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Condorelli AG, Nobili R, Muglia A, Scarpelli G, Marzuolo E, De Stefanis C, Rota R, Diociaiuti A, Alaggio R, Castiglia D, Odorisio T, El Hachem M, Zambruno G. Gamma-Secretase Inhibitors Downregulate the Profibrotic NOTCH Signaling Pathway in Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa. J Invest Dermatol 2024; 144:1522-1533.e10. [PMID: 38237731 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2023.10.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is a rare skin fragility disorder caused by mutations in COL7A1. RDEB is hallmarked by trauma-induced unremitting blistering, chronic wounds with inflammation, and progressive fibrosis, leading to severe disease complications. There is currently no cure for RDEB-associated fibrosis. Our previous studies and increasing evidence highlighted the profibrotic role of NOTCH pathway in different skin disorders, including RDEB. In this study, we further investigated the role of NOTCH signaling in RDEB pathogenesis and explored the effects of its inhibition by γ-secretase inhibitors DAPT and PF-03084014 (nirogacestat). Our analyses demonstrated that JAG1 and cleaved NOTCH1 are upregulated in primary RDEB fibroblasts (ie, RDEB-derived fibroblasts) compared with controls, and their protein levels are further increased by TGF-β1 stimulation. Functional assays unveiled the involvement of JAG1/NOTCH1 axis in RDEB fibrosis and demonstrated that its blockade counteracts a variety of fibrotic traits. In particular, RDEB-derived fibroblasts treated with PF-03084014 showed (i) a significant reduction of contractility, (ii) a diminished secretion of TGF-β1 and collagens, and (iii) the downregulation of several fibrotic proteins. Although less marked than PF-03084014-treated cells, RDEB-derived fibroblasts exhibited a reduction of fibrotic traits also upon DAPT treatment. This study provides potential therapeutic strategies to antagonize RDEB fibrosis onset and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Giuseppe Condorelli
- Genodermatosis Unit, Translational Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Rebecca Nobili
- Genodermatosis Unit, Translational Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Anita Muglia
- Genodermatosis Unit, Translational Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgia Scarpelli
- Genodermatosis Unit, Translational Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Marzuolo
- Genodermatosis Unit, Translational Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Rossella Rota
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Diociaiuti
- Genodermatosis Unit, Translational Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Dermatology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Rita Alaggio
- Pathology Unit and Predictive Molecular Pathology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Castiglia
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cell Biology, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Teresa Odorisio
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cell Biology, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - May El Hachem
- Genodermatosis Unit, Translational Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Dermatology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Zambruno
- Genodermatosis Unit, Translational Pediatrics and Clinical Genetics Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Guo X, Li H, Yan C, Lei J, Zhou R, Shi Y. Molecular mechanism of substrate recognition and cleavage by human γ-secretase. Science 2024; 384:1091-1095. [PMID: 38843321 DOI: 10.1126/science.adn5820] [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: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Successive cleavages of amyloid precursor protein C-terminal fragment with 99 residues (APP-C99) by γ-secretase result in amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides of varying lengths. Most cleavages have a step size of three residues. To elucidate the underlying mechanism, we determined the atomic structures of human γ-secretase bound individually to APP-C99, Aβ49, Aβ46, and Aβ43. In all cases, the substrate displays the same structural features: a transmembrane α-helix, a three-residue linker, and a β-strand that forms a hybrid β-sheet with presenilin 1 (PS1). Proteolytic cleavage occurs just ahead of the substrate β-strand. Each cleavage is followed by unwinding and translocation of the substrate α-helix by one turn and the formation of a new β-strand. This mechanism is consistent with existing biochemical data and may explain the cleavages of other substrates by γ-secretase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuefei Guo
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Key Laboratory for Protein Sciences of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Haotian Li
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Key Laboratory for Protein Sciences of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Chuangye Yan
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Key Laboratory for Protein Sciences of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jianlin Lei
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Key Laboratory for Protein Sciences of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Rui Zhou
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Key Laboratory for Protein Sciences of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yigong Shi
- Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, Key Laboratory for Protein Sciences of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Science and Biomedicine, Xihu District, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
- Research Center for Industries of the Future; Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
- Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Xihu District, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
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Dwivedi SD, Shukla R, Yadav K, Rathor LS, Singh D, Singh MR. Mechanistic insight on the role of iRhom2-TNF-α-BAFF signaling pathway in various autoimmune disorders. Adv Biol Regul 2024; 92:101011. [PMID: 38151421 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2023.101011] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
iRhom2 is a crucial cofactor involved in upregulation of TNF receptors (TNFRs) and the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF-) from the cell surface by ADAM17. Tumor necrosis factor- α converting enzyme (TACE) is another name given to ADAM17. Many membrane attached biologically active molecules are cleaved by this enzyme which includes TNFRs and the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor- α. The TNF receptors are of two types TNFR1 and TNFR2. iRhom2 belongs to the pseudo-protease class of rhomboid family, its abundance is observed in the immune cells. Biological activity of ADAM17 is affected in multiple levels by the iRhom2. ADAM17 is trafficked into the Golgi apparatus by the action of iRhom2, where it gets matured proteolytically and is stimulated to perform its function on the cell surface. This process of activation of ADAM17 results in the protection of the organism from the cascade of inflammatory reactions, as this activation blocks the TNF- α mediated secretion responsible for inflammatory responses produced. Present paper illustrates about the iRhom2-TNF-α-BAFF signaling pathway and its correlation with several autoimmune disorders such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Hemophilia Arthropathy, Alzheimer's disease and Tylosis with esophageal cancer etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shradha Devi Dwivedi
- University Institute of Pharmacy, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur (C.G), 492010, India
| | - Rashi Shukla
- University Institute of Pharmacy, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur (C.G), 492010, India
| | - Krishna Yadav
- Raipur Institute of Pharmaceutical Educations and Research, Sarona, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, 492010, India
| | - Lokendra Singh Rathor
- University Institute of Pharmacy, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur (C.G), 492010, India
| | - Deependra Singh
- University Institute of Pharmacy, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur (C.G), 492010, India
| | - Manju Rawat Singh
- University Institute of Pharmacy, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur (C.G), 492010, India.
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Moser C, Guschtschin-Schmidt N, Silber M, Flum J, Muhle-Goll C. Substrate Selection Criteria in Regulated Intramembrane Proteolysis. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:1321-1334. [PMID: 38525994 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.4c00068] [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] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia encountered in an aging population. Characteristic amyloid deposits of Aβ peptides in the brain are generated through cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP) by γ-secretase, an intramembrane protease. Cryo-EM structures of substrate γ-secretase complexes revealed details of the process, but how substrates are recognized and enter the catalytic site is still largely ignored. γ-Secretase cleaves a diverse range of substrate sequences without a common consensus sequence, but strikingly, single point mutations within the transmembrane domain (TMD) of specific substrates may greatly affect cleavage efficiencies. Previously, conformational flexibility was hypothesized to be the main criterion for substrate selection. Here we review the 3D structure and dynamics of several γ-secretase substrate TMDs and compare them with mutants shown to affect the cleavage efficiency. In addition, we present structural and dynamic data on ITGB1, a known nonsubstrate of γ-secretase. A comparison of biophysical details between these TMDs and changes generated by introducing crucial mutations allowed us to unravel common principles that differ between substrates and nonsubstrates. We identified three motifs in the investigated substrates: a highly flexible transmembrane domain, a destabilization of the cleavage region, and a basic signature at the end of the transmembrane helix. None of these appears to be exclusive. While conformational flexibility on its own may increase cleavage efficiency in well-known substrates like APP or Notch1, our data suggest that the three motifs seem to be rather variably combined to determine whether a transmembrane helix is efficiently recognized as a γ-secretase substrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celine Moser
- Institute for Biological Interfaces 4, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Nadja Guschtschin-Schmidt
- Institute for Biological Interfaces 4, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Fritz-Haber-Weg 6, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Mara Silber
- Institute for Biological Interfaces 4, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Julia Flum
- Institute for Biological Interfaces 4, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Claudia Muhle-Goll
- Institute for Biological Interfaces 4, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Fritz-Haber-Weg 6, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
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Wu D, Jiang T, Zhang S, Huang M, Zhu Y, Chen L, Zheng Y, Zhang D, Yu H, Yao G, Sun L. Blockade of Notch1 Signaling Alleviated Podocyte Injury in Lupus Nephritis Via Inhibition of NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation. Inflammation 2024; 47:649-663. [PMID: 38085465 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-023-01935-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
To explore the role of Notch1 pathway in the pathogenesis of podocyte injury, and to provide novel strategy for podocyte repair in lupus nephritis (LN). Bioinformatics analysis and immunofluorescence assay were applied to determine the expression and localization of Notch1 intracellular domain1 (NICD1) in kidneys of LN patients and MRL/lpr mice. The stable podocyte injury model in vitro was established by puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN) treatment. Expression of inflammasome activation related gene was detected by qPCR. The podocytes with PAN treatment were cultured with or without N-S-phenyl-glycine-t-butylester (DAPT), an inhibitor of Notch1 pathway. NICD1, Wilm'stumor1 (WT1), nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptors 3 (NLRP3), and absent in melanoma-like receptors 2 (AIM2) were detected by western blot. In vivo, MRL/lpr mice were administrated with DAPT or vehicle. The LN symptoms were assessed. The podocyte injury was evaluated, and the NLRP3 in podocytes of mice was detected. Notch1 pathway was overactivated in glomeruli of LN patients. NICD1 was colocalized with podocytes of LN patients and MRL/lpr mice. The inflammasome-related genes were significantly increased in podocytes with PAN treatment. NICD1 and NLRP3 were significantly decreased, while WT1 was significantly increased in injured podocytes treated with DAPT in vitro. In vivo, lupus-like symptoms were alleviated in DAPT treatment group. Notch1 pathway was inhibited in kidneys of mice treated with DAPT. The renal inflammation was reduced and the podocyte injury was mitigated in DAPT treatment group. The NLRP3 was decreased in podocytes of mice treated with DAPT. Notch1 pathway was overactivated in podocytes of LN patients and MRL/lpr mice. Blockade of Notch1 pathway reduced renal inflammation and alleviated podocyte injury via inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in LN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Wu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Tingting Jiang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Shiyi Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Mengxi Huang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Liang Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Conversion therapy center for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumors, First Hospital of Jiaxing, Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Zheng
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Dongdong Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Honghong Yu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Genhong Yao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China.
| | - Lingyun Sun
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China.
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210008, China.
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, People's Republic of China.
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Kumari L, Mishra L, Sharma Y, Chahar K, Kumar M, Patel P, Gupta GD, Kurmi BD. NOTCH Signaling Pathway: Occurrence, Mechanism, and NOTCH-Directed Therapy for the Management of Cancer. Cancer Biother Radiopharm 2024; 39:19-34. [PMID: 37797218 DOI: 10.1089/cbr.2023.0023] [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] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
It is now well understood that many signaling pathways are vital in carrying out and controlling essential pro-survival and pro-growth cellular functions. The NOTCH signaling pathway, a highly conserved evolutionary signaling pathway, has been thoroughly studied since the discovery of NOTCH phenotypes about 100 years ago in Drosophila melanogaster. Abnormal NOTCH signaling has been linked to the pathophysiology of several diseases, notably cancer. In tumorigenesis, NOTCH plays the role of a "double-edged sword," that is, it may act as an oncogene or as a tumor suppressor gene depending on the nature of the context. However, its involvement in several cancers and inhibition of the same provides targeted therapy for the management of cancer. The use of gamma (γ)-secretase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies for cancer treatment involved NOTCH receptors inhibition, leading to the possibility of a targeted approach for cancer treatment. Likewise, several natural compounds, including curcumin, resveratrol, diallyl sulfide, and genistein, also play a dynamic role in the management of cancer by inhibition of NOTCH receptors. This review outlines the functions and structure of NOTCH receptors and their associated ligands with the mechanism of the signaling pathway. In addition, it also emphasizes the role of NOTCH-targeted nanomedicine in various cancer treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakshmi Kumari
- Department of Pharmaceutics, ISF College Pharmacy, Moga, India
| | | | - Yash Sharma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance, ISF College Pharmacy, Moga, India
| | - Kanak Chahar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance, ISF College Pharmacy, Moga, India
| | - Mritunjay Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance, ISF College Pharmacy, Moga, India
| | - Preeti Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, ISF College Pharmacy, Moga, India
| | | | - Balak Das Kurmi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, ISF College Pharmacy, Moga, India
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Feng M, Santhanam RK, Xing H, Zhou M, Jia H. Inhibition of γ-secretase/Notch pathway as a potential therapy for reversing cancer drug resistance. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 220:115991. [PMID: 38135129 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115991] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The mechanism of tumor drug resistance is complex and may involve stem cell maintenance, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, the activation of survival signaling pathways, transporter protein expression, and tumor microenvironment remodeling, all of which are linked to γ-secretase/Notch signaling. Increasing evidence has shown that the activation of the γ-secretase/Notch pathway is a key driver of cancer progression and drug resistance development and that γ-secretase inhibitors (GSIs) may be the most promising agents for reversing chemotherapy resistance of tumors by targeting the γ-secretase/Notch pathway. Here, we systematically summarize the roles in supporting γ-secretase/Notch activation-associated transformation of cancer cells into cancer stem cells, promotion of the EMT process, PI3K/Akt, MEK/ERK and NF-κB activation, enhancement of ABC transporter protein expression, and TME alteration in mediating tumor drug resistance. Subsequently, we analyze the mechanism of GSIs targeting the γ-secretase/Notch pathway to reverse tumor drug resistance and propose the outstanding advantages of GSIs in treating breast cancer drug resistance over other tumors. Finally, we emphasize that the development of GSIs for reversing tumor drug resistance is promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Feng
- Science and Experimental Research Center of Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang 110034, China; Shenyang Key Laboratory of Vascular Biology, Shenyang 110034, China
| | - Ramesh Kumar Santhanam
- Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, University Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Huan Xing
- Science and Experimental Research Center of Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang 110034, China
| | - Mingsheng Zhou
- Science and Experimental Research Center of Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang 110034, China; Shenyang Key Laboratory of Vascular Biology, Shenyang 110034, China.
| | - Hui Jia
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang 110034, China.
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Dwivedi SD, Yadav K, Bhoi A, Sahu KK, Sangwan N, Singh D, Singh MR. Targeting Pathways and Integrated Approaches to Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis. Crit Rev Ther Drug Carrier Syst 2024; 41:87-102. [PMID: 38305342 DOI: 10.1615/critrevtherdrugcarriersyst.2023044719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic symmetrical systemic disorder that not only affects joints but also other organs such as heart, lungs, kidney, and liver. Approximately there is 0.5%-1% of the total population affected by RA. RA pathogenesis still remains unclear due to which its appropriate treatment is a challenge. Further, multitudes of factors have been reported to affect its progression i.e. genetic factor, environmental factor, immune factor, and oxidative factor. Therapeutic approaches available for the treatment of RA include NSAIDs, DMARDs, enzymatic, hormonal, and gene therapies. But most of them provide the symptomatic relief without treating the core of the disease. This makes it obligatory to explore and reach the molecular targets for cure and long-term relief from RA. Herein, we attempt to provide extensive overlay of the new targets for RA treatment such as signaling pathways, proteins, and receptors affecting the progression of the disease and its severity. Precise modification in these targets such as suppressing the notch signaling pathway, SIRT 3 protein, Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor and stimulating the neuronal signals particularly efferent vagus nerve and SIRT 1 protein may offer long term relief and potentially diminish the chronicity. To target or alter the novel molecules and signaling pathway a specific delivery system is required such as liposome, nanoparticles and micelles and many more. Present review paper discusses in detail about novel targets and delivery systems for treating RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shradha Devi Dwivedi
- University Institute of Pharmacy, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur 492 010, India
| | - Krishna Yadav
- University Institute of Pharmacy, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur (C.G), 492010, India
| | - Anita Bhoi
- School of Studies in Biotechnology, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur 492 010, India
| | - Keshav Kant Sahu
- School of studies in biotechnology, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur (C.G), 492010, India
| | - Neelam Sangwan
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Interdisciplinary and Applied Sciences, Central University of Haryana, Mahendergarh, 123031, India
| | - Deependra Singh
- University Institute of Pharmacy, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, 492010, India; National Centre for Natural Resources, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, 492010, India
| | - Manju Rawat Singh
- University Institute of pharmacy, Pt.Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur.(C.G.) 2. National centre for natural resources, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur
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9
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Zheng C, Huang J, Xu G, Li W, Weng X, Zhang S. The Notch signaling pathway in desmoid tumor: Recent advances and the therapeutic prospects. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:166907. [PMID: 37793461 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166907] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Desmoid tumor (DT) is a rare fibroblastic soft-tissue neoplasm that is characterized by local aggressiveness but no metastatic potential. Although the prognosis is relatively favorable, the unpredictable disease course and infiltrative growth lead to significant impairments and morbidity. Aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been well-established in the pathogenesis of sporadic DT and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) or Gardners syndrome-associated DT, suggesting therapy targeting this pathway is an appealing treatment strategy. However, agents against this pathway are currently in their preliminary stages and have not yet been implemented in clinical practice. Increasing studies demonstrate activation of the Notch pathway is closely associated with the development and progression of DT, which provides a potential alternative therapeutic target against DT. Early-stage clinical trials and preclinical models have indicated that inhibition of Notch pathway might be a promising treatment approach for DT. The Notch signaling activation is mainly dependent on the activity of the γ-secretase enzyme, which is responsible for cleaving the Notch intracellular domain and facilitating its nuclear translocation to promote gene transcription. Two γ-secretase inhibitors called nirogacestat and AL102 are currently under extensive investigation in the advanced stage of clinical development. The updated findings from the phase III randomized controlled trial (DeFi trial) demonstrated that nirogacestat exerts significant benefits in terms of disease control and symptom resolution in patients with progressive DT. Therefore, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the present understanding of Notch signaling in the pathogenesis of DT, with a particular emphasis on the prospective therapeutic application of γ-secretase inhibitors in the management of DT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanxi Zheng
- Department of Musculoskeletal Tumor Surgery, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518035, China
| | - Jianghong Huang
- Department of Spine Surgery and Orthopedics, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518035, China
| | - Gang Xu
- Department of Musculoskeletal Tumor Surgery, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518035, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Musculoskeletal Tumor Surgery, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518035, China
| | - Xin Weng
- Department of Pathology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518035, China
| | - Shiquan Zhang
- Department of Musculoskeletal Tumor Surgery, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518035, China.
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Varatanovic S, Stoiber S, Haas M, Lein A, Kadletz-Wanke L, Brkic FF. In vitro antineoplastic effects of MK0752 in HPV-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:14691-14699. [PMID: 37587308 PMCID: PMC10602957 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05269-x] [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: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Gamma-secretase inhibitor MK0752 has shown a high therapeutic potential in different solid malignant tumors. Up to now, its antineoplastic effects were not investigated in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and particularly in human-papillomavirus (HPV)-positive tumors. METHODS We conducted cytotoxic, migration, and clonogenic assays in two HPV-negative HNSCC cell lines (Cal27 and FaDu) and one HPV-positive cell line (SCC154). Furthermore, in order to assess the pro-apoptotic effects of MK0752, a Caspase 3/7 Glo assay was performed. RESULTS Our experiments revealed antineoplastic effects of MK0752 in all three cell lines. Strong cytotoxic and antimigratory potential was shown in all cell lines, with strongest effects observed in the HPV-positive cell line. Meanwhile, anticlonogenic effects were only shown in Cal27 and SCC154. Most importantly, MK0752 induced apoptosis solely in HPV-positive SCC154. CONCLUSIONS Our novel findings indicate a therapeutic potential of MK0752 in HPV-positive HNSCC. Indeed, further investigation is needed for validation of our results and for the assessment of the mechanistic background.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Varatanovic
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefan Stoiber
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Applied Metabolomics, Vienna, Austria
| | - Markus Haas
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Lein
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lorenz Kadletz-Wanke
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Faris F Brkic
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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11
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Hossain F, Ucar DA, Monticone G, Ran Y, Majumder S, Larter K, Luu H, Wyczechowska D, Heidari S, Xu K, Shanthalingam S, Matossian M, Xi Y, Burow M, Collins-Burow B, Del Valle L, Hicks C, Zabaleta J, Golde T, Osborne B, Miele L. Sulindac sulfide as a non-immune suppressive γ-secretase modulator to target triple-negative breast cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1244159. [PMID: 37901240 PMCID: PMC10612326 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1244159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) comprises a heterogeneous group of clinically aggressive tumors with high risk of recurrence and metastasis. Current pharmacological treatment options remain largely limited to chemotherapy. Despite promising results, the efficacy of immunotherapy and chemo-immunotherapy in TNBC remains limited. There is strong evidence supporting the involvement of Notch signaling in TNBC progression. Expression of Notch1 and its ligand Jagged1 correlate with poor prognosis. Notch inhibitors, including g-secretase inhibitors (GSIs), are quite effective in preclinical models of TNBC. However, the success of GSIs in clinical trials has been limited by their intestinal toxicity and potential for adverse immunological effects, since Notch plays key roles in T-cell activation, including CD8 T-cells in tumors. Our overarching goal is to replace GSIs with agents that lack their systemic toxicity and ideally, do not affect tumor immunity. We identified sulindac sulfide (SS), the active metabolite of FDA-approved NSAID sulindac, as a potential candidate to replace GSIs. Methods We investigated the pharmacological and immunotherapeutic properties of SS in TNBC models in vitro, ex-vivo and in vivo. Results We confirmed that SS, a known γ-secretase modulator (GSM), inhibits Notch1 cleavage in TNBC cells. SS significantly inhibited mammosphere growth in all human and murine TNBC models tested. In a transplantable mouse TNBC tumor model (C0321), SS had remarkable single-agent anti-tumor activity and eliminated Notch1 protein expression in tumors. Importantly, SS did not inhibit Notch cleavage in T- cells, and the anti-tumor effects of SS were significantly enhanced when combined with a-PD1 immunotherapy in our TNBC organoids and in vivo. Discussion Our data support further investigation of SS for the treatment of TNBC, in conjunction with chemo- or -chemo-immunotherapy. Repurposing an FDA-approved, safe agent for the treatment of TNBC may be a cost-effective, rapidly deployable therapeutic option for a patient population in need of more effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fokhrul Hossain
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans (LSUHSC-NO), New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Deniz A. Ucar
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans (LSUHSC-NO), New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Giulia Monticone
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans (LSUHSC-NO), New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Yong Ran
- Department of Pharmacological and Chemical Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Samarpan Majumder
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans (LSUHSC-NO), New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Kristina Larter
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans (LSUHSC-NO), New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Hanh Luu
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans (LSUHSC-NO), New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Dorota Wyczechowska
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, LSUHSC-NO, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Soroor Heidari
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans (LSUHSC-NO), New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Keli Xu
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
| | - Sudarvili Shanthalingam
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States
| | | | - Yaguang Xi
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans (LSUHSC-NO), New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Matthew Burow
- School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | | | - Luis Del Valle
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, LSUHSC-NO, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Department of Pathology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center - New Orleans (LSUHSC-NO), New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Chindo Hicks
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans (LSUHSC-NO), New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Jovanny Zabaleta
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, LSUHSC-NO, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Todd Golde
- Department of Pharmacological and Chemical Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Barbara Osborne
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, United States
| | - Lucio Miele
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans (LSUHSC-NO), New Orleans, LA, United States
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12
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Ortner M, Guschtschin-Schmidt N, Stelzer W, Muhle-Goll C, Langosch D. Permissive Conformations of a Transmembrane Helix Allow Intramembrane Proteolysis by γ-Secretase. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:168218. [PMID: 37536392 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
The intramembrane protease γ-secretase activates important signaling molecules, such as Notch receptors. It is still unclear, however, how different elements within the primary structure of substrate transmembrane domains (TMDs) contribute to their cleavability. Using a newly developed yeast-based cleavage assay, we identified three crucial regions within the TMDs of the paralogs Notch1 and Notch3 by mutational and gain-of-function approaches. The AAAA or AGAV motifs within the N-terminal half of the TMDs were found to confer strong conformational flexibility to these TMD helices, as determined by mutagenesis coupled to deuterium/hydrogen exchange. Crucial amino acids within the C-terminal half may support substrate docking into the catalytic cleft of presenilin, the enzymatic subunit of γ-secretase. Further, residues close to the C-termini of the TMDs may stabilize a tripartite β-sheet in the substrate/enzyme complex. NMR structures reveal different extents of helix bending as well as an ability to adopt widely differing conformational substates, depending on the sequence of the N-terminal half. The difference in cleavability between Notch1 and Notch3 TMDs is jointly determined by the conformational repertoires of the TMD helices and the sequences of the C-terminal half, as suggested by mutagenesis and building molecular models. In sum, cleavability of a γ-secretase substrate is enabled by different functions of cooperating TMD regions, which deepens our mechanistic understanding of substrate/non-substrate discrimination in intramembrane proteolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Ortner
- Chair of Biopolymer Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Nadja Guschtschin-Schmidt
- Institute for Biological Interfaces 4, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany; Institute of Organic Chemistry, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Walter Stelzer
- Chair of Biopolymer Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Claudia Muhle-Goll
- Institute for Biological Interfaces 4, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany; Institute of Organic Chemistry, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, 76131 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Dieter Langosch
- Chair of Biopolymer Chemistry, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany.
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13
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Czerwonka A, Kałafut J, Nees M. Modulation of Notch Signaling by Small-Molecular Compounds and Its Potential in Anticancer Studies. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4563. [PMID: 37760535 PMCID: PMC10526229 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184563] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Notch signaling is responsible for conveying messages between cells through direct contact, playing a pivotal role in tissue development and homeostasis. The modulation of Notch-related processes, such as cell growth, differentiation, viability, and cell fate, offer opportunities to better understand and prevent disease progression, including cancer. Currently, research efforts are mainly focused on attempts to inhibit Notch signaling in tumors with strong oncogenic, gain-of-function (GoF) or hyperactivation of Notch signaling. The goal is to reduce the growth and proliferation of cancer cells, interfere with neo-angiogenesis, increase chemosensitivity, potentially target cancer stem cells, tumor dormancy, and invasion, and induce apoptosis. Attempts to pharmacologically enhance or restore disturbed Notch signaling for anticancer therapies are less frequent. However, in some cancer types, such as squamous cell carcinomas, preferentially, loss-of-function (LoF) mutations have been confirmed, and restoring but not blocking Notch functions may be beneficial for therapy. The modulation of Notch signaling can be performed at several key levels related to NOTCH receptor expression, translation, posttranslational (proteolytic) processing, glycosylation, transport, and activation. This further includes blocking the interaction with Notch-related nuclear DNA transcription. Examples of small-molecular chemical compounds, that modulate individual elements of Notch signaling at the mentioned levels, have been described in the recent literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arkadiusz Czerwonka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (J.K.); (M.N.)
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14
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Tien PC, Chen X, Elzey BD, Pollock RE, Kuang S. Notch signaling regulates a metabolic switch through inhibiting PGC-1α and mitochondrial biogenesis in dedifferentiated liposarcoma. Oncogene 2023; 42:2521-2535. [PMID: 37433985 PMCID: PMC10575759 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02768-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Human dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLPS) is a rare but lethal cancer with no driver mutations being identified, hampering the development of targeted therapies. We and others recently reported that constitutive activation of Notch signaling through overexpression of the Notch1 intracellular domain (NICDOE) in murine adipocytes leads to tumors resembling human DDLPS. However, the mechanisms underlying the oncogenic functions of Notch activation in DDLPS remains unclear. Here, we show that Notch signaling is activated in a subset of human DDLPS and correlates with poor prognosis and expression of MDM2, a defining marker of DDLPS. Metabolic analyses reveal that murine NICDOE DDLPS cells exhibit markedly reduced mitochondrial respiration and increased glycolysis, mimicking the Warburg effect. This metabolic switch is associated with diminished expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1α (Ppargc1a, encoding PGC-1α protein), a master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis. Genetic ablation of the NICDOE cassette rescues the expression of PGC-1α and mitochondrial respiration. Similarly, overexpression of PGC-1α is sufficient to rescue mitochondria biogenesis, inhibit the growth and promote adipogenic differentiation of DDLPS cells. Together, these data demonstrate that Notch activation inhibits PGC-1α to suppress mitochondrial biogenesis and drive a metabolic switch in DDLPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Chieh Tien
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Xiyue Chen
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Bennett D Elzey
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Raphael E Pollock
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Shihuan Kuang
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
- Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
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15
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Zhang Z, Lu YX, Liu F, Sang L, Shi C, Xie S, Bian W, Yang JC, Yang Z, Qu L, Chen SY, Li J, Yang L, Yan Q, Wang W, Fu P, Shao J, Li X, Lin A. lncRNA BREA2 promotes metastasis by disrupting the WWP2-mediated ubiquitination of Notch1. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2206694120. [PMID: 36795754 PMCID: PMC9974429 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2206694120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Notch has been implicated in human cancers and is a putative therapeutic target. However, the regulation of Notch activation in the nucleus remains largely uncharacterized. Therefore, characterizing the detailed mechanisms governing Notch degradation will identify attractive strategies for treating Notch-activated cancers. Here, we report that the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) BREA2 drives breast cancer metastasis by stabilizing the Notch1 intracellular domain (NICD1). Moreover, we reveal WW domain containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 2 (WWP2) as an E3 ligase for NICD1 at K1821 and a suppressor of breast cancer metastasis. Mechanistically, BREA2 impairs WWP2-NICD1 complex formation and in turn stabilizes NICD1, leading to Notch signaling activation and lung metastasis. BREA2 loss sensitizes breast cancer cells to inhibition of Notch signaling and suppresses the growth of breast cancer patient-derived xenograft tumors, highlighting its therapeutic potential in breast cancer. Taken together, these results reveal the lncRNA BREA2 as a putative regulator of Notch signaling and an oncogenic player driving breast cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Zhang
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystem Homeostasis and Protection, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310058, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310058, China
- Key Laboratory for Cell and Gene Engineering of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang310058, China
| | - Yun-xin Lu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong510060, China
| | - Fangzhou Liu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystem Homeostasis and Protection, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310058, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310058, China
- Key Laboratory for Cell and Gene Engineering of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang310058, China
| | - Lingjie Sang
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystem Homeostasis and Protection, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310058, China
| | - Chengyu Shi
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystem Homeostasis and Protection, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310058, China
| | - Shaofang Xie
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310024, China
| | - Weixiang Bian
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310024, China
| | - Jie-cheng Yang
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystem Homeostasis and Protection, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310058, China
| | - Zuozhen Yang
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystem Homeostasis and Protection, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310058, China
| | - Lei Qu
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystem Homeostasis and Protection, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310058, China
| | - Shi-yi Chen
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystem Homeostasis and Protection, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310058, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Pathology School of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310003, China
| | - Lu Yang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital and Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine South China University of Technology, Guangzhou510080, China
| | - Qingfeng Yan
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystem Homeostasis and Protection, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310058, China
| | - Wenqi Wang
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA92697
| | - Peifen Fu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310003, China
| | - Jianzhong Shao
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystem Homeostasis and Protection, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310058, China
| | - Xu Li
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310024, China
| | - Aifu Lin
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystem Homeostasis and Protection, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310058, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310058, China
- Key Laboratory for Cell and Gene Engineering of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang310058, China
- Breast Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang310003, China
- International School of Medicine, International Institutes of Medicine, The 4th Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, Zhejiang322000, China
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16
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You WK, Schuetz TJ, Lee SH. Targeting the DLL/Notch Signaling Pathway in Cancer: Challenges and Advances in Clinical Development. Mol Cancer Ther 2023; 22:3-11. [PMID: 36223541 PMCID: PMC9808372 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-22-0243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The DLL/Notch signaling pathway plays an important role in cancer as a key driver in maintaining cancer stemness and inducing tumor angiogenesis. Many different types of DLL/Notch inhibitors have been developed and explored in clinical trials for cancer treatment, including small-molecule compounds to inhibit gamma-secretase and antibodies targeting Notch ligands or receptors. Despite promising efficacy of these inhibitors in preclinical studies, the overall clinical outcomes have been insufficient to advance to the next stage of clinical development primarily due to safety concerns or modest efficacy. To overcome the narrow therapeutic window of DLL/Notch inhibitors, diverse strategies for improving the balance between the safety and efficacy are currently being explored. Here, we review the clinical perspective and potential of DLL/Notch inhibitors as anticancer agents based on recent results from multiple clinical studies. An antibody specifically targeting Notch ligands or receptors may offer a better approach to reduce concerns about toxicity derived from broad-spectrum DLL/Notch blockers. In addition, combination therapy with an angiogenesis inhibitor targeting VEGF could be a better option for increasing anticancer efficacy. Taken together, the results of clinical trials suggest a bispecific antibody blocking the DLL/Notch and VEGF/VEGFR signaling pathways as a promising approach for effective anticancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weon-Kyoo You
- R&D Center, ABL Bio, Inc., Seongnam-si, Republic of Korea.,Corresponding Author: Weon-Kyoo You, R&D, R&D center, ABL Bio, Inc., 2F, 16 Daewangpangyo-ro, 712 beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13488, Republic of Korea. Phone: 8231-8018-9803; Fax: 8231-8018-9836; E-mail:
| | | | - Sang Hoon Lee
- R&D Center, ABL Bio, Inc., Seongnam-si, Republic of Korea
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17
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Gonzalez-Perez D, Das S, Antfolk D, Ahsan HS, Medina E, Dundes CE, Jokhai RT, Egan ED, Blacklow SC, Loh KM, Rodriguez PC, Luca VC. Affinity-matured DLL4 ligands as broad-spectrum modulators of Notch signaling. Nat Chem Biol 2023; 19:9-17. [PMID: 36050494 PMCID: PMC10132381 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-022-01113-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The Notch pathway regulates cell fate decisions and is an emerging target for regenerative and cancer therapies. Recombinant Notch ligands are attractive candidates for modulating Notch signaling; however, their intrinsically low receptor-binding affinity restricts their utility in biomedical applications. To overcome this limitation, we evolved variants of the ligand Delta-like 4 with enhanced affinity and cross-reactivity. A consensus variant with maximized binding affinity, DeltaMAX, binds human and murine Notch receptors with 500- to 1,000-fold increased affinity compared with wild-type human Delta-like 4. DeltaMAX also potently activates Notch in plate-bound, bead-bound and cellular formats. When administered as a soluble decoy, DeltaMAX inhibits Notch in reporter and neuronal differentiation assays, highlighting its dual utility as an agonist or antagonist. Finally, we demonstrate that DeltaMAX stimulates increased proliferation and expression of effector mediators in T cells. Taken together, our data define DeltaMAX as a versatile tool for broad-spectrum activation or inhibition of Notch signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Satyajit Das
- Department of Immunology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Daniel Antfolk
- Department of Drug Discovery, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Hadia S Ahsan
- Stanford Institute for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Elliot Medina
- Department of Drug Discovery, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Carolyn E Dundes
- Stanford Institute for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Rayyan T Jokhai
- Stanford Institute for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Emily D Egan
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stephen C Blacklow
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kyle M Loh
- Stanford Institute for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Vincent C Luca
- Department of Drug Discovery, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA.
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18
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Ishikawa H, Menju T, Toyazaki T, Miyamoto H, Chiba N, Noguchi M, Tamari S, Miyata R, Yutaka Y, Tanaka S, Yamada Y, Nakajima D, Ohsumi A, Hamaji M, Okuno Y, Date H. A novel cell-based assay for the high-throughput screening of epithelial-mesenchymal transition inhibitors: Identification of approved and investigational drugs that inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Lung Cancer 2023; 175:36-46. [PMID: 36450215 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2022.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Lung cancer with distant metastases is associated with a very poor prognosis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) contributes to cancer metastasis. Therefore, elucidation and inhibition of EMT signaling in lung cancer may be a new therapeutic strategy for improving the prognosis of patients. We constructed a high-throughput screening system for EMT inhibitors. Using this system, we aimed to identify compounds that indeed inhibit EMT. MATERIALS AND METHODS We generated a luciferase reporter cell line using A549 human lung cancer cells and E-cadherin or vimentin as EMT markers. EMT was induced by transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), and candidate EMT inhibitors were screened from a library of 2,350 compounds. The selected compounds were further tested using secondary assays to verify the inhibition of EMT and invasive capacity of cells. RESULTS Values obtained by the assay were adjusted for the number of viable cells and scored by determining the difference between mean values of the positive and negative control groups. Four compounds were identified as novel candidate drugs. Among those, one (avagacestat) and two compounds (GDC-0879 and levothyroxine) improved the expression of E-cadherin and vimentin, respectively, in epithelial cells. GDC-0879 and levothyroxine also significantly inhibited the invasive capacity of cells. CONCLUSION We systematically screened approved, investigational, and druggable compounds with inhibitory effects using a reporter assay, and identified candidate drugs for EMT inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Ishikawa
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Toshi Menju
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan.
| | - Toshiya Toyazaki
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Hideaki Miyamoto
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Naohisa Chiba
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Misa Noguchi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Shigeyuki Tamari
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Ryo Miyata
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Yojiro Yutaka
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Satona Tanaka
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Yoshito Yamada
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Daisuke Nakajima
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Akihiro Ohsumi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Masatsugu Hamaji
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Yukiko Okuno
- The Drug Discovery Center, Medical Research Support, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 53 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Date
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
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19
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Wang Z, Chen C, Wang L, Jia Y, Qin Y. Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy for multiple myeloma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1050522. [PMID: 36618390 PMCID: PMC9814974 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1050522] [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: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant plasma cell disorder that remains incurable for most patients, as persistent clonal evolution drives new mutations which confer MM high-risk signatures and resistance to standard care. The past two decades have significantly refashioned the therapeutic options for MM, especially adoptive T cell therapy contributing to impressive response rate and clinical efficacy. Despite great promises achieved from chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy, the poor durability and severe toxicity (cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity) are still huge challenges. Therefore, relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), characterized by the nature of clinicopathologic and molecular heterogeneity, is frequently associated with poor prognosis. B Cell Maturation Antigen (BCMA) is the most successful target for CAR-T therapy, and other potential targets either for single-target or dual-target CAR-T are actively being studied in numerous clinical trials. Moreover, mechanisms driving resistance or relapse after CAR-T therapy remain uncharacterized, which might refer to T-cell clearance, antigen escape, and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Engineering CAR T-cell to improve both efficacy and safety continues to be a promising area for investigation. In this review, we aim to describe novel tumor-associated neoantigens for MM, summarize the data from current MM CAR-T clinical trials, introduce the mechanism of disease resistance/relapse after CAR-T infusion, highlight innovations capable of enhanced efficacy and reduced toxicity, and provide potential directions to optimize manufacturing processes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yongxu Jia
- *Correspondence: Yongxu Jia, ; Yanru Qin,
| | - Yanru Qin
- *Correspondence: Yongxu Jia, ; Yanru Qin,
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20
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Yousefi H, Bahramy A, Zafari N, Delavar MR, Nguyen K, Haghi A, Kandelouei T, Vittori C, Jazireian P, Maleki S, Imani D, Moshksar A, Bitaraf A, Babashah S. Notch signaling pathway: a comprehensive prognostic and gene expression profile analysis in breast cancer. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:1282. [PMID: 36476410 PMCID: PMC9730604 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-10383-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a complex disease exhibiting a great degree of heterogeneity due to different molecular subtypes. Notch signaling regulates the differentiation of breast epithelial cells during normal development and plays a crucial role in breast cancer progression through the abnormal expression of the Notch up-and down-stream effectors. To date, there are only a few patient-centered clinical studies using datasets characterizing the role of Notch signaling pathway regulators in breast cancer; thus, we investigate the role and functionality of these factors in different subtypes using publicly available databases containing records from large studies. High-throughput genomic data and clinical information extracted from TCGA were analyzed. We performed Kaplan-Meier survival and differential gene expression analyses using the HALLMARK_NOTCH_SIGNALING gene set. To determine if epigenetic regulation of the Notch regulators contributes to their expression, we analyzed methylation levels of these factors using the TCGA HumanMethylation450 Array data. Notch receptors and ligands expression is generally associated with the tumor subtype, grade, and stage. Furthermore, we showed gene expression levels of most Notch factors were associated with DNA methylation rate. Modulating the expression levels of Notch receptors and effectors can be a potential therapeutic approach for breast cancer. As we outline herein, elucidating the novel prognostic and regulatory roles of Notch implicate this pathway as an essential mediator controlling breast cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Yousefi
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Science Center (LSUHSC), New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Afshin Bahramy
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Narges Zafari
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Rostamian Delavar
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Khoa Nguyen
- Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Atousa Haghi
- Hematology Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Tahmineh Kandelouei
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Cecilia Vittori
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC), and Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Parham Jazireian
- Department of Biology, University Campus 2, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
| | - Sajad Maleki
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Danyal Imani
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Amin Moshksar
- Interventional Radiology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Amirreza Bitaraf
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, P.O. Box, Tehran, 14115-154, Iran
| | - Sadegh Babashah
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, P.O. Box, Tehran, 14115-154, Iran.
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21
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Kim EP, Kim CY, Heo MY, Kim SW, Kim GA. MicroRNA Expression Variation in Female Dog ( Canis familiaris) Reproductive Organs with Age and Presence of Uteropathy. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12233352. [PMID: 36496873 PMCID: PMC9740207 DOI: 10.3390/ani12233352] [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: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
While aging is associated with microRNA (miRNA) expression, little is known about its role in the aging of dog reproductive organs. We examined miRNA expression in ovaries, oviducts, and uteri from young and old dogs and dogs with uteropathy to elucidate miRNA's role in aging. The ovaries, oviducts, and uteri of 18 dogs (Canis familiaris)-young (8.5 ± 1.9 months old), old (78.2 ± 29.0 months old), and those with uteropathy (104.4 ± 15.1 months old)-were collected for miRNA expression examination. Total RNA samples were extracted, reverse-transcribed to cDNA, and real-time PCR analysis was also performed. In ovaries, miR-708 and miR-151 levels were significantly higher in old dogs than in young dogs, and only let-7a, let-7b, let-7c, miR125b, and miR26a were significantly upregulated in dogs with uteropathy. In the oviducts and uteri of old dogs, miR-140, miR-30d, miR-23a, miR-10a, miR-125a, miR-221, and miR-29a were upregulated. Realtime quantitative PCR revealed that targeted mRNA was similarly regulated to miRNA. These results suggest that miRNAs of reproductive organs in dogs may be biological markers for aging and reproductive diseases and could be used for mediating aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Pyo Kim
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, Research Institute for Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Chae Young Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Young Heo
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, School of Healthcare Science, Eulji University, Uijeongbu 34824, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Wha Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Endemic Disease, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Geon A. Kim
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, School of Healthcare Science, Eulji University, Uijeongbu 34824, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence:
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22
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Engineering receptors in the secretory pathway for orthogonal signalling control. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7350. [PMID: 36446786 PMCID: PMC9708828 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35161-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic receptors targeted to the secretory pathway often fail to exhibit the expected activity due to post-translational modifications (PTMs) and/or improper folding. Here, we engineered synthetic receptors that reside in the cytoplasm, inside the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), or on the plasma membrane through orientation adjustment of the receptor parts and by elimination of dysfunctional PTMs sites. The cytoplasmic receptors consist of split-TEVp domains that reconstitute an active protease through chemically-induced dimerization (CID) that is triggered by rapamycin, abscisic acid, or gibberellin. Inside the ER, however, some of these receptors were non-functional, but their activity was restored by mutagenesis of cysteine and asparagine, residues that are typically associated with PTMs. Finally, we engineered orthogonal chemically activated cell-surface receptors (OCARs) consisting of the Notch1 transmembrane domain fused to cytoplasmic tTA and extracellular CID domains. Mutagenesis of cysteine residues in CID domains afforded functional OCARs which enabled fine-tuning of orthogonal signalling in mammalian cells.
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23
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Zhang C, Qin S, Xie H, Qiu Q, Wang H, Zhang J, Luo D, Zhang J. RO4929097, a Selective γ-Secretase Inhibitor, Inhibits Subretinal Fibrosis Via Suppressing Notch and ERK1/2 Signaling in Laser-Induced Mouse Model. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:14. [PMID: 36155746 PMCID: PMC9526367 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.10.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to explore whether RO4929097 (RO), a specific γ-secretase inhibitor, could inhibit the subretinal fibrosis in laser-induced mouse model and the relevant molecular mechanisms. Methods Male C57BL/6J mice were used to produce choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and subretinal fibrosis by laser photocoagulation, and RO was administered intravitreally 1 day after laser induction. The sizes of CNV and subretinal fibrosis were measured and quantified in both 2D and 3D constructions. The ARPE-19 cell line and primary human RPE (phRPE) cells were treated with TGFβ1, in combination with or without RO, to examine Notch related molecules, epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), cell viability, migration, and contractile function, as well as the crosstalk between Notch and other EMT relevant signaling pathways. Results Intravitreal injection of RO reduced the sizes of both CNV and subretinal fibrosis in laser-induced young and old mice at day 7 and day 14 after laser induction. Moreover, EMT and Notch activation in RPE-choroid complexes from laser-induced mice were significantly attenuated by RO. In vitro, TGFβ1 activated Notch signaling and induced EMT in ARPE-19 cells, accompanied by enhanced EMT-related function, which were inhibited by RO. The inhibition of RO on EMT was further confirmed in TGFβ1-treated phRPE cells. Blockage of Notch signaling by RO could inhibit ERK1/2 signaling; whereas ERK1/2 inhibition had no effect on Notch. The action of RO was independent of Smad2/3 or p38, and co-inhibition of Notch and Smad2/3 showed synergistic effect on EMT inhibition. Conclusions RO exerts its antifibrotic effect by directly inhibiting Notch signaling and indirectly suppressing ERK1/2 signaling. Targeting Notch signaling might provide a therapeutic strategy in prevention and treatment of subretinal fibrosis in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoyang Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Shiyue Qin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Hai Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Qinghua Qiu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Shigatse People's Hospital, Xizang, China
| | - Haiyan Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingting Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Dawei Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingfa Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital (Shanghai First People's Hospital), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Visual Science and Photomedicine, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai, China
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24
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Ferrarotto R, Mishra V, Herz E, Yaacov A, Solomon O, Rauch R, Mondshine A, Motin M, Leibovich-Rivkin T, Davis M, Kaye J, Weber CR, Shen L, Pearson AT, Rosenberg AJ, Chen X, Singh A, Aster JC, Agrawal N, Izumchenko E. AL101, a gamma-secretase inhibitor, has potent antitumor activity against adenoid cystic carcinoma with activated NOTCH signaling. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:678. [PMID: 35931701 PMCID: PMC9355983 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05133-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is an aggressive salivary gland malignancy with limited treatment options for recurrent or metastatic disease. Due to chemotherapy resistance and lack of targeted therapeutic approaches, current treatment options for the localized disease are limited to surgery and radiation, which fails to prevent locoregional recurrences and distant metastases in over 50% of patients. Approximately 20% of patients with ACC carry NOTCH-activating mutations that are associated with a distinct phenotype, aggressive disease, and poor prognosis. Given the role of NOTCH signaling in regulating tumor cell behavior, NOTCH inhibitors represent an attractive potential therapeutic strategy for this subset of ACC. AL101 (osugacestat) is a potent γ-secretase inhibitor that prevents activation of all four NOTCH receptors. While this investigational new drug has demonstrated antineoplastic activity in several preclinical cancer models and in patients with advanced solid malignancies, we are the first to study the therapeutic benefit of AL101 in ACC. Here, we describe the antitumor activity of AL101 using ACC cell lines, organoids, and patient-derived xenograft models. Specifically, we find that AL101 has potent antitumor effects in in vitro and in vivo models of ACC with activating NOTCH1 mutations and constitutively upregulated NOTCH signaling pathway, providing a strong rationale for evaluation of AL101 in clinical trials for patients with NOTCH-driven relapsed/refractory ACC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Ferrarotto
- Department of Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Vasudha Mishra
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Elad Herz
- Ayala Pharmaceuticals, Rehovot, Israel
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Joel Kaye
- Ayala Pharmaceuticals, Rehovot, Israel
| | | | - Le Shen
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Alexander T Pearson
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ari J Rosenberg
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Xiangying Chen
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Alka Singh
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jon C Aster
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nishant Agrawal
- Department of Surgery, Section of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Evgeny Izumchenko
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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25
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Gao J, Wu P, Chi Y, Xu H, Zhao Y, Song N, Mao Y. LY450139 Inhibited Ti-Particle-Induced Bone Dissolution via Suppressing Notch and NF-κB Signaling Pathways. Calcif Tissue Int 2022; 111:211-223. [PMID: 35588014 PMCID: PMC9300553 DOI: 10.1007/s00223-022-00980-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Aseptic loosening of the prosthesis caused by wear-particle-induced osteolysis is a long-term complication and one of the most common reasons for the failure of joint implants. The primary cause of aseptic loosening of the prosthesis is overactive bone resorption caused by wear-particle-activated osteoclasts in both direct and indirect ways. Therefore, drugs that can inhibit differentiation and bone resorption of osteoclasts need investigation as a potential therapeutic strategy to prevent and treat peri-prosthetic osteolysis and thereby prolong the service life of the prosthesis. This study has verified the potential inhibitory effect of LY450139 on inflammatory osteolysis induced by titanium particles in a mice skull model. In addition, we found that LY450139 inhibited receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis, bone resorption, and podosomal actin belt formation in a dose-dependent manner without evidence of cytotoxicity in vitro. In addition, LY450139 significantly decreased the expression of osteoclast-specific markers, including TRAP, CTSK, V-ATPase d2, CTR, DC-STAMP, NFATc1, and the downstream target gene Hes1 in Notch signaling pathway. Further investigation of the molecular mechanism demonstrated that LY450139 inhibited the formation of osteoclasts via inhibition of the NF-κB and Notch signaling pathways. In summary, LY450139 inhibited the formation of RANKL-mediated osteoclasts via NF-κB and Notch signaling and inhibited Ti particle-induced inflammatory osteolysis in vivo. LY450139 is a potential targeted drug for the treatment of peri-prosthetic osteolysis and other osteolytic disease associated with overactive osteoclasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jijian Gao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shengzhou People's Hospital (the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University Shengzhou Branch), Shaoxing, 312000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Peng Wu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Huating First People's Hospital, Pingliang, 744000, Gansu, China
| | - Yingjun Chi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shengzhou People's Hospital (the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University Shengzhou Branch), Shaoxing, 312000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hongyu Xu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shengzhou People's Hospital (the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University Shengzhou Branch), Shaoxing, 312000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yong Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shengzhou People's Hospital (the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University Shengzhou Branch), Shaoxing, 312000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Nanyan Song
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shengzhou People's Hospital (the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University Shengzhou Branch), Shaoxing, 312000, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Yuanqing Mao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orthopaedic Implants, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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26
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Singh S, Yang F, Sivils A, Cegielski V, Chu XP. Amylin and Secretases in the Pathology and Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. Biomolecules 2022; 12:996. [PMID: 35883551 PMCID: PMC9312829 DOI: 10.3390/biom12070996] [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: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease remains a prevailing neurodegenerative condition which has an array physical, emotional, and financial consequences to patients and society. In the past decade, there has been a greater degree of investigation on therapeutic small peptides. This group of biomolecules have a profile of fundamentally sound characteristics which make them an intriguing area for drug development. Among these biomolecules, there are four modulatory mechanisms of interest in this review: alpha-, beta-, gamma-secretases, and amylin. These protease-based biomolecules all have a contributory role in the amyloid cascade hypothesis. Moreover, the involvement of various biochemical pathways intertwines these peptides to have shared regulators (i.e., retinoids). Further clinical and translational investigation must occur to gain a greater understanding of its potential application in patient care. The aim of this narrative review is to evaluate the contemporary literature on these protease biomolecule modulators and determine its utility in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Xiang-Ping Chu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA; (S.S.); (F.Y.); (A.S.); (V.C.)
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27
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Subcellular dynamics and functional activity of the cleaved intracellular domain of the Na + channel β1 subunit. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102174. [PMID: 35752364 PMCID: PMC9304784 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The voltage-gated Na+ channel β1 subunit, encoded by SCN1B, regulates cell surface expression and gating of α subunits and participates in cell adhesion. β1 is cleaved by α/β and γ-secretases, releasing an extracellular domain and intracellular domain (ICD), respectively. Abnormal SCN1B expression/function is linked to pathologies including epilepsy, cardiac arrhythmia, and cancer. In this study, we sought to determine the effect of secretase cleavage on β1 function in breast cancer cells. Using a series of GFP-tagged β1 constructs, we show that β1-GFP is mainly retained intracellularly, particularly in the endoplasmic reticulum and endolysosomal pathway, and accumulates in the nucleus. Reduction in endosomal β1-GFP levels occurred following γ-secretase inhibition, implicating endosomes and/or the preceding plasma membrane as important sites for secretase processing. Using live-cell imaging, we also report β1ICD-GFP accumulation in the nucleus. Furthermore, β1-GFP and β1ICD-GFP both increased Na+ current, whereas β1STOP-GFP, which lacks the ICD, did not, thus highlighting that the β1-ICD is necessary and sufficient to increase Na+ current measured at the plasma membrane. Importantly, although the endogenous Na+ current expressed in MDA-MB-231 cells is tetrodotoxin (TTX)-resistant (carried by Nav1.5), the Na+ current increased by β1-GFP or β1ICD-GFP was TTX-sensitive. Finally, we found β1-GFP increased mRNA levels of the TTX-sensitive α subunits SCN1A/Nav1.1 and SCN9A/Nav1.7. Taken together, this work suggests that the β1-ICD is a critical regulator of α subunit function in cancer cells. Our data further highlight that γ-secretase may play a key role in regulating β1 function in breast cancer.
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28
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Porcelli L, Di Fonte R, Pierri CL, Fucci L, Saponaro C, Armenio A, Serratì S, Strippoli S, Fasano R, Volpicella M, Daprile R, Tommasi S, Ressa CM, Guida M, Azzariti A. BRAF V600E;K601Q metastatic melanoma patient-derived organoids and docking analysis to predict the response to targeted therapy. Pharmacol Res 2022; 182:106323. [PMID: 35752358 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The V600E mutation in BRAF is associated with increased phosphorylation of Erk1/2 and high sensitivity to BRAFi/MEKi combination in metastatic melanoma. In very few patients, a tandem mutation in BRAF, V600 and K601, causes a different response to BRAFi/MEKi combination. BRAFV600E;K601Q patient-derived organoids (PDOs) were generated to investigate targeted therapy efficacy and docking analysis was used to assess BRAFV600E;K601Q interactions with Vemurafenib. PDOs were not sensitive to Vemurafenib and Cobimetinib given alone and sensitive to their combination, although not as responsive as BRAFV600E PDOs. The docking analysis justified such a result showing that the tandem mutation in BRAF reduced the affinity for Vemurafenib. Tumor analysis showed that BRAFV600E;K601Q displayed both increased phosphorylation of Erk1/2 at cytoplasmic level and activation of Notch resistance signaling. This prompted us to inhibit Notch signaling with Nirogacestat, achieving a greater antitumor response and providing PDOs-based evaluation of treatment efficacy in such rare metastatic melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letizia Porcelli
- IRCCS Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, V.le O. Flacco, 65, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Roberta Di Fonte
- IRCCS Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, V.le O. Flacco, 65, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Ciro L Pierri
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies, Biopharmaceutics, University "Aldo Moro" of Bari, Via E. Orabona, 4, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Livia Fucci
- IRCCS Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, V.le O. Flacco, 65, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Concetta Saponaro
- IRCCS Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, V.le O. Flacco, 65, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Andrea Armenio
- IRCCS Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, V.le O. Flacco, 65, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Simona Serratì
- IRCCS Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, V.le O. Flacco, 65, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Sabino Strippoli
- IRCCS Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, V.le O. Flacco, 65, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Rossella Fasano
- IRCCS Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, V.le O. Flacco, 65, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Mariateresa Volpicella
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies, Biopharmaceutics, University "Aldo Moro" of Bari, Via E. Orabona, 4, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Rossana Daprile
- IRCCS Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, V.le O. Flacco, 65, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Stefania Tommasi
- IRCCS Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, V.le O. Flacco, 65, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Cosmo M Ressa
- IRCCS Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, V.le O. Flacco, 65, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Michele Guida
- IRCCS Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, V.le O. Flacco, 65, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Amalia Azzariti
- IRCCS Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, V.le O. Flacco, 65, 70124 Bari, Italy.
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29
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Fernández-Tabanera E, Melero-Fernández de Mera RM, Alonso J. CD44 In Sarcomas: A Comprehensive Review and Future Perspectives. Front Oncol 2022; 12:909450. [PMID: 35785191 PMCID: PMC9247467 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.909450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
It is widely accepted that the tumor microenvironment, particularly the extracellular matrix, plays an essential role in the development of tumors through the interaction with specific protein-membrane receptors. One of the most relevant proteins in this context is the transmembrane protein CD44. The role of CD44 in tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis has been well established in many cancers, although a comprehensive review concerning its role in sarcomas has not been published. CD44 is overexpressed in most sarcomas and several in vitro and in vivo experiments have shown a direct effect on tumor progression, dissemination, and drug resistance. Moreover, CD44 has been revealed as a useful marker for prognostic and diagnostic (CD44v6 isoform) in osteosarcoma. Besides, some innovative treatments such as HA-functionalized liposomes therapy have become an excellent CD44-mediated intracellular delivery system for osteosarcoma. Unfortunately, the reduced number of studies deciphering the prognostic/diagnostic value of CD44 in other sarcoma subgroups, neither than osteosarcoma, in addition to the low number of patients involved in those studies, have produced inconclusive results. In this review, we have gone through the information available on the role of CD44 in the development, maintenance, and progression of sarcomas, analyzing their implications at the prognostic, therapeutic, and mechanistic levels. Moreover, we illustrate how research involving the specific role of CD44 in the different sarcoma subgroups could suppose a chance to advance towards a more innovative perspective for novel therapies and future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Fernández-Tabanera
- Unidad de Tumores Sólidos Infantiles, Instituto de Investigación de Enfermedades Raras (IIER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (U758; CB06/07/1009; CIBERER-ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel M. Melero-Fernández de Mera
- Unidad de Tumores Sólidos Infantiles, Instituto de Investigación de Enfermedades Raras (IIER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (U758; CB06/07/1009; CIBERER-ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Alonso
- Unidad de Tumores Sólidos Infantiles, Instituto de Investigación de Enfermedades Raras (IIER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (U758; CB06/07/1009; CIBERER-ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Javier Alonso,
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30
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Multiple Mechanisms of NOTCH1 Activation in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: NOTCH1 Mutations and Beyond. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14122997. [PMID: 35740661 PMCID: PMC9221163 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14122997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Mutations of the NOTCH1 gene are a validated prognostic marker in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and a potential predictive marker for anti-CD20-based therapies. At present, the most frequent pathological alteration of the NOTCH1 gene is due to somatic genetic mutations, which have a multifaceted functional impact. However, beside NOTCH1 mutations, other factors may lead to activation of the NOTCH1 pathway, and these include mutations of FBXW7, MED12, SPEN, SF3B1 as well as other B-cell pathways. Understanding the preferential strategies though which CLL cells hijack NOTCH1 signaling may present important clues for designing targeted treatment strategies for the management of CLL. Abstract The Notch signaling pathway plays a fundamental role for the terminal differentiation of multiple cell types, including B and T lymphocytes. The Notch receptors are transmembrane proteins that, upon ligand engagement, undergo multiple processing steps that ultimately release their intracytoplasmic portion. The activated protein ultimately operates as a nuclear transcriptional co-factor, whose stability is finely regulated. The Notch pathway has gained growing attention in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) because of the high rate of somatic mutations of the NOTCH1 gene. In CLL, NOTCH1 mutations represent a validated prognostic marker and a potential predictive marker for anti-CD20-based therapies, as pathological alterations of the Notch pathway can provide significant growth and survival advantage to neoplastic clone. However, beside NOTCH1 mutation, other events have been demonstrated to perturb the Notch pathway, namely somatic mutations of upstream, or even apparently unrelated, proteins such as FBXW7, MED12, SPEN, SF3B1, as well as physiological signals from other pathways such as the B-cell receptor. Here we review these mechanisms of activation of the NOTCH1 pathway in the context of CLL; the resulting picture highlights how multiple different mechanisms, that might occur under specific genomic, phenotypic and microenvironmental contexts, ultimately result in the same search for proliferative and survival advantages (through activation of MYC), as well as immune escape and therapy evasion (from anti-CD20 biological therapies). Understanding the preferential strategies through which CLL cells hijack NOTCH1 signaling may present important clues for designing targeted treatment strategies for the management of CLL.
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31
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Role of Presenilin-1 in Aggressive Human Melanoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094904. [PMID: 35563300 PMCID: PMC9099829 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Presenilin-1 (PS-1), a component of the gamma (γ)-secretase catalytic complex, has been implicated in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and in tumorigenesis. Interestingly, AD risk is inversely related to melanoma, suggesting that AD-related factors, such as PS-1, may affect melanomagenesis. PS-1 has been shown to reduce Wnt activity by promoting degradation of beta-catenin (β-catenin), an important Wnt signaling partner. Since Wnt is known to enhance progression of different cancers, including melanoma, we hypothesized that PS-1 could affect Wnt-associated melanoma aggressiveness. Western blot results showed that aggressive melanoma cells expressed significantly lower levels of both PS-1 and phosphorylated-β-catenin (P-β-catenin) than nonaggressive melanoma cells. Immunohistochemistry of human melanoma samples showed significantly reduced staining for PS-1 in advanced stage melanoma compared with early stage melanoma. Furthermore, γ-secretase inhibitor (GSI) treatment of aggressive melanoma cells was followed by significant increases in PS-1 and P-β-catenin levels, suggesting impaired Wnt signaling activity as PS-1 expression increased. Finally, a significant reduction in cell migration was associated with the higher levels of PS-1 and P-β-catenin in the GSI-treated aggressive melanoma cells. We demonstrate for the first time that PS-1 levels can be used to assess melanoma aggressiveness and suggest that by enhancing PS-1 expression, Wnt-dependent melanoma progression may be reduced
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Abstract
Notch signalling is an evolutionarily highly conserved signalling mechanism governing differentiation and regulating homeostasis in many tissues. In this review, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of the roles that Notch signalling plays in the vasculature. We describe how Notch signalling regulates different steps during the genesis and remodelling of blood vessels (vasculogenesis and angiogenesis), including critical roles in assigning arterial and venous identities to the emerging blood vessels and regulation of their branching. We then proceed to discuss how experimental perturbation of Notch signalling in the vasculature later in development affects vascular homeostasis. In this review, we also describe how dysregulated Notch signalling, as a consequence of direct mutations of genes in the Notch pathway or aberrant Notch signalling output, contributes to various types of vascular disease, including CADASIL, Snedden syndrome and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Finally, we point out some of the current knowledge gaps and identify remaining challenges in understanding the role of Notch in the vasculature, which need to be addressed to pave the way for Notch-based therapies to cure or ameliorate vascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Del Gaudio
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dongli Liu
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden,Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Urban Lendahl
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
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33
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Papaspyropoulos A, Angelopoulou A, Mourkioti I, Polyzou A, Pankova D, Toskas K, Lanfredini S, Pantazaki AA, Lagopati N, Kotsinas A, Evangelou K, Chronopoulos E, O’Neill E, Gorgoulis V. RASSF1A disrupts the NOTCH signaling axis via SNURF/RNF4-mediated ubiquitination of HES1. EMBO Rep 2022; 23:e51287. [PMID: 34897944 PMCID: PMC8811633 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202051287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
RASSF1A promoter methylation has been correlated with tumor dedifferentiation and aggressive oncogenic behavior. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanism of RASSF1A-dependent tumor dedifferentiation remains elusive. Here, we show that RASSF1A directly uncouples the NOTCH-HES1 axis, a key suppressor of differentiation. Interestingly, the crosstalk of RASSF1A with HES1 occurs independently from the signaling route connecting RASSF1A with the Hippo pathway. At the molecular level, we demonstrate that RASSF1A acts as a scaffold essential for the SUMO-targeted E3 ligase SNURF/RNF4 to target HES1 for degradation. The reciprocal relationship between RASSF1A and HES1 is evident across a wide range of human tumors, highlighting the clinical significance of the identified pathway. We show that HES1 upregulation in a RASSF1A-depleted environment renders cells non-responsive to the downstream effects of γ-secretase inhibitors (GSIs) which restrict signaling at the level of the NOTCH receptor. Taken together, we report a mechanism through which RASSF1A exerts autonomous regulation of the critical Notch effector HES1, thus classifying RASSF1A expression as an integral determinant of the clinical effectiveness of Notch inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelos Papaspyropoulos
- Department of OncologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Molecular Carcinogenesis GroupDepartment of Histology and EmbryologySchool of MedicineNational Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA)AthensGreece
- Biomedical Research FoundationAcademy of AthensAthensGreece
| | - Andriani Angelopoulou
- Molecular Carcinogenesis GroupDepartment of Histology and EmbryologySchool of MedicineNational Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA)AthensGreece
- Biomedical Research FoundationAcademy of AthensAthensGreece
| | - Ioanna Mourkioti
- Molecular Carcinogenesis GroupDepartment of Histology and EmbryologySchool of MedicineNational Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA)AthensGreece
| | - Aikaterini Polyzou
- Molecular Carcinogenesis GroupDepartment of Histology and EmbryologySchool of MedicineNational Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA)AthensGreece
| | | | | | | | - Anastasia A Pantazaki
- Laboratory of BiochemistryDepartment of ChemistryAristotle University of ThessalonikiThessalonikiGreece
| | - Nefeli Lagopati
- Molecular Carcinogenesis GroupDepartment of Histology and EmbryologySchool of MedicineNational Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA)AthensGreece
- Biomedical Research FoundationAcademy of AthensAthensGreece
| | - Athanassios Kotsinas
- Molecular Carcinogenesis GroupDepartment of Histology and EmbryologySchool of MedicineNational Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA)AthensGreece
| | - Konstantinos Evangelou
- Molecular Carcinogenesis GroupDepartment of Histology and EmbryologySchool of MedicineNational Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA)AthensGreece
| | - Efstathios Chronopoulos
- Laboratory for Research of the Musculoskeletal SystemKAT General HospitalSchool of MedicineNational and Kapodistrian University of AthensAthensGreece
| | - Eric O’Neill
- Department of OncologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Vassilis Gorgoulis
- Molecular Carcinogenesis GroupDepartment of Histology and EmbryologySchool of MedicineNational Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA)AthensGreece
- Biomedical Research FoundationAcademy of AthensAthensGreece
- Molecular and Clinical Cancer SciencesManchester Cancer Research CentreManchester Academic Health Sciences CentreUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
- Center for New Biotechnologies and Precision MedicineMedical SchoolNational and Kapodistrian University of AthensAthensGreece
- Faculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of SurreySurreyUK
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34
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Small molecules targeting γ-secretase and their potential biological applications. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 232:114169. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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35
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Means-Powell JA, Mayer IA, Ismail-Khan R, Del Valle L, Tonetti D, Abramson VG, Sanders MS, Lush RM, Sorrentino C, Majumder S, Miele L. A Phase Ib Dose Escalation Trial of RO4929097 (a γ-secretase inhibitor) in Combination with Exemestane in Patients with ER + Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC). Clin Breast Cancer 2022; 22:103-114. [PMID: 34903452 PMCID: PMC8821119 DOI: 10.1016/j.clbc.2021.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
PRECLINICAL STUDIES: have demonstrated a complex cross-talk between Notch and estrogen signaling in ERα-positive breast cancer. Gamma-secretase inhibitors (GSIs) are investigational agents that block the cleavage and activation of Notch receptors. In animal models of endocrine-resistant breast cancer, combinations of tamoxifen and GSIs produce additive or synergistic efficacy, while decreasing the intestinal toxicity of GSIs. However, results of a clinical trial of a GSI-endocrine therapy combination in the metastatic setting have not been published to date, nor had the safety of such combinations been investigated with longer term treatment. We conducted a phase 1b dose escalation trial (NCT01149356) of GSI RO4929097 with exemestane in patients with ERα+, metastatic breast cancer (MBC) STUDY OBJECTIVES: To determine the safety, tolerability and maximum tolerated dose (MTD) or recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) of RO4929097 when administered in combination with exemestane in patients with estrogen receptor positive metastatic breast cancer RESULTS: We enrolled 15 patients with MBC. Of 14 evaluable patients, one had a partial response, 6 had stable disease and 7 progressive disease. Twenty % of patients had stable disease for ≥ 6 months. Common toxicities included nausea (73.3%), anorexia (60%), hyperglycemia (53.3%), hypophosphatemia (46.7%), fatigue (66.7%) and cough (33.0%). Grade 3 toxicities were uncommon, and included hypophosphatemia (13%) and rash (6.3%). Rash was the only DLT observed at 140 mg/d. Results suggest a possible recommended phase 2 dose of 90 mg/d. Ten patients with evaluable archival tissue showed expression of PKCα, which correlated with expression of Notch4. Mammospheres from a PKCα-expressing, endocrine-resistant T47D cell line were inhibited by a GSI-fulvestrant combination CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that combinations including endocrine therapy and Notch inhibitors deserve further investigation in endocrine-resistant ERα-positive breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Means-Powell
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN; Present address: Tennessee Oncology, Springfield, TN
| | | | | | - Luis Del Valle
- Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center and Louisiana Cancer Research Center, New Orleans, LA; Department of Pathology, Louisiana State university Health, New Orleans, LA
| | - Debra Tonetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Pharmacy, Chicago, IL
| | | | | | - Richard M Lush
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN; Section of Hematology/Oncology, Present address: George Washington University Cancer Center, Washington D.C, USA
| | - Claudia Sorrentino
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, New Orleans
| | - Samarpan Majumder
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, New Orleans
| | - Lucio Miele
- Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center and Louisiana Cancer Research Center, New Orleans, LA; Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, New Orleans.
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36
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Weber TA, Lundkvist J, Wanngren J, Kvartsberg H, Jin S, Larssen P, Wu D, Oliveira DV, Minta K, Brinkmalm G, Zetterberg H, Blennow K, Nordvall G, Winblad B, Portelius E, Karlström H. γ-Secretase modulators show selectivity for γ-secretase-mediated amyloid precursor protein intramembrane processing. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 26:880-892. [PMID: 34931449 PMCID: PMC8817114 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The aggregation of β‐amyloid peptide 42 results in the formation of toxic oligomers and plaques, which plays a pivotal role in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis. Aβ42 is one of several Aβ peptides, all of Aβ30 to Aβ43 that are produced as a result of γ‐secretase–mediated regulated intramembrane proteolysis of the amyloid precursor protein. γ‐Secretase modulators (GSMs) represent a promising class of Aβ42‐lowering anti‐amyloidogenic compounds for the treatment of AD. Gamma‐secretase modulators change the relative proportion of secreted Aβ peptides, while sparing the γ‐secretase–mediated processing event resulting in the release of the cytoplasmic APP intracellular domain. In this study, we have characterized how GSMs affect the γ‐secretase cleavage of three γ‐secretase substrates, E‐cadherin, ephrin type A receptor 4 (EphA4) and ephrin type B receptor 2 (EphB2), which all are implicated in important contexts of cell signalling. By using a reporter gene assay, we demonstrate that the γ‐secretase–dependent generation of EphA4 and EphB2 intracellular domains is unaffected by GSMs. We also show that γ‐secretase processing of EphA4 and EphB2 results in the release of several Aβ‐like peptides, but that only the production of Aβ‐like proteins from EphA4 is modulated by GSMs, but with an order of magnitude lower potency as compared to Aβ modulation. Collectively, these results suggest that GSMs are selective for γ‐secretase–mediated Aβ production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias A Weber
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Science and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Medical Scientific Affairs, Aesculap AG, Tuttlingen, Germany
| | - Johan Lundkvist
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Science and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Alzecure Pharma, Huddinge, Sweden.,Sinfonia Biotherapeutics AB, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Johanna Wanngren
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Science and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hlin Kvartsberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - ShaoBo Jin
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pia Larssen
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Science and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dan Wu
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Science and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Daniel V Oliveira
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Science and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karolina Minta
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Gunnar Brinkmalm
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden.,Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK.,UK Dementia Research Institute at UCL, London, UK
| | - Kaj Blennow
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Gunnar Nordvall
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Science and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Alzecure Pharma, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Bengt Winblad
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Science and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Theme Aging, Geriatric Clinic, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Erik Portelius
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Helena Karlström
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Science and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Theme Aging, Geriatric Clinic, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden
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37
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Siddharth S, Parida S, Muniraj N, Hercules S, Lim D, Nagalingam A, Wang C, Gyorffy B, Daniel JM, Sharma D. Concomitant activation of GLI1 and Notch1 contributes to racial disparity of human triple negative breast cancer progression. eLife 2021; 10:70729. [PMID: 34889737 PMCID: PMC8664295 DOI: 10.7554/elife.70729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Mortality from triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is significantly higher in African American (AA) women compared to White American (WA) women emphasizing ethnicity as a major risk factor; however, the molecular determinants that drive aggressive progression of AA-TNBC remain elusive. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that AA-TNBC cells are inherently aggressive, exhibiting elevated growth, migration, and cancer stem-like phenotype compared to WA-TNBC cells. Meta-analysis of RNA-sequencing data of multiple AA- and WA-TNBC cell lines shows enrichment of GLI1 and Notch1 pathways in AA-TNBC cells. Enrichment of GLI1 and Notch1 pathway genes was observed in AA-TNBC. In line with this observation, analysis of TCGA dataset reveals a positive correlation between GLI1 and Notch1 in AA-TNBC and a negative correlation in WA-TNBC. Increased nuclear localization and interaction between GLI1 and Notch1 is observed in AA-TNBC cells. Of importance, inhibition of GLI1 and Notch1 synergistically improves the efficacy of chemotherapy in AA-TNBC cells. Combined treatment of AA-TNBC-derived tumors with GANT61, DAPT, and doxorubicin/carboplatin results in significant tumor regression, and tumor-dissociated cells show mitigated migration, invasion, mammosphere formation, and CD44+/CD24- population. Indeed, secondary tumors derived from triple-therapy-treated AA-TNBC tumors show diminished stem-like phenotype. Finally, we show that TNBC tumors from AA women express significantly higher level of GLI1 and Notch1 expression in comparison to TNBC tumors from WA women. This work sheds light on the racial disparity in TNBC, implicates the GLI1 and Notch1 axis as its functional mediators, and proposes a triple-combination therapy that can prove beneficial for AA-TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Siddharth
- Dept. of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, United States
| | - Sheetal Parida
- Dept. of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, United States
| | - Nethaji Muniraj
- Dept. of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, United States
| | - Shawn Hercules
- Department of Biology, MacMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - David Lim
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, United States
| | - Arumugam Nagalingam
- Dept. of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, United States
| | - Chenguang Wang
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, United States
| | - Balazs Gyorffy
- MTA TTK Momentum Cancer Biomarker Research Group, Budapest, Hungary.,Semmelweis University, Department of Bioinformatics and 2nd Dept. of Pediatrics, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Juliet M Daniel
- Department of Biology, MacMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Dipali Sharma
- Dept. of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, United States
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38
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Campbell LJ, Levendusky JL, Steines SA, Hyde DR. Retinal regeneration requires dynamic Notch signaling. Neural Regen Res 2021; 17:1199-1209. [PMID: 34782554 PMCID: PMC8643038 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.327326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal damage in the adult zebrafish induces Müller glia reprogramming to produce neuronal progenitor cells that proliferate and differentiate into retinal neurons. Notch signaling, which is a fundamental mechanism known to drive cell-cell communication, is required to maintain Müller glia in a quiescent state in the undamaged retina, and repression of Notch signaling is necessary for Müller glia to reenter the cell cycle. The dynamic regulation of Notch signaling following retinal damage also directs proliferation and neurogenesis of the Müller glia-derived progenitor cells in a robust regeneration response. In contrast, mammalian Müller glia respond to retinal damage by entering a prolonged gliotic state that leads to additional neuronal death and permanent vision loss. Understanding the dynamic regulation of Notch signaling in the zebrafish retina may aid efforts to stimulate Müller glia reprogramming for regeneration of the diseased human retina. Recent findings identified DeltaB and Notch3 as the ligand-receptor pair that serves as the principal regulators of zebrafish Müller glia quiescence. In addition, multiomics datasets and functional studies indicate that additional Notch receptors, ligands, and target genes regulate cell proliferation and neurogenesis during the regeneration time course. Still, our understanding of Notch signaling during retinal regeneration is limited. To fully appreciate the complex regulation of Notch signaling that is required for successful retinal regeneration, investigation of additional aspects of the pathway, such as post-translational modification of the receptors, ligand endocytosis, and interactions with other fundamental pathways is needed. Here we review various modes of Notch signaling regulation in the context of the vertebrate retina to put recent research in perspective and to identify open areas of inquiry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah J Campbell
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Zebrafish Research, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Jaclyn L Levendusky
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Zebrafish Research, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Shannon A Steines
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Zebrafish Research, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - David R Hyde
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Zebrafish Research, Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
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39
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Kordbacheh F, Farah CS. Current and Emerging Molecular Therapies for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215471. [PMID: 34771633 PMCID: PMC8582411 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer affects nearly 750,000 patients, with more than 300,000 deaths annually. Advances in first line surgical treatment have improved survival rates marginally particularly in developed countries, however survival rates for aggressive locally advanced head and neck cancer are still poor. Recurrent and metastatic disease remains a significant problem for patients and the health system. As our knowledge of the genomic landscape of the head and neck cancers continues to expand, there are promising developments occurring in molecular therapies available for advanced or recalcitrant disease. The concept of precision medicine is underpinned by our ability to accurately sequence tumour samples to best understand individual patient genomic variations and to tailor targeted therapy for them based on such molecular profiling. Not only is their purported response to therapy a factor of their genomic variation, but so is their inclusion in biomarker-driven personalised medicine therapeutic trials. With the ever-expanding number of molecular druggable targets explored through advances in next generation sequencing, the number of clinical trials assessing these targets has significantly increased over recent years. Although some trials are focussed on first-line therapeutic approaches, a greater majority are focussed on locally advanced, recurrent or metastatic disease. Similarly, although single agent monotherapy has been found effective in some cases, it is the combination of drugs targeting different signalling pathways that seem to be more beneficial to patients. This paper outlines current and emerging molecular therapies for head and neck cancer, and updates readers on outcomes of the most pertinent clinical trials in this area while also summarising ongoing efforts to bring more molecular therapies into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzaneh Kordbacheh
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Boston, MA 02142, USA;
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- ACRF Department of Cancer Biology and Therapeutics, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia
| | - Camile S. Farah
- The Australian Centre for Oral Oncology Research & Education, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
- Genomics for Life, Milton, QLD 4064, Australia
- Anatomical Pathology, Australian Clinical Labs, Subiaco, WA 6009, Australia
- Head and Neck Cancer Signalling Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- Correspondence:
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The Balance between Differentiation and Terminal Differentiation Maintains Oral Epithelial Homeostasis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13205123. [PMID: 34680271 PMCID: PMC8534139 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Oral cancer affecting the oral cavity represents the most common cancer of the head and neck region. Oral cancer develops in a multistep process in which normal cells gradually accumulate genetic and epigenetic modifications to evolve into a malignant disease. Mortality for oral cancer patients is high and morbidity has a significant long-term impact on the health and wellbeing of affected individuals, typically resulting in facial disfigurement and a loss of the ability to speak, chew, taste, and swallow. The limited scope to which current treatments are able to control oral cancer underlines the need for novel therapeutic strategies. This review highlights the molecular differences between oral cell proliferation, differentiation and terminal differentiation, defines terminal differentiation as an important tumour suppressive mechanism and establishes a rationale for clinical investigation of differentiation-paired therapies that may improve outcomes in oral cancer. Abstract The oral epithelium is one of the fastest repairing and continuously renewing tissues. Stem cell activation within the basal layer of the oral epithelium fuels the rapid proliferation of multipotent progenitors. Stem cells first undergo asymmetric cell division that requires tightly controlled and orchestrated differentiation networks to maintain the pool of stem cells while producing progenitors fated for differentiation. Rapidly expanding progenitors subsequently commit to advanced differentiation programs towards terminal differentiation, a process that regulates the structural integrity and homeostasis of the oral epithelium. Therefore, the balance between differentiation and terminal differentiation of stem cells and their progeny ensures progenitors commitment to terminal differentiation and prevents epithelial transformation and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). A recent comprehensive molecular characterization of OSCC revealed that a disruption of terminal differentiation factors is indeed a common OSCC event and is superior to oncogenic activation. Here, we discuss the role of differentiation and terminal differentiation in maintaining oral epithelial homeostasis and define terminal differentiation as a critical tumour suppressive mechanism. We further highlight factors with crucial terminal differentiation functions and detail the underlying consequences of their loss. Switching on terminal differentiation in differentiated progenitors is likely to represent an extremely promising novel avenue that may improve therapeutic interventions against OSCC.
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Zhdanovskaya N, Firrincieli M, Lazzari S, Pace E, Scribani Rossi P, Felli MP, Talora C, Screpanti I, Palermo R. Targeting Notch to Maximize Chemotherapeutic Benefits: Rationale, Advanced Strategies, and Future Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13205106. [PMID: 34680255 PMCID: PMC8533696 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The Notch signaling pathway regulates cell proliferation, apoptosis, stem cell self-renewal, and differentiation in a context-dependent fashion both during embryonic development and in adult tissue homeostasis. Consistent with its pleiotropic physiological role, unproper activation of the signaling promotes or counteracts tumor pathogenesis and therapy response in distinct tissues. In the last twenty years, a wide number of studies have highlighted the anti-cancer potential of Notch-modulating agents as single treatment and in combination with the existent therapies. However, most of these strategies have failed in the clinical exploration due to dose-limiting toxicity and low efficacy, encouraging the development of novel agents and the design of more appropriate combinations between Notch signaling inhibitors and chemotherapeutic drugs with improved safety and effectiveness for distinct types of cancer. Abstract Notch signaling guides cell fate decisions by affecting proliferation, apoptosis, stem cell self-renewal, and differentiation depending on cell and tissue context. Given its multifaceted function during tissue development, both overactivation and loss of Notch signaling have been linked to tumorigenesis in ways that are either oncogenic or oncosuppressive, but always context-dependent. Notch signaling is critical for several mechanisms of chemoresistance including cancer stem cell maintenance, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, tumor-stroma interaction, and malignant neovascularization that makes its targeting an appealing strategy against tumor growth and recurrence. During the last decades, numerous Notch-interfering agents have been developed, and the abundant preclinical evidence has been transformed in orphan drug approval for few rare diseases. However, the majority of Notch-dependent malignancies remain untargeted, even if the application of Notch inhibitors alone or in combination with common chemotherapeutic drugs is being evaluated in clinical trials. The modest clinical success of current Notch-targeting strategies is mostly due to their limited efficacy and severe on-target toxicity in Notch-controlled healthy tissues. Here, we review the available preclinical and clinical evidence on combinatorial treatment between different Notch signaling inhibitors and existent chemotherapeutic drugs, providing a comprehensive picture of molecular mechanisms explaining the potential or lacking success of these combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadezda Zhdanovskaya
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
| | - Mariarosaria Firrincieli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
- Center for Life Nano Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Lazzari
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
| | - Eleonora Pace
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
| | - Pietro Scribani Rossi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
| | - Maria Pia Felli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Claudio Talora
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
| | - Isabella Screpanti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
- Correspondence: (I.S.); (R.P.)
| | - Rocco Palermo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
- Center for Life Nano Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (I.S.); (R.P.)
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Radadiya PS, Thornton MM, Daniel EA, Idowu JY, Wang W, Magenheimer B, Subramaniam D, Tran PV, Calvet JP, Wallace DP, Sharma M. Quinomycin A reduces cyst progression in polycystic kidney disease. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21533. [PMID: 33826787 PMCID: PMC8251518 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202002490r] [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: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder characterized by aberrant renal epithelial cell proliferation and formation and progressive growth of numerous fluid-filled cysts within the kidneys. Previously, we showed that there is elevated Notch signaling compared to normal renal epithelial cells and that Notch signaling contributes to the proliferation of cystic cells. Quinomycin A, a bis-intercalator peptide, has previously been shown to target the Notch signaling pathway and inhibit tumor growth in cancer. Here, we show that Quinomycin A decreased cell proliferation and cyst growth of human ADPKD cyst epithelial cells cultured within a 3D collagen gel. Treatment with Quinomycin A reduced kidney weight to body weight ratio and decreased renal cystic area and fibrosis in Pkd1RC/RC ; Pkd2+/- mice, an orthologous PKD mouse model. This was accompanied by reduced expression of Notch pathway proteins, RBPjk and HeyL and cell proliferation in kidneys of PKD mice. Quinomycin A treatments also normalized cilia length of cyst epithelial cells derived from the collecting ducts. This is the first study to demonstrate that Quinomycin A effectively inhibits PKD progression and suggests that Quinomycin A has potential therapeutic value for PKD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka S Radadiya
- Departments of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,The Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Mackenzie M Thornton
- Departments of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,The Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Emily A Daniel
- Departments of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,The Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Jessica Y Idowu
- Departments of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,The Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Wei Wang
- Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,The Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Brenda Magenheimer
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,The Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | | | - Pamela V Tran
- Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,The Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - James P Calvet
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,The Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Darren P Wallace
- Departments of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,The Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Madhulika Sharma
- Departments of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
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Jia H, Liu M, Wang X, Jiang Q, Wang S, Santhanam RK, Lv C, Zhao Q, Lu J. Cimigenoside functions as a novel γ-secretase inhibitor and inhibits the proliferation or metastasis of human breast cancer cells by γ-secretase/Notch axis. Pharmacol Res 2021; 169:105686. [PMID: 34022397 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) occurrence and development tremendously affect female health. Currently breast cancer targeted drugs are still scarce. Natural products have become the main source of targeted drug for breast cancer due to low toxicity and high efficiency. Cimigenoside, natural compound isolated and purified from Cimicifuga dahurica (Turcz.) Maxim has been suggested to utilize for breast cancer treatment, however the mechanism of action has not been elucidated yet. In this article, the antitumor potential of Cimigenoside against breast cancer in vitro and in vivo study. Moreover, we further predicted the possible binding mode of Cimigenoside with γ-secretase through molecular docking studies. The results show that Cimigenoside has a significant inhibitory effect towards the proliferation or metastasis of breast cancer cells via suppressing the Notch signaling pathway-mediated mitochondrial apoptosis and EMT (epithelial mesenchymal transition). In terms of mechanism, Cimigenoside could inhibit the activation of PSEN-1, the catalytic subunit of γ-secretase, and also by cleaving the Notch protein mediated by PSEN-1. Overall, our findings provide scientific support to utilize Cimigenoside as an effective targeted drug for clinical treatment of BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Jia
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110006, PR China.
| | - Mingyue Liu
- Department of Life Science and Biochemistry, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, PR China.
| | - Xinying Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110006, PR China.
| | - Qiyu Jiang
- Center for Clinical Laboratory, The Fifth Medical Center, General Hospital of Chinese PLA, Beijing 100039, PR China.
| | - Shu Wang
- Department of Life Science and Biochemistry, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, PR China.
| | - Ramesh Kumar Santhanam
- Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus 21030, Terengganu, Malaysia.
| | - Chongning Lv
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110006, PR China.
| | - Qingchun Zhao
- Department of Life Science and Biochemistry, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, PR China; Department of Pharmacy, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, No. 83 Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang 110840, Liaoning, PR China.
| | - Jincai Lu
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110006, PR China; Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of TCM Resources Conservation and Development, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110006, PR China.
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Zhang L, Wu J, Feng Y, Khadka B, Fang Z, Gu J, Tang B, Xiao R, Pan G, Liu JJ. A Regulatory Loop Involving Notch and Wnt Signaling Maintains Leukemia Stem Cells in T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:678544. [PMID: 34179007 PMCID: PMC8226090 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.678544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Leukemia-initiating cells play critical role in relapse, resistance to therapies and metastases but the mechanism remains largely elusive. We report that β-catenin is over-expressed in almost all T-ALL patients and flow sorted β-cateninhigh fractions are highly resistant to therapy, leading to liver metastases in nude mice as well as dysregulated lncRNAs. Pharmacological inhibition through XAV-939 as well as si-RNA mediated inhibition of β-catenin is initially effective in re-sensitization to therapy, however, prolonged inhibition shifts dependency from β-catenin to Notch signaling, with particularly high levels of receptors Notch 1 and Notch 2. The results are verifiable in a cohort of T-ALL patients comprising of responders vs. those who have progressed, with β-catenin, Notch 1 and Notch 2 elevated in progressed patients. Further, in patients-derived cells, silencing of Notch 1 or Notch 2 does not counter resistance to β-catenin inhibition, rather pharmacological pan-Notch inhibition is needed to overcome resistance and its effect on in vitro tumor sphere formations as well as in vivo liver metastases. Thus, wnt and Notch signaling are part of a regulatory loop mutually compensating for each other in T-ALL, while ensuring the maintenance of stem cell phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Zhang
- Department of Hematology and Hematology Institute of Sun Yat-sen University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jieying Wu
- Department of Hematology and Hematology Institute of Sun Yat-sen University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yashu Feng
- Department of Hematology and Hematology Institute of Sun Yat-sen University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bijay Khadka
- Department of Hematology and Hematology Institute of Sun Yat-sen University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhigang Fang
- Department of Hematology and Hematology Institute of Sun Yat-sen University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiaming Gu
- Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Baoqiang Tang
- Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruozhi Xiao
- Department of Hematology and Hematology Institute of Sun Yat-sen University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guangjin Pan
- Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia-Jun Liu
- Department of Hematology and Hematology Institute of Sun Yat-sen University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Sales-Dias J, Ferreira A, Lamy M, Domenici G, Monteiro SMS, Pires A, Lemos AR, Kucheryava K, Nobre LS, Sousa PMF, Bandeiras TM, Silva G, Barbas A. Development of antibodies against the notch ligand Delta-Like-1 by phage display with activity against breast cancer cells. N Biotechnol 2021; 64:17-26. [PMID: 33992842 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2021.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Notch signalling is a well-established oncogenic pathway, and its ligand Delta-like 1 (DLL1) is overexpressed in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancers and associated with poor patient prognosis. Hence, DLL1 has become an interesting therapeutic target for breast cancer. Here, the development of specific functional blocking anti-DLL1 antibodies with potential activity against ER+ breast cancer cells is reported. Human DLL1 proteins, containing the essential regions for binding to the Notch receptor and Notch signalling activation, were produced and used to select specific scFv antibody fragments by phage display. Fifteen unique scFvs were identified and reformatted into full IgGs. Characterization of these antibodies by ELISA, surface plasmon resonance and flow cytometry enabled selection of three specific anti-DLL1 IgGs, sharing identical VH regions, with nM affinities. Cellular assays on ER+ breast cancer MCF-7 cells showed that one of the IgGs (IgG-69) was able to partially impair DLL1-mediated activation of the Notch pathway, as determined by Notch reporter and RT-qPCR assays, and to attenuate cell growth. Treatment of MCF-7 cells with IgG-69 reduced mammosphere formation, suggesting that it decreases the breast cancer stem cell subpopulation. These results support the use of this strategy to develop and identify potential anti-DLL1 antibodies candidates against breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Sales-Dias
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, (Institute of Experimental and Technological Biology), Oeiras, Portugal; ITQB, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, (Institute of Chemical and Biological Technology António Xavier), Nova University Lisbon, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Andreia Ferreira
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, (Institute of Experimental and Technological Biology), Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Márcia Lamy
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, (Institute of Experimental and Technological Biology), Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Giacomo Domenici
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, (Institute of Experimental and Technological Biology), Oeiras, Portugal; ITQB, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, (Institute of Chemical and Biological Technology António Xavier), Nova University Lisbon, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Sandra M S Monteiro
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, (Institute of Experimental and Technological Biology), Oeiras, Portugal
| | - António Pires
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, (Institute of Experimental and Technological Biology), Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Ana R Lemos
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, (Institute of Experimental and Technological Biology), Oeiras, Portugal; ITQB, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, (Institute of Chemical and Biological Technology António Xavier), Nova University Lisbon, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Khrystyna Kucheryava
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, (Institute of Experimental and Technological Biology), Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Lígia S Nobre
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, (Institute of Experimental and Technological Biology), Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Pedro M F Sousa
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, (Institute of Experimental and Technological Biology), Oeiras, Portugal; ITQB, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, (Institute of Chemical and Biological Technology António Xavier), Nova University Lisbon, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Tiago M Bandeiras
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, (Institute of Experimental and Technological Biology), Oeiras, Portugal; ITQB, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, (Institute of Chemical and Biological Technology António Xavier), Nova University Lisbon, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Gabriela Silva
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, (Institute of Experimental and Technological Biology), Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Ana Barbas
- iBET, Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, (Institute of Experimental and Technological Biology), Oeiras, Portugal; Bayer Portugal, LDA, Rua Quinta Do Pinheiro, Carnaxide, 2790-143, Portugal.
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Condorelli AG, El Hachem M, Zambruno G, Nystrom A, Candi E, Castiglia D. Notch-ing up knowledge on molecular mechanisms of skin fibrosis: focus on the multifaceted Notch signalling pathway. J Biomed Sci 2021; 28:36. [PMID: 33966637 PMCID: PMC8106838 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-021-00732-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis can be defined as an excessive and deregulated deposition of extracellular matrix proteins, causing loss of physiological architecture and dysfunction of different tissues and organs. In the skin, fibrosis represents the hallmark of several acquired (e.g. systemic sclerosis and hypertrophic scars) and inherited (i.e. dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa) diseases. A complex series of interactions among a variety of cellular types and a wide range of molecular players drive the fibrogenic process, often in a context-dependent manner. However, the pathogenetic mechanisms leading to skin fibrosis are not completely elucidated. In this scenario, an increasing body of evidence has recently disclosed the involvement of Notch signalling cascade in fibrosis of the skin and other organs. Despite its apparent simplicity, Notch represents one of the most multifaceted, strictly regulated and intricate pathways with still unknown features both in health and disease conditions. Starting from the most recent advances in Notch activation and regulation, this review focuses on the pro-fibrotic function of Notch pathway in fibroproliferative skin disorders describing molecular networks, interplay with other pro-fibrotic molecules and pathways, including the transforming growth factor-β1, and therapeutic strategies under development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Giuseppe Condorelli
- Genodermatosis Unit, Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza Sant' Onofrio 4, 00165, Rome, Italy.
| | - May El Hachem
- Dermatology Unit and Genodermatosis Unit, Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza Sant' Onofrio 4, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Zambruno
- Genodermatosis Unit, Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza Sant' Onofrio 4, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Alexander Nystrom
- Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Eleonora Candi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", via Montpellier, 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.,IDI-IRCCS, via Monti di Creta 104, 00167, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Castiglia
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cell Biology, IDI-IRCCS, via Monti di Creta 104, 00167, Rome, Italy
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McCaw TR, Inga E, Chen H, Jaskula‐Sztul R, Dudeja V, Bibb JA, Ren B, Rose JB. Gamma Secretase Inhibitors in Cancer: A Current Perspective on Clinical Performance. Oncologist 2021; 26:e608-e621. [PMID: 33284507 PMCID: PMC8018325 DOI: 10.1002/onco.13627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Gamma secretase inhibitors (GSIs), initially developed as Alzheimer's therapies, have been repurposed as anticancer agents given their inhibition of Notch receptor cleavage. The success of GSIs in preclinical models has been ascribed to induction of cancer stem-like cell differentiation and apoptosis, while also impairing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and sensitizing cells to traditional chemoradiotherapies. The promise of these agents has yet to be realized in the clinic, however, as GSIs have failed to demonstrate clinical benefit in most solid tumors with the notable exceptions of CNS malignancies and desmoid tumors. Disappointing clinical performance to date reflects important questions that remain to be answered. For example, what is the net impact of these agents on antitumor immune responses, and will they require concurrent targeting of tumor-intrinsic compensatory pathways? Addressing these limitations in our current understanding of GSI mechanisms will undoubtedly facilitate their rational incorporation into combinatorial strategies and provide a valuable tool with which to combat Notch-dependent cancers. In the present review, we provide a current understanding of GSI mechanisms, discuss clinical performance to date, and suggest areas for future investigation that might maximize the utility of these agents. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The performance of gamma secretase inhibitors (GSIs) in clinical trials generally has not reflected their encouraging performance in preclinical studies. This review provides a current perspective on the clinical performance of GSIs across various solid tumor types alongside putative mechanisms of antitumor activity. Through exploration of outstanding gaps in knowledge as well as reasons for success in certain cancer types, the authors identify areas for future investigation that will likely enable incorporation of GSIs into rational combinatorial strategies for superior tumor control and patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler R. McCaw
- Divisions of Surgical Oncology, The University of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
| | - Evelyn Inga
- Divisions of Surgical Oncology, The University of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
| | - Herbert Chen
- Breast & Endocrine Surgery, The University of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
| | - Renata Jaskula‐Sztul
- Breast & Endocrine Surgery, The University of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
| | - Vikas Dudeja
- Divisions of Surgical Oncology, The University of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
| | - James A. Bibb
- Gastrointestinal Surgery, The University of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
| | - Bin Ren
- Vascular Surgery & Endovascular Therapy, Department of Surgery, The University of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
| | - J. Bart Rose
- Divisions of Surgical Oncology, The University of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
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48
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Many drugs approved for other indications can control the growth of tumor cells and limit adverse events (AE). DATA SOURCES Literature searches with keywords 'repurposing and cancer' books, websites: https://clinicaltrials.gov/, for drug structures: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/. AREAS OF AGREEMENT Introducing approved drugs, such as those developed to treat diabetes (Metformin) or inflammation (Thalidomide), identified to have cytostatic activity, can enhance chemotherapy or even replace more cytotoxic drugs. Also, anti-inflammatory compounds, cytokines and inhibitors of proteolysis can be used to control the side effects of chemo- and immuno-therapies or as second-line treatments for tumors resistant to kinase inhibitors (KI). Drugs specifically developed for cancer therapy, such as interferons (IFN), the tyrosine KI abivertinib TKI (tyrosine kinase inhibitor) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor inhibitors, may help control symptoms of Covid-19. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY Better knowledge of mechanisms of drug activities is essential for repurposing. Chemotherapies induce ER stress and enhance mutation rates and chromosome alterations, leading to resistance that cannot always be related to mutations in the target gene. Metformin, thalidomide and cytokines (IFN, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-2 (IL-2) and others) have pleiomorphic activities, some of which can enhance tumorigenesis. The small and fragile patient pools available for clinical trials can cloud the data on the usefulness of cotreatments. GROWING POINTS Better understanding of drug metabolism and mechanisms should aid in repurposing drugs for primary, adjuvant and adjunct treatments. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH Optimizing drug combinations, reducing cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutics and controlling associated inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine H Schein
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Faculty, Institute for Human Infections and Immunity (IHII), University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, Texas 77555, USA
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49
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Du Z, Li L, Sun W, Zhu P, Cheng S, Yang X, Luo C, Yu X, Wu X. Systematic Evaluation for the Influences of the SOX17/Notch Receptor Family Members on Reversing Enzalutamide Resistance in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer Cells. Front Oncol 2021; 11:607291. [PMID: 33791203 PMCID: PMC8006330 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.607291] [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: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) remains challenging due to the failure of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT); hence the search for other molecular therapeutic targets besides androgen receptor signaling is ongoing. This study systematically investigated the expression of SOX17 and Notch receptors in CRPC tissues and cells in vitro, showing that consistent clinical CRPC, SOX17/Notch1, and Notch4 were responsible for enzalutamide resistance in CRPC cells. The γ secretase inhibitors, BMS-708163, GSI-IX, PF-3084014, and RO4929097 abrogated the enzalutamide resistance by inhibiting Notch1 or/and Notch4 in vitro, with GSI-IX and RO4929097 being more effective than BMS-708163 and PF-3084014 in reliving bone metastasis in vivo. In conclusion, the Notch1 and Notch4 inhibitors GSI-IX and RO4929097 are promising therapeutic agents for the treatment of CRPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongbo Du
- Department of Clinical Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China.,Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China.,Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Luo Li
- Center for Immunology Research, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Department of Urology, Fuling Center Hospital of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Pingyu Zhu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China.,Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Shulin Cheng
- Department of Clinical Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China.,Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Xuesong Yang
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Chunli Luo
- Key Laboratory of Diagnostics Medicine Designated by the Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaodong Yu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China.,Department of Urology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Xiaohou Wu
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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50
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Nooka AK, Weisel K, van de Donk NW, Routledge D, Otero PR, Song K, Quach H, Callander N, Minnema MC, Trudel S, Jackson NA, Ahlers CM, Im E, Cheng S, Smith L, Hareth N, Ferron-Brady G, Brouch M, Montes de Oca R, Paul S, Holkova B, Gupta I, Kremer BE, Richardson P. Belantamab mafodotin in combination with novel agents in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma: DREAMM-5 study design. Future Oncol 2021; 17:1987-2003. [PMID: 33682447 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2020-1269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Belantamab mafodotin (belamaf) is a BCMA-targeted antibody-drug conjugate recently approved as monotherapy for adults with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma who have received ≥4 prior therapies. Belamaf binds to BCMA and eliminates myeloma cells by multimodal mechanisms of action. The cytotoxic and potential immunomodulatory properties of belamaf have led to novel combination studies with other anticancer therapies. Here, we describe the rationale and design of DREAMM-5, an ongoing Phase I/II platform study evaluating the safety and efficacy of belamaf combined with novel agents, including GSK3174998 (OX40 agonist), feladilimab (an ICOS; GSK3359609), nirogacestat (a gamma-secretase inhibitor; PF-03084014) and dostarlimab (a PD-1 blocker) versus belamaf monotherapy for patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Clinical trial registration: NCT04126200 (ClinicalTrials.gov).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay K Nooka
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Katja Weisel
- Department of Oncology, Hematology & Bone Marrow Transplantation, University Medical Center of Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, 20246, Germany
| | - Niels Wcj van de Donk
- Department of Hematology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - David Routledge
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre & Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Paula Rodriguez Otero
- Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, Clínica Universidad de Navarra-Pamplona, Navarra, 31008, Spain
| | - Kevin Song
- Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Hang Quach
- Department of Haematology, University of Melbourne, St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3065, Australia
| | - Natalie Callander
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI WI 53705, USA
| | - Monique C Minnema
- Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, 3584 CX, The Netherlands
| | - Suzanne Trudel
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology & Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON M5G 2C1, Canada
| | | | | | - Ellie Im
- GlaxoSmithKline, Waltham, MA 02451, USA
| | - Shinta Cheng
- SpringWorks Therapeutics, Stamford, CT 06902, USA
| | - L Smith
- SpringWorks Therapeutics, Stamford, CT 06902, USA
| | - Nahi Hareth
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, SE 171 76, Sweden
| | | | - Maria Brouch
- GlaxoSmithKline, Upper Providence, PA 19426, USA
| | | | - Sofia Paul
- GlaxoSmithKline, Upper Providence, PA 19426, USA
| | | | - Ira Gupta
- GlaxoSmithKline, Upper Providence, PA 19426, USA
| | | | - Paul Richardson
- Department of Medical Oncology, Division of Hematologic Malignancies, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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