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Vandewalle N, De Beule N, De Becker A, De Bruyne E, Menu E, Vanderkerken K, Breckpot K, Devoogdt N, De Veirman K. AXL as immune regulator and therapeutic target in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: from current progress to novel strategies. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:99. [PMID: 39367387 PMCID: PMC11453060 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-024-00566-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 09/19/2024] [Indexed: 10/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Until recently, treatment options for patients diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) were limited and predominantly relied on various combinations, dosages, or schedules of traditional chemotherapeutic agents. Patients with advanced age, relapsed/refractory disease or comorbidities were often left without effective treatment options. Novel advances in the understanding of leukemogenesis at the molecular and genetic levels, alongside recent progress in drug development, have resulted in the emergence of novel therapeutic agents and strategies for AML patients. Among these innovations, the receptor tyrosine kinase AXL has been established as a promising therapeutic target for AML. AXL is a key regulator of several cellular functions, including epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in tumor cells, immune regulation, apoptosis, angiogenesis and the development of chemoresistance. Clinical studies of AXL inhibitors, as single agents and in combination therapy, have demonstrated promising efficacy in treating AML. Additionally, novel AXL-targeted therapies, such as AXL-specific antibodies or antibody fragments, present potential solutions to overcome the limitations associated with traditional small-molecule AXL inhibitors or multikinase inhibitors. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the structure and biological functions of AXL under normal physiological conditions, including its role in immune regulation. We also summarize AXL's involvement in cancer, with a specific emphasis on its role in the pathogenesis of AML, its contribution to immune evasion and drug resistance. Moreover, we discuss the AXL inhibitors currently undergoing (pre)clinical evaluation for the treatment of AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Vandewalle
- Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC), Team Hematology and Immunology (HEIM), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels, 1090, Belgium
| | - Nathan De Beule
- Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC), Team Hematology and Immunology (HEIM), Hematology Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, Brussels, 1090, Belgium
| | - Ann De Becker
- Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC), Team Hematology and Immunology (HEIM), Hematology Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, Brussels, 1090, Belgium
| | - Elke De Bruyne
- Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC), Team Hematology and Immunology (HEIM), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels, 1090, Belgium
| | - Eline Menu
- Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC), Team Hematology and Immunology (HEIM), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels, 1090, Belgium
| | - Karin Vanderkerken
- Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC), Team Hematology and Immunology (HEIM), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels, 1090, Belgium
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC), Team Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Therapy (LMCT), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels, 1090, Belgium
| | - Nick Devoogdt
- Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Therapy (MITH), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels, 1090, Belgium
| | - Kim De Veirman
- Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC), Team Hematology and Immunology (HEIM), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels, 1090, Belgium.
- Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC), Team Hematology and Immunology (HEIM), Hematology Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, Brussels, 1090, Belgium.
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Rayford A, Gärtner F, Ramnefjell MP, Lorens JB, Micklem DR, Aanerud M, Engelsen AST. AXL expression reflects tumor-immune cell dynamics impacting outcome in non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitor monotherapy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1444007. [PMID: 39238637 PMCID: PMC11375292 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1444007] [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: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction AXL receptor expression is proposed to confer immune-checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-resistance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. We sought to interrogate AXL expression in conjunction with mutational and tumor-microenvironmental features to uncover predictive mechanisms of resistance in ICI-treated NSCLC patients. Methods Tumor samples from 111 NSCLC patients treated with ICI-monotherapy were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for tumor- and immune-AXL expression. Subsets of patients were analyzed by whole-exome sequencing (n = 44) and imaging mass cytometry (n = 14). Results were related to ICI-outcome measurements. Results Tumor-cell AXL expression correlated with aggressive phenotypic features including reduced OS in patients treated with ICIs (P = 0.04) after chemotherapy progression, but conversely associated with improved disease control (P = 0.045) in ICI-treated, PD-L1 high first-line patients. AXL+ immune-cell infiltration correlated with total immune-cell infiltration and improved overall outcomes (PFS: P = 0.044, OS: P = 0.054). Tumor-cell AXL-upregulation showed enrichment in mutations associated with PD-L1-upregulation and ICI-response such as MUC4 and ZNF469, as well as adverse mutations including CSMD1 and LRP1B which associated with an immune-suppressed tumor phenotype and poor ICI prognosis particularly within chemotherapy-treated patients. Tumor mutational burden had no effect on ICI-outcomes and was associated with a lack of tumor-infiltrating immune cells. Spatial-immunophenotyping provided evidence that tumor-cell AXL-upregulation and adverse mutations modulate the tumor microenvironment in favor of infiltrating, activated neutrophils over anti-tumor immune-subsets including CD4 and CD8 T-cells. Conclusion Tumor-cell AXL-upregulation correlated with distinct oncotypes and microenvironmental immune-profiles that define chemotherapy-induced mechanisms of ICI-resistance, which suggests the combination of AXL inhibitors with current chemoimmunotherapy regimens can benefit NSCLC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin Rayford
- Department of Biomedicine and Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Fabian Gärtner
- Department of Thoracic Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Maria P Ramnefjell
- Department of Pathology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - James B Lorens
- Department of Biomedicine and Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Marianne Aanerud
- Department of Thoracic Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Agnete S T Engelsen
- Department of Biomedicine and Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Liu Z, Chen L, Zhang J, Yang J, Xiao X, Shan L, Mao W. Recent discovery and development of AXL inhibitors as antitumor agents. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 272:116475. [PMID: 38714043 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116475] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
AXL, a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK), plays a pivotal role in various cellular functions. It is primarily involved in processes such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in tumor cells, angiogenesis, apoptosis, immune regulation, and chemotherapy resistance mechanisms. Therefore, targeting AXL is a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of cancer. AXL inhibitors that have entered clinical trials, such as BGB324(1), have shown promising efficacy in the treatment of melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer. Additionally, novel AXL-targeted drugs, such as AXL degraders, offer a potential solution to overcome the limitations of traditional small-molecule AXL inhibitors targeting single pathways. We provide an overview of the structure and biological functions of AXL, discusses its correlation with various cancers, and critically analyzes the structure-activity relationship of AXL small-molecule inhibitors in cellular contexts. Additionally, we summarize multiple research and development strategies, offering insights for the future development of innovative AXL inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihang Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Center, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Laboratory of Neuro-system and Multimorbidity, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, Sichuan, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Center, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Laboratory of Neuro-system and Multimorbidity, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China; Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, China
| | - Jifa Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Center, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Laboratory of Neuro-system and Multimorbidity, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Center, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Laboratory of Neuro-system and Multimorbidity, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xue Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Lianhai Shan
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, Sichuan, China.
| | - Wuyu Mao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Center, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, Laboratory of Neuro-system and Multimorbidity, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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Knisely A, Hinchcliff EM, Gardiner E, Rangwala R, Lito K, Fellman B, Yuan Y, Sood AK, Westin SN, Lu KH, Jazaeri AA. Phase 1b study of batiraxcept in combination with durvalumab in patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. iScience 2024; 27:109801. [PMID: 38726365 PMCID: PMC11079458 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109801] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Combining an immune checkpoint inhibitor with batiraxcept (AVB-S6-500), an AXL inhibitor that acts via selective binding to growth arrest-specific protein 6 (GAS6), may improve anti-tumor immunity in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC). This phase 1b trial of durvalumab in combination with escalating doses of batiraxcept enrolled patients with recurrent PROC (NCT04019288). The primary objective was to determine the toxicity profile of the combination. Eleven patients were enrolled on the trial. No dose-limiting toxicities were observed, and no objective responses were noted. Median progression free survival (PFS) was 1.81 months (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.71-2.40), and median overall survival (OS) was 4.53 months (95% CI 2.10-24.74). Batiraxcept effectively reduced serum GAS6 levels at 1-h post-treatment, resulting in trough levels below the limit of detection in all cases but one. In conclusion, the combination of batiraxcept and durvalumab was safe and tolerable but did not demonstrate anti-tumor activity in a heterogenous population of patients with recurrent PROC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Knisely
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Emily M. Hinchcliff
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Kathryn Lito
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bryan Fellman
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ying Yuan
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Anil K. Sood
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shannon N. Westin
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Karen H. Lu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Amir A. Jazaeri
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Yu Z, Zou J, Xu F. Tumor-associated macrophages affect the treatment of lung cancer. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29332. [PMID: 38623256 PMCID: PMC11016713 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29332] [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: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
As one of the most common malignant tumors in the world, lung cancer has limited benefits for patients despite its diverse treatment methods due to factors such as personalized medicine targeting histological type, immune checkpoint expression, and driver gene mutations. The high mortality rate of lung cancer is partly due to the immune-suppressive which limits the effectiveness of anti-cancer drugs and induces tumor cell resistance. The currently widely recognized TAM phenotypes include the anti-tumor M1 and pro-tumor M2 phenotypes. M2 macrophages promote the formation of an immune-suppressive microenvironment and hinder immune cell infiltration, thereby inhibiting activation of the anti-tumor immune system and aiding tumor cells in resisting treatment. Analyzing the relationship between different treatment methods and macrophages in the TME can help us better understand the impact of TAMs on lung cancer and confirm the feasibility of targeted TAM therapy. Targeting TAMs to reduce the M2/M1 ratio and reverse the immune-suppressive microenvironment can improve the clinical efficacy of conventional treatment methods and potentially open up more efficient combination treatment strategies, maximizing the benefit for lung cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuchen Yu
- Clinical Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, China
| | - Juntao Zou
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, China
| | - Fei Xu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, China
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Repici A, Ardizzone A, De Luca F, Colarossi L, Prestifilippo A, Pizzino G, Paterniti I, Esposito E, Capra AP. Signaling Pathways of AXL Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Contribute to the Pathogenetic Mechanisms of Glioblastoma. Cells 2024; 13:361. [PMID: 38391974 PMCID: PMC10886920 DOI: 10.3390/cells13040361] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain tumors are a diverse collection of neoplasms affecting the brain with a high prevalence rate in people of all ages around the globe. In this pathological context, glioblastoma, a form of glioma that belongs to the IV-grade astrocytoma group, is the most common and most aggressive form of the primary brain tumors. Indeed, despite the best treatments available including surgery, radiotherapy or a pharmacological approach with Temozolomide, glioblastoma patients' mortality is still high, within a few months of diagnosis. Therefore, to increase the chances of these patients surviving, it is critical to keep finding novel treatment opportunities. In the past, efforts to treat glioblastoma have mostly concentrated on customized treatment plans that target specific mutations such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations, Neurotrophic Tyrosine Receptor Kinase (NTRK) fusions, or multiple receptors using multi-kinase inhibitors like Sunitinib and Regorafenib, with varying degrees of success. Here, we focused on the receptor tyrosine kinase AXL that has been identified as a mediator for tumor progression and therapy resistance in various cancer types, including squamous cell tumors, small cell lung cancer, and breast cancer. Activated AXL leads to a significant increase in tumor proliferation, tumor cell migration, and angiogenesis in different in vitro and in vivo models of cancer since this receptor regulates interplay with apoptotic, angiogenic and inflammatory pathways. Based on these premises, in this review we mainly focused on the role of AXL in the course of glioblastoma, considering its primary biological mechanisms and as a possible target for the application of the most recent treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Repici
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.R.); (A.A.); (F.D.L.); (I.P.); (A.P.C.)
| | - Alessio Ardizzone
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.R.); (A.A.); (F.D.L.); (I.P.); (A.P.C.)
| | - Fabiola De Luca
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.R.); (A.A.); (F.D.L.); (I.P.); (A.P.C.)
| | - Lorenzo Colarossi
- Istituto Oncologico del Mediterraneo, Via Penninazzo 7, 95029 Viagrande, Italy; (L.C.); (A.P.); (G.P.)
| | - Angela Prestifilippo
- Istituto Oncologico del Mediterraneo, Via Penninazzo 7, 95029 Viagrande, Italy; (L.C.); (A.P.); (G.P.)
| | - Gabriele Pizzino
- Istituto Oncologico del Mediterraneo, Via Penninazzo 7, 95029 Viagrande, Italy; (L.C.); (A.P.); (G.P.)
| | - Irene Paterniti
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.R.); (A.A.); (F.D.L.); (I.P.); (A.P.C.)
| | - Emanuela Esposito
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.R.); (A.A.); (F.D.L.); (I.P.); (A.P.C.)
| | - Anna Paola Capra
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.R.); (A.A.); (F.D.L.); (I.P.); (A.P.C.)
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Su YF, Lin CS, Shen PC, Chuang SE, Dai YH, Huang TW, Lin CY, Hung YJ, Shieh YS. MiR-34a functions as a tumor suppressor in oral cancer through the inhibition of the Axl/Akt/GSK-3β pathway. J Dent Sci 2024; 19:428-437. [PMID: 38303867 PMCID: PMC10829669 DOI: 10.1016/j.jds.2023.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/purpose Oral cancer is a prevalent malignancy affecting men globally. This study aimed to investigate the regulatory role of miR-34a in oral cancer cells through the Axl/Akt/glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) pathway and its impact on cellular malignancy. Materials and methods We examined the effects of miR-34a overexpression on the malignancy of oral cancer cells. Multiple oral cancer cell lines were assessed to determine the correlation between endogenous miR-34a and Axl levels. Transfection experiments with miR-34a were conducted to analyze its influence on Axl mRNA and protein expression. Luciferase reporter assays were performed to investigate miR-34a's modulation of Axl gene transcription. Manipulation of miR-34a expression was utilized to demonstrate its regulatory effects on oral cancer cells through the Axl/Akt/GSK-3β pathway. Results Overexpression of miR-34a significantly suppressed the malignancy of oral cancer cells. We observed an inverse correlation between endogenous miR-34a and Axl levels across multiple oral cancer cell lines. Transfection of miR-34a resulted in decreased Axl mRNA and protein expression, and luciferase reporter assays confirmed miR-34a-mediated modulation of Axl gene transcription. The study revealed regulatory effects of miR-34a on oral cancer cells through the Axl/Akt/GSK-3β pathway, leading to alterations in downstream target genes involved in cellular proliferation and tumorigenesis. Conclusion Our findings highlight the significance of the miR-34a/Axl/Akt/GSK-3β signaling axis in modulating the malignancy of oral cancer cells. Targeting miR-34a may hold therapeutic potential in oral cancer treatment, as manipulating its expression can attenuate the aggressive behavior of oral cancer cells via the Axl/Akt/GSK-3β pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Fu Su
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Shu Lin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Po-Chien Shen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shuang-En Chuang
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Yang-Hong Dai
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tsai-Wang Huang
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Che-Yi Lin
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Jen Hung
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Shing Shieh
- Department of Dentistry, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department and Graduate Institute of Biochemistry, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Dentistry, College of Dental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Su YF, Shen PC, Huang WY, Hung YJ, Huang TW, Lin CY, Shieh YS. Nuclear translocation of Axl contributes to the malignancy of oral cancer cells. J Dent Sci 2024; 19:438-447. [PMID: 38303797 PMCID: PMC10829653 DOI: 10.1016/j.jds.2023.08.014] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/purpose Dysregulation of receptor tyrosine kinases is implicated in cancer development. This study aimed to investigate the nuclear translocation of Axl, a membrane protein and receptor tyrosine kinase in cancer malignancy. Materials and methods We examined Axl's entry into the cell nucleus and validated it with the nuclear export inhibitor leptomycin. Transfection experiments with mutated nuclear localization signals were conducted to assess the impact of reduced nuclear Axl levels on cancer cell malignancy. Additionally, we evaluated the effects of decreased nuclear Axl on sensitivity to radiation and cisplatin, a chemotherapeutic drug. Results In the present study, we observed nuclear translocation of Axl in cancer cells. Reducing nuclear Axl levels led to a decrease in cancer cell malignancy. This nuclear translocation was further validated using a nuclear export inhibitor, leptomycin. Additionally, transfection experiments with mutated nuclear localization signals confirmed the functional significance of Axl's nuclear localization. Notably, decreased nuclear Axl levels also increased the sensitivity of cancer cells to radiation and cisplatin treatment. Conclusion This study suggests that Axl's nuclear translocation plays a significant role in cancer malignancy. Targeting Axl's nuclear localization could offer a potential strategy to inhibit cancer progression and improve the efficacy of radiation and chemotherapy treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Fu Su
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Po-Chien Shen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Yen Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Jen Hung
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tsai-Wang Huang
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Che-Yi Lin
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Shing Shieh
- Department of Dentistry, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department and Graduate Institute of Biochemistry, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Dentistry, College of Dental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Joshi P, Verma K, Kumar Semwal D, Dwivedi J, Sharma S. Mechanism insights of curcumin and its analogues in cancer: An update. Phytother Res 2023; 37:5435-5463. [PMID: 37649266 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is the world's second leading cause of mortality and one of the major public health problems. Cancer incidence and mortality rates remain high despite the great advancements in existing therapeutic, diagnostic, and preventive approaches. Therefore, a quest for less toxic and more efficient anti-cancer strategies is still at the forefront of the current research. Traditionally important, curcumin commonly known as a wonder molecule has received considerable attention as an anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant candidate. However, limited water solubility and low bioavailability restrict its extensive utility in different pathological states. The investigators are making consistent efforts to develop newer strategies to overcome its limitations by designing different analogues with better pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. The present review highlights the recent updates on curcumin and its analogues with special emphasis on various mechanistic pathways involved in anti-cancer activity. In addition, the structure-activity relationship of curcumin analogues has also been precisely discussed. This article will also provide key information for the design and development of newer curcumin analogues with desired pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles and will provide in depth understanding of molecular pathways involved in the anti-cancer activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Joshi
- Department of Pharmacy, Banasthali Vidyapith, Banasthali, Rajasthan, India
| | - Kanika Verma
- Department of Pharmacy, Banasthali Vidyapith, Banasthali, Rajasthan, India
| | - Deepak Kumar Semwal
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Uttarakhand Ayurved University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Jaya Dwivedi
- Department of Chemistry, Banasthali Vidyapith, Banasthali, Rajasthan, India
| | - Swapnil Sharma
- Department of Pharmacy, Banasthali Vidyapith, Banasthali, Rajasthan, India
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10
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Im K, Choi YJ, Kim DH, Kim DS, Ban K, Ji W, Baek IJ, Choi CM, Lee JC, Rho JK. AXL receptor tyrosine kinase inhibition improves the anti-tumor effects of CD8 + T cells by inducing CD103 + dendritic cell-mediated T cell priming. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 680:7-14. [PMID: 37703603 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.09.021] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
AXL is a member of TAM receptor family and has been highlighted as a potential target for cancer treatment. Accumulating evidence has uncovered the critical role of the AXL signaling pathway in tumor growth, metastasis, and resistance against anti-cancer drugs, as well as its association with cancer immune escape. However, the function of AXL as a manipulator of the immune system in the tumor microenvironment (TME) remains unclear. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the impact of AXL on immune cells in the TME of a syngeneic tumor model using AXL knockout (AXL-/-) mice. Compared to AXL wild-type (AXL+/+) mice, tumor growth was significantly suppressed in AXL-/- mice, and an induced population of tumor-infiltrated CD8+ T cells and CD103+ dendritic cells (DCs) was observed. The change of CD8+ T cells and CD103+ DCs was also confirmed in tumor-draining lymph nodes (TdLN). In addition, the clonal expansion of OVA-specific CD8+ T cells was dominant in AXL-/- mice. Finally, anti-PD-1 treatment evidenced synergistic anti-cancer effects in AXL-/- mice. Overall, our data indicate that AXL signaling may inhibit the clonal expansion of tumor-specific CD8+ T cells through the regulation of the migration of CD8+ T cells and DCs in TME. Thus, AXL may be a powerful molecular target to improve anti-cancer effects through single or combined therapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyungtaek Im
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Yun Jung Choi
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Dong Ha Kim
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Da-Som Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Asan Medical Center, AMIST, University of Ulsan, College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Kyosun Ban
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Asan Medical Center, AMIST, University of Ulsan, College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Wonjun Ji
- Department of Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - In-Jeoung Baek
- Department of Cell and Genetic Engineering, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Chang-Min Choi
- Department of Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Jae Cheol Lee
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Jin Kyung Rho
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, College of Medicine, Seoul, 05505, South Korea.
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11
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DeRyckere D, Huelse JM, Earp HS, Graham DK. TAM family kinases as therapeutic targets at the interface of cancer and immunity. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2023; 20:755-779. [PMID: 37667010 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-023-00813-7] [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] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Novel treatment approaches are needed to overcome innate and acquired mechanisms of resistance to current anticancer therapies in cancer cells and the tumour immune microenvironment. The TAM (TYRO3, AXL and MERTK) family receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are potential therapeutic targets in a wide range of cancers. In cancer cells, TAM RTKs activate signalling pathways that promote cell survival, metastasis and resistance to a variety of chemotherapeutic agents and targeted therapies. TAM RTKs also function in innate immune cells, contributing to various mechanisms that suppress antitumour immunity and promote resistance to immune-checkpoint inhibitors. Therefore, TAM antagonists provide an unprecedented opportunity for both direct and immune-mediated therapeutic activity provided by inhibition of a single target, and are likely to be particularly effective when used in combination with other cancer therapies. To exploit this potential, a variety of agents have been designed to selectively target TAM RTKs, many of which have now entered clinical testing. This Review provides an essential guide to the TAM RTKs for clinicians, including an overview of the rationale for therapeutic targeting of TAM RTKs in cancer cells and the tumour immune microenvironment, a description of the current preclinical and clinical experience with TAM inhibitors, and a perspective on strategies for continued development of TAM-targeted agents for oncology applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah DeRyckere
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Paediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Justus M Huelse
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Paediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - H Shelton Earp
- Department of Medicine, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Douglas K Graham
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Department of Paediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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12
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Vo TTT, Tran Q, Hong Y, Lee H, Cho H, Kim M, Park S, Kim C, Bayarmunkh C, Boldbaatar D, Kwon SH, Park J, Kim SH, Park J. AXL is required for hypoxia-mediated hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha function in glioblastoma. Toxicol Res 2023; 39:669-679. [PMID: 37779588 PMCID: PMC10541364 DOI: 10.1007/s43188-023-00195-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive type of central nervous system tumor. Molecular targeting may be important when developing efficient GBM treatment strategies. Sequencing of GBMs revealed that the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK)/RAS/phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase pathway was altered in 88% of samples. Interestingly, AXL, a member of RTK, was proposed as a promising target in glioma therapy. However, the molecular mechanism of AXL modulation of GBM genesis and proliferation is still unclear. In this study, we investigated the expression and localization of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) by AXL in GBM. Both AXL mRNA and protein are overexpressed in GBM. Short-interfering RNA knockdown of AXL in U251-MG cells reduced viability and migration. However, serum withdrawal reduced AXL expression, abolishing the effect on viability. AXL is also involved in hypoxia regulation. In hypoxic conditions, the reduction of AXL decreased the level and nuclear localization of HIF-1α. The co-expression of HIF-1α and AXL was found in human GBM samples but not normal tissue. This finding suggests a mechanism for GBM proliferation and indicates that targeting AXL may be a potential GBM therapeutic. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43188-023-00195-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy-Trang T. Vo
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 35015 Republic of Korea
- Department of Medical Science, Metabolic Syndrome and Cell Signaling Laboratory, Institute for Cancer Research, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 35015 Republic of Korea
| | - Quangdon Tran
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 35015 Republic of Korea
- Department of Medical Science, Metabolic Syndrome and Cell Signaling Laboratory, Institute for Cancer Research, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 35015 Republic of Korea
| | - Youngeun Hong
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 35015 Republic of Korea
- Department of Medical Science, Metabolic Syndrome and Cell Signaling Laboratory, Institute for Cancer Research, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 35015 Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunji Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 35015 Republic of Korea
- Department of Medical Science, Metabolic Syndrome and Cell Signaling Laboratory, Institute for Cancer Research, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 35015 Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeonjeong Cho
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 35015 Republic of Korea
- Department of Medical Science, Metabolic Syndrome and Cell Signaling Laboratory, Institute for Cancer Research, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 35015 Republic of Korea
| | - Minhee Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 35015 Republic of Korea
- Department of Medical Science, Metabolic Syndrome and Cell Signaling Laboratory, Institute for Cancer Research, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 35015 Republic of Korea
| | - Sungjin Park
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 35015 Republic of Korea
- Department of Medical Science, Metabolic Syndrome and Cell Signaling Laboratory, Institute for Cancer Research, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 35015 Republic of Korea
| | - Chaeyeong Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 35015 Republic of Korea
- Department of Medical Science, Metabolic Syndrome and Cell Signaling Laboratory, Institute for Cancer Research, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 35015 Republic of Korea
| | - Choinyam Bayarmunkh
- Department of Graduate Education, Graduate School, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, 14210 Mongolia
- Department of Physiology, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, 14210 Mongolia
| | - Damdindorj Boldbaatar
- Department of Graduate Education, Graduate School, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, 14210 Mongolia
- Department of Physiology, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, 14210 Mongolia
| | - So Hee Kwon
- College of Pharmacy, Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yonsei University, Incheon, 21983 Republic of Korea
| | - Jisoo Park
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 35015 Republic of Korea
- Department of Medical Science, Metabolic Syndrome and Cell Signaling Laboratory, Institute for Cancer Research, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 35015 Republic of Korea
- Department of Life Science, Hyehwa Liberal Arts College, LINC Plus Project Group, Daejeon University, Daejeon, 34520 Republic of Korea
| | - Seon-Hwan Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute for Cancer Research, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 35015 Republic of Korea
| | - Jongsun Park
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 35015 Republic of Korea
- Department of Medical Science, Metabolic Syndrome and Cell Signaling Laboratory, Institute for Cancer Research, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 35015 Republic of Korea
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13
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Paudel KR, Rajput R, De Rubis G, Raju Allam VSR, Williams KA, Singh SK, Gupta G, Salunke P, Hansbro PM, Gerlach J, Dua K. In vitro anti-cancer activity of a polyherbal preparation, VEDICINALS®9, against A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cells. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 250:154832. [PMID: 37774532 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite the availability of several treatment options, the five-year survival rate of NSCLC is extremely low (<20%). This underlines the necessity of more effective therapeutic alternatives. In this context, plant-derived extracts and bioactive molecules extracted from plants, known collectively as phytoceuticals, represent an extremely variegated source of bioactive compounds with potent anticancer potential. In the present study, we tested the in vitro anticancer activity of a polyherbal preparation, VEDICINALS®9, containing nine different bioactive principles extracted by medicinal plants. METHODS The anticancer activity of VEDICINALS®9 was investigated by measuring its impact on A549 human NSCLC cell proliferation (MTT assay and trypan blue staining), migration (wound healing assay and transwell chamber assay) and by measuring the impact on the expression of cancer-related proteins (Human XL Oncology Protein Array). RESULTS We show that VEDICINALS®9 at a concentration of 0.2% v/v has potent anticancer effect, significantly inhibiting A549 cell proliferation and migration. Mechanistically, this was achieved by downregulating the expression of proteins involved in cancer cell proliferation (Axl, FGF basic, enolase 2, progranulin, survivin) and migration (Dkk-1, cathepsins B and D, BCL-x, amphiregulin, CapG, u-plasminogen activator). Furthermore, treatment with VEDICINALS®9 resulted in increased expression of the oncosuppressor protein p53 and of the angiogenesis inhibitor endostatin. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our results provide proof of principle of the potent anticancer activity of the polyherbal preparation VEDICINALS®9, highlighting its enormous potential as an alternative or adjuvant therapy for lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keshav Raj Paudel
- Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Rashi Rajput
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Gabriele De Rubis
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia; Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Venkata Sita Rama Raju Allam
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Biomedical Centre (BMC), Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kylie Anne Williams
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Sachin Kumar Singh
- Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Punjab, India
| | - Gaurav Gupta
- School of Pharmacy, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India; Centre for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India; School of Pharmacy, Graphic Era Hill University, Dehradun 248007, India
| | | | - Philip Michael Hansbro
- Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life Sciences, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia
| | | | - Kamal Dua
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia; Faculty of Health, Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia.
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14
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Bhalla S, Fattah FJ, Ahn C, Williams J, Macchiaroli A, Padro J, Pogue M, Dowell JE, Putnam WC, McCracken N, Micklem D, Brekken RA, Gerber DE. Phase 1 trial of bemcentinib (BGB324), a first-in-class, selective AXL inhibitor, with docetaxel in patients with previously treated advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Lung Cancer 2023; 182:107291. [PMID: 37423058 PMCID: PMC11161199 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2023.107291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES AXL, a transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase, is highly expressed and associated with poor prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Bemcentinib (BGB324), a selective orally bioavailable small molecule AXL inhibitor, synergizes with docetaxel in preclinical models. We performed a phase I trial of bemcentinib plus docetaxel in previously treated advanced NSCLC. MATERIALS AND METHODS Escalation of two dose levels of bemcentinib (200 mg load × 3 days then 100 mg daily, or 400 mg load × 3 days then 200 mg daily) in combination with docetaxel (60 or 75 mg/m2 every 3 weeks) followed a 3+3 study design. Due to hematologic toxicity, prophylactic G-CSF was added. Bemcentinib monotherapy was administered for one week prior to docetaxel initiation to assess pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic effects alone and in combination. Plasma protein biomarker levels were measured. RESULTS 21 patients were enrolled (median age 62 years, 67% male). Median treatment duration was 2.8 months (range 0.7-10.9 months). The main treatment-related adverse events were neutropenia (86%, 76% ≥G3), diarrhea (57%, 0% ≥G3), fatigue (57%, 5% ≥G3), and nausea (52%, 0% ≥G3). Neutropenic fever occurred in 8 (38%) patients. The maximum tolerated dose was docetaxel 60 mg/m2 with prophylactic G-CSF support plus bemcentinib 400 mg load × 3 days followed by 200 mg daily thereafter. Bemcentinib and docetaxel pharmacokinetics resembled prior monotherapy data. Among 17 patients evaluable for radiographic response, 6 (35%) patients had partial response and 8 (47%) patients had stable disease as best response. Bemcentinib administration was associated with modulation of proteins involved in protein kinase B signaling, reactive oxygen species metabolism, and other processes. CONCLUSION Bemcentinib plus docetaxel with G-CSF support demonstrates anti-tumor activity in previously treated, advanced NSCLC. The role of AXL inhibition in the treatment of NSCLC remains under investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheena Bhalla
- Department of Internal Medicine (Division of Hematology-Oncology), UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA; Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| | - Farjana J Fattah
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Chul Ahn
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA; Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jessica Williams
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Alyssa Macchiaroli
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jonathan Padro
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Meredith Pogue
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jonathan E Dowell
- Department of Internal Medicine (Division of Hematology-Oncology), UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA; Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - William C Putnam
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy, Dallas, TX, USA
| | | | | | - Rolf A Brekken
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA; Department of Surgery (Division of Surgical Oncology), UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - David E Gerber
- Department of Internal Medicine (Division of Hematology-Oncology), UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA; Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA; Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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15
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Efthymiou V, Ding L, Balaz M, Sun W, Balazova L, Straub LG, Dong H, Simon E, Ghosh A, Perdikari A, Keller S, Ghoshdastider U, Horvath C, Moser C, Hamilton B, Neubauer H, Wolfrum C. Inhibition of AXL receptor tyrosine kinase enhances brown adipose tissue functionality in mice. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4162. [PMID: 37443109 PMCID: PMC10344962 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39715-8] [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: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The current obesity epidemic and high prevalence of metabolic diseases necessitate efficacious and safe treatments. Brown adipose tissue in this context is a promising target with the potential to increase energy expenditure, however no pharmacological treatments activating brown adipose tissue are currently available. Here, we identify AXL receptor tyrosine kinase as a regulator of adipose function. Pharmacological and genetic inhibition of AXL enhance thermogenic capacity of brown and white adipocytes, in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, these effects are mediated through inhibition of PI3K/AKT/PDE signaling pathway, resulting in induction of nuclear FOXO1 localization and increased intracellular cAMP levels via PDE3/4 inhibition and subsequent stimulation of the PKA-ATF2 pathway. In line with this, both constitutive Axl deletion as well as inducible adipocyte-specific Axl deletion protect animals from diet-induced obesity concomitant with increases in energy expenditure. Based on these data, we propose AXL receptor as a target for the treatment of obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vissarion Efthymiou
- ETH Zürich - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Laboratory of Translational Nutrition Biology, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
- Joslin Diabetes Center, Section of Integrative Physiology and Metabolism, Research Division, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lianggong Ding
- ETH Zürich - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Laboratory of Translational Nutrition Biology, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
| | - Miroslav Balaz
- ETH Zürich - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Laboratory of Translational Nutrition Biology, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Metabolism, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Wenfei Sun
- ETH Zürich - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Laboratory of Translational Nutrition Biology, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Lucia Balazova
- ETH Zürich - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Laboratory of Translational Nutrition Biology, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Metabolism, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Leon G Straub
- ETH Zürich - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Laboratory of Translational Nutrition Biology, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
- Institute of Child Nutrition, Max Rubner-Institut, Federal Research Institute of Nutrition and Food, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Hua Dong
- ETH Zürich - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Laboratory of Translational Nutrition Biology, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Eric Simon
- Department of Global Computational Biology and Digital Sciences, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Adhideb Ghosh
- ETH Zürich - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Laboratory of Translational Nutrition Biology, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
| | - Aliki Perdikari
- ETH Zürich - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Laboratory of Translational Nutrition Biology, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
| | - Svenja Keller
- ETH Zürich - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Laboratory of Translational Nutrition Biology, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
- Mechanisms of Inherited Kidney Diseases Group, Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Umesh Ghoshdastider
- ETH Zürich - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Laboratory of Translational Nutrition Biology, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
| | - Carla Horvath
- ETH Zürich - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Laboratory of Translational Nutrition Biology, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
| | - Caroline Moser
- ETH Zürich - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Laboratory of Translational Nutrition Biology, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
| | - Bradford Hamilton
- Department of CardioMetabolic Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Heike Neubauer
- Department of CardioMetabolic Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Christian Wolfrum
- ETH Zürich - Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Laboratory of Translational Nutrition Biology, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland.
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16
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An In Vitro Analysis of TKI-Based Sequence Therapy in Renal Cell Carcinoma Cell Lines. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065648. [PMID: 36982721 PMCID: PMC10058472 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) cabozantinib might impede the growth of the sunitinib-resistant cell lines by targeting MET and AXL overexpression in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). We studied the role of MET and AXL in the response to cabozantinib, particularly following long-term administration with sunitinib. Two sunitinib-resistant cell lines, 786-O/S and Caki-2/S, and the matching 786-O/WT and Caki-2/WT cells were exposed to cabozantinib. The drug response was cell-line-specific. The 786-O/S cells were less growth-inhibited by cabozantinib than 786-O/WT cells (p-value = 0.02). In 786-O/S cells, the high level of phosphorylation of MET and AXL was not affected by cabozantinib. Despite cabozantinib hampering the high constitutive phosphorylation of MET, the Caki-2 cells showed low sensitivity to cabozantinib, and this was independent of sunitinib pretreatment. In both sunitinib-resistant cell lines, cabozantinib increased Src-FAK activation and impeded mTOR expression. The modulation of ERK and AKT was cell-line-specific, mirroring the heterogeneity among the patients. Overall, the MET- and AXL-driven status did not affect cell responsiveness to cabozantinib in the second-line treatment. The activation of Src-FAK might counteract cabozantinib activity and contribute to tumor survival and may be considered an early indicator of therapy response.
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17
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Dharavath B, Butle A, Pal A, Desai S, Upadhyay P, Rane A, Khandelwal R, Manavalan S, Thorat R, Sonawane K, Vaish R, Gera P, Bal M, D'Cruz AK, Nair S, Dutt A. Role of miR-944/MMP10/AXL- axis in lymph node metastasis in tongue cancer. Commun Biol 2023; 6:57. [PMID: 36650344 PMCID: PMC9845355 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04437-6] [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: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Occult lymph-node metastasis is a crucial predictor of tongue cancer mortality, with an unmet need to understand the underlying mechanism. Our immunohistochemical and real-time PCR analysis of 208 tongue tumors show overexpression of Matrix Metalloproteinase, MMP10, in 86% of node-positive tongue tumors (n = 79; p < 0.00001). Additionally, global profiling for non-coding RNAs associated with node-positive tumors reveals that of the 11 significantly de-regulated miRNAs, miR-944 negatively regulates MMP10 by targeting its 3'-UTR. We demonstrate that proliferation, migration, and invasion of tongue cancer cells are suppressed by MMP10 knockdown or miR-944 overexpression. Further, we show that depletion of MMP10 prevents nodal metastases using an orthotopic tongue cancer mice model. In contrast, overexpression of MMP10 leads to opposite effects upregulating epithelial-mesenchymal-transition, mediated by a tyrosine kinase gene, AXL, to promote nodal and distant metastasis in vivo. Strikingly, AXL expression is essential and sufficient to mediate the functional consequence of MMP10 overexpression. Consistent with our findings, TCGA-HNSC data suggests overexpression of MMP10 or AXL positively correlates with poor survival of the patients. In conclusion, our results establish that the miR-944/MMP10/AXL- axis underlies lymph node metastases with potential therapeutic intervention and prediction of nodal metastases in tongue cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhasker Dharavath
- Integrated Cancer Genomics Laboratory, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research, and Education in Cancer, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, 410210, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400094, India
| | - Ashwin Butle
- Integrated Cancer Genomics Laboratory, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research, and Education in Cancer, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, 410210, India
| | - Ankita Pal
- Integrated Cancer Genomics Laboratory, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research, and Education in Cancer, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, 410210, India
| | - Sanket Desai
- Integrated Cancer Genomics Laboratory, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research, and Education in Cancer, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, 410210, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400094, India
| | - Pawan Upadhyay
- Integrated Cancer Genomics Laboratory, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research, and Education in Cancer, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, 410210, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400094, India
| | - Aishwarya Rane
- Integrated Cancer Genomics Laboratory, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research, and Education in Cancer, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, 410210, India
| | - Risha Khandelwal
- Integrated Cancer Genomics Laboratory, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research, and Education in Cancer, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, 410210, India
| | - Sujith Manavalan
- Integrated Cancer Genomics Laboratory, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research, and Education in Cancer, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, 410210, India
| | - Rahul Thorat
- Laboratory Animal Facility, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, 410210, India
| | - Kavita Sonawane
- Division of Head and Neck Oncology, Department of Surgical Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Tata Memorial Centre, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Richa Vaish
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400094, India
- Division of Head and Neck Oncology, Department of Surgical Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Tata Memorial Centre, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Poonam Gera
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400094, India
- Tissue Biorepository, Advanced Centre for Treatment Research and Education in Cancer, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, 410210, India
| | - Munita Bal
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400094, India
- Department of Pathology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Tata Memorial Centre, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Anil K D'Cruz
- Division of Head and Neck Oncology, Department of Surgical Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Tata Memorial Centre, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
- Apollo Cancer Center, Apollo Hospitals, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai, 400614, India
| | - Sudhir Nair
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400094, India.
- Division of Head and Neck Oncology, Department of Surgical Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, Tata Memorial Centre, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India.
| | - Amit Dutt
- Integrated Cancer Genomics Laboratory, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research, and Education in Cancer, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, 410210, India.
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400094, India.
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18
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Liao Y, Chuang Y, Lin H, Lin N, Hsu T, Hsieh S, Chen S, Hung J, Yang H, Liang J, Huang M, Huang J. GALNT2 promotes invasiveness of colorectal cancer cells partly through AXL. Mol Oncol 2022; 17:119-133. [PMID: 36409270 PMCID: PMC9812829 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
GalNAc-type O-glycosylation and its initiating GalNAc transferases (GALNTs) play crucial roles in a wide range of cellular behaviors. Among 20 GALNT members, GALNT2 is consistently associated with poor survival of patients with colorectal cancer in public databases. However, its clinicopathological significance in colorectal cancer remains unclear. In this study, immunohistochemistry showed that GALNT2 was overexpressed in colorectal tumors compared with the adjacent nontumor tissues. GALNT2 overexpression was associated with poor survival of colorectal cancer patients. Forced expression of GALNT2 promoted migration and invasion as well as peritoneal metastasis of colorectal cancer cells. In contrast, GALNT2 knockdown with siRNAs or knockout with CRISPR/Cas9 system suppressed these malignant properties. Interestingly, we found that GALNT2 modified O-glycans on AXL and determined AXL levels via the proteasome-dependent pathway. In addition, the GALNT2-promoted invasiveness was significantly reversed by AXL siRNAs. These findings suggest that GALNT2 promotes colorectal cancer invasion at least partly through AXL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying‐Yu Liao
- Graduate Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of MedicineNational Taiwan UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Ya‐Ting Chuang
- Department of Medical ResearchNational Taiwan University HospitalTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Hsuan‐Yu Lin
- Graduate Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of MedicineNational Taiwan UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Neng‐Yu Lin
- Graduate Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of MedicineNational Taiwan UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Tzu‐Wen Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of MedicineNational Taiwan UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Szu‐Chia Hsieh
- Graduate Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of MedicineNational Taiwan UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Syue‐Ting Chen
- Department of Anatomy, College of MedicineChang Gung UniversityTaoyuanTaiwan
| | - Ji‐Shiang Hung
- Department of SurgeryNational Taiwan University HospitalTaipeiTaiwan
| | | | - Jin‐Tung Liang
- Department of SurgeryNational Taiwan University HospitalTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Min‐Chuan Huang
- Graduate Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of MedicineNational Taiwan UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
| | - John Huang
- Department of SurgeryNational Taiwan University HospitalTaipeiTaiwan
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19
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Chen YW, Rini BI, Beckermann KE. Emerging Targets in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:4843. [PMID: 36230766 PMCID: PMC9561986 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The dual immune checkpoint blockade targeting CTLA-4 and PD-1 (ipilimumab/nivolumab) or the IO combinations targeting PD-1 and anti-VEGF TKIs (pembrolizumab/axitinib, nivolumab/cabozantinib, pembrolizumab/lenvatinib) have demonstrated an overall survival benefit in advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Despite this significant improvement in clinical outcomes in the frontline setting from IO/IO or the IO/TKI combinations, there is a subset of patients of advanced ccRCC that do not respond to such combinations or will lose the initial efficacy and have disease progression. Therefore, a remarkable unmet need exists to develop new therapeutics to improve outcomes. With an enhanced understanding of ccRCC biology and its interaction with the tumor microenvironment, several new therapies are under development targeting ccRCC metabolism, cytokine-signaling, alternative immune checkpoint proteins, and novel biological pathways. In addition, microbiome products enhancing IO response, antibody-drug conjugates, and targeted radionuclides are also being investigated. This review summarizes selected emerging agents that are under development in ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Wei Chen
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1211 Medical Center Drive, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, 2220 Pierce Ave, 777 Preston Research Building, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Brian I. Rini
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1211 Medical Center Drive, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, 2220 Pierce Ave, 777 Preston Research Building, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Kathryn E. Beckermann
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1211 Medical Center Drive, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, 2220 Pierce Ave, 777 Preston Research Building, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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20
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Feng Y, Yang Z, Xu X. c-Met: A Promising Therapeutic Target in Bladder Cancer. Cancer Manag Res 2022; 14:2379-2388. [PMID: 35967753 PMCID: PMC9374328 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s369175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (c-Met) belongs to the tyrosine kinase receptor family and is overexpressed in various human cancers. Its ligand is hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and the HGF/c-Met signaling pathway is involved in a wide range of cellular processes, including cell proliferation, migration, and metastasis. Emerging studies have indicated that c-Met expression is strongly associated with bladder cancer (BCa) development and prognosis. Therefore, c-Met is a potential therapeutic target for BCa treatment. Recently, the aberrant expression of noncoding RNAs was found to play a significant role in tumour progression. There is a close connection between c-Met and noncoding RNA. Herein, we summarized the biological function and prognostic value of c-Met in BCa, as well as its potential role as a drug target. The relation of c-Met and ncRNA was also described in the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfei Feng
- The Second Affiliated College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zitong Yang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Xu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
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21
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Tocci S, Ibeawuchi SR, Das S, Sayed IM. Role of ELMO1 in inflammation and cancer-clinical implications. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2022; 45:505-525. [PMID: 35668246 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-022-00680-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Engulfment and cell motility protein 1 (ELMO1) is a key protein for innate immunity since it is required for the clearance of apoptotic cells and pathogenic bacteria as well as for the control of inflammatory responses. ELMO1, through binding with Dock180 and activation of the Rac1 signaling pathway, plays a significant role in cellular shaping and motility. Rac-mediated actin cytoskeletal rearrangement is essential for bacterial phagocytosis, but also plays a crucial role in processes such as cancer cell invasion and metastasis. While the role of ELMO1 in bacterial infection and inflammatory responses is well established, its implication in cancer is not widely explored yet. Molecular changes or epigenetic alterations such as DNA methylation, which ultimately leads to alterations in gene expression and deregulation of cellular signaling, has been reported for ELMO1 in different cancer types. CONCLUSIONS In this review, we provide an updated and comprehensive summary of the roles of ELMO1 in infection, inflammatory diseases and cancer. We highlight the possible mechanisms regulated by ELMO1 that are relevant for cancer development and progression and provide insight into the possible use of ELMO1 as a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Tocci
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Soumita Das
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Ibrahim M Sayed
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA. .,Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.
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22
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Endocytic trafficking of GAS6-AXL complexes is associated with sustained AKT activation. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:316. [PMID: 35622156 PMCID: PMC9135597 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04312-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
AXL, a TAM receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK), and its ligand growth arrest-specific 6 (GAS6) are implicated in cancer metastasis and drug resistance, and cellular entry of viruses. Given this, AXL is an attractive therapeutic target, and its inhibitors are being tested in cancer and COVID-19 clinical trials. Still, astonishingly little is known about intracellular mechanisms that control its function. Here, we characterized endocytosis of AXL, a process known to regulate intracellular functions of RTKs. Consistent with the notion that AXL is a primary receptor for GAS6, its depletion was sufficient to block GAS6 internalization. We discovered that upon receptor ligation, GAS6–AXL complexes were rapidly internalized via several endocytic pathways including both clathrin-mediated and clathrin-independent routes, among the latter the CLIC/GEEC pathway and macropinocytosis. The internalization of AXL was strictly dependent on its kinase activity. In comparison to other RTKs, AXL was endocytosed faster and the majority of the internalized receptor was not degraded but rather recycled via SNX1-positive endosomes. This trafficking pattern coincided with sustained AKT activation upon GAS6 stimulation. Specifically, reduced internalization of GAS6–AXL upon the CLIC/GEEC downregulation intensified, whereas impaired recycling due to depletion of SNX1 and SNX2 attenuated AKT signaling. Altogether, our data uncover the coupling between AXL endocytic trafficking and AKT signaling upon GAS6 stimulation. Moreover, our study provides a rationale for pharmacological inhibition of AXL in antiviral therapy as viruses utilize GAS6–AXL-triggered endocytosis to enter cells.
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23
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Two-Front War on Cancer-Targeting TAM Receptors in Solid Tumour Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14102488. [PMID: 35626092 PMCID: PMC9140196 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102488] [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: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In recent years, many studies have shown the importance of TAM kinases in both normal and neoplastic cells. In this review, we present and discuss the role of the TAM family (AXL, MERTK, TYRO3) of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) as a dual target in cancer, due to their intrinsic roles in tumour cell survival, migration, chemoresistance, and their immunosuppressive roles in the tumour microenvironment. This review presents the potential of TAMs as emerging therapeutic targets in cancer treatment, focusing on the distinct structures of TAM receptor tyrosine kinases. We analyse and compare different strategies of TAM inhibition, for a full perspective of current and future battlefields in the war with cancer. Abstract Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are transmembrane receptors that bind growth factors and cytokines and contain a regulated kinase activity within their cytoplasmic domain. RTKs play an important role in signal transduction in both normal and malignant cells, and their encoding genes belong to the most frequently affected genes in cancer cells. The TAM family proteins (TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK) are involved in diverse biological processes: immune regulation, clearance of apoptotic cells, platelet aggregation, cell proliferation, survival, and migration. Recent studies show that TAMs share overlapping functions in tumorigenesis and suppression of antitumour immunity. MERTK and AXL operate in innate immune cells to suppress inflammatory responses and promote an immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment, while AXL expression correlates with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, metastasis, and motility in tumours. Therefore, TAM RTKs represent a dual target in cancer due to their intrinsic roles in tumour cell survival, migration, chemoresistance, and their immunosuppressive roles in the tumour microenvironment (TME). In this review, we discuss the potential of TAMs as emerging therapeutic targets in cancer treatment. We critically assess and compare current approaches to target TAM RTKs in solid tumours and the development of new inhibitors for both extra- and intracellular domains of TAM receptor kinases.
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24
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CAR-T Cells for the Treatment of Lung Cancer. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12040561. [PMID: 35455052 PMCID: PMC9028981 DOI: 10.3390/life12040561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy with genetically modified T lymphocytes that express chimeric antigen receptors (CAR-T) is one of the most promising advanced therapies for the treatment of cancer, with unprecedented outcomes in hematological malignancies. However, the efficacy of CAR-T cells in solid tumors is still very unsatisfactory, because of the strong immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment that hinders immune responses. The development of next-generation personalized CAR-T cells against solid tumors is a clinical necessity. The identification of therapeutic targets for new CAR-T therapies to increase the efficacy, survival, persistence, and safety in solid tumors remains a critical frontier in cancer immunotherapy. Here, we summarize basic, translational, and clinical results of CAR-T cell immunotherapies in lung cancer, from their molecular engineering and mechanistic studies to preclinical and clinical development.
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25
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Zammarchi F, Havenith KEG, Chivers S, Hogg P, Bertelli F, Tyrer P, Janghra N, Reinert HW, Hartley JA, van Berkel PH. Preclinical Development of ADCT-601, a Novel Pyrrolobenzodiazepine Dimer-based Antibody-drug Conjugate Targeting AXL-expressing Cancers. Mol Cancer Ther 2022; 21:582-593. [PMID: 35086955 PMCID: PMC9377743 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-21-0715] [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] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
AXL, a tyrosine kinase receptor that is overexpressed in many solid and hematologic malignancies, facilitates cancer progression and is associated with poor clinical outcomes. Importantly, drug-induced expression of AXL results in resistance to conventional chemotherapy and targeted therapies. Together with its presence on multiple cell types in the tumor immune microenvironment, these features make it an attractive therapeutic target for AXL-expressing malignancies. ADCT-601 (mipasetamab uzoptirine) is an AXL-targeted antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) comprising a humanized anti-AXL antibody site specifically conjugated using GlycoConnect technology to PL1601, which contains HydraSpace, a Val-Ala cleavable linker and the potent pyrrolobenzodiazepine (PBD) dimer cytotoxin SG3199. This study aimed to validate the ADCT-601 mode of action and evaluate its efficacy in vitro and in vivo, as well as its tolerability and pharmacokinetics. ADCT-601 bound to both soluble and membranous AXL, and was rapidly internalized by AXL-expressing tumor cells, allowing release of PBD dimer, DNA interstrand cross-linking, and subsequent cell killing. In vivo, ADCT-601 had potent and durable antitumor activity in a wide variety of human cancer xenograft mouse models, including patient-derived xenograft models with heterogeneous AXL expression where ADCT-601 antitumor activity was markedly superior to an auristatin-based comparator ADC. Notably, ADCT-601 had antitumor activity in a monomethyl auristatin E-resistant lung-cancer model and synergized with the PARP inhibitor olaparib in a BRCA1-mutated ovarian cancer model. ADCT-601 was well tolerated at doses of up to 6 mg/kg and showed excellent stability in vivo. These preclinical results warrant further evaluation of ADCT-601 in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Zammarchi
- ADC Therapeutics (UK) Limited, London, United Kingdom.,Corresponding Author: Francesca Zammarchi, Imperial College White City Campus, ADC Therapeutics (UK) Limited, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom. E-mail:
| | | | - Simon Chivers
- ADC Therapeutics (UK) Limited, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Hogg
- ADC Therapeutics (UK) Limited, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Peter Tyrer
- AstraZeneca (MedImmune/Spirogen), Cambridge, United Kingdom
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26
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Majumder A, Hosseinian S, Stroud M, Adhikari E, Saller JJ, Smith MA, Zhang G, Agarwal S, Creixell M, Meyer BS, Kinose F, Bowers K, Fang B, Stewart PA, Welsh EA, Boyle TA, Meyer AS, Koomen JM, Haura EB. Integrated Proteomics-Based Physical and Functional Mapping of AXL Kinase Signaling Pathways and Inhibitors Define Its Role in Cell Migration. Mol Cancer Res 2022; 20:542-555. [PMID: 35022314 PMCID: PMC8983558 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-21-0275] [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: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
To better understand the signaling complexity of AXL, a member of the tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) receptor tyrosine kinase family, we created a physical and functional map of AXL signaling interactions, phosphorylation events, and target-engagement of three AXL tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). We assessed AXL protein complexes using proximity-dependent biotinylation (BioID), effects of AXL TKI on global phosphoproteins using mass spectrometry, and target engagement of AXL TKI using activity-based protein profiling. BioID identifies AXL-interacting proteins that are mostly involved in cell adhesion/migration. Global phosphoproteomics show that AXL inhibition decreases phosphorylation of peptides involved in phosphatidylinositol-mediated signaling and cell adhesion/migration. Comparison of three AXL inhibitors reveals that TKI RXDX-106 inhibits pAXL, pAKT, and migration/invasion of these cells without reducing their viability, while bemcentinib exerts AXL-independent phenotypic effects on viability. Proteomic characterization of these TKIs demonstrates that they inhibit diverse targets in addition to AXL, with bemcentinib having the most off-targets. AXL and EGFR TKI cotreatment did not reverse resistance in cell line models of erlotinib resistance. However, a unique vulnerability was identified in one resistant clone, wherein combination of bemcentinib and erlotinib inhibited cell viability and signaling. We also show that AXL is overexpressed in approximately 30% to 40% of nonsmall but rarely in small cell lung cancer. Cell lines have a wide range of AXL expression, with basal activation detected rarely. IMPLICATIONS Our study defines mechanisms of action of AXL in lung cancers which can be used to establish assays to measure drug targetable active AXL complexes in patient tissues and inform the strategy for targeting it's signaling as an anticancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anurima Majumder
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Sina Hosseinian
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Mia Stroud
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Emma Adhikari
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - James J. Saller
- Department of Pathology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Matthew A. Smith
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Guolin Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Shruti Agarwal
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | | | - Benjamin S. Meyer
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Fumi Kinose
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Kiah Bowers
- Department of Proteomics and Metabolomics Core, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Bin Fang
- Department of Proteomics and Metabolomics Core, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Paul A. Stewart
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Shared Resource, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Eric A. Welsh
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Shared Resource, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Theresa A. Boyle
- Department of Pathology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | | | - John M. Koomen
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Eric B. Haura
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
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27
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Sang YB, Kim JH, Kim CG, Hong MH, Kim HR, Cho BC, Lim SM. The Development of AXL Inhibitors in Lung Cancer: Recent Progress and Challenges. Front Oncol 2022; 12:811247. [PMID: 35311091 PMCID: PMC8927964 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.811247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
AXL, along with MER and TYRO3, is a receptor tyrosine kinase from the TAM family. Although AXL itself is not thought to be a potent oncogenic driver, overexpression of AXL is known to trigger tumor cell growth, survival, invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, and immune suppression. Overexpression of AXL is associated with therapy resistance and poor prognosis. Therefore, it is being studied as a marker of prognosis in cancer treatment or as a target in various cancer types. Recently, many preclinical and clinical studies on agents with various mechanisms targeting AXL have been actively conducted. They include small molecule inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and antibody-drug conjugates. This article reviewed the fundamental role of AXL in solid tumors, and the development in research of AXL inhibitors in recent years. Emphasis was placed on the function of AXL in acquired therapy resistance in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Since clinical needs increase in NSCLC patients with acquired resistance after initial therapy, recent research efforts have focused on a combination treatment with AXL inhibitors and tyrosine kinase inhibitors or immunotherapy to overcome resistance. Lastly, we deal with challenges and limitations encountered in the development of AXL inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Beom Sang
- Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Joo-Hang Kim
- Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Chang-Gon Kim
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Min Hee Hong
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hye Ryun Kim
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Byoung Chul Cho
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sun Min Lim
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
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28
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Neijenhuis LKA, de Myunck LDAN, Bijlstra OD, Kuppen PJK, Hilling DE, Borm FJ, Cohen D, Mieog JSD, Steup WH, Braun J, Burggraaf J, Vahrmeijer AL, Hutteman M. Near-Infrared Fluorescence Tumor-Targeted Imaging in Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12030446. [PMID: 35330197 PMCID: PMC8950608 DOI: 10.3390/life12030446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the most common cancer type worldwide, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) being the most common subtype. Non-disseminated NSCLC is mainly treated with surgical resection. The intraoperative detection of lung cancer can be challenging, since small and deeply located pulmonary nodules can be invisible under white light. Due to the increasing use of minimally invasive surgical techniques, tactile information is often reduced. Therefore, several intraoperative imaging techniques have been tested to localize pulmonary nodules, of which near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence is an emerging modality. In this systematic review, the available literature on fluorescence imaging of lung cancers is presented, which shows that NIR fluorescence-guided lung surgery has the potential to identify the tumor during surgery, detect additional lesions and prevent tumor-positive resection margins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisanne K. A. Neijenhuis
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (L.K.A.N.); (L.D.A.N.d.M.); (O.D.B.); (P.J.K.K.); (D.E.H.); (J.S.D.M.); (A.L.V.)
- Centre for Human Drug Research, 2333 CL Leiden, The Netherlands;
| | - Lysanne D. A. N. de Myunck
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (L.K.A.N.); (L.D.A.N.d.M.); (O.D.B.); (P.J.K.K.); (D.E.H.); (J.S.D.M.); (A.L.V.)
| | - Okker D. Bijlstra
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (L.K.A.N.); (L.D.A.N.d.M.); (O.D.B.); (P.J.K.K.); (D.E.H.); (J.S.D.M.); (A.L.V.)
| | - Peter J. K. Kuppen
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (L.K.A.N.); (L.D.A.N.d.M.); (O.D.B.); (P.J.K.K.); (D.E.H.); (J.S.D.M.); (A.L.V.)
| | - Denise E. Hilling
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (L.K.A.N.); (L.D.A.N.d.M.); (O.D.B.); (P.J.K.K.); (D.E.H.); (J.S.D.M.); (A.L.V.)
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frank J. Borm
- Department of Pulmonology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands;
| | - Danielle Cohen
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands;
| | - J. Sven D. Mieog
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (L.K.A.N.); (L.D.A.N.d.M.); (O.D.B.); (P.J.K.K.); (D.E.H.); (J.S.D.M.); (A.L.V.)
| | - Willem H. Steup
- Department of Surgery, HAGA Hospital, 2545 AA The Hague, The Netherlands;
| | - Jerry Braun
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands;
| | | | - Alexander L. Vahrmeijer
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (L.K.A.N.); (L.D.A.N.d.M.); (O.D.B.); (P.J.K.K.); (D.E.H.); (J.S.D.M.); (A.L.V.)
| | - Merlijn Hutteman
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (L.K.A.N.); (L.D.A.N.d.M.); (O.D.B.); (P.J.K.K.); (D.E.H.); (J.S.D.M.); (A.L.V.)
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-71-526-51-00
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AXL Receptor Tyrosine Kinase as a Promising Therapeutic Target Directing Multiple Aspects of Cancer Progression and Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030466. [PMID: 35158733 PMCID: PMC8833413 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Metastasis is a complex process that requires the acquisition of certain traits by cancer cells as well as the cooperation of several non-neoplastic cells that populate the stroma. Cancer-related deaths are predominantly associated with complications arising from metastases. Limiting metastasis therefore represents an important clinical challenge. The receptor tyrosine kinase AXL is required at many steps of the metastatic cascade and contributes to tumor microenvironment deregulation. In this review, we describe how AXL contributes to metastatic progression by governing various biological processes in cancer cells and in stromal cells, highlighting the potential of its inhibition. Abstract The receptor tyrosine kinase AXL is emerging as a key player in tumor progression and metastasis and its expression correlates with poor survival in a plethora of cancers. While studies have shown the benefits of AXL inhibition for the treatment of metastatic cancers, additional roles for AXL in cancer progression are still being explored. This review discusses recent advances in understanding AXL’s functions in different tumor compartments including cancer, vascular, and immune cells. AXL is required at multiple steps of the metastatic cascade where its activation in cancer cells leads to EMT, invasion, survival, proliferation and therapy resistance. AXL activation in cancer cells and various stromal cells also results in tumor microenvironment deregulation, leading to modulation of angiogenesis, fibrosis, immune response and hypoxia. A better understanding of AXL’s role in these processes could lead to new therapeutic approaches that would benefit patients suffering from metastatic diseases.
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Yan D, Earp HS, DeRyckere D, Graham DK. Targeting MERTK and AXL in EGFR Mutant Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5639. [PMID: 34830794 PMCID: PMC8616094 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
MERTK and AXL are members of the TAM family of receptor tyrosine kinases and are abnormally expressed in 69% and 93% of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs), respectively. Expression of MERTK and/or AXL provides a survival advantage for NSCLC cells and correlates with lymph node metastasis, drug resistance, and disease progression in patients with NSCLC. The TAM receptors on host tumor infiltrating cells also play important roles in the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Thus, MERTK and AXL are attractive biologic targets for NSCLC treatment. Here, we will review physiologic and oncologic roles for MERTK and AXL with an emphasis on the potential to target these kinases in NSCLCs with activating EGFR mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Yan
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (D.Y.); (D.D.)
| | - H. Shelton Earp
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Deborah DeRyckere
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (D.Y.); (D.D.)
| | - Douglas K. Graham
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (D.Y.); (D.D.)
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31
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Deng S, Solinas A, Calvisi DF. Cabozantinib for HCC Treatment, From Clinical Back to Experimental Models. Front Oncol 2021; 11:756672. [PMID: 34722310 PMCID: PMC8548824 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.756672] [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: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Patients with early-stage HCC can be treated successfully with surgical resection or liver transplantation. However, the usual late diagnosis of HCC precludes curative treatments, and systemic therapies are the only viable option for inoperable patients. Sorafenib, an orally available multikinase inhibitor, is a systemic therapy approved for treating patients with advanced HCC yet providing limited benefits. Consequently, new drugs have been developed to overcome sorafenib resistance and improve patients' prognoses. A new promising strategy is using c-MET inhibitors, such as cabozantinib, as activation of c-MET occurs in up to 40% of HCC patients. In particular, cabozantinib, in combination with the checkpoint inhibitor atezolizumab, is currently in phase 3 clinical trial for HCC, and the results are eagerly awaited. Herein, we summarize and review the drugs approved for the treatment of advanced HCC, mainly focusing on the clinical and preclinical efficacy evaluation of cabozantinib. Also, we report the available preclinical data on cabozantinib-based combination therapies for HCC, current obstacles for cabozantinib therapy, and the future directions for cabozantinib-based treatment for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Deng
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Antonio Solinas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Diego F Calvisi
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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32
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Khera L, Lev S. Accelerating AXL targeting for TNBC therapy. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2021; 139:106057. [PMID: 34403827 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2021.106057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The tyrosine kinase receptor AXL of the TAM (TYRO3, AXL and MERTK) family is considered as a promising therapeutic target for different hematological cancers and solid tumors. AXL is involved in multiple pro-tumorigenic processes including cell migration, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and stemness, and recent studies demonstrated its impact on cancer metastasis and drug resistance. Extensive studies on AXL have highlighted its unique characteristics and physiological functions and suggest that targeting of AXL could be beneficial in combination with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. In this mini review, we discuss possible outcomes of AXL targeting either alone or together with other therapeutic agents and emphasize its impact on triple negative breast cancer (TNBC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lohit Khera
- Molecular Cell Biology Department, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Sima Lev
- Molecular Cell Biology Department, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel.
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33
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Therapeutic Targeting of the Gas6/Axl Signaling Pathway in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22189953. [PMID: 34576116 PMCID: PMC8469858 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Many signaling pathways are dysregulated in cancer cells and the host tumor microenvironment. Aberrant receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) pathways promote cancer development, progression, and metastasis. Hence, numerous therapeutic interventions targeting RTKs have been actively pursued. Axl is an RTK that belongs to the Tyro3, Axl, MerTK (TAM) subfamily. Axl binds to a high affinity ligand growth arrest specific 6 (Gas6) that belongs to the vitamin K-dependent family of proteins. The Gas6/Axl signaling pathway has been implicated to promote progression, metastasis, immune evasion, and therapeutic resistance in many cancer types. Therapeutic agents targeting Gas6 and Axl have been developed, and promising results have been observed in both preclinical and clinical settings when such agents are used alone or in combination therapy. This review examines the current state of therapeutics targeting the Gas6/Axl pathway in cancer and discusses Gas6- and Axl-targeting agents that have been evaluated preclinically and clinically.
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34
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Zaman A, Bivona TG. Targeting AXL in NSCLC. LUNG CANCER (AUCKLAND, N.Z.) 2021; 12:67-79. [PMID: 34408519 PMCID: PMC8364399 DOI: 10.2147/lctt.s305484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
State-of-the-art cancer precision medicine approaches involve targeted inactivation of chemically and immunologically addressable vulnerabilities that often yield impressive initial anti-tumor responses in patients. Nonetheless, these responses are overshadowed by therapy resistance that follows. AXL, a receptor tyrosine kinase with bona fide oncogenic capacity, has been associated with the emergence of resistance in an array of cancers with varying pathophysiology and cellular origins, including in non-small-cell lung cancers (NSCLCs). Here in this review, we summarize AXL biology during normal homeostasis, oncogenic development and therapy resistance with a focus on NSCLC. In the context of NSCLC therapy resistance, we delineate AXL's role in mediating resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) deployed against epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) as well as other notable oncogenes and to chemotherapeutics. We also discuss the current understanding of AXL's role in mediating cell-biological variables that function as important modifiers of therapy resistance such as epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), the tumor microenvironment and tumor heterogeneity. We also catalog and discuss a set of effective pharmacologic tools that are emerging to strategically perturb AXL mediated resistance programs in NSCLC. Finally, we enumerate ongoing and future exciting precision medicine approaches targeting AXL as well as challenges in this regard. We highlight that a holistic understanding of AXL biology in NSCLC may allow us to predict and improve targeted therapeutic strategies, such as through polytherapy approaches, potentially against a broad spectrum of NSCLC sub-types to forestall tumor evolution and drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aubhishek Zaman
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- UCSF Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Trever G Bivona
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- UCSF Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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35
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Amero P, Lokesh GLR, Chaudhari RR, Cardenas-Zuniga R, Schubert T, Attia YM, Montalvo-Gonzalez E, Elsayed AM, Ivan C, Wang Z, Cristini V, Franciscis VD, Zhang S, Volk DE, Mitra R, Rodriguez-Aguayo C, Sood AK, Lopez-Berestein G. Conversion of RNA Aptamer into Modified DNA Aptamers Provides for Prolonged Stability and Enhanced Antitumor Activity. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:7655-7670. [PMID: 33988982 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.9b10460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Aptamers, synthetic single-strand oligonucleotides that are similar in function to antibodies, are promising as therapeutics because of their minimal side effects. However, the stability and bioavailability of the aptamers pose a challenge. We developed aptamers converted from RNA aptamer to modified DNA aptamers that target phospho-AXL with improved stability and bioavailability. On the basis of the comparative analysis of a library of 17 converted modified DNA aptamers, we selected aptamer candidates, GLB-G25 and GLB-A04, that exhibited the highest bioavailability, stability, and robust antitumor effect in in vitro experiments. Backbone modifications such as thiophosphate or dithiophosphate and a covalent modification of the 5'-end of the aptamer with polyethylene glycol optimized the pharmacokinetic properties, improved the stability of the aptamers in vivo by reducing nuclease hydrolysis and renal clearance, and achieved high and sustained inhibition of AXL at a very low dose. Treatment with these modified aptamers in ovarian cancer orthotopic mouse models significantly reduced tumor growth and the number of metastases. This effective silencing of the phospho-AXL target thus demonstrated that aptamer specificity and bioavailability can be improved by the chemical modification of existing aptamers for phospho-AXL. These results lay the foundation for the translation of these aptamer candidates and companion biomarkers to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Amero
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Ganesh L R Lokesh
- McGovern Medical School, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Rajan R Chaudhari
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Roberto Cardenas-Zuniga
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | | | - Yasmin M Attia
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States.,Pharmacology Unit, Cancer Biology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Kasr Al Eini Street, Fom El Khalig, Cairo 11796, Egypt
| | - Efigenia Montalvo-Gonzalez
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States.,Integral Laboratory of Food Research, Technological Institute of Tepic, Avenue Tecnologico 2595, 63175 Tepic, Nayarit Mexico
| | - Abdelrahman M Elsayed
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11675, Egypt
| | - Cristina Ivan
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Zhihui Wang
- Mathematics in Medicine Program, The Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6670 Bertner Ave, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Vittorio Cristini
- Mathematics in Medicine Program, The Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6670 Bertner Ave, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Vittorio de Franciscis
- Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale, CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy.,National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Genetic and Biomedical Research (IRGB)-UOS Milan via Rita Levi Montalcini, 20090 Pieve Emanuele (MI), Italy.,Harvard Medical School Initiative for RNA Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Shuxing Zhang
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - David E Volk
- McGovern Medical School, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine for the Prevention of Human Diseases, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Rahul Mitra
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Cristian Rodriguez-Aguayo
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States.,Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Anil K Sood
- Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States.,Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States.,Department of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Gabriel Lopez-Berestein
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States.,Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNA, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States.,Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
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Tanaka M, Dykes SS, Siemann DW. Inhibition of the Axl pathway impairs breast and prostate cancer metastasis to the bones and bone remodeling. Clin Exp Metastasis 2021; 38:321-335. [PMID: 33791875 PMCID: PMC8179919 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-021-10093-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Approximately 90% of cancer-related deaths result from cancer metastasis. In prostate and breast cancers, bone is the most common site of cancer cell dissemination. Key steps in the metastatic cascade are promoted through upregulation of critical cell signaling pathways in neoplastic cells. The present study assessed the role of the receptor tyrosine kinase Axl in prostate and breast cancer cell metastasis to bones using (i) Axl knockdown neoplastic cells and osteoclast progenitor cells in vitro, (ii) intracardiac injection of Axl knockdown tumor cells in vivo, and (iii) selective Axl inhibitor BGB324. Axl inhibition in neoplastic cells significantly decreased their metastatic potential, and suppression of Axl signaling in osteoclast precursor cells also reduced the formation of mature osteoclasts. In vivo, Axl knockdown in prostate and breast cancer cells significantly suppressed the formation and progression of bone metastases. Hence, therapeutic targeting of Axl may impair tumor metastasis to the bones through neoplastic and host cell signaling axes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Tanaka
- Department of Radiation Oncology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
| | - Samantha S Dykes
- Department of Radiation Oncology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.,GenCure, a Subsidiary of BioBridge Global, San Antonio, TX, 78201, USA
| | - Dietmar W Siemann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
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37
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Bufalin down-regulates Axl expression to inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in non-small-cell lung cancer cells. Biosci Rep 2021; 40:222485. [PMID: 32219334 PMCID: PMC7146032 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20193959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Axl, a member of the TAM (Tyro3, AXL, Mer) receptor tyrosine kinase family, plays critical roles in cell growth, proliferation, apoptosis, and migration. In the present study, we demonstrated that the anti-cancer activity of bufalin, a major bioactive component of the Chinese traditional medicine Chan Su, is mediated by the down-regulation of Axl in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. We observed the inhibitory effect of bufalin on the proliferation of A549 and H460 NSCLC cells and the clonogenicity of these cells was reduced by bufalin treatment in a dose-dependent manner. Next, we found that the protein level of Axl was decreased in proportion to the concentration of bufalin in both A549 and H460 cells. Moreover, the promoter activity of the Axl gene was decreased by bufalin in a dose- and time-dependent manner, indicating that bufalin down-regulates Axl gene expression at the transcriptional level. We further examined if the anti-proliferative property of bufalin is influenced by Axl at the protein level. Axl overexpression attenuated the effect of bufalin in inhibiting cell proliferation and colony formation and inducing apoptosis in H460 cells, while knockdown of Axl gene expression induced the opposite effect. Taken together, our data indicate that the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of bufalin were associated with the protein level of Axl, suggesting that Axl is a potent therapeutic target of bufalin in suppressing proliferation and inducing apoptosis in NSCLC cells.
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38
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Darwish IA, Khalil NY, Alsaif NA, Herqash RN, Sayed AYA, Abdel-Rahman HM. Charge-Transfer Complex of Linifanib with 2,3-dichloro-3,5-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone: Synthesis, Spectroscopic Characterization, Computational Molecular Modelling and Application in the Development of Novel 96-microwell Spectrophotometric Assay. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2021; 15:1167-1180. [PMID: 33737805 PMCID: PMC7966300 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s296502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Background Linifanib (LFB) is a multi-targeted receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor used in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and other types of cancer. The charge-transfer (CT) interaction of LFB is important in studying its receptor binding mechanisms and useful in the development of a reliable CT-based spectrophotometric assay for LFB in its pharmaceutical formulation to assure its therapeutic benefits. Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the CT reaction of LFB with 2,3-dichloro-3,5-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ) and its application in the development of a novel 96-microwell spectrophotometric assay for LFB. Methods The reaction was investigated, its conditions were optimized, the physicochemical and constants of the CT complex and stoichiometric ratio of the complex were determined. The solid-state LFB-DDQ complex was synthesized and its structure was analyzed by UV-visible, FT-IR, and 1H-NMR spectroscopic techniques, and also by the computational molecular modeling. The reaction was employed in the development of a novel 96-microwell spectrophotometric assay for LFB. Results The reaction resulted in the formation of a red-colored product, and the spectrophotometric investigations confirmed that the reaction had a CT nature. The molar absorptivity of the complex was linearly correlated with the dielectric constant and polarity index of the solvent; the correlation coefficients were 0.9526 and 0.9459, respectively. The stoichiometric ratio of LFB:DDQ was 1:2. The spectroscopic and computational data confirmed the sites of interaction on the LFB molecule, and accordingly, the reaction mechanism was postulated. The reaction was utilized in the development of the first 96-microwell spectrophotometric assay for LFB. The assay limits of detection and quantitation were 1.31 and 3.96 μg/well, respectively. The assay was successfully applied to the analysis of LFB in its bulk and tablets with high accuracy and precision. Conclusion The assay is simple, rapid, accurate, eco-friendly as it consumes low volumes of organic solvent, and has high analysis throughput.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim A Darwish
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nasr Y Khalil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nawaf A Alsaif
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rashed N Herqash
- Medicinal Aromatic and Poisonous Plant Research Centre, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Y A Sayed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hamdy M Abdel-Rahman
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526, Egypt.,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Nahda University, Banisuef, Egypt
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Kim HI, Lee SJ, Choi YJ, Kim MJ, Kim TY, Ko SG. Quercetin Induces Apoptosis in Glioblastoma Cells by Suppressing Axl/IL-6/STAT3 Signaling Pathway. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2021; 49:767-784. [PMID: 33657989 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x21500361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Gliomas are the mostly observed form of primary brain tumor, and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) shows the highest incidence. The survival rate of GBM is fairly poor; thus, discovery of effective treatment options is required. Among several suggested targets for therapy, the Axl/IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway has gained recent interest because of its important role within cancer microenvironment. Quercetin, a plant flavonoid, is well known for its anticancer action. However, the effect of quercetin on Axl has never been reported. Quercetin treatment significantly reduced cell viability in two GBM cell lines of U87MG and U373MG while keeping 85% of normal astrocytes alive. Further western blot assays suggested that quercetin induces apoptosis but does not affect Akt or mitogen-activated protein kinases, factors related to cell proliferation. Quercetin also decreased IL-6 release and phosphorylation of STAT3 in GBM cells. In addition, gene expression, protein expression, and half-life of synthesized Axl protein were all suppressed by quercetin. By applying shRNA for knockdown of Axl, we could confirm that the role of Axl was crucial in the apoptotic effect of quercetin on GBM cells. In conclusion, we suggest quercetin as a potential anticancer agent, which may improve cancer microenvironment of GBM via the Axl/IL-6/STAT3 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyo In Kim
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Sol Ji Lee
- Center for Cognition and Sociality Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon 34126, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu-Jeong Choi
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Jeong Kim
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Tai Young Kim
- Center for Cognition and Sociality Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon 34126, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Gyu Ko
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
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Teocharoen R, Ruangritchankul K, Vinayanuwattikun C, Sriuranpong V, Sitthideatphaiboon P. Vimentin expression status is a potential biomarker for brain metastasis development in EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2021; 10:790-801. [PMID: 33718022 PMCID: PMC7947392 DOI: 10.21037/tlcr-20-1020] [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] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Background Despite advances in systemic therapy and improvements in survival for advanced epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), brain metastasis (BM) remains a poor outcome. Previous studies on risk factors for BM occurrence included unselected patients and biomarker prediction of BM in these populations were not well studied. We aimed to identify the role of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker and clinical factors predicting BM in EGFR mutant NSCLC patients. Methods Advanced EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients in the King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital from January 2013 to December 2017 were included. Vimentin expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The correlation between vimentin expression and factors associated with BM occurrence was analyzed by univariate and multivariate analyses. Results 304 patients were enrolled. Of these, 149 patients (49%) developed BM. In multivariate analysis, the occurrence of BM was associated with age <60 years, metastatic disease at diagnosis, and 3 or more metastatic sites. Moreover, positive vimentin expression was also found more common in patients with BM than those without BM (52.4% vs. 27.6%, respectively) and predicted overall BM development in EGFR-mutant patients (OR 2.53, 95% CI, 1.11–5.77; P=0.027). Overall survival (OS) was shorter in vimentinpositive group than in vimentinnegative group. Median OS was 20.0 months (95% CI, 14.51–25.51) and 30.9 months (95% CI, 20.99–40.84), respectively (HR, 1.57; P=0.04). Conclusions Younger patients with EGFR-mutant NSCLC who had high disease burden were more likely to develop BM. Vimentin served as a biomarker for predicting BM and poor prognostic factor in EGFR-mutant patients. EMT pathway may be considered as a therapeutic target in these high-risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rattanawadee Teocharoen
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and The King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Komkrit Ruangritchankul
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and The King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chanida Vinayanuwattikun
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and The King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Virote Sriuranpong
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and The King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Piyada Sitthideatphaiboon
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and The King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand
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Msaouel P, Genovese G, Gao J, Sen S, Tannir NM. TAM kinase inhibition and immune checkpoint blockade- a winning combination in cancer treatment? Expert Opin Ther Targets 2021; 25:141-151. [PMID: 33356674 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2021.1869212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have shown great promise in a wide spectrum of malignancies. However, responses are not always durable, and this mode of treatment is only effective in a subset of patients. As such, there exists an unmet need for novel approaches to bolster ICI efficacy.Areas covered: We review the role of the Tyro3, Axl, and Mer (TAM) receptor tyrosine kinases in promoting tumor-induced immune suppression and discuss the benefits that may be derived from combining ICI with TAM kinase-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors. We searched the MEDLINE Public Library of Medicine (PubMed) and EMBASE databases and referred to ClinicalTrials.gov for relevant ongoing studies.Expert opinion: Targeting of TAM kinases may improve the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade. However, it remains to be determined whether this effect will be better achieved by the selective targeting of each TAM receptor, depending on the context, or by multi-receptor TAM inhibitors. Triple inhibition of all TAM receptors is more likely to be associated with an increased risk for adverse events. Clinical trial designs should use high-resolution clinical endpoints and proper control arms to determine the synergistic effects of combining TAM inhibition with immune checkpoint blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavlos Msaouel
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Giannicola Genovese
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jianjun Gao
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Nizar M Tannir
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Khalil NY, Darwish IA, Alanazi M, Hamidaddin MA. Development of 96-microwell Plate Assay with Fluorescence Reader and HPLC Method with Fluorescence Detection for High-throughput Analysis of Linifanib in its Bulk and Dosage Forms. CURR PHARM ANAL 2021. [DOI: 10.2174/1573412917999200925204910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Background:
Linifanib (LFB) is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor with antineoplastic activity.
The existing methods for the analysis of LFB in bulk and dosage forms do not meet the requirements
of quality control (QC) analysis.
Objective:
The present study was devoted to the development of two methods with high throughputs
for determination of LFB. These methods are 96-microwell plate assay with microplate fluorescence
reader (MWP-FR) and high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection
(HPLC-FD).
Methods:
The MWP-FR assay was carried out in white opaque 96-well assay plates and the native
fluorescence signals of LFB were measured at 360 nm for excitation and 500 nm for emission. In
the HPLC-FD, the chromatographic separation of LFB and quinine sulphate (QS) as internal standard
(IS) was performed on µ-Bondapack CN HPLC column using a mobile phase consisting of
acetonitrile:water (60:40, v/v) pumped at a flow rate of 1 ml/min in an isocratic mode. The fluorescence
detector was set at 350 nm for excitation and 454 nm for emission.
Results:
The linear ranges of the MWP-FR and HPLC-FD were 1-12 µg/well and 10-500 ng/ml, respectively.
The limits of detection were 0.85 µg/well and 8.24 ng/ml for MWP-FR and HPLC-FD,
respectively. Both MWP-FR and HPLC-FL methods were successfully applied for the determination
of LFB in both bulk and tablets.
Conclusion:
Both methods have high analytical throughputs, they are suitable for use in QC laboratories
for analysis of large numbers of LFB samples, and are environmentally friendly as they consume
low volumes of chemicals and solvents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasr Y. Khalil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim A. Darwish
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mamdouh Alanazi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed A. Hamidaddin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh11451, Saudi Arabia
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Kim NY, Yang IJ, Kim S, Lee C. Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) seedpod extract inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in non-small cell lung cancer cells via downregulation of Axl. J Food Biochem 2020; 45:e13601. [PMID: 33381866 DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.13601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most frequent cause of cancer-related death. In this study, we found the anticancer activity of lotus seedpod extract (LSPE) in NSCLC cells, since LSPE treatment inhibited cell proliferation of A549 and H460 cells in a dose-dependent manner and the clonogenic activities of LSPE-treated cells were also reduced. In LSPE-treated cells, the cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and phosphorylation of H2X, were also observed, indicating the pro-apoptotic effect of LSPE. Next, we found that LPSE treatment diminished the levels of protein and mRNA of Axl, a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) that transduces critical signals for cell proliferation and inhibition of apoptosis. The promoter activity of Axl was found to be dose-dependently decreased in response to LSPE treatment, implying that LSPE inhibited Axl gene expression at transcriptional level. In addition, Axl overexpression was found to decrease the effects of LSPE on inhibition of cell proliferation and colony formation as well as induction of PARP cleavage and phosphorylation of H2AX, while the same activities of LPSE were increased by knockdown of Axl gene expression, indicating that the antiproliferative and pro-apoptotic effect of LSPE is inversely proportional to the protein level of Axl. Taken together, we found that the LSPE suppressed cell proliferation and induced apoptosis of NSCLC cells, which is attenuated or augmented by overexpression or RNA interference of Axl expression, respectively. Our data suggest that Axl is a novel therapeutic target of LSPE to inhibit cell proliferation and promote apoptosis in NSCLC cells. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: In this study, lotus seedpod extract (LSPE) was found to have the cytotoxic and apoptosis-inducing potentials in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. LSPE downregulated the Axl expression at transcriptional level and the effects of LSPE on cell proliferation as well as apoptosis were affected by Axl protein level. Therefore, the inference of Axl-mediated intracellular signals by LSPE must be a novel approach to control NSCLC. Since our data imply that LSPE contains bioactive compounds targeting Axl, further studies to elucidate these compounds might discover a potent therapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nam-Yi Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Dongguk University, Gyeongju, South Korea
| | - In-Jun Yang
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, Gyeongju, South Korea
| | - Soyoung Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Dongguk University, Gyeongju, South Korea
| | - ChuHee Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Daegu, South Korea
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Wang KH, Ding DC. Dual targeting of TAM receptors Tyro3, Axl, and MerTK: Role in tumors and the tumor immune microenvironment. Tzu Chi Med J 2020; 33:250-256. [PMID: 34386362 PMCID: PMC8323642 DOI: 10.4103/tcmj.tcmj_129_20] [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: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In both normal and tumor tissues, receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) may be pleiotropically expressed. The RTKs not only regulate ordinary cellular processes, including proliferation, survival, adhesion, and migration, but also have a critical role in the development of many types of cancer. The Tyro3, Axl, and MerTK (TAM) family of RTKs (Tyro3, Axl, and MerTK) plays a pleiotropic role in phagocytosis, inflammation, and normal cellular processes. In this article, we highlight the cellular activities of TAM receptors and discuss their roles in cancer and immune cells. We also discuss cancer therapies that target TAM receptors. Further research is needed to elucidate the function of TAM receptors in immune cells toward the development of new targeted immunotherapies for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Hung Wang
- Department of Medical Research, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Dah-Ching Ding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation and Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
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Ottley EC, Pell R, Brazier B, Hollidge J, Kartsonaki C, Browning L, O'Neill E, Kiltie AE. Greater utility of molecular subtype rather than epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers for prognosis in high-risk non-muscle-invasive (HGT1) bladder cancer. J Pathol Clin Res 2020; 6:238-251. [PMID: 32374509 PMCID: PMC7578305 DOI: 10.1002/cjp2.167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 75% of bladder cancers are non-muscle invasive (NMIBC). Of these, up to 53% of cases progress to life-threatening muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Patients with high-grade stage T1 (HGT1) NMIBC frequently undergo radical cystectomy (RC), although this represents overtreatment for many. Identification of progressors versus non-progressors could spare unnecessary treatment. Recent studies have confirmed that urothelial carcinoma is composed of two main molecular subtypes, basal and luminal, with 12% of basal tumours exhibiting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Levels of immune cell infiltration have been shown to be subtype-specific. Here, we performed immunohistochemistry (IHC) for 11 antibodies relating to molecular subtypes or EMT in 26 cases of HGT1 urothelial carcinoma cases with 6 matched samples subsequently obtained at cystectomy (n = 6; 1 muscle-invasive, 5 non-muscle-invasive; 3 = pTis, 1 = pT1, 1 = pTa) and at recurrence (n = 2, pT2). RNAScope was also conducted in a subset. Expression patterns in HGT1 specimens versus MIBC (pT2+) were examined, and correlated with disease-specific survival (DSS). Levels of stromal tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (sTILs) were assessed manually to determine whether lymphocyte infiltration was associated with DSS and whether differences existed between HGT1 and MIBC. Molecular subtype markers demonstrated increased prognostic potential compared to the EMT markers assessed. Increased expression of the luminal markers FOXA1 and SCUBE2, were found to be significantly associated with better DFS. No EMT markers were significantly associated with DFS. In areas of non-invasive papillary urothelial carcinoma, but not invasive carcinoma, sTIL levels were found to be significantly associated with DFS. While differences were observed between HGT1 cases that progressed versus those that did not, a larger cohort study is required for validation of these findings. Taken together, an emphasis on molecular subtype markers, rather than EMT markers, may be preferable when studying biomarkers of HGT1 urothelial carcinoma in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward C Ottley
- CRUK/MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation OncologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Robert Pell
- CRUK/MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation OncologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Benedict Brazier
- CRUK/MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation OncologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Julianne Hollidge
- Nuffield Department of Surgical SciencesUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | | | - Lisa Browning
- Department of Cellular Pathology, and the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research CentreJohn Radcliffe HospitalOxfordUK
| | - Eric O'Neill
- CRUK/MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation OncologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Anne E Kiltie
- CRUK/MRC Oxford Institute for Radiation OncologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
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Liu YM, Wu TH, Chiu YH, Wang H, Li TL, Hsia S, Chan YL, Wu CJ. Positive Effects of Preventive Nutrition Supplement on Anticancer Radiotherapy in Lung Cancer Bearing Mice. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2445. [PMID: 32872195 PMCID: PMC7565278 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Radiotherapy (RT) is one of the major treatments for non-small cell lung cancer, but RT-associated toxicities usually impede its anticancer effect. Nutrient supplementation has been applied for cancer prevention or a complementary measure to anticancer therapy. Here, we explored the influence of total nutrition supplementation before and after cancer occurrence on the anticancer benefit and side effects of RT. (2) Methods: C57BL/6JNarl mice were inoculated with Lewis lung carcinoma cells and then treated with radiotherapy. TNuF, a total nutrition formula, was prescribed by oral gavage. In the preventive groups, TNuF supplementation started from seven days before tumor inoculation. In the complementary groups, TNuF supplementation began after tumor inoculation. (3) Results: TNuF successfully enhanced the anticancer effect of RT against primary tumor and lung metastasis. Additionally, the complementary supplement improved the high serum TNF-α level and the wasting of sartorius muscle in mice receiving RT. In histologic and molecular analysis, TNuF was observed to modulate EGFR, apoptosis, and VEGF and PD-1/PD-L1 pathways. Furthermore, the anticancer benefit of the preventive supplement was comparable to that of the complementary administration. (4) Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that the prescription of the TNuF total nutrition formula before and after cancer diagnosis attains similar benefits in testing subjects with typical anticancer RT. TNuF is also a potential sensitizer to anti-PD-1 immune therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ming Liu
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Oncology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan;
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Han Wu
- Department of Food Science and Center of Excellence for the Oceans, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 20224, Taiwan;
- Division of Hemato-oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung 20401, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33320, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Han Chiu
- Department of Nursing, St. Mary’s Junior College, Yilan 26647, Taiwan;
- Institute of Long-term Care, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City 25245, Taiwan
| | - Hang Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Nutrition, Hung-Kuang University, Taichung 43302, Taiwan;
| | - Tsung-Lin Li
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan;
| | - Simon Hsia
- Taiwan Nutraceutical Association, Taipei 104, Taiwan;
| | - Yi-Lin Chan
- Department of Life Science, Chinese Culture University, Taipei 11114, Taiwan
| | - Chang-Jer Wu
- Department of Food Science and Center of Excellence for the Oceans, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 20224, Taiwan;
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- Department of Health and Nutrition Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
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Gas6/Axl Signaling Pathway in the Tumor Immune Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12071850. [PMID: 32660000 PMCID: PMC7408754 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12071850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Receptor tyrosine kinases have been shown to dysregulate a number of pathways associated with tumor development, progression, and metastasis. Axl is a receptor tyrosine kinase expressed in many cancer types and has been associated with therapy resistance and poor clinical prognosis and outcomes. In addition, Axl and its ligand growth arrest specific 6 (Gas6) protein are expressed by a number of host cells. The Gas6/Axl signaling pathway has been implicated in the promotion of tumor cell proliferation, survival, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, and immune evasion. As a result, Axl is an attractive, novel therapeutic target to impair multiple stages of tumor progression from both neoplastic and host cell axes. This review focuses on the role of the Gas6/Axl signaling pathway in promoting the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, as immune evasion is considered one of the hallmarks of cancer. The review discusses the structure and activation of the Gas6/Axl signaling pathway, GAS6 and AXL expression patterns in the tumor microenvironment, mechanisms of Axl-mediated tumor immune response, and the role of Gas6/Axl signaling in immune cell recruitment.
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Shaurova T, Zhang L, Goodrich DW, Hershberger PA. Understanding Lineage Plasticity as a Path to Targeted Therapy Failure in EGFR-Mutant Non-small Cell Lung Cancer. Front Genet 2020; 11:281. [PMID: 32292420 PMCID: PMC7121227 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Somatic alterations in the epidermal growth factor receptor gene (EGFR) result in aberrant activation of kinase signaling and occur in ∼15% of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). Patients diagnosed with EGFR-mutant NSCLC have good initial clinical response to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR TKIs), yet tumor recurrence is common and quick to develop. Mechanisms of acquired resistance to EGFR TKIs have been studied extensively over the past decade. Great progress has been made in understanding two major routes of therapeutic failure: additional genomic alterations in the EGFR gene and activation of alternative kinase signaling (so-called “bypass activation”). Several pharmacological agents aimed at overcoming these modes of EGFR TKI resistance are FDA-approved or under clinical development. Phenotypic transformation, a less common and less well understood mechanism of EGFR TKI resistance is yet to be addressed in the clinic. In the context of acquired EGFR TKI resistance, phenotypic transformation encompasses epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), transformation of adenocarcinoma of the lung (LUAD) to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) or small cell lung cancer (SCLC). SCLC transformation, or neuroendocrine differentiation, has been linked to inactivation of TP53 and RB1 signaling. However, the exact mechanism that permits lineage switching needs further investigation. Recent reports indicate that LUAD and SCLC have a common cell of origin, and that trans-differentiation occurs under the right conditions. Options for therapeutic targeting of EGFR-mutant SCLC are limited currently to conventional genotoxic chemotherapy. Similarly, the basis of EMT-associated resistance is not clear. EMT is a complex process that can be characterized by a spectrum of intermediate states with diverse expression of epithelial and mesenchymal factors. In the context of acquired resistance to EGFR TKIs, EMT frequently co-occurs with bypass activation, making it challenging to determine the exact contribution of EMT to therapeutic failure. Reversibility of EMT-associated resistance points toward its epigenetic origin, with additional adjustments, such as genetic alterations and bypass activation, occurring later during disease progression. This review will discuss the mechanistic basis for EGFR TKI resistance linked to phenotypic transformation, as well as challenges and opportunities in addressing this type of targeted therapy resistance in EGFR-mutant NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Shaurova
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Letian Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - David W Goodrich
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Pamela A Hershberger
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, United States
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Nagamalla L, Kumar JVS. In silico screening of FDA approved drugs on AXL kinase and validation for breast cancer cell line. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2020; 39:2056-2070. [PMID: 32178589 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2020.1742791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
AXL kinase has been over expressed in many tumors and its involvement in cell proliferation, migration, survival, and resistance makes the kinase as attractive therapeutic target for many cancers. In this study, we performed a virtual screening of the food and drug administration (FDA) approved drug molecule database against AXL kinase for repurposing studies of breast cancer. We have identified three non-cancer drugs with good binding energies were subjected to in vitro breast cancer MCF-7 cell lines. Three drug molecules showing the activity with good IC50 values toward the cancer cell line. We also carried out a 2 dimensional (2 D) quantitative structure activity relation (QSAR) studies on N-[4-(Quinolin-4-yloxy)phenyl]benzenesulfonamides derivatives to design potent inhibitors for AXL kinase. The final QSAR equation was robust with good predictivity and the statistical validation having R2 and Q2 values are 0.91 and 0.86, respectively. QSAR equation descriptors informs about the chemical properties of AXL inhibitors and helpful for designing novel inhibitors. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavanya Nagamalla
- Department of Chemistry, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation, Vaddeswaram, India
| | - J V Shanmukha Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation, Vaddeswaram, India
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50
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Song X, Akasaka H, Wang H, Abbasgholizadeh R, Shin JH, Zang F, Chen J, Logsdon CD, Maitra A, Bean AJ, Wang H. Hematopoietic progenitor kinase 1 down-regulates the oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinase AXL in pancreatic cancer. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:2348-2358. [PMID: 31959629 PMCID: PMC7039544 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.012186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinase AXL is overexpressed in cancer and plays an important role in carcinomas of multiple organs. However, the mechanisms of AXL overexpression in cancer remain unclear. In this study, using HEK293T, Panc-1, and Panc-28 cells and samples of human pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN), along with several biochemical approaches and immunofluorescence microscopy analyses, we sought to investigate the mechanisms that regulate AXL over-expression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We found that AXL interacts with hematopoietic progenitor kinase 1 (HPK1) and demonstrate that HPK1 down-regulates AXL and decreases its half-life. The HPK1-mediated AXL degradation was inhibited by the endocytic pathway inhibitors leupeptin, bafilomycin A1, and monensin. HPK1 accelerated the movement of AXL from the plasma membrane to endosomes in pancreatic cancer cells treated with the AXL ligand growth arrest-specific 6 (GAS6). Moreover, HPK1 increased the binding of AXL to the Cbl proto-oncogene (c-Cbl); promoted AXL ubiquitination; decreased AXL-mediated signaling, including phospho-AKT and phospho-ERK signaling; and decreased the invasion capability of PDAC cells. Importantly, we show that AXL expression inversely correlates with HPK1 expression in human PanINs and that patients whose tumors have low HPK1 and high AXL expression levels have shorter survival than those with low AXL or high HPK1 expression (p < 0.001). Our results suggest that HPK1 is a tumor suppressor that targets AXL for degradation via the endocytic pathway. HPK1 loss of function may contribute to AXL overexpression and thereby enhance AXL-dependent downstream signaling and tumor invasion in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianzhou Song
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Hironari Akasaka
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Reza Abbasgholizadeh
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Ji-Hyun Shin
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Fenglin Zang
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Jiayi Chen
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Craig D Logsdon
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Anirban Maitra
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030; Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Andrew J Bean
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Huamin Wang
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030; Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030.
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