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Pasquale EB. Eph receptors and ephrins in cancer progression. Nat Rev Cancer 2024; 24:5-27. [PMID: 37996538 PMCID: PMC11015936 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-023-00634-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Evidence implicating Eph receptor tyrosine kinases and their ephrin ligands (that together make up the 'Eph system') in cancer development and progression has been accumulating since the discovery of the first Eph receptor approximately 35 years ago. Advances in the past decade and a half have considerably increased the understanding of Eph receptor-ephrin signalling mechanisms in cancer and have uncovered intriguing new roles in cancer progression and drug resistance. This Review focuses mainly on these more recent developments. I provide an update on the different mechanisms of Eph receptor-ephrin-mediated cell-cell communication and cell autonomous signalling, as well as on the interplay of the Eph system with other signalling systems. I further discuss recent advances in elucidating how the Eph system controls tumour expansion, invasiveness and metastasis, supports cancer stem cells, and drives therapy resistance. In addition to functioning within cancer cells, the Eph system also mediates the reciprocal communication between cancer cells and cells of the tumour microenvironment. The involvement of the Eph system in tumour angiogenesis is well established, but recent findings also demonstrate roles in immune cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts and the extracellular matrix. Lastly, I discuss strategies under evaluation for therapeutic targeting of Eph receptors-ephrins in cancer and conclude with an outlook on promising future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena B Pasquale
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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2
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Hanover G, Vizeacoumar FS, Banerjee SL, Nair R, Dahiya R, Osornio-Hernandez AI, Morales AM, Freywald T, Himanen JP, Toosi BM, Bisson N, Vizeacoumar FJ, Freywald A. Integration of cancer-related genetic landscape of Eph receptors and ephrins with proteomics identifies a crosstalk between EPHB6 and EGFR. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112670. [PMID: 37392382 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Eph receptors and their ephrin ligands are viewed as promising targets for cancer treatment; however, targeting them is hindered by their context-dependent functionalities. To circumvent this, we explore molecular landscapes underlying their pro- and anti-malignant activities. Using unbiased bioinformatics approaches, we construct a cancer-related network of genetic interactions (GIs) of all Ephs and ephrins to assist in their therapeutic manipulation. We also apply genetic screening and BioID proteomics and integrate them with machine learning approaches to select the most relevant GIs of one Eph receptor, EPHB6. This identifies a crosstalk between EPHB6 and EGFR, and further experiments confirm the ability of EPHB6 to modulate EGFR signaling, enhancing the proliferation of cancer cells and tumor development. Taken together, our observations show EPHB6 involvement in EGFR action, suggesting its targeting might be beneficial in EGFR-dependent tumors, and confirm that the Eph family genetic interactome presented here can be effectively exploited in developing cancer treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glinton Hanover
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Royal University Hospital, Room 2841, 103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0W8, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Saskatchewan, GA20 Health Sciences, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Frederick S Vizeacoumar
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Royal University Hospital, Room 2841, 103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0W8, Canada
| | - Sara L Banerjee
- Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, PROTEO and Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Quebec-Université Laval, Division Oncologie, 9 Rue McMahon, Québec, QC G1R 3S3, Canada
| | - Raveena Nair
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Royal University Hospital, Room 2841, 103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0W8, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Saskatchewan, GA20 Health Sciences, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Renuka Dahiya
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Royal University Hospital, Room 2841, 103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0W8, Canada
| | - Ana I Osornio-Hernandez
- Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, PROTEO and Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Quebec-Université Laval, Division Oncologie, 9 Rue McMahon, Québec, QC G1R 3S3, Canada
| | - Alain Morejon Morales
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Royal University Hospital, Room 2841, 103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0W8, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Saskatchewan, GA20 Health Sciences, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Tanya Freywald
- Cancer Research, Saskatchewan Cancer Agency and Division of Oncology, University of Saskatchewan, 4D30.2 Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Juha P Himanen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, 20500 Turku, Finland
| | - Behzad M Toosi
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Nicolas Bisson
- Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, PROTEO and Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Quebec-Université Laval, Division Oncologie, 9 Rue McMahon, Québec, QC G1R 3S3, Canada.
| | - Franco J Vizeacoumar
- Cancer Research, Saskatchewan Cancer Agency and Division of Oncology, University of Saskatchewan, 4D30.2 Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada.
| | - Andrew Freywald
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Royal University Hospital, Room 2841, 103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0W8, Canada.
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3
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Farooq A, Richman CM, Swain SM, Shahid RA, Vigna SR, Liddle RA. The Role of Phosphate in Alcohol-Induced Experimental Pancreatitis. Gastroenterology 2021; 161:982-995.e2. [PMID: 34051238 PMCID: PMC8380702 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2021.05.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Heavy alcohol consumption is a common cause of acute pancreatitis; however, alcohol abuse does not always result in clinical pancreatitis. As a consequence, the factors responsible for alcohol-induced pancreatitis are not well understood. In experimental animals, it has been difficult to produce pancreatitis with alcohol. Clinically, alcohol use predisposes to hypophosphatemia, and hypophosphatemia has been observed in some patients with acute pancreatitis. Because of abundant protein synthesis, the pancreas has high metabolic demands, and reduced mitochondrial function leads to organelle dysfunction and pancreatitis. We proposed, therefore, that phosphate deficiency might limit adenosine triphosphate synthesis and thereby contribute to alcohol-induced pancreatitis. METHODS Mice were fed a low-phosphate diet (LPD) before orogastric administration of ethanol. Direct effects of phosphate and ethanol were evaluated in vitro in isolated mouse pancreatic acini. RESULTS LPD reduced serum phosphate levels. Intragastric administration of ethanol to animals maintained on an LPD caused severe pancreatitis that was ameliorated by phosphate repletion. In pancreatic acinar cells, low-phosphate conditions increased susceptibility to ethanol-induced cellular dysfunction through decreased bioenergetic stores, specifically affecting total cellular adenosine triphosphate and mitochondrial function. Phosphate supplementation prevented ethanol-associated cellular injury. CONCLUSIONS Phosphate status plays a critical role in predisposition to and protection from alcohol-induced acinar cell dysfunction and the development of acute alcohol-induced pancreatitis. This finding may explain why pancreatitis develops in only some individuals with heavy alcohol use and suggests a potential novel therapeutic approach to pancreatitis. Finally, an LPD plus ethanol provides a new model for studying alcohol-associated pancreatic injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Farooq
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Courtney M Richman
- School of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Sandip M Swain
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Rafiq A Shahid
- Department of Pathology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Steven R Vigna
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Rodger A Liddle
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina; Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina.
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4
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Mason EO, Goldgur Y, Robev D, Freywald A, Nikolov DB, Himanen JP. Structure of the EphB6 receptor ectodomain. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0247335. [PMID: 33770085 PMCID: PMC7997048 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Eph receptors are the largest group amongst the receptor tyrosine kinases and are divided into two subgroups, A and B, based on ligand binding specificities and sequence conservation. Through ligand-induced and ligand-independent activities, Ephs play central roles in diverse biological processes, including embryo development, regulation of neuronal signaling, immune responses, vasculogenesis, as well as tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. The Eph extracellular regions (ECDs) are constituted of multiple domains, and previous structural studies of the A class receptors revealed how they interact with ephrin ligands and simultaneously mediate Eph-Eph clustering necessary for biological activity. Specifically, EphA structures highlighted a model, where clustering of ligand-bound receptors relies on two distinct receptor/receptor interfaces. Interestingly, most unliganded A class receptors also form an additional, third interface, between the ligand binding domain (LBD) and the fibronectin III domain (FN3) of neighboring molecules. Structures of B-class Eph ECDs, on the other hand, have never been reported. To further our understanding of Eph receptor function, we crystallized the EphB6-ECD and determined its three-dimensional structure using X-ray crystallography. EphB6 has important functions in both normal physiology and human malignancies and is especially interesting because this atypical receptor innately lacks kinase activity and our understanding of the mechanism of action is still incomplete. Our structural data reveals the overall EphB6-ECD architecture and shows EphB6-LBD/FN3 interactions similar to those observed for the unliganded A class receptors, suggesting that these unusual interactions are of general importance to the Eph group. We also observe unique structural features, which likely reflect the atypical signaling properties of EphB6, namely the need of co-receptor(s) for this kinase-inactive Eph. These findings provide new valuable information on the structural organization and mechanism of action of the B-class Ephs, and specifically EphB6, which in the future will assist in identifying clinically relevant targets for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia O. Mason
- Structural Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Yehuda Goldgur
- Structural Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Dorothea Robev
- Structural Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Andrew Freywald
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Dimitar B. Nikolov
- Structural Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail: (DBN); (JPH)
| | - Juha P. Himanen
- Structural Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail: (DBN); (JPH)
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5
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Weiner-Gorzel K, Murphy M. Mitochondrial dynamics, a new therapeutic target for Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021; 1875:188518. [PMID: 33545296 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2021.188518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive tumour with patients survival rarely exceeding five years. TNBC tumours are larger in size, more chemoresistant, highly proliferative and usually more enriched in stem and immune cells comparing to other breast cancer subtypes. Functionally, these changes are dependent on a high-quality mitochondrial pool. Mitochondrial health is constantly assessed and appropriately improved by mitochondrial dynamics (cycles of mitochondrial fusion and division). Recent advances in understanding of mitochondrial dynamics in TNBC has demonstrated its critical importance in tumour growth and metastasis. This review explores current knowledge of mitochondrial dynamics in TNBC and discusses targeting this pathway clinically to improve outcomes for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Weiner-Gorzel
- Conway Institute, UCD School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland; Department of General Medicine, St. Vincent University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - M Murphy
- Conway Institute, UCD School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
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6
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Buckens OJ, El Hassouni B, Giovannetti E, Peters GJ. The role of Eph receptors in cancer and how to target them: novel approaches in cancer treatment. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2020; 29:567-582. [PMID: 32348169 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2020.1762566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Erythropoietin-producing human hepatocellular (Eph) receptors are among the largest family of tyrosine kinases that are divided into two classes: EphA and EphB receptors. Over the past two decades, their role in cancer has become more evident. AREAS COVERED There is a need for new anticancer treatments and more insight in the emerging role of Eph receptors in cancer. Molecular mechanisms underlying the pro-tumorigenic effects of Eph receptors could be exploited for future therapeutic strategies. This review describes the variability in expression levels and different effects on oncogenic and tumor suppressive downstream signaling of Eph receptors in various cancer types, and the small molecules, antibodies and peptides that target these receptors. EXPERT OPINION The complexity of Eph signaling is a challenge for the definition of clear targets for cancer treatment. Nevertheless, numerous drugs that target EphA2 and EphB4 are currently in clinical trials. However, some Eph targeted drugs also inhibit other tyrosine kinases, so it is unclear to what extent the targeting of Eph receptors contributes to their efficacy. Future research is warranted for an improved understanding of the full network in which Eph receptors function. This will be critical for the improvement of the anticancer effects of drugs that target the Eph receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar J Buckens
- Amsterdam University College , Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Laboratory Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC Location VUMC, CCA , Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Btissame El Hassouni
- Laboratory Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC Location VUMC, CCA , Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Laboratory Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC Location VUMC, CCA , Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Pharmacology Lab, AIRC Start up Unit, Fondazione Pisana per La Scienza , Pisa, Italy
| | - Godefridus J Peters
- Laboratory Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC Location VUMC, CCA , Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk , Gdansk, Poland
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7
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Raja E, Morikawa M, Nishida J, Tanabe R, Takahashi K, Seeherman HJ, Saito N, Todo T, Miyazono K. Tyrosine kinase Eph receptor A6 sensitizes glioma-initiating cells towards bone morphogenetic protein-induced apoptosis. Cancer Sci 2019; 110:3486-3496. [PMID: 31483918 PMCID: PMC6825014 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling plays important roles in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a lethal form of brain tumor. BMP reduces GBM tumorigenicity through its differentiation‐ and apoptosis‐inducing effects on glioma‐initiating cells (GIC). However, some GIC do not respond to the tumor suppressive effects of BMP. Using a phosphoreceptor tyrosine kinase array, we found that EPHA6 (erythropoietin‐producing hepatocellular carcinoma receptor A6) phosphorylation was regulated by BMP‐2 signaling in some GIC. Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas showed that EPHA6 expression was lower in patients with GBM than in the normal brain, and that high EPHA6 expression was correlated with better prognosis. EPHA6 receptor increased the susceptibility of both sensitive and resistant GIC to BMP‐2‐induced apoptosis. The cooperative effect on apoptosis induction depended on the kinase activity of BMP type I receptor but was independent of EPHA6 kinase function. Overexpression of the EPHA6 receptor in GIC resulted in the formation of a protein complex of EPHA6 receptor and the BMP type I receptor ALK‐2, which was associated with BMP‐induced apoptosis in GIC. Intracranial injection of GIC into nude mice showed that gain‐of‐function of EPHA6 together with BMP‐2 pretreatment slowed GBM tumor progression in the mouse brain and promoted mouse survival. In summary, EPHA6 together with BMP‐2 signaling led to apoptotic cell death in GIC, and thus is a putative tumor suppressor in GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erna Raja
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masato Morikawa
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jun Nishida
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryo Tanabe
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kei Takahashi
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Nobuhito Saito
- Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoki Todo
- Division of Innovative Cancer Therapy, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kohei Miyazono
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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8
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Viewing the Eph receptors with a focus on breast cancer heterogeneity. Cancer Lett 2018; 434:160-171. [PMID: 30055288 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Revised: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Aberrant expression of different family members of the Eph/ephrin system, which comprises the Eph receptors (Ephs) and their ligands (ephrins), has been implicated in various malignancies including breast cancer. The latter presents as a heterogeneous disease with diverse molecular, morphologic and clinical behavior signatures. This review reflects the existing Eph/ephrin literature while focusing on breast cancer heterogeneity. Hormone positive, HER2 positive and triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines, xenografts/mutant animal models and patient samples are examined separately as, in humans, they represent entities with differences in prognosis and treatment. EphA2, EphB4 and EphB6 are the members most extensively studied in breast cancer. Existing research points to the potential use of various Eph/ephrin members as biomarkers for assessing prognosis and selecting the most suitable therapeutic strategies in variable clinical scenarios, also for overcoming drug resistance, in the era of breast cancer heterogeneity.
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9
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Toosi BM, El Zawily A, Truitt L, Shannon M, Allonby O, Babu M, DeCoteau J, Mousseau D, Ali M, Freywald T, Gall A, Vizeacoumar FS, Kirzinger MW, Geyer CR, Anderson DH, Kim T, Welm AL, Siegel P, Vizeacoumar FJ, Kusalik A, Freywald A. EPHB6 augments both development and drug sensitivity of triple-negative breast cancer tumours. Oncogene 2018; 37:4073-4093. [PMID: 29700392 PMCID: PMC6062499 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0228-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Revised: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) tumours that lack expression of oestrogen, and progesterone receptors, and do not overexpress the HER2 receptor represent the most aggressive breast cancer subtype, which is characterised by the resistance to therapy in frequently relapsing tumours and a high rate of patient mortality. This is likely due to the resistance of slowly proliferating tumour-initiating cells (TICs), and understanding molecular mechanisms that control TICs behaviour is crucial for the development of effective therapeutic approaches. Here, we present our novel findings, indicating that an intrinsically catalytically inactive member of the Eph group of receptor tyrosine kinases, EPHB6, partially suppresses the epithelial–mesenchymal transition in TNBC cells, while also promoting expansion of TICs. Our work reveals that EPHB6 interacts with the GRB2 adapter protein and that its effect on enhancing cell proliferation is mediated by the activation of the RAS-ERK pathway, which allows it to elevate the expression of the TIC-related transcription factor, OCT4. Consistent with this, suppression of either ERK or OCT4 activities blocks EPHB6-induced pro-proliferative responses. In line with its ability to trigger propagation of TICs, EPHB6 accelerates tumour growth, potentiates tumour initiation and increases TIC populations in xenograft models of TNBC. Remarkably, EPHB6 also suppresses tumour drug resistance to DNA-damaging therapy, probably by forcing TICs into a more proliferative, drug-sensitive state. In agreement, patients with higher EPHB6 expression in their tumours have a better chance for recurrence-free survival. These observations describe an entirely new mechanism that governs TNBC and suggest that it may be beneficial to enhance EPHB6 action concurrent with applying a conventional DNA-damaging treatment, as it would decrease drug resistance and improve tumour elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behzad M Toosi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Room 2841, Royal University Hospital, 103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 0W8, Canada
| | - Amr El Zawily
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Room 2841, Royal University Hospital, 103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 0W8, Canada.,Faculty of Science, Damanhour University, Damanhour, 22516, Egypt
| | - Luke Truitt
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Room 2841, Royal University Hospital, 103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 0W8, Canada
| | - Matthew Shannon
- Department of Computer Science, University of Saskatchewan, 176 Thorvaldsen Bldg., 110 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5C9, Canada
| | - Odette Allonby
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Room 2841, Royal University Hospital, 103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 0W8, Canada
| | - Mohan Babu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Regina, Room 232, Research and Innovation Centre, Regina, SK, S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - John DeCoteau
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Room 2841, Royal University Hospital, 103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 0W8, Canada
| | - Darrell Mousseau
- Cell Signaling Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, GB41 Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Mohsin Ali
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Room 2841, Royal University Hospital, 103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 0W8, Canada
| | - Tanya Freywald
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Room 2841, Royal University Hospital, 103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 0W8, Canada
| | - Amanda Gall
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Room 2D01 Health Science Building, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Frederick S Vizeacoumar
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Room 2841, Royal University Hospital, 103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 0W8, Canada
| | - Morgan W Kirzinger
- Department of Computer Science, University of Saskatchewan, 176 Thorvaldsen Bldg., 110 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5C9, Canada
| | - C Ronald Geyer
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Room 2841, Royal University Hospital, 103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 0W8, Canada
| | - Deborah H Anderson
- Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, University of Saskatchewan, 4D30.2 Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - TaeHyung Kim
- Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research and Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Alana L Welm
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, 2000 Circle of Hope, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Peter Siegel
- Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, 1160 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, QC, H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Franco J Vizeacoumar
- Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, University of Saskatchewan, 4D30.2 Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Anthony Kusalik
- Department of Computer Science, University of Saskatchewan, 176 Thorvaldsen Bldg., 110 Science Place, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5C9, Canada.
| | - Andrew Freywald
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Room 2841, Royal University Hospital, 103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 0W8, Canada.
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10
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Liu J, Xu B, Xu G, Zhang X, Yang X, Wang J. Reduced EphB6 protein in gastric carcinoma and associated lymph nodes suggests EphB6 as a gastric tumor and metastasis inhibitor. Cancer Biomark 2018; 19:241-248. [PMID: 28453458 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-160256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eph receptors comprise the largest group of the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) family, and Eph receptors interacting with their ligand ephrins play an important role in development and tumorigenesis. EphB6, a special Eph receptor that lacks tyrosine kinase activity, was reported to be expressed in some human cancers. The clinical significance of EphB6 in gastric carcinoma has not been well investigated. METHODS In this study, we detected expression of EphB6 protein in four gastric cancer cell lines and a set of gastric carcinoma tissue specimens by using immunohistochemistry. The relationship between EphB6 protein expression and clinicopathological parameters was statistically analyzed. RESULTS EphB6 protein was differentially detected in four gastric cancer cell lines. EphB6 protein was low expressed in 52.6%, moderately expressed in 32.59%, and strongly expressed in 14.5% of gastric carcinomas. EphB6 expression was positively associated with tumor differentiation (P< 0.001, rs= 0.476), and negatively associated with lymph node metastasis (P< 0.001, rs=-0.444) and tumor stage (P= 0.001, rs=-0.269). Low EphB6 expression was detected more often in female patients (P= 0.031). No significant relationship between EphB6 expression and patient age, tumor location, or depth of tumor invasion was identified. CONCLUSION Our data indicate that EphB6 protein was decreased in gastric carcinoma compared with normal mucosa. Analytic results based on pathological parameters suggests that EphB6 protein may inhibit metastasis of gastric carcinoma and could be a potential therapeutic target for gastric carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxiu Liu
- Department of Molecular Biology, Jiangsu College of Nursing, Huaian 223300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bin Xu
- Jiangsu Huaian Third People's Hospital, Huaian 223340, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guoying Xu
- Department of Molecular Biology, Jiangsu College of Nursing, Huaian 223300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaolei Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Jiangsu College of Nursing, Huaian 223300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xueyi Yang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Jiangsu College of Nursing, Huaian 223300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiandong Wang
- Department of Pathology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing 210002, Jiangsu, China
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Chen J, Li L, Yang Z, Luo J, Yeh S, Chang C. Androgen-deprivation therapy with enzalutamide enhances prostate cancer metastasis via decreasing the EPHB6 suppressor expression. Cancer Lett 2017; 408:155-163. [PMID: 28826721 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Revised: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Early studies suggested that using ADT with the recently developed anti-androgen Enzalutamide (Enz, also named as MDV3100 could extent castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) patients' survival an extra 4.8 months. Yet the therapy in most patients might eventually fail due to development of Enz-resistance. Here we found Enz might also increase some unwanted side-effects via increasing the CRPC cell invasion that might involve altering the Enz-mediated androgen receptor (AR)/EPHB6 suppressor/JNK signaling. Results from multiple clinical surveys also indicated that EPHP6 might function as a suppressor of PCa metastasis. Mechanism dissection revealed that Enz-mediated AR might function via binding to the androgen-response-element (ARE) on the EPHB6 promoter to decrease EPHB6 suppressor expression, which might then activate the phosphorylation of JNK signals to increase the CRPC cell invasion. Targeting this newly identified AR/EPHB6/JNK signaling with JNK inhibitor (SP600125) may then block/reverse the Enz-increased CRPC cell invasion. Collectively, our results suggest that Enz may increase CRPC cell invasion via altering the AR/EPHB6/JNK/MMP9 signaling and targeting this newly identified signaling may help us to increase the Enz efficacy to better suppress the CRPC at the later metastatic stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Chen
- Sex Hormone Research Center, Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China; George Whipple Lab for Cancer Research, Departments of Pathology and Urology, The Wilmot Cancer Center, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Lei Li
- Sex Hormone Research Center, Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China; George Whipple Lab for Cancer Research, Departments of Pathology and Urology, The Wilmot Cancer Center, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA.
| | - Zhao Yang
- Sex Hormone Research Center, Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China; George Whipple Lab for Cancer Research, Departments of Pathology and Urology, The Wilmot Cancer Center, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Jie Luo
- George Whipple Lab for Cancer Research, Departments of Pathology and Urology, The Wilmot Cancer Center, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Shuyuan Yeh
- George Whipple Lab for Cancer Research, Departments of Pathology and Urology, The Wilmot Cancer Center, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
| | - Chawnshang Chang
- George Whipple Lab for Cancer Research, Departments of Pathology and Urology, The Wilmot Cancer Center, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA; Sex Hormone Research Center, China Medical University/Hospital, Taichung, 404, Taiwan.
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Prudent J, McBride HM. The mitochondria–endoplasmic reticulum contact sites: a signalling platform for cell death. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2017; 47:52-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2017.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Revised: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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Targeting Eph/ephrin system in cancer therapy. Eur J Med Chem 2017; 142:152-162. [PMID: 28780190 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2017.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Revised: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
It is well established that the Eph/ephrin system plays a central role in the embryonic development, with minor implications in the physiology of the adult. However, it is overexpressed and deregulated in a variety of tumors, with a primary involvement in tumorigenesis, tumor angiogenesis, metastasis development, and cancer stem cell regeneration. Targeting the Eph/ephrin system with biologicals, including antibodies and recombinant proteins, reduces tumor growth in animal models of hematological malignancies, breast, prostate, colon, head and neck cancers and glioblastoma. Currently, some of these biopharmaceutical agents are under investigations in phase I or phase II clinical trials. Peptides and small molecules targeting protein-protein-interaction (PPI) are in the late preclinical phase where they are showing promising activity in models of glioblastoma, ovarian and lung cancer. The present review summarizes the most critical findings proposing the Eph/ephrin signaling system as a new target in molecularly targeted oncology.
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