1
|
Landa I, Cabanillas ME. Genomic alterations in thyroid cancer: biological and clinical insights. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2024; 20:93-110. [PMID: 38049644 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-023-00920-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Tumours can arise from thyroid follicular cells if they acquire driver mutations that constitutively activate the MAPK signalling pathway. In addition, a limited set of additional mutations in key genes drive tumour progression towards more aggressive and less differentiated disease. Unprecedented insights into thyroid tumour biology have come from the breadth of thyroid tumour sequencing data from patients and the wide range of mutation-specific mechanisms identified in experimental models, in combination with the genomic simplicity of thyroid cancers. This knowledge is gradually being translated into refined strategies to stratify, manage and treat patients with thyroid cancer. This Review summarizes the biological underpinnings of the genetic alterations involved in thyroid cancer initiation and progression. We also provide a rationale for and discuss specific examples of how to implement genomic information to inform both recommended and investigational approaches to improve thyroid cancer prognosis, redifferentiation strategies and targeted therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iñigo Landa
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Maria E Cabanillas
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia & Hormonal Disorders, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Leandro-García LJ, Landa I. Mechanistic Insights of Thyroid Cancer Progression. Endocrinology 2023; 164:bqad118. [PMID: 37503738 PMCID: PMC10403681 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Differentiated thyroid cancers (DTCs) are primarily initiated by mutations that activate the MAPK signaling cascade, typically at BRAF or RAS oncoproteins. DTCs can evolve to more aggressive forms, specifically, poorly differentiated (PDTC) and anaplastic thyroid cancers (ATC), by acquiring additional genetic alterations which deregulate key pathways. In this review, we focused on bona fide mutations involved in thyroid cancer progression for which consistent mechanistic data exist. Here we summarized the relevant literature, spanning approximately 2 decades, highlighting genetic alterations that are unquestionably enriched in PDTC/ATC. We describe the relevant functional data obtained in multiple in vitro and in vivo thyroid cancer models employed to study genetic alterations in the following genes and functional groups: TP53, effectors of the PI3K/AKT pathway, TERT promoter, members of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex, NF2, and EIF1AX. In addition, we briefly discuss other genetic alterations that are selected in aggressive thyroid tumors but for which mechanistic data is still either limited or nonexistent. Overall, we argue for the importance conveyed by preclinical studies for the clinical translation of genomic knowledge of thyroid cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luis Javier Leandro-García
- Hereditary Endocrine Cancer Group, Human Cancer Genetics Program, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Iñigo Landa
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bikas A, Ahmadi S, Pappa T, Marqusee E, Wong K, Nehs MA, Cho NL, Haase J, Doherty GM, Sehgal K, Barletta JA, Alexander EK, Landa I. Additional Oncogenic Alterations in RAS-Driven Differentiated Thyroid Cancers Associate with Worse Clinicopathologic Outcomes. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:2678-2685. [PMID: 37260297 PMCID: PMC10524472 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-0278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE RAS mutations occur across the spectrum of thyroid neoplasms, and more tools are needed for better prognostication. The objective of this study was to evaluate how additional genetic events affecting key genes modify prognosis in patients with RAS-mutant thyroid cancers, and specifically differentiated thyroid cancers (DTC). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We performed a clinical-genomic analysis of consecutive patients with DTC, poorly differentiated (PDTC), or anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) between January 2014 and December 2021, in whom a custom-targeted next-generation sequencing assay was performed. Patients harboring RAS mutations were included, and we compared their clinical features and outcomes based upon the presence of additional oncogenic alterations. RESULTS Seventy-eight patients were identified, with 22% (17/78) harboring a driver RAS mutation plus an additional oncogenic alteration. All six (100%) ATCs had an additional mutation. Compared with DTCs harboring a solitary RAS mutation, patients with DTC with RAS and additional mutation(s) were more likely to be classified as American Thyroid Association high-risk of recurrence (77% vs. 12%; P < 0.001) and to have larger primary tumors (4.7 vs. 2.5 cm; P = 0.002) and advanced stage (III or IV) at presentation (67% vs. 3%; P < 0.001). Importantly, over an average 65-month follow-up, DTC-specific-mortality was more than 10-fold higher (20% vs. 1.8%; P = 0.011) when additional mutations were identified. CONCLUSIONS Identification of key additional mutations in patients with RAS-mutant thyroid cancers confers a more aggressive phenotype, increases mortality risk in DTC, and can explain the diversity of RAS-mutated thyroid neoplasia. These data support genomic profiling of DTCs to inform prognosis and clinical decision-making.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Athanasios Bikas
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts
| | - Sara Ahmadi
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts
| | - Theodora Pappa
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston Massachusetts
| | - Ellen Marqusee
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts
| | - Kristine Wong
- Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Massachusetts
| | - Matthew A. Nehs
- Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Massachusetts
| | - Nancy L. Cho
- Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Massachusetts
| | - Jacob Haase
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts
| | - Gerard M. Doherty
- Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Massachusetts
| | - Kartik Sehgal
- Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston Massachusetts
| | - Justine A. Barletta
- Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Massachusetts
| | - Erik K. Alexander
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts
| | - Iñigo Landa
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Townsend PA, Kozhevnikova MV, Cexus ONF, Zamyatnin AA, Soond SM. BH3-mimetics: recent developments in cancer therapy. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:355. [PMID: 34753495 PMCID: PMC8576916 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02157-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The hopeful outcomes from 30 years of research in BH3-mimetics have indeed served a number of solid paradigms for targeting intermediates from the apoptosis pathway in a variety of diseased states. Not only have such rational approaches in drug design yielded several key therapeutics, such outputs have also offered insights into the integrated mechanistic aspects of basic and clinical research at the genetics level for the future. In no other area of medical research have the effects of such work been felt, than in cancer research, through targeting the BAX-Bcl-2 protein-protein interactions. With these promising outputs in mind, several mimetics, and their potential therapeutic applications, have also been developed for several other pathological conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and tissue fibrosis, thus highlighting the universal importance of the intrinsic arm of the apoptosis pathway and its input to general tissue homeostasis. Considering such recent developments, and in a field that has generated so much scientific interest, we take stock of how the broadening area of BH3-mimetics has developed and diversified, with a focus on their uses in single and combined cancer treatment regimens and recently explored therapeutic delivery methods that may aid the development of future therapeutics of this nature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Townsend
- University of Surrey, Guildford, UK. .,Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation. .,University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
| | - Maria V Kozhevnikova
- University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.,Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | | | - Andrey A Zamyatnin
- University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.,Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation.,Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russian Federation.,Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, Russian Federation
| | - Surinder M Soond
- University of Surrey, Guildford, UK. .,Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zheng Q, Gan G, Gao X, Luo Q, Chen F. Targeting the IDO-BCL2A1-Cytochrome c Pathway Promotes Apoptosis in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Onco Targets Ther 2021; 14:1673-1687. [PMID: 33707952 PMCID: PMC7942955 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s288692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Indolamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is the rate limiting enzyme of tryptophan degradation and is a negative prognostic factor in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients, while the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. This research aimed to explore the IDO expression and its biological functions in OSCC. Materials and Methods IDO expression was analyzed by qPCR, Western blots, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) in OSCC cell lines and tissue specimens. Tryptophan and kynurenine content were determined by UPLC-MS/MS in serum samples of OSCC patients and healthy controls. Oncomine databases and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were used to identify the IDO expression and its correlation with OSCC prognosis. Cell counting, CCK8 assay, flow cytometry, cell cycle, and EdU incorporation assays were used to assess the effect of IDO inhibition on OSCC growth either by shRNA or the IDO-specific inhibitor (epacadostat) in vitro. An OSCC xenograft mouse model was established to verify the predicted function of IDO inhibition in vivo. Mechanistically, an 84-gene apoptosis PCR array and rescue experiment were used to characterize the underlying mechanism involved in IDO-regulated apoptosis in OSCC. Results IDO expression was upregulated in OSCC cell lines and tissues and was negatively correlated with OSCC progression. Lentivirus-mediated IDO knockdown and epacadostat significantly reduced viability and promoted apoptosis of OSCC cells in vitro and in vivo. The apoptosis PCR array identified BCL2 related protein A1 (BCL2A1) as the most obviously changed gene at the transcriptional level. IDO inhibition downregulated BCL2A1 expression, increased the expression and translocation of cytochrome c, thus promoted apoptosis in OSCC. Overexpression of BCL2A1 reversed the pro-apoptotic effect of IDO inhibition. Conclusion The present results revealed that IDO directly affect the growth of OSCC cells by regulating BCL2A1 expression. IDO and the IDO-BCL2A1-cytochrome c axis may be potential therapeutic targets for OSCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoping Zheng
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Guifang Gan
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianfu Gao
- Shanghai Profleader Biotech Co., Ltd., Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingqiong Luo
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| | - Fuxiang Chen
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lang DK, Kaur R, Arora R, Saini B, Arora S. Nitrogen-Containing Heterocycles as Anticancer Agents: An Overview. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2020; 20:2150-2168. [DOI: 10.2174/1871520620666200705214917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Background:
Cancer is spreading all over the world, and it is becoming the leading cause of major
deaths. Today’s most difficult task for every researcher is to invent a new drug that can treat cancer with minimal
side effects. Many factors, including pollution, modern lifestyle and food habits, exposure to oncogenic
agents or radiations, enhanced industrialization, etc. can cause cancer. Treatment of cancer is done by various
methods that include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy in combination or singly along
with kinase inhibitors. Most of the anti-cancer drugs use the concept of kinase inhibition.
Objective:
The number of drugs being used in chemotherapy has heterocycles as their basic structure in spite of
various side effects. Medicinal chemists are focusing on nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds like pyrrole,
pyrrolidine, pyridine, imidazole, pyrimidines, pyrazole, indole, quinoline, oxadiazole, azole, benzimidazole,
etc. as the key building blocks to develop active biological compounds. The aim of this study is to attempt
to compile a dataset of nitrogen-containing heterocyclic anti-cancer drugs.
Methods:
We adopted a structural search on notorious journal publication websites and electronic databases
such as Bentham Science, Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus, USFDA, etc. for the collection of peer-reviewed
research and review articles for the present review. The quality papers were retrieved, studied, categorized into
different sections, analyzed and used for article writing.
Conclusion:
As per FDA databases, nitrogen-based heterocycles in the drug design are almost 60% of unique
small-molecule drugs. Some of the nitrogen-containing heterocyclic anti-cancer drugs are Axitinib, Bosutinib,
Cediranib, Dasatanib (Sprycel®), Erlotinib (Tarceva®), Gefitinib (Iressa®), Imatinib (Gleevec®), Lapatinib (Tykerb
®), Linifanib, Sorafenib (Nexavar®), Sunitinib (Sutent®), Tivozanib, etc. In the present review, we shall focus
on the overview of nitrogen-containing heterocyclic active compounds as anti-cancer agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rajwinder Kaur
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Rashmi Arora
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Balraj Saini
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Sandeep Arora
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Pucci P, Venalainen E, Alborelli I, Quagliata L, Hawkes C, Mather R, Romero I, Rigas SH, Wang Y, Crea F. LncRNA HORAS5 promotes taxane resistance in castration-resistant prostate cancer via a BCL2A1-dependent mechanism. Epigenomics 2020; 12:1123-1138. [DOI: 10.2217/epi-2019-0316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is an incurable malignancy. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play key roles in drug resistance. Materials & methods: LncRNA HORAS5 role in cabazitaxel resistance (i.e., cell-count, IC50 and caspase activity) was studied via lentiviral-mediated overexpression and siRNA-based knockdown. Genes expression was analyzed with RNA-sequencing, reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blot. HORAS5 expression was queried in clinical database. Results: Cabazitaxel increased HORAS5 expression that upregulated BCL2A1, thereby protecting CRPC cells from cabazitaxel-induced apoptosis. BCL2A1 knockdown decreased cell-count and increased apoptosis in CRPC cells. HORAS5-targeting antisense oligonucleotide decreased cabazitaxel IC50. In CRPC clinical samples, HORAS5 expression increased upon taxane treatment. Conclusion: HORAS5 stimulates the expression of BCL2A1 thereby decreasing apoptosis and enhancing cabazitaxel resistance in CRPC cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Perla Pucci
- School of Life, Health & Chemical Sciences, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK7 6AA, UK
- Present address: Division of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB20QQ, UK
| | - Erik Venalainen
- Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Ilaria Alborelli
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Basel, Basel 4031, Switzerland
| | - Luca Quagliata
- Global Head of Medical Affairs, Clinical NGS & Oncology Division, Life Sciences Solutions, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Baarerstrasse, Switzerland
| | - Cheryl Hawkes
- School of Life, Health & Chemical Sciences, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK7 6AA, UK
| | - Rebecca Mather
- School of Life, Health & Chemical Sciences, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK7 6AA, UK
| | - Ignacio Romero
- School of Life, Health & Chemical Sciences, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK7 6AA, UK
| | - Sushilaben H Rigas
- School of Life, Health & Chemical Sciences, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK7 6AA, UK
| | - Yuzhuo Wang
- Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Francesco Crea
- School of Life, Health & Chemical Sciences, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK7 6AA, UK
- Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kump KJ, Miao L, Mady ASA, Ansari NH, Shrestha UK, Yang Y, Pal M, Liao C, Perdih A, Abulwerdi FA, Chinnaswamy K, Meagher JL, Carlson JM, Khanna M, Stuckey JA, Nikolovska-Coleska Z. Discovery and Characterization of 2,5-Substituted Benzoic Acid Dual Inhibitors of the Anti-apoptotic Mcl-1 and Bfl-1 Proteins. J Med Chem 2020; 63:2489-2510. [PMID: 31971799 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins are overexpressed in a wide spectrum of cancers and have become well validated therapeutic targets. Cancer cells display survival dependence on individual or subsets of anti-apoptotic proteins that could be effectively targeted by multimodal inhibitors. We designed a 2,5-substituted benzoic acid scaffold that displayed equipotent binding to Mcl-1 and Bfl-1. Structure-based design was guided by several solved cocrystal structures with Mcl-1, leading to the development of compound 24, which binds both Mcl-1 and Bfl-1 with Ki values of 100 nM and shows appreciable selectivity over Bcl-2/Bcl-xL. The selective binding profile of 24 was translated to on-target cellular activity in model lymphoma cell lines. These studies lay a foundation for developing more advanced dual Mcl-1/Bfl-1 inhibitors that have potential to provide greater single agent efficacy and broader coverage to combat resistance in several types of cancer than selective Mcl-1 inhibitors alone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Andrej Perdih
- National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | | | | | | | - Jacob M Carlson
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85724, United States.,Center for Innovation in Brain Science, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - May Khanna
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85724, United States.,Center for Innovation in Brain Science, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Pervushin NV, Senichkin VV, Zhivotovsky B, Kopeina GS. Mcl-1 as a "barrier" in cancer treatment: Can we target it now? INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 351:23-55. [PMID: 32247581 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2020.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
During the last two decades, the study of Mcl-1, an anti-apoptotic member of the Bcl-2 family, attracted researchers due to its important role in cancer cell survival and tumor development. The significance of Mcl-1 protein in resistance to chemotherapeutics makes it an attractive target in cancer therapy. Here, we discuss the diverse possibilities for indirect Mcl-1 inhibition through its downregulation, for example, via targeting for proteasomal degradation or blockage of translation and transcription. We also provide an overview of the direct blocking of protein-protein interactions with pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins, including examples of the most promising regulators of Mcl-1 and selective BH3-mimetics, which at present are under clinical evaluation. Moreover, several approaches for the co-targeting of Mcl-1 and other proteins (e.g., CDKs) are also presented. In addition, we highlight the broad spectrum of problems that accompanied the discovery and development of effective Mcl-1 inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Boris Zhivotovsky
- Faculty of Medicine, MV Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia; Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Gelina S Kopeina
- Faculty of Medicine, MV Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Anania MC, Di Marco T, Mazzoni M, Greco A. Targeting Non-Oncogene Addiction: Focus on Thyroid Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12010129. [PMID: 31947935 PMCID: PMC7017043 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12010129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid carcinoma (TC) is the most common malignancy of endocrine organs with an increasing incidence in industrialized countries. The majority of TC are characterized by a good prognosis, even though cases with aggressive forms not cured by standard therapies are also present. Moreover, target therapies have led to low rates of partial response and prompted the emergence of resistance, indicating that new therapies are needed. In this review, we summarize current literature about the non-oncogene addiction (NOA) concept, which indicates that cancer cells, at variance with normal cells, rely on the activity of genes, usually not mutated or aberrantly expressed, essential for coping with the transformed phenotype. We highlight the potential of non-oncogenes as a point of intervention for cancer therapy in general, and present evidence for new putative non-oncogenes that are essential for TC survival and that may constitute attractive new therapeutic targets.
Collapse
|
11
|
Jin Y, Liu M, Sa R, Fu H, Cheng L, Chen L. Mouse models of thyroid cancer: Bridging pathogenesis and novel therapeutics. Cancer Lett 2019; 469:35-53. [PMID: 31589905 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Due to a global increase in the incidence of thyroid cancer, numerous novel mouse models were established to reveal thyroid cancer pathogenesis and test promising therapeutic strategies, necessitating a comprehensive review of translational medicine that covers (i) the role of mouse models in the research of thyroid cancer pathogenesis, and (ii) preclinical testing of potential anti-thyroid cancer therapeutics. The present review article aims to: (i) describe the current approaches for mouse modeling of thyroid cancer, (ii) provide insight into the biology and genetics of thyroid cancers, and (iii) offer guidance on the use of mouse models for testing potential therapeutics in preclinical settings. Based on research with mouse models of thyroid cancer pathogenesis involving the RTK, RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, SRC, and JAK-STAT signaling pathways, inhibitors of VEGFR, MEK, mTOR, SRC, and STAT3 have been developed as anti-thyroid cancer drugs for "bench-to-bedside" translation. In the future, mouse models of thyroid cancer will be designed to be ''humanized" and "patient-like," offering opportunities to: (i) investigate the pathogenesis of thyroid cancer through target screening based on the CRISPR/Cas system, (ii) test drugs based on new mouse models, and (iii) explore the underlying mechanisms based on multi-omics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Jin
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200233, People's Republic of China.
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200233, People's Republic of China; Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Rd, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Ri Sa
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200233, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hao Fu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200233, People's Republic of China.
| | - Lin Cheng
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200233, People's Republic of China.
| | - Libo Chen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200233, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Nikitski AV, Rominski SL, Condello V, Kaya C, Wankhede M, Panebianco F, Yang H, Altschuler DL, Nikiforov YE. Mouse Model of Thyroid Cancer Progression and Dedifferentiation Driven by STRN-ALK Expression and Loss of p53: Evidence for the Existence of Two Types of Poorly Differentiated Carcinoma. Thyroid 2019; 29:1425-1437. [PMID: 31298630 PMCID: PMC6797076 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2019.0284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Background: Thyroid tumor progression from well-differentiated cancer to poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC) and anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) involves step-wise dedifferentiation associated with loss of iodine avidity and poor outcomes. ALK fusions, typically STRN-ALK, are found with higher incidence in human PDTC compared with well-differentiated cancer and, as previously shown, can drive the development of murine PDTC. The aim of this study was to evaluate thyroid cancer initiation and progression in mice with concomitant expression of STRN-ALK and inactivation of the tumor suppressor p53 (Trp53) in thyroid follicular cells. Methods: Transgenic mice with thyroid-specific expression of STRN-ALK and biallelic p53 loss were generated and aged on a regular diet or with methimazole and sodium perchlorate goitrogen treatment. Development and progression of thyroid tumors were monitored by using ultrasound imaging, followed by detailed histological and immunohistochemical evaluation. Gene expression analysis was performed on selected tumor samples by using RNA-Seq and quantitative RT-PCR. Results: In mice treated with goitrogen, the first thyroid cancers appeared at 6 months of age, reaching 86% penetrance by the age of 12 months, while a similar rate (71%) of tumor occurrence in mice on regular diet was observed by 18 months of age. Histological examination revealed well-differentiated papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTC) (n = 26), PDTC (n = 21), and ATC (n = 8) that frequently coexisted in the same thyroid gland. The tumors were frequently lethal and associated with the development of lung metastasis in 24% of cases. Histological and immunohistochemical characteristics of these cancers recapitulated tumors seen in humans. Detailed analysis of PDTC revealed two tumor types with distinct cell morphology and immunohistochemical characteristics, designated as PDTC type 1 (PDTC1) and type 2 (PDTC2). Gene expression analysis showed that PDTC1 tumors retained higher expression of thyroid differentiation genes including Tg and Slc5a5 (Nis) as compared with PDTC2 tumors. Conclusions: In this study, we generated a new mouse model of multistep thyroid cancer dedifferentiation with evidence of progression from PTC to PDTC and ATC. Further, PDTC in these mice showed two distinct histologic appearances correlated with levels of expression of thyroid differentiation and iodine metabolism genes, suggesting a possibility of existence of two PDTC types with different functional characteristics and potential implication for therapeutic approaches to these tumors.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase/genetics
- Animals
- Antithyroid Agents/toxicity
- Calmodulin-Binding Proteins/genetics
- Cell Dedifferentiation/genetics
- Cell Differentiation/genetics
- Disease Models, Animal
- Disease Progression
- Membrane Proteins/genetics
- Methimazole/toxicity
- Mice
- Mice, Knockout
- Mice, Transgenic
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics
- Perchlorates/toxicity
- RNA-Seq
- Sodium Compounds/toxicity
- Symporters/genetics
- Thyroglobulin/genetics
- Thyroid Cancer, Papillary/chemically induced
- Thyroid Cancer, Papillary/genetics
- Thyroid Cancer, Papillary/pathology
- Thyroid Carcinoma, Anaplastic/chemically induced
- Thyroid Carcinoma, Anaplastic/genetics
- Thyroid Carcinoma, Anaplastic/pathology
- Thyroid Neoplasms/chemically induced
- Thyroid Neoplasms/genetics
- Thyroid Neoplasms/pathology
- Transcriptome
- Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/genetics
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Susan L. Rominski
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Vincenzo Condello
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Cihan Kaya
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Mamta Wankhede
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Hong Yang
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Daniel L. Altschuler
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Yuri E. Nikiforov
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Address correspondence to: Yuri E. Nikiforov, MD, PhD, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, CLB Room 8031, 3477 Euler Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Yu B, You W, Chen G, Yu Y, Yang Q. MiR-140-5p inhibits cell proliferation and metastasis by regulating MUC1 via BCL2A1/MAPK pathway in triple negative breast cancer. Cell Cycle 2019; 18:2641-2650. [PMID: 31411515 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2019.1653107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Noncoding RNAs play important roles in the progression of malignant tumors, including triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Accumulating evidence supported the involvement of the oncogenic MUC1 in tumor metastasis. Our study aimed to explore the roles of miR-140-5p and MUC1 in TNBC and identify the potential underlying mechanisms. In the present study, we found that miR-140-5p expression was significantly decreased in TNBC tissues and associated with advanced clinical features and poor prognosis. MiR-140-5p overexpression suppressed TNBC cells proliferation, invasion ability in vitro and reduced tumor growth in vivo. Subsequently, MUC1 was verified to be a direct target of miR-140-5p in TNBC. Furthermore, we revealed that MUC1 could regulate MAPK pathway through regulating BCL2A1 expression in TNBC. Thus, our study indicated that miR-140-5p might regulate MUC1 to suppress TNBC cells proliferation and metastasis by regulating BCL2A1/MAPK pathway, suggesting miR-140-5p could serve as a potential therapeutic target for TNBC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bofan Yu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, People's Hospital of Henan University , Zhengzhou , Henan Province , China
| | - Wei You
- Department of Breast Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, People's Hospital of Henan University , Zhengzhou , Henan Province , China
| | - Guang Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, People's Hospital of Henan University , Zhengzhou , Henan Province , China
| | - Yang Yu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, People's Hospital of Henan University , Zhengzhou , Henan Province , China
| | - Qinheng Yang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, People's Hospital of Henan University , Zhengzhou , Henan Province , China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Timucin AC, Basaga H, Kutuk O. Selective targeting of antiapoptotic BCL-2 proteins in cancer. Med Res Rev 2018; 39:146-175. [DOI: 10.1002/med.21516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Revised: 05/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Can Timucin
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering; Uskudar University; Uskudar Istanbul Turkey
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Molecular Biology, Genetics and Bioengineering Program; Sabanci University; Tuzla Istanbul Turkey
| | - Huveyda Basaga
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Molecular Biology, Genetics and Bioengineering Program; Sabanci University; Tuzla Istanbul Turkey
| | - Ozgur Kutuk
- Department of Medical Genetics; Adana Medical and Research Center; School of Medicine, Baskent University; Yuregir Adana Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Orlacchio A, Ranieri M, Brave M, Arciuch VA, Forde T, De Martino D, Anderson KE, Hawkins P, Di Cristofano A. SGK1 Is a Critical Component of an AKT-Independent Pathway Essential for PI3K-Mediated Tumor Development and Maintenance. Cancer Res 2017; 77:6914-6926. [PMID: 29055016 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-17-2105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Revised: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Activation of the PI3K-AKT signaling cascade is a common critical event during malignant transformation. In this study, we used thyroid gland epithelial cells and a series of genetically engineered mouse strains as model systems to demonstrate that, although necessary, AKT activation is not sufficient for PI3K-driven transformation. Instead, transformation requires the activity of the PDK1-regulated AGC family of protein kinases. In particular, SGK1 was found to be essential for proliferation and survival of thyroid cancer cells harboring PI3K-activating mutations. Notably, cotargeting SGK1 and AKT resulted in significantly higher growth suppression than inhibiting either PI3K or AKT alone. Overall, these findings underscore the clinical relevance of AKT-independent pathways in tumors driven by genetic lesions targeting the PI3K cascade. Cancer Res; 77(24); 6914-26. ©2017 AACR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arturo Orlacchio
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Michela Ranieri
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Martina Brave
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Valeria Antico Arciuch
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Toni Forde
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Daniela De Martino
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Karen E Anderson
- Inositide Laboratory, Babraham Institute, Babraham, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Phillip Hawkins
- Inositide Laboratory, Babraham Institute, Babraham, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Antonio Di Cristofano
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Opydo-Chanek M, Gonzalo O, Marzo I. Multifaceted anticancer activity of BH3 mimetics: Current evidence and future prospects. Biochem Pharmacol 2017; 136:12-23. [PMID: 28288819 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2017.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2016] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BH3 mimetics are a novel class of anticancer agents designed to specifically target pro-survival proteins of the Bcl-2 family. Like endogenous BH3-only proteins, BH3 mimetics competitively bind to surface hydrophobic grooves of pro-survival Bcl-2 family members, counteracting their protective effects and thus facilitating apoptosis in cancer cells. Among the small-molecule BH3 mimetics identified, ABT-737 and its analogs, obatoclax as well as gossypol derivatives are the best characterized. The anticancer potential of these compounds applied as a single agent or in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs is currently being evaluated in preclinical studies and in clinical trials. In spite of promising results, the actual mechanisms of their anticancer action remain to be identified. Findings from preclinical studies point to additional activities of BH3 mimetics in cancer cells that are not connected with apoptosis induction. These off-target effects involve induction of autophagy and necrotic cell death as well as modulation of the cell cycle and multiple cell signaling pathways. For the optimization and clinical implementation of BH3 mimetics, a detailed understanding of their role as inhibitors of the pro-survival Bcl-2 proteins, but also of their possible additional effects is required. This review summarizes the most representative BH3 mimetic compounds with emphasis on their off-target effects. Based on the present knowledge on the multifaceted effects of BH3 mimetics on cancer cells, the commentary outlines the potential pitfalls and highlights the considerable promise for cancer treatment with BH3 mimetics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Opydo-Chanek
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Poland.
| | - Oscar Gonzalo
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology, IIS, University of Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Isabel Marzo
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology, IIS, University of Zaragoza, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Wei WJ, Sun ZK, Shen CT, Song HJ, Zhang XY, Qiu ZL, Luo QY. Obatoclax and LY3009120 Efficiently Overcome Vemurafenib Resistance in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer. Am J Cancer Res 2017; 7:987-1001. [PMID: 28382170 PMCID: PMC5381260 DOI: 10.7150/thno.17322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 12/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the prognosis of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is relatively good, 30-40% of patients with distant metastases develop resistance to radioactive iodine therapy due to tumor dedifferentiation. For DTC patients harboring BRAFV600E mutation, Vemurafenib, a BRAF kinase inhibitor, has dramatically changed the therapeutic landscape, but side effects and drug resistance often lead to termination of the single agent treatment. In the present study, we showed that either LY3009120 or Obatoclax (GX15-070) efficiently inhibited cell cycle progression and induced massive death of DTC cells. We established that BRAF/CRAF dimerization was an underlying mechanism for Vemurafenib resistance. LY3009120, the newly discovered pan-RAF inhibitor, successfully overcame Vemurafenib resistance and suppressed the growth of DTC cells in vitro and in vivo. We also observed that expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 increased substantially following BRAF inhibitor treatment in Vemurafenib-resistant K1 cells, and both Obatoclax and LY3009120 efficiently induced apoptosis of these resistant cells. Specifically, Obatoclax exerted its anti-cancer activity by inducing loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), dysfunction of mitochondrial respiration, reduction of cellular glycolysis, autophagy, neutralization of lysosomes, and caspase-related apoptosis. Furthermore, the cancer killing effects of LY3009120 and Obatoclax extended to two more Vemurafenib-resistant DTC cell lines, KTC-1 and BCPAP. Taken together, our results highlighted the potential value of LY3009120 for both Vemurafenib-sensitive and -resistant DTC and provided evidence for the combination therapy using Vemurafenib and Obatoclax for radioiodine-refractory DTC.
Collapse
|
18
|
Lee J, Sohn EJ, Yoon SW, Kim CG, Lee S, Kim JY, Baek N, Kim SH. Anti-Metastatic Effect of Dehydrocorydaline on H1299 Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma Cells via Inhibition of Matrix Metalloproteinases and B Cell Lymphoma 2. Phytother Res 2017; 31:441-448. [PMID: 28144994 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.5766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Revised: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Though Dehydrocorydaline, an alkaloid isolated from Corydalis turtschaninovii tuber, was known to have anti-coronary artery disease, anti-inflammatory, apoptotic, anti-allergic, anti-acetylcholinesterase, and antitumor effects, the underlying anti-metastatic mechanism of Dehydrocorydalin was never elucidated in lung cancer cells so far. Thus, in the present study, the anti-metastatic effect of Dehydrocorydaline was examined in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cells, mainly targeting matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and B cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) signaling. Here, Dehydrocorydaline exerted weak cytotoxicity and attenuated the protein expression of Bcl-2 and activated Bax in a concentration-dependent manner in NSCLC cells, such as A549, H460, H1299, and H596 cells. Also, Dehydrocorydaline suppressed the migration of H1299 cells by wound healing assay and transwell migration assay. Consistently, Dehydrocorydaline attenuated mRNA and protein levels of MMP7 and MMP9 as metastasis biomarkers in H1299 cells by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Of note, Bcl-2 overexpression reduced the cytotoxic and anti-metastatic effects of Dehydrocorydaline on pCDNA-Bcl-2 transfected H1299 cells. Overall, our findings provide scientific evidence that Dehydrocorydaline exerts anti-metastatic potential via suppression of MMPs and Bcl-2 signaling in NSCLC cells. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jihyun Lee
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 1 Hoegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 130-701, Korea
| | - Eun Jung Sohn
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 1 Hoegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 130-701, Korea
| | - Sang Wook Yoon
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 1 Hoegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 130-701, Korea
| | - Chang Geun Kim
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 1 Hoegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 130-701, Korea
| | - Sangil Lee
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 1 Hoegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 130-701, Korea
| | - Joe Young Kim
- Department of East West Medical Science, Graduate School of East West Medical Science, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, 446-701, Korea
| | - Namin Baek
- Department of Oriental Medicine Biotechnology, Graduate School of Biotechnology, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, 446-701, Korea
| | - Sung-Hoon Kim
- College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 1 Hoegi-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 130-701, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Metastasis-associated MCL1 and P16 copy number alterations dictate resistance to vemurafenib in a BRAFV600E patient-derived papillary thyroid carcinoma preclinical model. Oncotarget 2016; 6:42445-67. [PMID: 26636651 PMCID: PMC4767444 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2015] [Accepted: 10/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BRAFV600E mutation exerts an essential oncogenic function in many tumors, including papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Although BRAFV600E inhibitors are available, lack of response has been frequently observed. To study the mechanism underlying intrinsic resistance to the mutant BRAFV600E selective inhibitor vemurafenib, we established short-term primary cell cultures of human metastatic/recurrent BRAFV600E-PTC, intrathyroidal BRAFV600E-PTC, and normal thyroid (NT). We also generated an early intervention model of human BRAFV600E-PTC orthotopic mouse. We find that metastatic BRAFV600E-PTC cells elicit paracrine-signaling which trigger migration of pericytes, blood endothelial cells and lymphatic endothelial cells as compared to BRAFWT-PTC cells, and show a higher rate of invasion. We further show that vemurafenib therapy significantly suppresses these aberrant functions in non-metastatic BRAFV600E-PTC cells but lesser in metastatic BRAFV600E-PTC cells as compared to vehicle treatment. These results concur with similar folds of down-regulation of tumor microenvironment–associated pro-metastatic molecules, with no effects in BRAFWT-PTC and NT cells. Our early intervention preclinical trial shows that vemurafenib delays tumor growth in the orthotopic BRAFWT/V600E-PTC mice. Importantly, we identify high copy number gain of MCL1 (chromosome 1q) and loss of CDKN2A (P16, chromosome 9p) in metastatic BRAFV600E-PTC cells which are associated with resistance to vemurafenib treatment. Critically, we demonstrate that combined vemurafenib therapy with BCL2/MCL1 inhibitor increases metastatic BRAFV600E-PTC cell death and ameliorates response to vemurafenib treatment as compared to single agent treatment. In conclusion, short-term PTC and NT cultures offer a predictive model for evaluating therapeutic response in patients with PTC. Our PTC pre-clinical model suggests that combined targeted therapy might be an important therapeutic strategy for metastatic and refractory BRAFV600E-positive PTC.
Collapse
|
20
|
Wei WJ, Shen CT, Song HJ, Qiu ZL, Luo QY. Propranolol sensitizes thyroid cancer cells to cytotoxic effect of vemurafenib. Oncol Rep 2016; 36:1576-84. [PMID: 27432558 DOI: 10.3892/or.2016.4918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment options for advanced metastatic or progressive thyroid cancers are limited. Although targeted therapy specifically inhibiting intracellular kinase signaling pathways has markedly changed the therapeutic landscape, side-effects and resistance of single agent targeted therapy often leads to termination of the treatment. The objective of the present study was to identify the antitumor property of the non-selective β-adrenergic receptor antagonist propranolol for thyroid cancers. Human thyroid cancer cell lines 8505C, K1, BCPAP and BHP27 were used in the present study. Broad β-blocker propranolol and β2-specific antagonist ICI118551, but not β1-specific antagonist atenolol, inhibited the growth of 8505C and K1 cells. Propranolol treatment inhibited growth and induced apoptosis of 8505C cells in vitro and in vivo, which are closely associated with decreased expressions of cyclin D1 and anti-apoptotic Bcl-2. Expression of hexokinase 2 (HK2) and glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) also decreased following propranolol intervention. 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging of the 8505C xenografts validated shrinkage of the tumors in the propranolol-treated group when compared to the phosphate‑buffered saline treated group. Finally, we found that propranolol can amplify the cytotoxicity of vemurafenib and sensitize thyroid cancer cells to cytotoxic effect of vemurafenib. Our present results suggest that propranolol has potential activity against thyroid cancers and investigation of the combination with targeted molecular therapy for progressive thyroid cancers could be beneficial.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Jun Wei
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, P.R. China
| | - Chen-Tian Shen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, P.R. China
| | - Hong-Jun Song
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, P.R. China
| | - Zhong-Ling Qiu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, P.R. China
| | - Quan-Yong Luo
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Champa D, Orlacchio A, Patel B, Ranieri M, Shemetov AA, Verkhusha VV, Cuervo AM, Di Cristofano A. Obatoclax kills anaplastic thyroid cancer cells by inducing lysosome neutralization and necrosis. Oncotarget 2016; 7:34453-71. [PMID: 27144341 PMCID: PMC5085168 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 04/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Poorly differentiated and anaplastic thyroid carcinomas are very aggressive, almost invariably lethal neoplasms for which no effective treatment exists. These tumors are intrinsically resistant to cell death, even when their driver oncogenic signaling pathways are inhibited.We have undertaken a detailed analysis, in mouse and human thyroid cancer cells, of the mechanism through which Obatoclax, a pan-inhibitor of the anti-apoptotic proteins of the BCL2 family, effectively reduces tumor growth in vitro and in vivo.We demonstrate that Obatoclax does not induce apoptosis, but rather necrosis of thyroid cancer cells, and that non-transformed thyroid cells are significantly less affected by this compound. Surprisingly, we show that Obatoclax rapidly localizes to the lysosomes and induces loss of acidification, block of lysosomal fusion with autophagic vacuoles, and subsequent lysosomal permeabilization. Notably, prior lysosome neutralization using different V-ATPase inhibitors partially protects cancer cells from the toxic effects of Obatoclax. Although inhibition of autophagy does not affect Obatoclax-induced cell death, selective down-regulation of ATG7, but not of ATG5, partially impairs Obatoclax effects, suggesting the existence of autophagy-independent functions for ATG7. Strikingly, Obatoclax killing activity depends only on its accumulation in the lysosomes, and not on its interaction with BCL2 family members.Finally, we show that also other lysosome-targeting compounds, Mefloquine and LLOMe, readily induce necrosis in thyroid cancer cells, and that Mefloquine significantly impairs tumor growth in vivo, highlighting a clear vulnerability of these aggressive, apoptosis-resistant tumors that can be therapeutically exploited.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Devora Champa
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Arturo Orlacchio
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Bindi Patel
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Michela Ranieri
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Anton A Shemetov
- Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Vladislav V Verkhusha
- Department of Anatomy and Structural Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Ana Maria Cuervo
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Antonio Di Cristofano
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Broecker-Preuss M, Becher-Boveleth N, Müller S, Mann K. The BH3 mimetic drug ABT-737 induces apoptosis and acts synergistically with chemotherapeutic drugs in thyroid carcinoma cells. Cancer Cell Int 2016; 16:27. [PMID: 27042160 PMCID: PMC4818940 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-016-0303-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with dedifferentiated and anaplastic thyroid carcinomas that do not take up radioiodine are resistant to chemotherapeutic treatment and external irradiation and thus are difficult to treat. Direct induction of apoptosis is a promising approach in these apoptosis-resistant tumor cells. The BH3 mimetic ABT-737 belongs to a new class of drugs that target anti-apoptotic proteins of the BCL-2 family and facilitate cell death. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of ABT-737 alone or in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs on thyroid carcinoma cell lines. METHODS A total of 16 cell lines derived from follicular, papillary, and anaplastic thyroid carcinomas were treated with ABT-737. Cell viability was measured with MTT assay. Cell death was determined by cell cycle phase distribution and subG1 peak analyses, determination of caspase 3/7 activity and caspase cleavage products, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) liberation assays and LC3 analysis by western blot. RESULTS The number of viable cells was decreased in all cell lines examined after ABT-737 treatment, with IC50 values ranging from 0.73 to 15.6 μM. Biochemical markers of apoptosis like caspase activities, caspase cleavage products and DNA fragmentation determined as SubG1 peak were elevated after ABT-737 treatment, but no LC3 cleavage was induced by ABT-737 indicating no autophagic processes. In combination with doxorubicin and gemcitabine, ABT-737 showed synergistic effects on cell viability. CONCLUSIONS With these experiments we demonstrated the efficacy of the BH3 mimetic drug ABT-737 against dedifferentiated thyroid carcinoma cells of various histological origins and showed synergistic effects with chemotherapeutic drugs. ABT-737-treated cells underwent an apoptotic cell death. ABT-737 and related BH3 mimetic drugs, alone or in combination, may thus be of value as a new therapeutic option for dedifferentiated thyroid carcinomas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Broecker-Preuss
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Division of Laboratory Research, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45122 Essen, Germany ; Department of Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, Essen, Germany
| | - Nina Becher-Boveleth
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Division of Laboratory Research, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45122 Essen, Germany ; Clinic of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, Essen, Germany
| | - Stefan Müller
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Klaus Mann
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Division of Laboratory Research, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45122 Essen, Germany ; Center of Endocrinology Alter Hof München, Dienerstr. 12, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Landa I, Ibrahimpasic T, Boucai L, Sinha R, Knauf JA, Shah RH, Dogan S, Ricarte-Filho JC, Krishnamoorthy GP, Xu B, Schultz N, Berger MF, Sander C, Taylor BS, Ghossein R, Ganly I, Fagin JA. Genomic and transcriptomic hallmarks of poorly differentiated and anaplastic thyroid cancers. J Clin Invest 2016; 126:1052-66. [PMID: 26878173 DOI: 10.1172/jci85271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 764] [Impact Index Per Article: 95.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poorly differentiated thyroid cancer (PDTC) and anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) are rare and frequently lethal tumors that so far have not been subjected to comprehensive genetic characterization. METHODS We performed next-generation sequencing of 341 cancer genes from 117 patient-derived PDTCs and ATCs and analyzed the transcriptome of a representative subset of 37 tumors. Results were analyzed in the context of The Cancer Genome Atlas study (TCGA study) of papillary thyroid cancers (PTC). RESULTS Compared to PDTCs, ATCs had a greater mutation burden, including a higher frequency of mutations in TP53, TERT promoter, PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway effectors, SWI/SNF subunits, and histone methyltransferases. BRAF and RAS were the predominant drivers and dictated distinct tropism for nodal versus distant metastases in PDTC. RAS and BRAF sharply distinguished between PDTCs defined by the Turin (PDTC-Turin) versus MSKCC (PDTC-MSK) criteria, respectively. Mutations of EIF1AX, a component of the translational preinitiation complex, were markedly enriched in PDTCs and ATCs and had a striking pattern of co-occurrence with RAS mutations. While TERT promoter mutations were rare and subclonal in PTCs, they were clonal and highly prevalent in advanced cancers. Application of the TCGA-derived BRAF-RAS score (a measure of MAPK transcriptional output) revealed a preserved relationship with BRAF/RAS mutation in PDTCs, whereas ATCs were BRAF-like irrespective of driver mutation. CONCLUSIONS These data support a model of tumorigenesis whereby PDTCs and ATCs arise from well-differentiated tumors through the accumulation of key additional genetic abnormalities, many of which have prognostic and possible therapeutic relevance. The widespread genomic disruptions in ATC compared with PDTC underscore their greater virulence and higher mortality. FUNDING This work was supported in part by NIH grants CA50706, CA72597, P50-CA72012, P30-CA008748, and 5T32-CA160001; the Lefkovsky Family Foundation; the Society of Memorial Sloan Kettering; the Byrne fund; and Cycle for Survival.
Collapse
|
24
|
Broecker-Preuss M, Viehof J, Jastrow H, Becher-Boveleth N, Fuhrer D, Mann K. Cell death induction by the BH3 mimetic GX15-070 in thyroid carcinoma cells. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2015. [PMID: 26198850 PMCID: PMC4510903 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-015-0186-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Background The evasion of cell death is one of the hallmarks of cancer, contributing to both tumor progression and resistance to therapy. Dedifferentiated and anaplastic thyroid carcinomas that do not take up radioiodine are resistant to conventional anticancer treatments and patients with these tumors are difficult to treat. BH3 mimetics are a new class of drugs that target anti-apoptotic proteins of the BCL-2 family and promote cell death. The purpose of this study was to analyze the molecular effects of the BH3 mimetic GX15-070 on thyroid carcinoma cell lines and to characterize cell death induced by GX15-070. Methods A total of 17 cell lines derived from follicular, papillary, and anaplastic thyroid carcinomas were treated with GX15-070. Cell viability was measured with MTT assay while cell cycle phase distribution and subG1 peaks were determined after propidium iodide staining. We assessed cell death via the caspase 3/7 activity, caspase cleavage products, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) liberation assays, and a LC3 analysis by western blot. Ultrastructural changes were analysed by electron microscopy of GX15-070-treated cells. Results After GX15-070 treatment, the number of viable cells was decreased in all cell lines examined, with IC50 values ranging from 48nM to 3.25 μM. We observed biochemical markers of autophagic cell death and necrosis like LC3 conversion and LDH release after the GX15-070 treatment. Electron microscopy revealed several common characteristic ultrastructural changes like swelling of mitochondria, dilatation of rough endoplasmic reticulum, membrane blebbing and formation of vacuoles. GX15-070 treatment induced DNA fragmentation detected by subG1-peak induction and an arrest in G1 phase of the cell cycle. Caspase activation after GX15-070 incubation was detected but had no effect on viability of cells. Conclusions With these experiments we demonstrated the efficacy of the BH3 mimetic drug GX15-070 acting against dedifferentiated thyroid carcinoma cells of various histological origins by the induction of cell death. GX15-070-treated cells underwent non-classical cell death with signs of apoptosis, autophagy and necrosis in parallel. GX15-07 and related compounds thus may be a new therapeutic option for dedifferentiated thyroid carcinoma of various histological subtypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Broecker-Preuss
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, and Division of Laboratory Research, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, Essen, Germany. .,Present address: Department of Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45122, Essen, Germany.
| | - Jan Viehof
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, and Division of Laboratory Research, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, Essen, Germany. .,Present address: Ruhrlandklinik, University Hospital Essen, Tüschener Weg 40, 45239, Essen, Germany.
| | - Holger Jastrow
- Institute of Anatomy, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, Essen, Germany.
| | - Nina Becher-Boveleth
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, and Division of Laboratory Research, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, Essen, Germany. .,Present address: Clinic of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45122, Essen, Germany.
| | - Dagmar Fuhrer
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, and Division of Laboratory Research, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, Essen, Germany.
| | - Klaus Mann
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, and Division of Laboratory Research, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, Essen, Germany. .,Present address: Center of Endocrinology Alter Hof München, Dienerstr. 12, 80331, Munich, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
The role of BH3-mimetic drugs in the treatment of pediatric hepatoblastoma. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:4190-208. [PMID: 25690034 PMCID: PMC4346952 DOI: 10.3390/ijms16024190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2014] [Revised: 02/01/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediatric hepatoblastoma (HB) is commonly treated by neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgical tumor resection according to international multicenter trial protocols. Complete tumor resection is essential and survival rates up to 95% have now been achieved in those tumors classified as standard-risk HB. Drug resistance and occurrence of metastases remain the major challenges in the treatment of HB, especially in high-risk tumors. These conditions urgently require the development of alternative therapeutic strategies. One of those alternatives is the modulation of apoptosis in HB cells. HBs regularly overexpress anti-apoptotic proteins of the Bcl-family in comparison to healthy liver tissue. This fact may contribute to the development of chemoresistance of HB cells. Synthetic small inhibitory molecules with BH3-mimetic effects, such as ABT-737 and obatoclax, enhance the susceptibility of tumor cells to different cytotoxic drugs and thereby affect initiator proteins of the apoptosis cascade via the intrinsic pathway. Besides additive effects on HB cell viability when used in combination with cytotoxic drugs, BH3-mimetics also play a role in preventing metastasation by reducing adhesion and inhibiting cell migration abilities. Presumably, including additive BH3-mimetic drugs into existing therapeutic regimens in HB patients might allow dose reduction of established cytotoxic drugs and thereby associated immanent side effects, while maintaining the antitumor activity. Furthermore, reduction of tumor growth and inhibition of tumor cell dissemination may facilitate complete surgical tumor resection, which is mandatory in this tumor type resulting in improved survival rates in high-risk HB. Currently, there are phase I and phase II clinical trials in several cancer entities using this potential target. This paper reviews the available literature regarding the use of BH3-mimetic drugs as single agents or in combination with chemotherapy in various malignancies and focuses on results in HB cells.
Collapse
|
26
|
Champa D, Di Cristofano A. Modeling anaplastic thyroid carcinoma in the mouse. Discov Oncol 2014; 6:37-44. [PMID: 25420535 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-014-0208-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2014] [Accepted: 11/12/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma is the least common form of thyroid cancer; however, it accounts for the majority of deaths associated with this family of malignancies. A number of genetically engineered immunocompetent mouse models recapitulating the genetic and histological features of anaplastic thyroid cancer have been very recently generated and represent an invaluable tool to dissect the mechanisms involved in the progression from indolent, well-differentiated tumors to aggressive, undifferentiated carcinomas and to identify novel therapeutic targets. In this review, we focus on the relevant characteristics associated with these models and on what we have learned in terms of anaplastic thyroid cancer biology, genetics, and response to targeted therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Devora Champa
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1301 Morris Park Avenue, Room 302, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|