33. [PMID: 27389010 DOI: 10.1159/000446569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Over the last decade, efforts have been made to get a better understanding of the tumor microenvironment and the role of the immune system in it. New insights into the CD27/CD70 signaling pathway point towards a role in tumor immunology, making CD70 an attractive target for immunotherapy. Here, we evaluate CD70 expression in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). METHODS CD70 immunohistochemistry was retrospectively performed on 95 tumor samples. Tumoral CD70 expression was scored and correlated with clinicopathological variables and overall survival (OS). RESULTS CD70 expression in tumor cells was observed in 66 samples (69%) and was strongly associated with tumor differentiation grade (p < 0.001). CD70 expression was also observed in tumor-associated fibroblasts and endothelial cells. Additionally, the density of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes correlated with OS (p = 0.042). CONCLUSION This study describes the tumoral expression of CD70 in SCCHN. Results highlight the role of CD70 in tumor biology and identify CD70 as a novel therapeutic target. Further research is warranted.
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Adem BF, Bastos NRA, Dias F, Teixeira AL, Medeiros R. miRNAs: mediators of ErbB family targeted therapy resistance. Pharmacogenomics 2016; 17:1175-1187. [PMID: 27359187 DOI: 10.2217/pgs-2016-0038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The ErbB/HER tyrosine kinase receptors family plays a key regulatory role in different cellular processes by activating several signaling pathways. In different tumor types, mutations or overexpression of the ErbB family members are a common feature, which led to the development of targeted therapies against this receptors. Although with this kind of treatment we are heading to a more personalized medicine, the development of acquired resistance is still an issue, therefore, several studies focused on discovering the mechanisms behind it. More recently, miRNAs have been described as important mediators of acquired resistance, specifically, acquired resistance to ErbB family targeted therapies. Ultimately, miRNA-based therapeutics using exosomes as a drug delivery model can revolutionize today's approach of cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Filipa Adem
- Molecular Oncology & Viral Pathology Group, IPO-Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), Rua Dr António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.,FMUP, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Ricardo Alves Bastos
- Molecular Oncology & Viral Pathology Group, IPO-Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), Rua Dr António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.,FMUP, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Francisca Dias
- Molecular Oncology & Viral Pathology Group, IPO-Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), Rua Dr António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.,ICBAS, Abel Salazar Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.,LPCC, Research Department Portuguese League Against Cancer (NRNorte), Estrada Interior da Circunvalação 6657, 4200 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Luísa Teixeira
- Molecular Oncology & Viral Pathology Group, IPO-Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), Rua Dr António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.,LPCC, Research Department Portuguese League Against Cancer (NRNorte), Estrada Interior da Circunvalação 6657, 4200 Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Medeiros
- Molecular Oncology & Viral Pathology Group, IPO-Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), Rua Dr António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.,ICBAS, Abel Salazar Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.,LPCC, Research Department Portuguese League Against Cancer (NRNorte), Estrada Interior da Circunvalação 6657, 4200 Porto, Portugal.,CEBIMED, Health Sciences of Fernando Pessoa University, Rua Carlos da Maia 296, 4200-150 Porto, Portugal
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Sun S, Zhang Z. Patient-derived xenograft platform of OSCC: a renewable human bio-bank for preclinical cancer research and a new co-clinical model for treatment optimization. Front Med 2016; 10:104-10. [PMID: 26926009 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-016-0432-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Advances in next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics have begun to reveal the complex genetic landscape in human cancer genomes, including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Sophisticated preclinical models that fully represent intra- and inter-tumoral heterogeneity are required to understand the molecular diversity of cancer and achieve the goal of personalized therapies. Over the last decade, patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models generated from human tumor samples that can retain the histological and genetic features of their donor tumors have been shown to be the preferred preclinical tool in translational cancer research compared with other conventional preclinical models. Specifically, genetically well-defined PDX models can be applied to accelerate targeted antitumor drug development and biomarker discovery. Recently, we have successfully established and characterized an OSCC PDX panel as part of our tumor bio-bank for translational cancer research. In this paper, we discuss the establishment, characterization, and preclinical applications of the PDX models. In particular, we focus on the classification and applications of the PDX models based on validated annotations, including clinicopathological features, genomic profiles, and pharmacological testing information. We also explore the translational value of this well-annotated PDX panel in the development of co-clinical trials for patient stratification and treatment optimization in the near future. Although various limitations still exist, this preclinical approach should be further tested and improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyang Sun
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head Neck Oncology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Zhiyuan Zhang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head Neck Oncology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, China.
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Kanazawa T, Misawa K, Misawa Y, Uehara T, Fukushima H, Kusaka G, Maruta M, Carey TE. G-Protein-Coupled Receptors: Next Generation Therapeutic Targets in Head and Neck Cancer? Toxins (Basel) 2015; 7:2959-84. [PMID: 26251921 PMCID: PMC4549734 DOI: 10.3390/toxins7082959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Revised: 06/22/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic outcome in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is poor in most advanced cases. To improve therapeutic efficiency, novel therapeutic targets and prognostic factors must be discovered. Our studies have identified several G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) as promising candidates. Significant epigenetic silencing of GPCR expression occurs in HNSCC compared with normal tissue, and is significantly correlated with clinical behavior. Together with the finding that GPCR activity can suppress tumor cell growth, this indicates that GPCR expression has potential utility as a prognostic factor. In this review, we discuss the roles that galanin receptor type 1 (GALR1) and type 2 (GALR2), tachykinin receptor type 1 (TACR1), and somatostatin receptor type 1 (SST1) play in HNSCC. GALR1 inhibits proliferation of HNSCC cells though ERK1/2-mediated effects on cell cycle control proteins such as p27, p57, and cyclin D1, whereas GALR2 inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in HNSCC cells. Hypermethylation of GALR1, GALR2, TACR1, and SST1 is associated with significantly reduced disease-free survival and a higher recurrence rate. Although their overall activities varies, each of these GPCRs has value as both a prognostic factor and a therapeutic target. These data indicate that further study of GPCRs is a promising strategy that will enrich pharmacogenomics and prognostic research in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeharu Kanazawa
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke 329-0498, Japan.
- Laboratory of Head and Neck Center Biology, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Kiyoshi Misawa
- Laboratory of Head and Neck Center Biology, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
- Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu 431-319, Japan.
| | - Yuki Misawa
- Laboratory of Head and Neck Center Biology, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
- Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu 431-319, Japan.
| | - Takayuki Uehara
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara 903-0215, Japan.
| | - Hirofumi Fukushima
- Department of Head and Neck, Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo 135-8550, Japan.
| | - Gen Kusaka
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jichi Medical University Saitama Medical Center, Saitama 330-8503, Japan.
| | - Mikiko Maruta
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke 329-0498, Japan.
| | - Thomas E Carey
- Laboratory of Head and Neck Center Biology, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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