1
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Weathers SP, Rood-Breithaupt J, de Groot J, Thomas G, Manfrini M, Penas-Prado M, Puduvalli VK, Zwingelstein C, Yung WKA. Results of a phase I trial to assess the safety of macitentan in combination with temozolomide for the treatment of recurrent glioblastoma. Neurooncol Adv 2021; 3:vdab141. [PMID: 34693288 PMCID: PMC8528265 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdab141] [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] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is an urgent need for additional therapies to treat recurrent glioblastoma (GBM). Preclinical studies suggest that high dose macitentan, an oral dual endothelin receptor antagonist, enhances the cytotoxic effects of temozolomide (TMZ) in GBM, improving survival. This phase I trial investigated the maximum tolerated dose of macitentan combined with TMZ in patients with recurrent GBM and assessed the safety and tolerability of high dose macitentan in these patients (NCT01499251). Methods Adults with recurrent GBM received ascending doses of macitentan from 30 mg once daily concomitantly with TMZ. Safety and tolerability were assessed in addition to exploratory efficacy and pharmacokinetic endpoints. An ancillary study examined biomarker expression following macitentan treatment prior to surgical resection of recurrent GBM. Results Thirty-eight patients with recurrent GBM were administered macitentan doses up to 300 mg once daily; no dose-limiting toxicities were observed, and a maximum tolerated dose was not determined. All patients experienced at least one treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE), the majority associated with GBM or TMZ treatment. TEAEs related to macitentan and TMZ were reported for 16 (42.1%) and 26 (68.4%) patients, respectively, with no serious macitentan-related TEAEs. Macitentan concentrations increased with dose, with no plateau in exposure. Substantial heterogeneity was observed in the expression of efficacy biomarkers within tumors. The Kaplan-Meier estimate of median overall survival across all dose groups was 9.4 (95% CI 8.5, 13.4) months. Conclusion High-dose macitentan was well tolerated in recurrent GBM patients concomitantly receiving TMZ. TEAEs were consistent with those seen in patients receiving either drug individually.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - John de Groot
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Gail Thomas
- Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Allschwil, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Vinay K Puduvalli
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | | | - W K Alfred Yung
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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2
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YAP and endothelin-1 signaling: an emerging alliance in cancer. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:27. [PMID: 33422090 PMCID: PMC7797087 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-01827-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The rational making the G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) the centerpiece of targeted therapies is fueled by the awareness that GPCR-initiated signaling acts as pivotal driver of the early stages of progression in a broad landscape of human malignancies. The endothelin-1 (ET-1) receptors (ET-1R), known as ETA receptor (ETAR) and ETB receptor (ETBR) that belong to the GPCR superfamily, affect both cancer initiation and progression in a variety of cancer types. By the cross-talking with multiple signaling pathways mainly through the scaffold protein β-arrestin1 (β-arr1), ET-1R axis cooperates with an array of molecular determinants, including transcription factors and co-factors, strongly affecting tumor cell fate and behavior. In this scenario, recent findings shed light on the interplay between ET-1 and the Hippo pathway. In ETAR highly expressing tumors ET-1 axis induces the de-phosphorylation and nuclear accumulation of the Hippo pathway downstream effectors, the paralogous transcriptional cofactors Yes-associated protein (YAP) and Transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ). Recent evidence have discovered that ET-1R/β-arr1 axis instigates a transcriptional interplay involving YAP and mutant p53 proteins, which share a common gene signature and cooperate in a oncogenic signaling network. Mechanistically, YAP and mutp53 are enrolled in nuclear complexes that turn on a highly selective YAP/mutp53-dependent transcriptional response. Notably, ET-1R blockade by the FDA approved dual ET-1 receptor antagonist macitentan interferes with ET-1R/YAP/mutp53 signaling interplay, through the simultaneous suppression of YAP and mutp53 functions, hampering metastasis and therapy resistance. Based on these evidences, we aim to review the recent findings linking the GPCR signaling, as for ET-1R, to YAP/TAZ signaling, underlining the clinical relevance of the blockade of such signaling network in the tumor and microenvironmental contexts. In particular, we debate the clinical implications regarding the use of dual ET-1R antagonists to blunt gain of function activity of mutant p53 proteins and thereby considering them as a potential therapeutic option for mutant p53 cancers. The identification of ET-1R/β-arr1-intertwined and bi-directional signaling pathways as targetable vulnerabilities, may open new therapeutic approaches able to disable the ET-1R-orchestrated YAP/mutp53 signaling network in both tumor and stromal cells and concurrently sensitizes to high-efficacy combined therapeutics.
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3
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Dang D, Ye Y, Aouizerat BE, Patel YK, Viet DT, Chan KC, Ono K, Doan C, Figueroa JD, Yu G, Viet CT. Targeting the endothelin axis as a therapeutic strategy for oral cancer metastasis and pain. Sci Rep 2020; 10:20832. [PMID: 33257729 PMCID: PMC7704690 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-77642-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis reduces survival in oral cancer patients and pain is their greatest complaint. We have shown previously that oral cancer metastasis and pain are controlled by the endothelin axis, which is a pathway comprised of the endothelin A and B receptors (ETAR and ETBR). In this study we focus on individual genes of the pathway, demonstrating that the endothelin axis genes are methylated and dysregulated in cancer tissue. Based on these findings in patients, we hypothesize that ETAR and ETBR play dichotomous roles in oral carcinogenesis and pain, such that ETAR activation and silenced ETBR expression result in increased carcinogenesis and pain. We test a treatment strategy that targets the dichotomous functions of the two receptors by inhibiting ETAR with macitentan, an ETAR antagonist approved for treatment of pulmonary hypertension, and re-expressing the ETBR gene with adenovirus transduction, and determine the treatment effect on cancer invasion (i.e., metastasis), proliferation and pain in vitro and in vivo. We demonstrate that combination treatment of macitentan and ETBR gene therapy inhibits invasion, but not proliferation, in cell culture and in a mouse model of tongue cancer. Furthermore, the treatment combination produces an antinociceptive effect through inhibition of endothelin-1 mediated neuronal activation, revealing the analgesic potential of macitentan. Our treatment approach targets a pathway shown to be dysregulated in oral cancer patients, using gene therapy and repurposing an available drug to effectively treat both oral cancer metastasis and pain in a preclinical model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongmin Dang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, New York University, New York, NY, USA.,Bluestone Center for Clinical Research, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yi Ye
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, New York University, New York, NY, USA.,Bluestone Center for Clinical Research, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bradley E Aouizerat
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, New York University, New York, NY, USA.,Bluestone Center for Clinical Research, New York University, New York, NY, USA.,Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yogin K Patel
- Bluestone Center for Clinical Research, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dan T Viet
- Bluestone Center for Clinical Research, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - King Chong Chan
- Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Section of Hospital Dentistry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kentaro Ono
- Department of Physiology, Kyushu Dental University, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Coleen Doan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Johnny D Figueroa
- Department of Basic Sciences, Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Gary Yu
- Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chi T Viet
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, Loma Linda, CA, USA.
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4
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Targeting endothelin 1 receptor-miR-200b/c-ZEB1 circuitry blunts metastatic progression in ovarian cancer. Commun Biol 2020; 3:677. [PMID: 33188287 PMCID: PMC7666224 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-01404-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Identification of regulatory mechanisms underlying the poor prognosis of ovarian cancer is necessary for diagnostic and therapeutic implications. Here we show that endothelin A receptor (ETAR) and ZEB1 expression is upregulated in mesenchymal ovarian cancer and correlates with poor prognosis. Notably, the expression of ETAR and ZEB1 negatively correlates with miR-200b/c. These miRNAs, besides targeting ZEB1, impair ETAR expression through the 3’UTR binding. ZEB1, in turn, restores ETAR levels by transcriptionally repressing miR-200b/c. Activation of ETAR drives the expression of ZEB1 integrating the miR-200/ZEB1 double negative feedback loop. The ETAR-miR-200b/c-ZEB1 circuit promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cell plasticity, invasiveness and metastasis. Of therapeutic interest, ETAR blockade with macitentan, a dual ETAR and ETBR antagonist, increases miR-200b/c and reduces ZEB1 expression with the concomitant inhibition of metastatic dissemination. Collectively, these findings highlight the reciprocal network that integrates ETAR and ZEB1 axes with the miR-200b/c regulatory circuit to favour metastatic progression in ovarian cancer. Rosanna Sestito et al. report a miR-200b/c-mediated regulatory circuit that drives ovarian cancer metastasis via the endothelin A receptor (ETAR). They show that blockade of ETAR increases miR-200b/c expression and subsequently reduces ZEB1 expression, thereby inhibiting further metastatic progression.
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5
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Endothelin-1 axis fosters YAP-induced chemotherapy escape in ovarian cancer. Cancer Lett 2020; 492:84-95. [PMID: 32860850 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The majority of ovarian cancer (OC) patients recur with a platinum-resistant disease. OC cells activate adaptive resistance mechanisms that are only partially described. Here we show that OC cells can adapt to chemotherapy through a positive-feedback loop that favors chemoresistance. In platinum-resistant OC cells we document that the endothelin-1 (ET-1)/endothelin A receptor axis intercepts the YAP pathway. This cross-talk occurs through the LATS/RhoA/actin-dependent pathway and contributes to prevent the chemotherapy-induced apoptosis. Mechanistically, β-arrestin1 (β-arr1) and YAP form a complex shaping TEAD-dependent transcriptional activity on the promoters of YAP target genes, including EDN1, which fuels a feed-forward signaling circuit that sustains a platinum-tolerant state. The FDA approved dual ET-1 receptor antagonist macitentan in co-therapy with cisplatin sensitizes resistant cells to the platinum-based therapy, reducing their metastatic potential. Furthermore, high ETAR/YAP gene expression signature is associated with a poor platinum-response in OC patients. Collectively, our findings identify in the networking between ET-1 and YAP pathways an escape strategy from chemotherapy. ET-1 receptor blockade interferes with such adaptive network and enhances platinum-induced apoptosis, representing a promising therapeutic opportunity to restore drug sensitivity in OC patients.
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6
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Zebadúa R, Hernández-Pérez AP, García A, Zayas N, Sandoval J, López J, Pulido T. Macitentan in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Future Cardiol 2020; 17:49-58. [PMID: 32677463 DOI: 10.2217/fca-2020-0012] [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: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is an uncommon but lethal and progressive disease in which prostacyclin, nitric oxide and endothelin-1 pathways are disturbed and contribute to the pathophysiology of this disease. Endothelin receptor antagonists are a class of drugs that have been approved as PAH therapy. Macitentan is a lipophilic, tissue specific, dual receptor antagonist with a higher potency than bosentan and a reduced risk of hepatic injury. Macitentan has shown a reduction in morbidity and mortality due to PAH at long-term follow-up and improvements in hemodynamics, exercise capacity and functional class at the short term. Its main adverse events are nasopharyngitis, bronchitis and an increased risk of anemia. We review the clinical data of macitentan and its use in PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Zebadúa
- Cardiopulmonary Department, National Heart Institute, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Antonio García
- Cardiopulmonary Department, National Heart Institute, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Nayeli Zayas
- Cardiopulmonary Department, National Heart Institute, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Julio Sandoval
- Cardiopulmonary Department, National Heart Institute, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Julio López
- Cardiopulmonary Department, National Heart Institute, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Tomás Pulido
- Cardiopulmonary Department, National Heart Institute, Mexico City, Mexico
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7
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Enevoldsen FC, Sahana J, Wehland M, Grimm D, Infanger M, Krüger M. Endothelin Receptor Antagonists: Status Quo and Future Perspectives for Targeted Therapy. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9030824. [PMID: 32197449 PMCID: PMC7141375 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9030824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The endothelin axis, recognized for its vasoconstrictive action, plays a central role in the pathology of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Treatment with approved endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs), such as bosentan, ambrisentan, or macitentan, slow down PAH progression and relieves symptoms. Several findings have indicated that endothelin is further involved in the pathogenesis of certain other diseases, making ERAs potentially beneficial in the treatment of various conditions. In addition to PAH, this review summarizes the use and perspectives of ERAs in cancer, renal disease, fibrotic disorders, systemic scleroderma, vasospasm, and pain management. Bosentan has proven to be effective in systemic sclerosis PAH and in decreasing the development of vasospasm-related digital ulcers. The selective ERA clazosentan has been shown to be effective in preventing cerebral vasospasm and delaying ischemic neurological deficits and new infarcts. Furthermore, in the SONAR (Study Of Diabetic Nephropathy With Atrasentan) trial, the selective ERA atrasentan reduced the risk of renal events in patients with diabetes and chronic kidney disease. These data suggest atrasentan as a new therapy in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy and possibly other renal diseases. Preclinical studies regarding heart failure, cancer, and fibrotic diseases have demonstrated promising effects, but clinical trials have not yet produced measurable results. Nevertheless, the potential benefits of ERAs may not be fully realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederik C. Enevoldsen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Høegh-Guldbergsgade 10, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; (F.C.E.); (J.S.); (D.G.)
| | - Jayashree Sahana
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Høegh-Guldbergsgade 10, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; (F.C.E.); (J.S.); (D.G.)
| | - Markus Wehland
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; (M.W.); (M.I.)
| | - Daniela Grimm
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Høegh-Guldbergsgade 10, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; (F.C.E.); (J.S.); (D.G.)
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; (M.W.); (M.I.)
| | - Manfred Infanger
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; (M.W.); (M.I.)
| | - Marcus Krüger
- Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; (M.W.); (M.I.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-391-6721267
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8
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Abstract
Discovered in 1987 as a potent endothelial cell-derived vasoconstrictor peptide, endothelin-1 (ET-1), the predominant member of the endothelin peptide family, is now recognized as a multifunctional peptide with cytokine-like activity contributing to almost all aspects of physiology and cell function. More than 30 000 scientific articles on endothelin were published over the past 3 decades, leading to the development and subsequent regulatory approval of a new class of therapeutics-the endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs). This article reviews the history of the discovery of endothelin and its role in genetics, physiology, and disease. Here, we summarize the main clinical trials using ERAs and discuss the role of endothelin in cardiovascular diseases such as arterial hypertension, preecclampsia, coronary atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction in the absence of obstructive coronary artery disease (MINOCA) caused by spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), Takotsubo syndrome, and heart failure. We also discuss how endothelins contributes to diabetic kidney disease and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension, as well as cancer, immune disorders, and allograft rejection (which all involve ETA autoantibodies), and neurological diseases. The application of ERAs, dual endothelin receptor/angiotensin receptor antagonists (DARAs), selective ETB agonists, novel biologics such as receptor-targeting antibodies, or immunization against ETA receptors holds the potential to slow the progression or even reverse chronic noncommunicable diseases. Future clinical studies will show whether targeting endothelin receptors can prevent or reduce disability from disease and improve clinical outcome, quality of life, and survival in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Barton
- From Molecular Internal Medicine, University of Zürich, Switzerland (M.B.)
- Andreas Grüntzig Foundation, Zürich, Switzerland (M.B.)
| | - Masashi Yanagisawa
- International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS) and Life Science Center, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance, University of Tsukuba, Japan (M.Y.)
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX (M.Y.)
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9
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Tocci P, Cianfrocca R, Di Castro V, Rosanò L, Sacconi A, Donzelli S, Bonfiglio S, Bucci G, Vizza E, Ferrandina G, Scambia G, Tonon G, Blandino G, Bagnato A. β-arrestin1/YAP/mutant p53 complexes orchestrate the endothelin A receptor signaling in high-grade serous ovarian cancer. Nat Commun 2019; 10:3196. [PMID: 31324767 PMCID: PMC6642155 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-11045-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The limited clinical response observed in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HG-SOC) with high frequency of TP53 mutations (mutp53) might be related to mutp53-driven oncogenic pathway network. Here we show that β-arrestin1 (β-arr1), interacts with YAP, triggering its cytoplasmic-nuclear shuttling. This interaction allows β-arr1 to recruit mutp53 to the YAP-TEAD transcriptional complex upon activation of endothelin-1 receptors (ET-1R) in patient-derived HG-SOC cells and in cell lines bearing mutp53. In parallel, β-arr1 mediates the ET-1R-induced Trio/RhoA-dependent YAP nuclear accumulation. In the nucleus, ET-1 through β-arr1 orchestrates the tethering of YAP and mutp53 to YAP/mutp53 target gene promoters, including EDN1 that ensures persistent signals. Treatment of patient-derived xenografts reveals synergistic antitumoral and antimetastatic effects of the dual ET-1R antagonist macitentan in combination with cisplatinum, shutting-down the β-arr1-mediated YAP/mutp53 transcriptional programme. Furthermore, ETAR/β-arr1/YAP gene signature correlates with a worst prognosis in HG-SOC. These findings support effective combinatorial treatment for repurposing the ET-1R antagonists in HG-SOC.
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MESH Headings
- Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/metabolism
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Survival/drug effects
- Cystadenocarcinoma, Serous/drug therapy
- Cystadenocarcinoma, Serous/genetics
- Cystadenocarcinoma, Serous/metabolism
- Disease Models, Animal
- Endothelin-1/metabolism
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors/metabolism
- Humans
- Mice, Nude
- Mutation
- Ovarian Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Ovarian Neoplasms/genetics
- Ovarian Neoplasms/metabolism
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism
- Pyrimidines/pharmacology
- Receptor, Endothelin A/drug effects
- Receptor, Endothelin A/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Sulfonamides/pharmacology
- Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/genetics
- Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/metabolism
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
- YAP-Signaling Proteins
- beta-Arrestin 1/drug effects
- beta-Arrestin 1/metabolism
- rho GTP-Binding Proteins/metabolism
- rhoA GTP-Binding Protein/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Piera Tocci
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Cianfrocca
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeriana Di Castro
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Rosanò
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Sacconi
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Donzelli
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Bonfiglio
- Center for Translational Genomics and Bioinformatics, IRCCS, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriele Bucci
- Center for Translational Genomics and Bioinformatics, IRCCS, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Enrico Vizza
- Gynecologic Oncology, IRCCS, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella Ferrandina
- Gynecologic Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Scambia
- Gynecologic Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Catholic University of Rome, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Tonon
- Center for Translational Genomics and Bioinformatics, IRCCS, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
- Functional Genomics of Cancer Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Blandino
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, IRCCS, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy.
| | - Anna Bagnato
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144, Rome, Italy.
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10
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Tocci P, Rosanò L, Bagnato A. Targeting Endothelin-1 Receptor/β-Arrestin-1 Axis in Ovarian Cancer: From Basic Research to a Therapeutic Approach. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:609. [PMID: 31551935 PMCID: PMC6737583 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies imply a key role of endothelin-1 receptor (ET-1R), belonging to the largest family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR), in the regulation of a plethora of processes involved in tumorigenesis and metastatic progression. β-arrestin-1 (β-arr1) system has been recognized as a critical hub controlling GPCR signaling network, directing the GPCR's biological outcomes. In ovarian cancer, ET-1R/β-arr1 axis enables cancer cells to engage several integrated signaling, and represents an actionable target for developing novel therapeutic approaches. Preclinical research studies demonstrate that ET-1R blockade by the approved dual ETAR/ETBR antagonist macitentan counteracts β-arr1-mediated signaling network, and hampers the dialogue among cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment, interfering with metastatic progression and drug response. In light of major developments in the ET-1R signaling paradigm, this review article discusses the emerging evidence of the dual ET-1R antagonist treatment in cancer, and outlines our challenge in preclinical studies warranting the repurposing of ET-1R antagonists for the design of more effective clinical trials based on combinatorial therapies to overcome, or prevent, the onset of drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piera Tocci
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Rosanò
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Bagnato
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Anna Bagnato
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11
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Anggorowati N, Ghozali A, Widodo I, Sari DCR, Mansyur Romi M, Arfian N. Upregulation of Endothelin-1/Endothelin A Receptor Expression Correlates with Heparanase Expression in Ovarian Carcinoma. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 2018; 43:286-295. [PMID: 29892146 PMCID: PMC5993895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heparanase and endothelin-1/endothelin A receptor (ET-1/ETAR) expressions increase in cancer. This condition enhances tumor progression and correlates with poor survival. Limited data are documented regarding the role of heparanase and ET-1/ETAR in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). We sought to characterize the correlation between heparanase and ET-1/ETAR in EOC. METHODS Thirty patients with benign and malignant ovarian neoplasms were recruited in this study. Neoplasm subtypes were diagnosed by pathologists. RNA extraction was done in fresh frozen neoplasms while immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was done on ETAR, heparanase, and proliferation (Ki-67 antigen) in paraffin sections. Reverse transcriptase PCR was done to quantify the expression of preproET-1 (ppET-1), ETAR, and heparanase. ETAR and heparanase histoscores were done based on IHC staining. The Independent Samples t Test, ANOVA, and correlations were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS Heparanase and ETAR histoscores, ppET-1 and ETAR mRNA levels, and Ki-67 were significantly higher in the group with EOC than in the benign or borderline group, regardless of the histopathological types. The heparanase histoscore correlated with the ETAR histoscore (r=0.484, P=0.007) and the ETAR mRNA level (r=0.551, P=0.003). The level of ppET-1 mRNA correlated with both ETAR mRNA level and ETAR histoscore (r=0.603, P=0.001 and r=0.455, P=028, respectively). The ovarian neoplasms with high ppET-1 mRNA levels also tended to have high heparanase mRNA levels; however, the correlation was weak (r=0.354, P=0.07). Ki-67 correlated with the heparanase and ETAR histoscores (r=0.381, P=0.038 and r=0.477, P=0.008, respectively). CONCLUSION Heparanase and ETAR were upregulated in EOC, and the correlation between heparanase and ETAR expressions was also elucidated in the current study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nungki Anggorowati
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Universitas Gadjah Mada/Sardjito Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Ahmad Ghozali
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Universitas Gadjah Mada/Sardjito Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Irianiwati Widodo
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Universitas Gadjah Mada/Sardjito Hospital, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | | | - Muhammad Mansyur Romi
- Department of Anatomy, Universitas Gadjah Mada/Sardjito Hospital, Yoyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Nur Arfian
- Department of Anatomy, Universitas Gadjah Mada/Sardjito Hospital, Yoyakarta, Indonesia
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12
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Maffei R, Fiorcari S, Vaisitti T, Martinelli S, Benatti S, Debbia G, Rossi D, Zucchini P, Potenza L, Luppi M, Gaidano G, Deaglio S, Marasca R. Macitentan, a double antagonist of endothelin receptors, efficiently impairs migration and microenvironmental survival signals in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Oncotarget 2017; 8:90013-90027. [PMID: 29163807 PMCID: PMC5685728 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.21341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The crosstalk between chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells and tumor microenvironment is essential for leukemic clone maintenance, supporting CLL cells survival, proliferation and protection from drug-induced apoptosis. Over the past years, the role of several soluble factors involved in these processes has been studied. CLL cells express higher levels of endothelin 1 (ET-1) and ETA receptor as compared to normal B cells. Upon ET-1 stimulation, CLL cells improve their survival and proliferation and reduce their sensitivity to the phosphoinositide-3-kinase δ inhibitor idelalisib and to fludarabine. Here, we demonstrate that CLL cells express not only ETA receptor but also ETB receptor. ET-1 acts as a homing factor supporting CLL cells migration and adhesion to microenvironmental cells. In addition, ET-1 stimulates a pro-angiogenic profile of CLL cells increasing VEGF expression through hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1α) accumulation in CLL cells. Macitentan, a specific dual inhibitor of ETA and ETB receptors, targets CLL cells affecting leukemic cells migration and adhesion and overcoming the pro-survival and proliferation signals mediated by microenvironment. Furthermore, macitentan cooperates with ibrutinib inhibiting the BCR pathway and with ABT-199 disrupting BCL2 pathway. Our data describe the biological effects of a new drug, macitentan, able to counteract essential processes in CLL pathobiology as survival, migration, trafficking and drug resistance. These findings envision the possibility to interfere with ET receptors activity using macitentan as a possible novel therapeutic strategy for CLL patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossana Maffei
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Department of Oncology, Hematology and Respiratory Track Diseases, Azienda Ospedaliero - Universitaria Policlinico di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Stefania Fiorcari
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Tiziana Vaisitti
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin and Human Genetics Foundation, Turin, Italy
| | - Silvia Martinelli
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Stefania Benatti
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Giulia Debbia
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Davide Rossi
- Division of Hematology, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland and Institute of Oncology Research, Bellinzona, Switzerland.,Division of Hematology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Amedeo Avogadro University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Patrizia Zucchini
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Leonardo Potenza
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Mario Luppi
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Gianluca Gaidano
- Division of Hematology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Amedeo Avogadro University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Silvia Deaglio
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin and Human Genetics Foundation, Turin, Italy
| | - Roberto Marasca
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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13
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Rosanò L, Cianfrocca R, Sestito R, Tocci P, Di Castro V, Bagnato A. Targeting endothelin-1 receptor/β-arrestin1 network for the treatment of ovarian cancer. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2017; 21:925-932. [DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2017.1361930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Rosanò
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, Translational Research Functional Departmental Area, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Cianfrocca
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, Translational Research Functional Departmental Area, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosanna Sestito
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, Translational Research Functional Departmental Area, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Piera Tocci
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, Translational Research Functional Departmental Area, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeriana Di Castro
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, Translational Research Functional Departmental Area, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Bagnato
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, Translational Research Functional Departmental Area, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
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14
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Blocking endothelin-1-receptor/β-catenin circuit sensitizes to chemotherapy in colorectal cancer. Cell Death Differ 2017; 24:1811-1820. [PMID: 28708138 PMCID: PMC5596423 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2017.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2017] [Revised: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The limited clinical response to conventional chemotherapeutics observed in colorectal cancer (CRC) may be related to the connections between the hyperactivated β-catenin signaling and other pathways in CRC stem-like cells (CRC-SC). Here, we show the mechanistic link between the endothelin-1 (ET-1)/ET-1 receptor (ET-1R) signaling and β-catenin pathway through the specific interaction with the signal transducer β-arrestin1 (β-arr1), which initiates signaling cascades as part of the signaling complex. Using a panel of patient-derived CRC-SC, we show that these cells secrete ET-1 and express ETAR and β-arr1, and that the activation of ETAR/β-arr1 axis promotes the cross-talk with β-catenin signaling to sustain stemness, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype and response to chemotherapy. Upon ETAR activation, β-arr1 acts as a transcription co-activator that binds β-catenin, thereby promoting nuclear complex with β-catenin/TFC4 and p300 and histone acetylation, inducing chromatin reorganization on target genes, such as ET-1. The enhanced transcription of ET-1 increases the self-sustained ET-1/β-catenin network. All these findings provide a strong rationale for targeting ET-1R to hamper downstream β-catenin/ET-1 autocrine circuit. Interestingly, treatment with macitentan, a dual ETAR and ETBR antagonist, able to interfere with tumor and microenvironment, disrupts the ET-1R/β-arr1-β-catenin interaction impairing pathways involved in cell survival, EMT, invasion, and enhancing sensitivity to oxaliplatin (OX) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). In CRC-SC xenografts, the combination of macitentan and OX or 5-FU enhances the therapeutic effects of cytotoxic drugs. Together, these results provide mechanistic insight into how ET-1R coopts β-catenin signaling and offer a novel therapeutic strategy to manage CRC based on the combination of macitentan and chemotherapy that might benefit patients whose tumors show high ETAR and β-catenin expression.
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15
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Jacobi J, García-Barros M, Rao S, Rotolo JA, Thompson C, Mizrachi A, Feldman R, Manova K, Bielawska A, Bielawska J, Fuks Z, Kolesnick R, Haimovitz-Friedman A. Targeting acid sphingomyelinase with anti-angiogenic chemotherapy. Cell Signal 2017; 29:52-61. [PMID: 27702691 PMCID: PMC5138150 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2016.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2016] [Revised: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Despite great promise, combining anti-angiogenic and conventional anti-cancer drugs has produced limited therapeutic benefit in clinical trials, presumably because mechanisms of anti-angiogenic tissue response remain only partially understood. Here we define a new paradigm, in which anti-angiogenic drugs can be used to chemosensitize tumors by targeting the endothelial acid sphingomyelinase (ASMase) signal transduction pathway. We demonstrate that paclitaxel and etoposide, but not cisplatin, confer ASMase-mediated endothelial injury within minutes. This rapid reaction is required for human HCT-116 colon cancer xenograft complete response and growth delay. Whereas VEGF inhibits ASMase, anti-VEGFR2 antibodies de-repress ASMase, enhancing endothelial apoptosis and drug-induced tumor response in asmase+/+, but not in asmase-/-, hosts. Such chemosensitization occurs only if the anti-angiogenic drug is delivered 1-2h before chemotherapy, but at no other time prior to or post chemotherapy. Our studies suggest that precisely-timed administration of anti-angiogenic drugs in combination with ASMase-targeting anti-cancer drugs is likely to optimize anti-tumor effects of systemic chemotherapy. This strategy warrants evaluation in future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shyam Rao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Katia Manova
- Molecular Cytology Core Facility, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alicja Bielawska
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Jacek Bielawska
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Zvi Fuks
- Department of Radiation Oncology, USA
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16
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Lee HJ, Hanibuchi M, Kim SJ, Yu H, Kim MS, He J, Langley RR, Lehembre F, Regenass U, Fidler IJ. Treatment of experimental human breast cancer and lung cancer brain metastases in mice by macitentan, a dual antagonist of endothelin receptors, combined with paclitaxel. Neuro Oncol 2016; 18:486-96. [PMID: 26995790 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/now037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We recently demonstrated that brain endothelial cells and astrocytes protect cancer cells from chemotherapy through an endothelin-dependent signaling mechanism. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of macitentan, a dual endothelin receptor (ETAR and ETBR) antagonist, in the treatment of experimental breast and lung cancer brain metastases. METHODS The effect of macitentan on astrocyte- and brain endothelial cell-mediated chemoprotective properties was measured in cytotoxic assays. We compared survival of mice bearing established MDA-MB-231 breast cancer or PC-14 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) brain metastases that were treated with vehicle, macitentan, paclitaxel, or macitentan plus paclitaxel. Cell division, apoptosis, tumor vasculature, and expression of survival-related proteins were assessed by immunofluorescent microscopy. RESULTS Cancer cells and tumor-associated endothelial cells expressed activated forms of AKT and MAPK in vehicle- and paclitaxel-treated groups in both metastasis models, but these proteins were downregulated in metastases of mice that received macitentan. The survival-related proteins Bcl2L1, Gsta5, and Twist1 that localized to cancer cells and tumor-associated endothelial cells in vehicle- and paclitaxel-treated tumors were suppressed by macitentan. Macitentan or paclitaxel alone had no effect on survival. However, when macitentan was combined with paclitaxel, we noted a significant reduction in cancer cell division and marked apoptosis of both cancer cells and tumor-associated endothelial cells. Moreover, macitentan plus paclitaxel therapy significantly increased overall survival by producing complete responses in 35 of 35 mice harboring brain metastases. CONCLUSIONS Dual antagonism of ETAR and ETBR signaling sensitizes experimental brain metastases to paclitaxel and may represent a new therapeutic option for patients with brain metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho Jeong Lee
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Laboratory, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas (H.J.L., M.H., S.-J.K., H.Y., M.S.K., J.H., R.R.L., I.J.F.); Actelion Pharmaceuticals, Ltd., Allschwil, Switzerland (F.L., U.R.)
| | - Masaki Hanibuchi
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Laboratory, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas (H.J.L., M.H., S.-J.K., H.Y., M.S.K., J.H., R.R.L., I.J.F.); Actelion Pharmaceuticals, Ltd., Allschwil, Switzerland (F.L., U.R.)
| | - Sun-Jin Kim
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Laboratory, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas (H.J.L., M.H., S.-J.K., H.Y., M.S.K., J.H., R.R.L., I.J.F.); Actelion Pharmaceuticals, Ltd., Allschwil, Switzerland (F.L., U.R.)
| | - Hyunkyung Yu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Laboratory, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas (H.J.L., M.H., S.-J.K., H.Y., M.S.K., J.H., R.R.L., I.J.F.); Actelion Pharmaceuticals, Ltd., Allschwil, Switzerland (F.L., U.R.)
| | - Mark Seungwook Kim
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Laboratory, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas (H.J.L., M.H., S.-J.K., H.Y., M.S.K., J.H., R.R.L., I.J.F.); Actelion Pharmaceuticals, Ltd., Allschwil, Switzerland (F.L., U.R.)
| | - Junqin He
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Laboratory, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas (H.J.L., M.H., S.-J.K., H.Y., M.S.K., J.H., R.R.L., I.J.F.); Actelion Pharmaceuticals, Ltd., Allschwil, Switzerland (F.L., U.R.)
| | - Robert R Langley
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Laboratory, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas (H.J.L., M.H., S.-J.K., H.Y., M.S.K., J.H., R.R.L., I.J.F.); Actelion Pharmaceuticals, Ltd., Allschwil, Switzerland (F.L., U.R.)
| | - François Lehembre
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Laboratory, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas (H.J.L., M.H., S.-J.K., H.Y., M.S.K., J.H., R.R.L., I.J.F.); Actelion Pharmaceuticals, Ltd., Allschwil, Switzerland (F.L., U.R.)
| | - Urs Regenass
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Laboratory, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas (H.J.L., M.H., S.-J.K., H.Y., M.S.K., J.H., R.R.L., I.J.F.); Actelion Pharmaceuticals, Ltd., Allschwil, Switzerland (F.L., U.R.)
| | - Isaiah J Fidler
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Laboratory, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas (H.J.L., M.H., S.-J.K., H.Y., M.S.K., J.H., R.R.L., I.J.F.); Actelion Pharmaceuticals, Ltd., Allschwil, Switzerland (F.L., U.R.)
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17
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Rosanò L, Bagnato A. β-arrestin1 at the cross-road of endothelin-1 signaling in cancer. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2016; 35:121. [PMID: 27473335 PMCID: PMC4966762 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-016-0401-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 07/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The advent of targeted therapeutics in human cancer has begun to find novel druggable targets and, in this context, the endothelin-1 receptor (ET-1R), namely ETA receptor (ETAR) and ETB receptor, among the GPCR family represents a class of highly druggable molecules in cancer. ET-1R are aberrantly expressed in human malignancies, potentially representing prognostic factors. Their activation by ligand stimulation initiate signaling cascades activating different downstream effectors, allowing precise control over multiple signaling pathways. ET-1R regulates cell proliferation, survival, motility, cytoskeletal changes, angiogenesis, metastasis as well as drug resistance. The molecular events underlying these responses are the activation of transcriptional factors and coactivators, and downstream genes, acting as key players in tumor growth and progression. ET-1R represent crucial cancer targets that have been exploited for ET-1R therapeutics. Importantly, efforts to explore new information of ETAR in cancer have uncovered that their functions are crucially regulated by multifunctional scaffold protein β-arrestins (β-arrs) which orchestrate the multidimensionality of ETAR signaling into highly regulated and distinct signaling complexes, a property that is highly advantageous for tumor signaling. Moreover, the role of β-arr1 in ET-1 signaling in cancer highlights why the pleiotropic effects of ET-1 and its dynamic signaling are more complex than previously recognized. In order to improve therapeutic strategies that interfere with the widespread effects of ET-1R, it is important to consider antagonists able to turn the receptors “off” selectively controlling β-arr1-dependent signaling, highlighting the possibility that targeting ETAR/β-arr1 may display a large therapeutic window in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Rosanò
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, Translational Research Functional Departmental Area, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi, 53, 00144, Rome, Italy.
| | - Anna Bagnato
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, Translational Research Functional Departmental Area, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi, 53, 00144, Rome, Italy.
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18
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Cianfrocca R, Tocci P, Rosanò L, Caprara V, Sestito R, Di Castro V, Bagnato A. Nuclear β-arrestin1 is a critical cofactor of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α signaling in endothelin-1-induced ovarian tumor progression. Oncotarget 2016; 7:17790-804. [PMID: 26909598 PMCID: PMC4951250 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/07/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) mediates the response to hypoxia or other stimuli, such as growth factors, including endothelin-1 (ET-1), to promote malignant progression in numerous tumors. The importance of cofactors that regulate HIF-1α signalling within tumor is not well understood. Here we elucidate that ET-1/ET(A) receptor (ET(A)R)-induced pathway physically and functionally couples the scaffold protein β-arrestin1 (β-arr1) to HIF-1α signalling. In epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells, ET-1/ET(A)R axis induced vascular-endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression through HIF-1α nuclear accumulation. In these cells, activation of ET(A)R by ET-1, by mimicking hypoxia, promoted the nuclear interaction between β-arr1 and HIF-1α and the recruitment of p300 acetyltransferase to hypoxia response elements on the target gene promoters, resulting in enhanced histone acetylation, and HIF-1α target gene transcription. Indeed, β-arr1-HIF-1α interaction regulated the enhanced expression and release of downstream targets, such as ET-1 and VEGF, required for tumor cell invasion and pro-angiogenic effects in endothelial cells. These effects were abrogated by β-arr1 or HIF-1α silencing or by pharmacological treatment with the dual ET-1 receptor antagonist macitentan. Interestingly, ET(A)R/β-arr1 promoted the self-amplifying HIF-1α-mediated transcription of ET-1 that sustained a regulatory circuit involved in invasive and angiogenic behaviors. In a murine orthotopic model of metastatic human EOC, treatment with macitentan, or silencing of β-arr1, inhibits intravasation and metastasis formation. Collectively, these findings reveal the interplay of β-arr1 with HIF-1α in the complexity of ET-1/ET(A)R signalling, mediating epigenetic modifications directly involved in the metastatic process, and suggest that targeting ET-1-dependent β-arr1/HIF-1α pathway by using macitentan may impair EOC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Cianfrocca
- Translational Research Functional Departmental Area, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Piera Tocci
- Translational Research Functional Departmental Area, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Rosanò
- Translational Research Functional Departmental Area, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Caprara
- Translational Research Functional Departmental Area, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosanna Sestito
- Translational Research Functional Departmental Area, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeriana Di Castro
- Translational Research Functional Departmental Area, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Bagnato
- Translational Research Functional Departmental Area, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
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19
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Sestito R, Cianfrocca R, Rosanò L, Tocci P, Semprucci E, Di Castro V, Caprara V, Ferrandina G, Sacconi A, Blandino G, Bagnato A. miR-30a inhibits endothelin A receptor and chemoresistance in ovarian carcinoma. Oncotarget 2016; 7:4009-23. [PMID: 26675258 PMCID: PMC4826186 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance remains the major clinical barrier to successful treatment in epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) patients, and the evidence of microRNA involvement in drug resistance has been recently emerging. Endothelin-1 (ET-1)/ETA receptor (ETAR) axis is aberrantly activated in chemoresistant EOC cells and elicits pleiotropic effects promoting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the acquisition of chemoresistance. However, the relationship between ETAR and miRNA is still unknown. Hence, in this study we evaluated whether dysregulation of miRNA might enhance ETAR expression in sensitive and resistant EOC cells. Based on bioinformatic tools, we selected putative miRNA able to recognize the 3'UTR of ETAR. An inverse correlation was observed between the expression levels of miR-30a and ETAR in both EOC cell lines and tumor samples. miR-30a was found to specifically bind to the 3'UTR of ETAR mRNA, indicating that ETAR is a direct target of miR-30a. Overexpression of miR-30a decreased Akt and mitogen activated protein kinase signaling pathway activation, cell proliferation, invasion, plasticity, EMT marker levels, and vascular endothelial growth factor release. Interestingly, ectopic expression of miR-30a re-sensitized platinum-resistant EOC cells to cisplatinum-induced apoptosis. Consistently, resistant EOC xenografts overexpressing miR-30a resulted in significantly less tumor growth than controls. Together our study provides a new perspective on the regulatory mechanism of ETAR gene. Interestingly, our findings highlight that blockade of ETAR regulatory axis is the mechanism underlying the tumor suppressor function of miR-30a in chemoresistant EOC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Sestito
- Translational Research Functional Departmental Area, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Cianfrocca
- Translational Research Functional Departmental Area, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Rosanò
- Translational Research Functional Departmental Area, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Piera Tocci
- Translational Research Functional Departmental Area, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Semprucci
- Translational Research Functional Departmental Area, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeriana Di Castro
- Translational Research Functional Departmental Area, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Caprara
- Translational Research Functional Departmental Area, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Sacconi
- Translational Oncogenomic Unit, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Blandino
- Translational Oncogenomic Unit, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Bagnato
- Translational Research Functional Departmental Area, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
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20
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Sestito R, Cianfrocca R, Rosanò L, Tocci P, Di Castro V, Caprara V, Bagnato A. Macitentan blocks endothelin-1 receptor activation required for chemoresistant ovarian cancer cell plasticity and metastasis. Life Sci 2016; 159:43-48. [PMID: 26776834 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2016.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2015] [Revised: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS In epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), activation of endothelin-1 (ET-1)/endothelin A receptor (ETAR) and ET-1/ETBR signaling is linked to many tumor promoting effects, such as proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis and chemoresistance. Understanding how to hamper the distinct mechanisms that facilitate epithelial plasticity and propagation is therefore central for improving the clinical outcome for EOC patients. MAIN METHODS The phosphorylation status of Akt and MAPK was evaluated by immunoblotting in A2780 and 2008 EOC cell lines and their cisplatinum-resistant variants. Vasculogenic mimicry was analyzed by vascular tubules formation assay. Tumor growth and metastases inhibition was performed in chemoresistant EOC xenografts. KEY FINDINGS We found that the dual ETAR/ETBR antagonist macitentan was able to inhibit the ET-1-induced activation of Akt and MAPK signaling pathways in chemoresistant EOC cells. Moreover, chemoresistant EOC cells displayed higher capability to engage vasculogenic mimicry compared to sensitive cells that was inhibited after treatment with macitentan. Finally, the specific ETAR antagonist zibotentan was less efficacious compared to macitentan to suppress tumor growth in chemoresistant EOC xenografts and the co-treatment of macitentan and cisplatinum reduced the metastatic progression. SIGNIFICANCE Our findings better clarify the ET-1-induced molecular mechanisms underlying the aggressive behavior of chemoresistant EOC cells. These results also support the use of macitentan in combination with chemotherapy as a rational therapeutic strategy for circumventing drug resistance in EOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Sestito
- Translational Research Functional Departmental Area, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Cianfrocca
- Translational Research Functional Departmental Area, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Rosanò
- Translational Research Functional Departmental Area, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Piera Tocci
- Translational Research Functional Departmental Area, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeriana Di Castro
- Translational Research Functional Departmental Area, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Caprara
- Translational Research Functional Departmental Area, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Bagnato
- Translational Research Functional Departmental Area, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.
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Semprucci E, Tocci P, Cianfrocca R, Sestito R, Caprara V, Veglione M, Castro VD, Spadaro F, Ferrandina G, Bagnato A, Rosanò L. Endothelin A receptor drives invadopodia function and cell motility through the β-arrestin/PDZ-RhoGEF pathway in ovarian carcinoma. Oncogene 2015; 35:3432-42. [PMID: 26522724 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2015.403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2015] [Revised: 09/16/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The endothelin-1 (ET-1)/ET A receptor (ETAR) signalling pathway is a well-established driver of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) progression. One key process promoted by ET-1 is tumor cell invasion, which requires the scaffolding functions of β-arrestin-1 (β-arr1) downstream of the receptor; however, the potential role of ET-1 in inducing invadopodia, which are crucial for cellular invasion and tumor metastasis, is completely unknown. We describe here that ET-1/ETAR, through β-arr1, activates RhoA and RhoC GTPase and downstream ROCK (Rho-associated coiled coil-forming kinase) kinase activity, promoting actin-based dynamic remodelling and enhanced cell invasion. This is accomplished by the direct interaction of β-arr1 with PDZ-RhoGEF (postsynaptic density protein 95/disc-large/zonula occludens-RhoGEF). Interestingly, ETAR-mediated invasive properties are related to the regulation of invadopodia, as evaluated by colocalization of actin with cortactin, as well as with TKS5 and MT1-MMP (membrane type 1-matrix metalloproteinase) with areas of matrix degradation, and activation of cofilin pathway, which is crucial for regulating invadopodia activity. Depletion of PDZ-RhoGEF, or β-arr1, or RhoC, as well as the treatment with the dual ET-1 receptor antagonist macitentan, significantly impairs invadopodia function, MMP activity and invasion, demonstrating that β-arr1/PDZ-RhoGEF interaction mediates ETAR-driven ROCK-LIMK-cofilin pathway through the control of RhoC activity. In vivo, macitentan is able to inhibit metastatic dissemination and cofilin phosphorylation. Collectively, our data unveil a noncanonical activation of the RhoC/ROCK pathway through the β-arr1/PDZ-RhoGEF complex as a regulator of ETAR-induced motility and metastasis, establishing ET-1 axis as a novel regulator of invadopodia protrusions through the RhoC/ROCK/LIMK/cofilin pathway during the initial steps of EOC invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Semprucci
- Regina Elena National Cancer Institute Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - P Tocci
- Regina Elena National Cancer Institute Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - R Cianfrocca
- Regina Elena National Cancer Institute Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - R Sestito
- Regina Elena National Cancer Institute Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - V Caprara
- Regina Elena National Cancer Institute Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - M Veglione
- Regina Elena National Cancer Institute Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - V Di Castro
- Regina Elena National Cancer Institute Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - F Spadaro
- Section of Experimental Immunotherapy, Department of Haematology, Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanita', Rome, Italy
| | - G Ferrandina
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - A Bagnato
- Regina Elena National Cancer Institute Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - L Rosanò
- Regina Elena National Cancer Institute Rome, Rome, Italy
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AICAR-Induced Activation of AMPK Inhibits TSH/SREBP-2/HMGCR Pathway in Liver. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0124951. [PMID: 25933205 PMCID: PMC4416759 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0124951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2014] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Our previous study found that thyroid-stimulating hormone promoted sterol regulatory element-binding protein-2 (SREBP-2) expression and suppressed AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity in the liver, but it was unclear whether there was a direct link between TSH, AMPK and SREBP-2. Here, we demonstrate that the 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxyamide ribonucleoside (AICAR)-induced activation of AMPK directly inhibited the expression of SREBP-2 and its target genes HMGCR and HMGCS, which are key enzymes in cholesterol biosynthesis, and suppressed the TSH-stimulated up-regulation of SREBP-2 in HepG2 cells; similar results were obtained in TSH receptor knockout mice. Furthermore, AMPK, an evolutionally conserved serine/threonine kinase, phosphorylated threonine residues in the precursor and nuclear forms of SREBP-2, and TSH interacted with AMPK to influence SREBP-2 phosphorylation. These findings may represent a molecular mechanism by which AMPK ameliorates the hepatic steatosis and hypercholesterolemia associated with high TSH levels in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH).
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Khadka A, Singh Brashier DB, Tejus A, Sharma AK. Macitentan: An important addition to the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. J Pharmacol Pharmacother 2015; 6:53-7. [PMID: 25709357 PMCID: PMC4319253 DOI: 10.4103/0976-500x.149151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2014] [Revised: 08/08/2014] [Accepted: 10/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Macitentan is an orphan drug for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Endothelin-1 (ET-1) plays a critical role of pathophysiology of PAH. Macitentan, a new dual endothelin receptor antagonist, has reportedly improved prognosis of PAH patients by delaying the progression of disease. It prevents the binding of ET-1 to both endothelin A (ETA) and endothelin B (ETB) receptors. Macitentan displays higher efficacy, lesser adverse effects and drug interactions. It has completed phase III trials in 2012 for treatment of PAH and has been tried for ischemic digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis, recurrent glioblastoma and combination with chemotherapeutic agents against various cancers. Safety data for macitentan were obtained primarily from a placebo-controlled clinical study in 742 patients with PAH. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the drug on 13 October 2013. It is an important addition to long-term treatment of PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjan Khadka
- Department of Pharmacology, Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Dick B Singh Brashier
- Department of Pharmacology, Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Anantharamu Tejus
- Department of Pharmacology, Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Ashok Kumar Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune, Maharashtra, India
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24
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Rosanò L, Bagnato A. Disrupting the endothelin and Wnt relationship to overcome chemoresistance. Mol Cell Oncol 2015; 2:e995025. [PMID: 27308478 PMCID: PMC4905315 DOI: 10.4161/23723556.2014.995025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2014] [Revised: 11/27/2014] [Accepted: 11/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Knowledge of the mechanisms underlying chemoresistance is important in the development of novel targeted treatments for ovarian cancer. We recently reported that targeting endothelin A receptor/β-arrestin-1, a binding partner of Wnt/β-catenin, is sufficient to sensitize ovarian cancer to chemotherapy. This result highlights endothelin-1 receptor antagonists as potential anticancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Rosanò
- Molecular Pathology Laboratory; Regina Elena National Cancer Institute ; Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Bagnato
- Molecular Pathology Laboratory; Regina Elena National Cancer Institute ; Rome, Italy
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Abstract
Macitentan (Opsumit®) is a novel dual endothelin receptor antagonist (ERA) with sustained receptor binding properties developed by Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd. In October 2013, oral macitentan 10 mg once daily received its first global approval in the US, followed closely by Canada, for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The drug has also received a positive opinion in the EU from the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use for the treatment of PAH, and is under regulatory review in several other countries for the same indication. Endothelin (ET)-1 influences pathological changes via two ET receptor subtypes (ETA and ETB), to which it binds with high affinity. ET-1 is implicated in several forms of vascular disease making it a valid target for the treatment of pulmonary vascular diseases such as PAH. Clinical development is underway for other indications, including Eisenmenger syndrome, ischaemic digital ulcers secondary to systemic sclerosis, and glioblastoma. Macitentan was also evaluated in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis; however, a phase 2 trial did not meet its primary endpoint and further investigation in this indication was discontinued. Macitentan was developed by modifying the structure of bosentan in the search for an optimal dual ERA with improved efficacy and tolerability compared with other ERAs. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of macitentan leading to this first approval for PAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trina Patel
- Adis R&D Insight, 41 Centorian Drive, Private Bag 65901, Mairangi Bay, North Shore, 0754, Auckland, New Zealand,
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26
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Barr TP, Kornberg D, Montmayeur JP, Long M, Reichheld S, Strichartz GR. Validation of endothelin B receptor antibodies reveals two distinct receptor-related bands on Western blot. Anal Biochem 2015; 468:28-33. [PMID: 25232999 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2014.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2014] [Revised: 08/29/2014] [Accepted: 09/08/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Antibodies are important tools for the study of protein expression but are often used without full validation. In this study, we used Western blots to characterize antibodies targeted to the N or C terminal (NT or CT, respectively) and the second or third intracellular loop (IL2 or IL3, respectively) of the endothelin B receptor (ETB). The IL2-targeted antibody accurately detected endogenous ETB expression in rat brain and cultured rat astrocytes by labeling a 50-kDa band, the expected weight of full-length ETB. However, this antibody failed to detect transfected ETB in HEK293 cultures. In contrast, the NT-targeted antibody accurately detected endogenous ETB in rat astrocyte cultures and transfected ETB in HEK293 cultures by labeling a 37-kDa band but failed to detect endogenous ETB in rat brain. Bands detected by the CT- or IL3-targeted antibody were found to be unrelated to ETB. Our findings show that functional ETB can be detected at 50 or 37kDa on Western blot, with drastic differences in antibody affinity for these bands. The 37-kDa band likely reflects ETB processing, which appears to be dependent on cell type and/or culture condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis P Barr
- Pain Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Daniel Kornberg
- Pain Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jean-Pierre Montmayeur
- Pain Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Melinda Long
- Pain Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Stephen Reichheld
- Pain Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Gary R Strichartz
- Pain Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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27
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Rosanò L, Cianfrocca R, Tocci P, Spinella F, Di Castro V, Caprara V, Semprucci E, Ferrandina G, Natali PG, Bagnato A. Endothelin A receptor/β-arrestin signaling to the Wnt pathway renders ovarian cancer cells resistant to chemotherapy. Cancer Res 2014; 74:7453-64. [PMID: 25377471 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-13-3133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The high mortality of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is mainly caused by resistance to the available therapies. In EOC, the endothelin-1 (ET-1, EDN1)-endothelin A receptor (ETAR, EDNRA) signaling axis regulates the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and a chemoresistant phenotype. However, there is a paucity of knowledge about how ET-1 mediates drug resistance. Here, we define a novel bypass mechanism through which ETAR/β-arrestin-1 (β-arr1, ARRB1) links Wnt signaling to acquire chemoresistant and EMT phenotype. We found that ETAR/β-arr1 activity promoted nuclear complex with β-catenin and p300, resulting in histone acetylation, chromatin reorganization, and enhanced transcription of genes, such as ET-1, enhancing the network that sustains chemoresistance. Silencing of β-arr1 or pharmacologic treatment with the dual ETAR/ETBR antagonist macitentan prevented core complex formation and restored drug sensitivity, impairing the signaling pathways involved in cell survival, EMT, and invasion. In vivo macitentan treatment reduced tumor growth, vascularization, intravasation, and metastatic progression. The combination of macitentan and cisplatinum resulted in the potentiation of the cytotoxic effect, indicating that macitentan can enhance sensitivity to chemotherapy. Investigations in clinical specimens of chemoresistant EOC tissues confirmed increased recruitment of β-arr1 and β-catenin to ET-1 gene promoter. In these tissues, high expression of ETAR significantly associated with poor clinical outcome and chemoresistance. Collectively, our findings reveal the existence of a novel mechanism by which ETAR/β-arr1 signaling is integrated with the Wnt/β-catenin pathway to sustain chemoresistance in EOC, and they offer a solid rationale for clinical evaluation of macitentan in combination with chemotherapy to overcome chemoresistance in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Rosanò
- Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.
| | - Roberta Cianfrocca
- Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Piera Tocci
- Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Spinella
- Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeriana Di Castro
- Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Caprara
- Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Semprucci
- Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Pier Giorgio Natali
- Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy. Consorzio Interuniversitario Nazionale per la Bio-Oncologia (CINBO) Laboratories, University Gabriele d'Annunzio, Chieti, Italy
| | - Anna Bagnato
- Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.
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Kowalczyk A, Kleniewska P, Kolodziejczyk M, Skibska B, Goraca A. The role of endothelin-1 and endothelin receptor antagonists in inflammatory response and sepsis. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2014; 63:41-52. [PMID: 25288367 PMCID: PMC4289534 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-014-0310-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2013] [Accepted: 07/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent endogenous vasoconstrictor, mainly secreted by endothelial cells. It acts through two types of receptors: ETA and ETB. Apart from a vasoconstrictive action, ET-1 causes fibrosis of the vascular cells and stimulates production of reactive oxygen species. It is claimed that ET-1 induces proinflammatory mechanisms, increasing superoxide anion production and cytokine secretion. A recent study has shown that ET-1 is involved in the activation of transcription factors such as NF-κB and expression of proinflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-1, and IL-6. It has been also indicated that during endotoxaemia, the plasma level of ET-1 is increased in various animal species. Some authors indicate a clear correlation between endothelin plasma level and morbidity/mortality rate in septic patients. These pathological effects of ET-1 may be abrogated at least partly by endothelin receptor blockade. ET-1 receptor antagonists may be useful for prevention of various vascular diseases. This review summarises the current knowledge regarding endothelin receptor antagonists and the role of ET-1 in sepsis and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Kowalczyk
- Chair of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 6/8, 92-215, Lodz, Poland,
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Cancer subclonal genetic architecture as a key to personalized medicine. Neoplasia 2014; 15:1410-20. [PMID: 24403863 DOI: 10.1593/neo.131972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2013] [Revised: 12/03/2013] [Accepted: 12/03/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The future of personalized oncological therapy will likely rely on evidence-based medicine to integrate all of the available evidence to delineate the most efficacious treatment option for the patient. To undertake evidence-based medicine through use of targeted therapy regimens, identification of the specific underlying causative mutation(s) driving growth and progression of a patient's tumor is imperative. Although molecular subtyping is important for planning and treatment, intraclonal genetic diversity has been recently highlighted as having significant implications for biopsy-based prognosis. Overall, delineation of the clonal architecture of a patient's cancer and how this will impact on the selection of the most efficacious therapy remain a topic of intense interest.
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30
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Maffei R, Bulgarelli J, Fiorcari S, Martinelli S, Castelli I, Valenti V, Rossi D, Bonacorsi G, Zucchini P, Potenza L, Vallisa D, Gattei V, Poeta GD, Forconi F, Gaidano G, Narni F, Luppi M, Marasca R. Endothelin-1 promotes survival and chemoresistance in chronic lymphocytic leukemia B cells through ETA receptor. PLoS One 2014; 9:e98818. [PMID: 24901342 PMCID: PMC4046988 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0098818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2014] [Accepted: 05/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The endothelin axis, comprising endothelins (ET-1, ET-2 and ET-3) and their receptors (ET(A)R and ETBR), has emerged as relevant player in tumor growth and metastasis. Here, we investigated the involvement of ET-1/ET(A)R axis in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). CLL cells expressed higher levels of ET-1 and ETA receptor as compared to normal B cells. ET-1 peptide stimulated phosphoinositide-3-kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways, improved survival and promoted proliferation of leukemic cells throughout ET(A)R triggering. Moreover, the blockade of ET(A)R by the selective antagonist BQ-123 inhibited the survival advantage acquired by CLL cells in contact with endothelial layers. We also found that blocking ET(A)R via BQ-123 interferes with ERK phosphorylation and CLL pro-survival effect mediated by B-cell receptor (BCR) activation. The pro-apoptotic effect of phosphoinositide-3-kinase δ inhibitor idelalisib and mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor PD98059 was decreased by the addition of ET-1 peptide. Then, ET-1 also reduced the cytotoxic effect of fludarabine on CLL cells cultured alone or co-cultured on endothelial layers. ET(A)R blockade by BQ-123 inhibited the ET-1-mediated protection against drug-induced apoptosis. Lastly, higher plasma levels of big ET-1 were detected in patients (n = 151) with unfavourable prognostic factors and shorter time to first treatment. In conclusion, our data describe for the first time a role of ET-1/ET(A)R signaling in CLL pathobiology. ET-1 mediates survival, drug-resistance, and growth signals in CLL cells that can be blocked by ET(A)R inhibition.
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MESH Headings
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use
- Cell Proliferation
- Cell Survival/drug effects
- Cell Survival/genetics
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics
- Endothelin A Receptor Antagonists/pharmacology
- Endothelin-1/blood
- Endothelin-1/genetics
- Endothelin-1/metabolism
- Gene Expression
- Humans
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/diagnosis
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/genetics
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/metabolism
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/mortality
- Prognosis
- Receptor, Endothelin A/genetics
- Receptor, Endothelin A/metabolism
- Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Treatment Outcome
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossana Maffei
- Hematology Division, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Jenny Bulgarelli
- Hematology Division, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Stefania Fiorcari
- Hematology Division, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Silvia Martinelli
- Hematology Division, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Ilaria Castelli
- Hematology Division, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | | | - Davide Rossi
- Hematology Division, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Amedeo Avogadro University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Goretta Bonacorsi
- Hematology Division, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Patrizia Zucchini
- Hematology Division, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Leonardo Potenza
- Hematology Division, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | | | - Valter Gattei
- Clinical and Experimental Onco-Hematology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, I.R.C.C.S., Aviano (PN), Italy
| | - Giovanni Del Poeta
- Hematology Division, S.Eugenio Hospital and University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Forconi
- Cancer Sciences Unit, CRUK Clinical Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- Hematology Division, Department of Clinical Medicine and Immunological Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Gianluca Gaidano
- Hematology Division, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Amedeo Avogadro University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Franco Narni
- Hematology Division, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Mario Luppi
- Hematology Division, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Roberto Marasca
- Hematology Division, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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31
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Hong IS, Coe HV, Catanzaro LM. Macitentan for the Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Ann Pharmacother 2014; 48:538-47. [DOI: 10.1177/1060028013518900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: To review the pharmacology, safety, and efficacy of macitentan. Data Sources: PubMed, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched using the terms macitentan and ACT-064992. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Phase II and III trials were reviewed in our primary analysis; data from phase I trials and other studies were reported as applicable. Data Synthesis: Macitentan is a dual endothelin receptor antagonist (ERA) approved for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Current treatment options for PAH include 2 other ERAs, phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, prostanoids, and calcium channel blockers. Recently published guidelines do not assert a preference for individual agents. Two trials evaluated the safety and efficacy of macitentan. The phase II study was a 12-month placebo-controlled trial involving patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis; the primary end point was change in forced vital capacity. No significant treatment effect was observed. The phase III study was a placebo-controlled trial involving patients with PAH. The primary end point was time to first occurrence of a composite of outcomes, including all-cause death and PAH worsening. Over a median period of 115 weeks, macitentan 10 mg and 3 mg daily significantly reduced morbidity and mortality. Commonly reported adverse effects included worsening of PAH, peripheral edema, upper-respiratory-tract infection, and anemia. Conclusions: Macitentan represents the latest addition to the PAH armamentarium. Compared with other ERAs, clinical advantages may include fewer contraindications, use in hepatic impairment, and once-daily administration. However, further comparative studies are necessary to ascertain its place in therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene S. Hong
- University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, NY, USA
| | - Holly V. Coe
- University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, NY, USA
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Rosanò L, Spinella F, Bagnato A. Endothelin 1 in cancer: biological implications and therapeutic opportunities. Nat Rev Cancer 2013; 13:637-51. [PMID: 23884378 DOI: 10.1038/nrc3546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 226] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Activation of autocrine and paracrine signalling by endothelin 1 (ET1) binding to its receptors elicits pleiotropic effects on tumour cells and on the host microenvironment. This activation modulates cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, chemoresistance and neovascularization, thus providing a strong rationale for targeting ET1 receptors in cancer. In this Review, we discuss the advances in our understanding of the diverse biological roles of ET1 in cancer and describe the latest preclinical and clinical progress that has been made using small-molecule antagonists of ET1 receptors that inhibit ET1-driven signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Rosanò
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology A, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, Rome 00144, Italy
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Overcoming intratumor heterogeneity of polygenic cancer drug resistance with improved biomarker integration. Neoplasia 2013; 14:1278-89. [PMID: 23308059 DOI: 10.1593/neo.122096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2012] [Revised: 12/11/2012] [Accepted: 12/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Improvements in technology and resources are helping to advance our understanding of cancer-initiating events as well as factors involved with tumor progression, adaptation, and evasion of therapy. Tumors are well known to contain diverse cell populations and intratumor heterogeneity affords neoplasms with a diverse set of biologic characteristics that can be used to evolve and adapt. Intratumor heterogeneity has emerged as a major hindrance to improving cancer patient care. Polygenic cancer drug resistance necessitates reconsidering drug designs to include polypharmacology in pursuit of novel combinatorial agents having multitarget activity to overcome the diverse and compensatory signaling pathways in which cancer cells use to survive and evade therapy. Advances will require integration of different biomarkers such as genomics and imaging to provide for more adequate elucidation of the spatially varying location, type, and extent of diverse intratumor signaling molecules to provide for a rationale-based personalized cancer medicine strategy.
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Weiss J, Theile D, Rüppell MA, Speck T, Spalwisz A, Haefeli WE. Interaction profile of macitentan, a new non-selective endothelin-1 receptor antagonist, in vitro. Eur J Pharmacol 2013; 701:168-75. [PMID: 23353592 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2013.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2012] [Revised: 01/07/2013] [Accepted: 01/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Macitentan is a new non-selective endothelin-1 receptor antagonist under development for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Information on the potential for macitentan to influence the pharmacokinetics of concomitantly administered drugs by inhibition or induction of drug metabolising enzymes or drug transporters is sparse. We therefore studied the potential of macitentan to inhibit and induce critical targets of drug metabolism and drug distribution (transporters) in vitro. Induction was quantified at the mRNA level by real-time RT-PCR in LS180 cells and revealed that macitentan significantly induced mRNA expression of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), P-glycoprotein (P-gp, ABCB1), solute carrier of organic anions 1B1 (SLCO1B1), and uridinediphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase 1A3 (UGT1A9). By means of a reporter gene assay our study establishes macitentan as a potent activator of pregnane X receptor (PXR). Inhibition of drug transporters was evaluated by using transporter over-expressing cell lines and fluorescent specific substrates of the respective transporters and revealed that macitentan is an inhibitor of P-gp, breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), SLCO1B1, and SLCO1B3. Using commercial kits macitentan was demonstrated to be a moderate inhibitor of CYP3A4 and CYP2C19. In conclusion our data provide a comprehensive analysis of the interaction profile of macitentan with drug metabolising and transporting enzymes in vitro. Although macitentan has a similar or higher potency for induction and inhibition of drug metabolising enzymes and transporters than bosentan, its low plasma concentrations and minimal accumulation in the liver suggest that it will be markedly less prone to drug-drug interactions than bosentan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Weiss
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Coffman L, Mooney C, Lim J, Bai S, Silva I, Gong Y, Yang K, Buckanovich RJ. Endothelin receptor-A is required for the recruitment of antitumor T cells and modulates chemotherapy induction of cancer stem cells. Cancer Biol Ther 2012. [PMID: 23192269 DOI: 10.4161/cbt.22959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The endothelin receptor-A (ETRA) plays an important role in tumor cell migration, metastasis, and proliferation. The endothelin receptor B (ETRB) plays a critical role in angiogenesis and the inhibition of anti-tumor immune cell recruitment. Thus dual blockade of ETRA and ETRB could have significant anti-tumor effects. RESULTS Dual ETRA/ETRB blockade with macitentan (or the combination of the ETRA and ETRB antagonists BQ123 and BQ788) did not enhance antitumor immune cell recruitment. In vitro studies demonstrate that ETRA inhibition prevents the induction of ICAM1 necessary for immune cell recruitment. When used as a single agent against human tumor xenografts, macitentan demonstrated non-significant anti-tumor activity. However, when used in combination with chemotherapy, macitentan specifically reduced tumor growth in cell lines with CD133+ cancer stem cells. We found that ETRA is primarily expressed on CD133+ CSC in both cell lines and primary human tumor cells. ETRA inhibition of CSC prevented chemotherapy induced increases in tumor stem cells. Furthermore, ETRA inhibition in combination with chemotherapy reduced the formation of tumor spheres. METHODS We tested the dual ETRA/ETRB antagonist macitentan in conjunction with (1) an anti-tumor vaccine and (2) chemotherapy, in order to assess the impact of dual ETRA/ETRB blockade on anti-tumor immune cell infiltration and ovarian tumor growth. In vitro murine and human cell line, tumor sphere assays and tumor xenograft models were utilized to evaluate the effect of ETRA/ETRB blockade on cell proliferation, immune cell infiltration and cancer stem cell populations. CONCLUSIONS These studies indicate a critical role for ETRA in the regulation of immune cell recruitment and in the CSC resistance to chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Coffman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Morisaki T, Umebayashi M, Kiyota A, Koya N, Tanaka H, Onishi H, Katano M. Combining cetuximab with killer lymphocytes synergistically inhibits human cholangiocarcinoma cells in vitro. Anticancer Res 2012; 22:261-71. [PMID: 22641659 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2012.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2011] [Revised: 03/14/2012] [Accepted: 03/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
AIM We explored the possibility of combining adoptive immunotherapy with cytokine-activated killer (CAK) cells and the epidermal growth factor receptor monoclonal antibody, cetuximab, as a treatment for cholangiocarcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS CAK cells were cultured with a high-dose of interleukin-2 and anti-CD3 monoclonal antibodies. This cell population contained both activated CD16+/CD56+ (NK) cells and CD3+/NKG2D(high+) T-cells. The effect of CAK cells and cetuximab, alone and in combination, on the viability of human cholangiocarcinoma cells was evaluated. RESULTS Culture of CAK cells alone, but not cetuximab alone, exhibited modest cytotoxicity toward cholangiocarcinoma cells. However, combining CAK cells with cetuximab significantly enhanced cytotoxicity. This enhancement was inhibited by the addition of excess human immunoglobulins, suggesting that antibody-dependent cytotoxicity, mediated by activated NK cells in the CAK cell culture was involved in this mechanism. CONCLUSION Cetuximab may be used to enhance CAK cell therapeutic activity in patients with cholangiocarcinoma, by potentiating antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Morisaki
- Fukuoka General Cancer Clinic, 3-1-1 Sumiyoshi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka 812-0018, Japan.
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Kohan DE, Cleland JG, Rubin LJ, Theodorescu D, Barton M. Clinical trials with endothelin receptor antagonists: what went wrong and where can we improve? Life Sci 2012; 91:528-39. [PMID: 22967485 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2012.07.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2012] [Revised: 07/20/2012] [Accepted: 07/24/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In the early 1990s, within three years of cloning of endothelin receptors, orally active endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs) were tested in humans and the first clinical trial of ERA therapy in humans was published in 1995. ERAs were subsequently tested in clinical trials involving heart failure, pulmonary arterial hypertension, resistant arterial hypertension, stroke/subarachnoid hemorrhage and various forms of cancer. The results of most of these trials - except those for pulmonary arterial hypertension and scleroderma-related digital ulcers - were either negative or neutral. Problems with study design, patient selection, drug toxicity, and drug dosing have been used to explain or excuse failures. Currently, a number of pharmaceutical companies who had developed ERAs as drug candidates have discontinued clinical trials or further drug development. Given the problems with using ERAs in clinical medicine, at the Twelfth International Conference on Endothelin in Cambridge, UK, a panel discussion was held by clinicians actively involved in clinical development of ERA therapy in renal disease, systemic and pulmonary arterial hypertension, heart failure, and cancer. This article provides summaries from the panel discussion as well as personal perspectives of the panelists on how to proceed with further clinical testing of ERAs and guidance for researchers and decision makers in clinical drug development on where future research efforts might best be focused.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald E Kohan
- Division of Nephrology, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
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Noninvasive imaging reveals inhibition of ovarian cancer by targeting CXCL12-CXCR4. Neoplasia 2012; 13:1152-61. [PMID: 22241961 DOI: 10.1593/neo.111076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2011] [Revised: 11/03/2011] [Accepted: 11/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with metastatic ovarian cancer continue to have a dismal prognosis, emphasizing the need for new strategies to identify and develop new molecular targets for therapy. Chemokine CXCL12 and its receptor CXCR4 are upregulated in metastatic ovarian cancer cells and the intraperitoneal tumor microenvironment. CXCL12-CXCR4 signaling promotes multiple steps in proliferation and dissemination of ovarian cancer cells, suggesting that targeted inhibition of this pathway will limit tumor progression. To investigate CXCL12-CXCR4 signaling in ovarian cancer and establish effects of inhibiting this pathway on tumor progression and survival, we designed a Gaussia luciferase complementation imaging reporter system to detect CXCL12 binding to CXCR4 in ovarian cancer cells. In cell-based assays, we established that the complementation imaging reporter could detect CXCL12 binding to CXCR4 and quantify specific inhibition of ligand-receptor interaction. We monitored CXCL12-CXCR4 binding and inhibition in a mouse xenograft model of metastatic human ovarian cancer by imaging Gaussia luciferase complementation and assessed tumor progression with firefly luciferase. Bioluminescence imaging studies in living mice showed that treatment with AMD3100, a clinically approved inhibitor of CXCL12-CXCR4, blocked ligand-receptor binding and reduced growth of ovarian cancer cells. Treatment with AMD3100 also modestly improved overall survival of mice with metastatic ovarian cancer. The Gaussia luciferase complementation imaging reporter system will facilitate further preclinical development and optimization of CXCL12-CXCR4 targeted compounds for treatment of ovarian cancer. Our research supports clinical translation of existing CXCR4 inhibitors for molecular therapy for ovarian cancer.
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Antivascular therapy for multidrug-resistant ovarian tumors by macitentan, a dual endothelin receptor antagonist. Transl Oncol 2012; 5:39-47. [PMID: 22348175 DOI: 10.1593/tlo.11286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2011] [Revised: 10/03/2011] [Accepted: 10/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelin receptors (ETRs) are often overexpressed in ovarian tumors, which can be resistant to conventional therapies. Thus, we investigated whether blockage of the ETR pathways using the dual ETR antagonist macitentan combined with taxol or cisplatinum can produce therapy for orthotopically growing multidrug-resistant (MDR) human ovarian carcinoma. In several studies, nude mice were injected in the peritoneal cavity with HeyA8-MDR human ovarian cancer cells. Ten days later, mice were randomized to receive vehicle (saline), macitentan (oral, daily), taxol (intraperitoneal, weekly), cisplatinum (intraperitoneal, weekly), macitentan plus taxol, or macitentan plus cisplatinum. Moribund mice were killed, and tumors were collected, weighed, and prepared for immunohistochemical analysis. The HeyA8-MDR tumors did not respond to taxol, cisplatinum, or macitentan administered as single agents. In contrast, combination therapy with macitentan and taxol or macitentan and cisplatinum significantly decreased the tumor incidence and weight and significantly increased the survival of mice and their general condition. Multiple immunohistochemical analyses revealed that treatment with macitentan and macitentan plus taxol or cisplatinum inhibited the phosphorylation of ETRs, decreased the levels of pVEGFR2, pAkt, and pMAPK in tumor cells after 2 weeks of treatment and induced a first wave of apoptosis in tumor-associated endothelial cells followed by apoptosis in surrounding tumor cells. Our study shows that ovarian cancer cells, which express the endothelin axis and are multidrug resistant, are exquisitely sensitive to treatment with a dual ET antagonist and can be resensitized to both taxol and cisplatinum. This combined therapy led to a significant reduction in tumor weight.
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The interconnectedness of cancer cell signaling. Neoplasia 2012; 13:1183-93. [PMID: 22241964 DOI: 10.1593/neo.111746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2011] [Revised: 12/14/2011] [Accepted: 12/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The elegance of fundamental and applied research activities have begun to reveal a myriad of spatial and temporal alterations in downstream signaling networks affected by cell surface receptor stimulation including G protein-coupled receptors and receptor tyrosine kinases. Interconnected biochemical pathways serve to integrate and distribute the signaling information throughout the cell by orchestration of complex biochemical circuits consisting of protein interactions and covalent modification processes. It is clear that scientific literature summarizing results from both fundamental and applied scientific research activities has served to provide a broad foundational biologic database that has been instrumental in advancing our continued understanding of underlying cancer biology. This article reflects on historical advances and the role of innovation in the competitive world of grant-sponsored research.
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Davies MA, Fox PS, Papadopoulos NE, Bedikian AY, Hwu WJ, Lazar AJ, Prieto VG, Culotta KS, Madden TL, Xu Q, Huang S, Deng W, Ng CS, Gupta S, Liu W, Dancey JE, Wright JJ, Bassett RL, Hwu P, Kim KB. Phase I study of the combination of sorafenib and temsirolimus in patients with metastatic melanoma. Clin Cancer Res 2012; 18:1120-8. [PMID: 22223528 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-11-2436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This phase I clinical trial was conducted to determine the safety, efficacy, and molecular effects of sorafenib with temsirolimus in patients with advanced melanoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with stage IV or unresectable or recurrent stage III melanoma and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 to 1 were eligible. Sorafenib was given orally once or twice daily and temsirolimus was given i.v. weekly, both starting on day 1, with a 4-week cycle. Responses were assessed every 2 cycles per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria. Consenting patients with accessible tumors underwent optional tumor biopsies before treatment and after the second infusion of temsirolimus. Tumor biopsies were analyzed for activating mutations in BRAF and NRAS, and for expression of P-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (P-ERK) and P-S6 proteins. RESULTS A total of 25 patients were accrued to the study. The maximum tolerated doses were sorafenib 400 mg every morning and 200 mg every evening and temsirolimus 25 mg i.v. weekly. Dose-limiting toxicities included thrombocytopenia, hand-foot syndrome, serum transaminase elevation, and hypertriglyceridemia. There were no complete or partial responses with the combination; 10 patients achieved stabilization of disease as their best response. The median progression-free survival was 2.1 months. Matching pretreatment and day 15 tumor biopsies showed marked inhibition of P-S6 with treatment in 3 of 4 evaluable patients, but minimal inhibition of P-ERK. CONCLUSIONS Combination therapy with sorafenib and temsirolimus resulted in significant toxicity at higher dose levels, failed to achieve any clinical responses in genetically unselected patient population, and did not inhibit P-ERK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Davies
- Departments of Melanoma Medical Oncology, Systems Biology, Biostatistics, Pathology, Experimental Therapeutics, and Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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