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Chang YC, Wu CZ, Cheng CW, Chen JS, Chang LC. Redrawing Urokinase Receptor (uPAR) Signaling with Cancer Driver Genes for Exploring Possible Anti-Cancer Targets and Drugs. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1435. [PMID: 37895906 PMCID: PMC10610195 DOI: 10.3390/ph16101435] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
During tumorigenesis, urokinase (uPA) and uPA receptor (uPAR) play essential roles in mediating pathological progression in many cancers. To understand the crosstalk between the uPA/uPAR signaling and cancer, as well as to decipher their cellular pathways, we proposed to use cancer driver genes to map out the uPAR signaling. In the study, an integrated pharmaceutical bioinformatics approach that combined modulator identification, driver gene ontology networking, protein targets prediction and networking, pathway analysis and uPAR modulator screening platform construction was employed to uncover druggable targets in uPAR signaling for developing a novel anti-cancer modality. Through these works, we found that uPAR signaling interacted with 10 of 21 KEGG cancer pathways, indicating the important role of uPAR in mediating intracellular cancerous signaling. Furthermore, we verified that receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and ribosomal S6 kinases (RSKs) could serve as signal hubs to relay uPAR-mediated cellular functions on cancer hallmarks such as angiogenesis, proliferation, migration and metastasis. Moreover, we established an in silico virtual screening platform and a uPAR-driver gene pair rule for identifying potential uPAR modulators to combat cancer. Altogether, our results not only elucidated the complex networking between uPAR modulation and cancer but also provided a paved way for developing new chemical entities and/or re-positioning clinically used drugs against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ching Chang
- Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City 114201, Taiwan;
| | - Chung-Ze Wu
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City 110301, Taiwan;
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City 235041, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Wen Cheng
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei City 110301, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City 114201, Taiwan
| | - Jin-Shuen Chen
- Department of Education and Research, Kaohsiung Veteran General Hospital, Kaohsiung City 813414, Taiwan
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City 114202, Taiwan
| | - Li-Chien Chang
- Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City 114201, Taiwan;
- School of Pharmacy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei City 114201, Taiwan
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2
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Hosseiniyan Khatibi SM, Najjarian F, Homaei Rad H, Ardalan M, Teshnehlab M, Zununi Vahed S, Pirmoradi S. Key therapeutic targets implicated at the early stage of hepatocellular carcinoma identified through machine-learning approaches. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3840. [PMID: 36882466 PMCID: PMC9992672 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30720-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent type of primary liver cancer. Early-stage detection plays an essential role in making treatment decisions and identifying dominant molecular mechanisms. We utilized machine learning algorithms to find significant mRNAs and microRNAs (miRNAs) at the early and late stages of HCC. First, pre-processing approaches, including organization, nested cross-validation, cleaning, and normalization were applied. Next, the t-test/ANOVA methods and binary particle swarm optimization were used as a filter and wrapper method in the feature selection step, respectively. Then, classifiers, based on machine learning and deep learning algorithms were utilized to evaluate the discrimination power of selected features (mRNAs and miRNAs) in the classification step. Finally, the association rule mining algorithm was applied to selected features for identifying key mRNAs and miRNAs that can help decode dominant molecular mechanisms in HCC stages. The applied methods could identify key genes associated with the early (e.g., Vitronectin, thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor, lactate dehydrogenase D (LDHD), miR-590) and late-stage (e.g., SPRY domain containing 4, regucalcin, miR-3199-1, miR-194-2, miR-4999) of HCC. This research could establish a clear picture of putative candidate genes, which could be the main actors at the early and late stages of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Mahdi Hosseiniyan Khatibi
- Kidney Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Daneshgah Street, Tabriz, 51665118, Iran.,Clinical Research Development Unit of Tabriz Valiasr Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Niyayesh Blvd., Tabriz, Iran.,Rahat Breath and Sleep Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Farima Najjarian
- Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hamed Homaei Rad
- Rahat Breath and Sleep Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Ardalan
- Kidney Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Daneshgah Street, Tabriz, 51665118, Iran
| | - Mohammad Teshnehlab
- Department of Electric and Computer Engineering, K.N. Toosi University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sepideh Zununi Vahed
- Kidney Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Daneshgah Street, Tabriz, 51665118, Iran.
| | - Saeed Pirmoradi
- Clinical Research Development Unit of Tabriz Valiasr Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Niyayesh Blvd., Tabriz, Iran.
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3
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Alfano D, Franco P, Stoppelli MP. Modulation of Cellular Function by the Urokinase Receptor Signalling: A Mechanistic View. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:818616. [PMID: 35493073 PMCID: PMC9045800 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.818616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR or CD87) is a glycosyl-phosphatidyl-inositol anchored (GPI) membrane protein. The uPAR primary ligand is the serine protease urokinase (uPA), converting plasminogen into plasmin, a broad spectrum protease, active on most extracellular matrix components. Besides uPA, the uPAR binds specifically also to the matrix protein vitronectin and, therefore, is regarded also as an adhesion receptor. Complex formation of the uPAR with diverse transmembrane proteins, including integrins, formyl peptide receptors, G protein-coupled receptors and epidermal growth factor receptor results in intracellular signalling. Thus, the uPAR is a multifunctional receptor coordinating surface-associated pericellular proteolysis and signal transduction, thereby affecting physiological and pathological mechanisms. The uPAR-initiated signalling leads to remarkable cellular effects, that include increased cell migration, adhesion, survival, proliferation and invasion. Although this is beyond the scope of this review, the uPA/uPAR system is of great interest to cancer research, as it is associated to aggressive cancers and poor patient survival. Increasing evidence links the uPA/uPAR axis to epithelial to mesenchymal transition, a highly dynamic process, by which epithelial cells can convert into a mesenchymal phenotype. Furthermore, many reports indicate that the uPAR is involved in the maintenance of the stem-like phenotype and in the differentiation process of different cell types. Moreover, the levels of anchor-less, soluble form of uPAR, respond to a variety of inflammatory stimuli, including tumorigenesis and viral infections. Finally, the role of uPAR in virus infection has received increasing attention, in view of the Covid-19 pandemics and new information is becoming available. In this review, we provide a mechanistic perspective, via the detailed examination of consolidated and recent studies on the cellular responses to the multiple uPAR activities.
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Metrangolo V, Ploug M, Engelholm LH. The Urokinase Receptor (uPAR) as a "Trojan Horse" in Targeted Cancer Therapy: Challenges and Opportunities. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215376. [PMID: 34771541 PMCID: PMC8582577 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Discovered more than three decades ago, the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) has now firmly established itself as a versatile molecular target holding promise for the treatment of aggressive malignancies. The copious abundance of uPAR in virtually all human cancerous tissues versus their healthy counterparts has fostered a gradual shift in the therapeutic landscape targeting this receptor from function inhibition to cytotoxic approaches to selectively eradicate the uPAR-expressing cells by delivering a targeted cytotoxic insult. Multiple avenues are being explored in a preclinical setting, including the more innovative immune- or stroma targeting therapies. This review discusses the current state of these strategies, their potentialities, and challenges, along with future directions in the field of uPAR targeting. Abstract One of the largest challenges to the implementation of precision oncology is identifying and validating selective tumor-driving targets to enhance the therapeutic efficacy while limiting off-target toxicity. In this context, the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) has progressively emerged as a promising therapeutic target in the management of aggressive malignancies. By focalizing the plasminogen activation cascade and subsequent extracellular proteolysis on the cell surface of migrating cells, uPAR endows malignant cells with a high proteolytic and migratory potential to dissolve the restraining extracellular matrix (ECM) barriers and metastasize to distant sites. uPAR is also assumed to choreograph multiple other neoplastic stages via a complex molecular interplay with distinct cancer-associated signaling pathways. Accordingly, high uPAR expression is observed in virtually all human cancers and is frequently associated with poor patient prognosis and survival. The promising therapeutic potential unveiled by the pleiotropic nature of this receptor has prompted the development of distinct targeted intervention strategies. The present review will focus on recently emerged cytotoxic approaches emphasizing the novel technologies and related limits hindering their application in the clinical setting. Finally, future research directions and emerging opportunities in the field of uPAR targeting are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Metrangolo
- The Finsen Laboratory, Rigshospitalet, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; (V.M.); (M.P.)
- Biotech Research & Innovation Centre (BRIC), Department of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Ploug
- The Finsen Laboratory, Rigshospitalet, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; (V.M.); (M.P.)
- Biotech Research & Innovation Centre (BRIC), Department of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars H. Engelholm
- The Finsen Laboratory, Rigshospitalet, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; (V.M.); (M.P.)
- Biotech Research & Innovation Centre (BRIC), Department of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +45-31-43-20-77
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The Urokinase Receptor: A Multifunctional Receptor in Cancer Cell Biology. Therapeutic Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22084111. [PMID: 33923400 PMCID: PMC8073738 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22084111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis is a key event in several biological processes; proteolysis must be tightly controlled because its improper activation leads to dramatic consequences. Deregulation of proteolytic activity characterizes many pathological conditions, including cancer. The plasminogen activation (PA) system plays a key role in cancer; it includes the serine-protease urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA). uPA binds to a specific cellular receptor (uPAR), which concentrates proteolytic activity at the cell surface, thus supporting cell migration. However, a large body of evidence clearly showed uPAR involvement in the biology of cancer cell independently of the proteolytic activity of its ligand. In this review we will first describe this multifunctional molecule and then we will discuss how uPAR can sustain most of cancer hallmarks, which represent the biological capabilities acquired during the multistep cancer development. Finally, we will illustrate the main data available in the literature on uPAR as a cancer biomarker and a molecular target in anti-cancer therapy.
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Minopoli M, Botti G, Gigantino V, Ragone C, Sarno S, Motti ML, Scognamiglio G, Greggi S, Scaffa C, Roca MS, Stoppelli MP, Ciliberto G, Losito NS, Carriero MV. Targeting the Formyl Peptide Receptor type 1 to prevent the adhesion of ovarian cancer cells onto mesothelium and subsequent invasion. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2019; 38:459. [PMID: 31703596 PMCID: PMC6839174 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-019-1465-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background The biological behavior of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is unique since EOC cells metastasize early to the peritoneum. Thereby, new anti-target agents designed to block trans-coelomic dissemination of EOC cells may be useful as anti-metastatic drugs. The Urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptor (uPAR) is overexpressed in EOC tissues, and its truncated forms released in sera and/or ascitic fluid are associated with poor prognosis and unfavorable clinical outcome. We documented that uPAR triggers intra-abdominal dissemination of EOC cells through the interaction of its 84–95 sequence with the Formyl Peptide Receptor type 1 (FPR1), even as short linear peptide Ser-Arg-Ser-Arg-Tyr (SRSRY). While the pro-metastatic role of uPAR is well documented, little information regarding the expression and role of FPR1 in EOC is currently available. Methods Expression levels of uPAR and FPR1 in EOC cells and tissues were assessed by immunofluorescence, Western blot, or immunohystochemistry. Cell adhesion to extra-cellular matrix proteins and mesothelium as well as mesothelium invasion kinetics by EOC cells were monitored using the xCELLigence technology or assessed by measuring cell-associated fluorescence. Cell internalization of FPR1 was identified on multiple z-series by confocal microscopy. Data from in vitro assays were analysed by one-way ANOVA and post-hoc Dunnett t-test for multiple comparisons. Tissue microarray data were analyzed with the Pearson’s Chi-square (χ2) test. Results Co-expression of uPAR and FPR1 by SKOV-3 and primary EOC cells confers a marked adhesion to vitronectin. The extent of cell adhesion decreases to basal level by pre-exposure to anti-uPAR84–95 Abs, or to the RI-3 peptide, blocking the uPAR84–95/FPR1 interaction. Furthermore, EOC cells exposed to RI-3 or desensitized with an excess of SRSRY, fail to adhere also to mesothelial cell monolayers, losing the ability to cross them. Finally, primary and metastatic EOC tissues express a high level of FPR1. Conclusions Our findings identify for the first time FPR1 as a potential biomarker of aggressive EOC and suggests that inhibitors of the uPAR84–95/FPR1 crosstalk may be useful for the treatment of metastatic EOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Minopoli
- Neoplastic Progression Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS 'Fondazione G. Pascale', Via M.Semmola, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Botti
- University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Gigantino
- Pathology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS 'Fondazione G. Pascale', Naples, Italy
| | - Concetta Ragone
- Neoplastic Progression Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS 'Fondazione G. Pascale', Via M.Semmola, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Sabrina Sarno
- Neoplastic Progression Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS 'Fondazione G. Pascale', Via M.Semmola, 80131, Naples, Italy.,Pathology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS 'Fondazione G. Pascale', Naples, Italy
| | | | - Giosuè Scognamiglio
- Pathology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS 'Fondazione G. Pascale', Naples, Italy
| | - Stefano Greggi
- Gynecologic Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS 'Fondazione G. Pascale', Naples, Italy
| | - Cono Scaffa
- Gynecologic Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS 'Fondazione G. Pascale', Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Serena Roca
- Experimental Pharmacology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS 'Fondazione G. Pascale', Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Nunzia Simona Losito
- Pathology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS 'Fondazione G. Pascale', Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Vincenza Carriero
- Neoplastic Progression Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS 'Fondazione G. Pascale', Via M.Semmola, 80131, Naples, Italy.
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Hedayatipour A, Aslanzadeh S, McFarlane N. CMOS based whole cell impedance sensing: Challenges and future outlook. Biosens Bioelectron 2019; 143:111600. [PMID: 31479988 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2019.111600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
With the increasing need for multi-analyte point-of-care diagnosis devices, cell impedance measurement is a promising technique for integration with other sensing modalities. In this comprehensive review, the theory underlying cell impedance sensing, including the history, complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) based implementations, and applications are critically assessed. Whole cell impedance sensing, also known as electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) or electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), is an approach for studying and diagnosing living cells in in-vitro and in-vivo environments. The technique is popular since it is label-free, non-invasive, and low cost when compared to standard biochemical assays. CMOS cell impedance measurement systems have been focused on expanding their applications to numerous aspects of biological, environmental, and food safety applications. This paper presents and evaluates circuit topologies for whole cell impedance measurement. The presented review compares several existing CMOS designs, including the classification, measurement speed, and sensitivity of varying topologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ava Hedayatipour
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA.
| | - Shaghayegh Aslanzadeh
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Nicole McFarlane
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
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8
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Oh F, Todhunter D, Taras E, Vallera DA, Borgatti A. Targeting EGFR and uPAR on human rhabdomyosarcoma, osteosarcoma, and ovarian adenocarcinoma with a bispecific ligand-directed toxin. Clin Pharmacol 2018; 10:113-121. [PMID: 30288129 PMCID: PMC6163021 DOI: 10.2147/cpaa.s160262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Human sarcomas are rare and difficult to treat cancerous tumors typically arising from soft tissue or bone. Conversely, carcinomas are the most common cancer subtype in humans and the primary cause of mortality across all cancer patients. While conventional therapeutic modalities can prolong disease-free intervals and survival in some cases, treatment of refractory or recurrent solid tumors is challenging, and tumor-related mortality remains unacceptably high. The identification of overexpressed cell surface receptors on sarcoma and carcinoma cells has provided a valuable tool to develop targeted toxins as an alternative anticancer strategy. Recent investigation of recombinant protein-linked toxins that specifically target these cancer receptors has led to the development of highly specific, cytotoxic, and deimmunized drugs that can kill cancer cells. Methods This study investigated a recombinant protein called epidermal growth factor bispecific angiotoxin (eBAT), which is designed to target the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on cancer cells and the urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) on cancer cells and associated tumor vasculature. Both receptors are expressed by a variety of human sarcomas and carcinomas. Flow cytometry techniques were used to determine binding affinity of eBAT to cancer cells, and proliferation assays were performed to calculate tumor killing ability based on half-maximal inhibitory concentrations. Results eBAT demonstrated cytotoxicity against a variety of sarcoma and carcinoma cells that overexpress EGFR and uPAR in vitro and showed greater cell killing ability and binding affinity to cancer cells compared with its monospecific counterparts. Conclusion The results of our study are promising, and further studies will be necessary to confirm the applicability of eBAT as a supplementary therapy for a variety of sarcomas, carcinomas, and possibly other refractory malignancies that express EGFR and uPAR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Oh
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology-Radiation Oncology, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA,
| | - Deborah Todhunter
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology-Radiation Oncology, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA,
| | - Elizabeth Taras
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology-Radiation Oncology, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA,
| | - Daniel A Vallera
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology-Radiation Oncology, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA, .,Animal Cancer Care and Research (ACCR) Program, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA,
| | - Antonella Borgatti
- Animal Cancer Care and Research (ACCR) Program, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA, .,Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
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Ingangi V, Bifulco K, Yousif AM, Ragone C, Motti ML, Rea D, Minopoli M, Botti G, Scognamiglio G, Fazioli F, Gallo M, De Chiara A, Arra C, Grieco P, Carriero MV. The urokinase receptor-derived cyclic peptide [SRSRY] suppresses neovascularization and intravasation of osteosarcoma and chondrosarcoma cells. Oncotarget 2018; 7:54474-54487. [PMID: 27323409 PMCID: PMC5342356 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The receptor for the urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPAR) is a widely recognized master regulator of cell migration and uPAR88–92 is the minimal sequence required to induce cell motility and angiogenesis by interacting with the formyl peptide receptor type 1 (FPR1). In this study, we present evidence that the cyclization of the uPAR88–92 sequence generates a new potent inhibitor of migration, and extracellular matrix invasion of human osteosarcoma and chondrosarcoma cells expressing comparable levels of FPR1 on cell surface. In vitro, the cyclized peptide [SRSRY] prevents formation of capillary-like tubes by endothelial cells co-cultured with chondrosarcoma cells and trans-endothelial migration of osteosarcoma and chondrosarcoma cells. When chondrosarcoma cells were subcutaneously injected in nude mice, tumor size, intra-tumoral microvessel density and circulating tumor cells in blood samples collected before the sacrifice, were significantly reduced in animals treated daily with i.p-administration of 6 mg/Kg [SRSRY] as compared to animals treated with vehicle only. Our findings indicate that [SRSRY] prevents three key events occurring during the metastatic process of osteosarcoma and chondrosarcoma cells: the extracellular matrix invasion, the formation of a capillary network and the entry into bloodstream.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Ingangi
- Neoplastic Progression Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale", Naples, Italy.,SUN Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Katia Bifulco
- Neoplastic Progression Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | | | - Concetta Ragone
- Neoplastic Progression Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale", Naples, Italy.,SUN Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Domenica Rea
- Animal Facility, IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Michele Minopoli
- Neoplastic Progression Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Botti
- Neoplastic Progression Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Scognamiglio
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Flavio Fazioli
- Surgery Unit, IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Michele Gallo
- Surgery Unit, IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Annarosaria De Chiara
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Claudio Arra
- Animal Facility, IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Grieco
- Department of Pharmacy, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Vincenza Carriero
- Neoplastic Progression Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G. Pascale", Naples, Italy
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Yamada Y, Kanayama S, Ito F, Kurita N, Kobayashi H. A novel peptide blocking cancer cell invasion by structure-based drug design. Biomed Rep 2017; 7:221-225. [PMID: 28819560 DOI: 10.3892/br.2017.957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The receptor for the urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), uPAR, facilitates tumor cell invasion and metastasis by focusing on several ligands, including uPA, integrins and vitronectin. With computational prediction algorithms and structure-based drug design, we identified peptides containing the Gly-Lys-Gly-Glu-Gly-Glu-Gly-Lys-Gly sequence (peptide H1), which strongly interacts with uPAR. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of allosteric inhibition at the uPAR interface using a novel synthetic peptide and its function on ovarian cancer cell invasion. The molecular and functional mechanisms of H1 were determined by complementary biochemical and biological methods in the promyeloid U937 cell line as well as ovarian cancer cell lines, including serous carcinoma SKOV3 and clear cell carcinoma TOV21G. The effects of H1 treatment on cancer cell invasion were evaluated in vitro. H1 inhibited cancer cell invasion, without affecting cell viability, accompanied by the suppression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-1 phosphorylation and then matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 expression. H1 failed to block the interaction of uPA-uPAR protein-protein interaction in cells, but antagonized the uPA function. H1 failed to disrupt the uPA-uPAR complex, but abolished the invasion of ovarian cancer cells at least through suppression of the ERK-MMP-9 signaling pathway. Further studies are needed to confirm our observations and to describe the underlying molecular mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Yamada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Seiji Kanayama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Fuminori Ito
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Kurita
- Department of Computer Science of Engineering, Toyohashi University of Technology, Toyohashi 441-8580, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kobayashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8522, Japan
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11
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Retro-inverso Urokinase Receptor Antagonists for the Treatment of Metastatic Sarcomas. Sci Rep 2017; 7:1312. [PMID: 28465589 PMCID: PMC5430962 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-01425-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of metastases is a multistep process that requires the activation of physiological and biochemical processes that govern migration, invasion and entry of metastatic cells into blood vessels. The urokinase receptor (uPAR) promotes cell migration by interacting with the Formyl Peptide Receptors (FPRs). Since both uPAR and FPR1 are involved in tumor progression, the uPAR-FPR1 interaction is an attractive therapeutic target. We previously described peptide antagonists of the uPAR-FPR1 interaction that inhibited cell migration and angiogenesis. To develop enzyme-resistant analogues, we applied here the Retro-Inverso (RI) approach, whereby the topology of the side chains is maintained by inverting the sequence of the peptide and the chirality of all residues. Molecular dynamics suggests that peptide RI-3 adopts the turn structure typical of uPAR-FPR1 antagonists. Accordingly, RI-3 is a nanomolar competitor of N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe for binding to FPR1 and inhibits migration, invasion, trans-endothelial migration of sarcoma cells and VEGF-triggered endothelial tube formation. When sarcoma cells were subcutaneously injected in nude mice, tumor size, intra-tumoral microvessel density, circulating tumor cells and pulmonary metastases were significantly reduced in animals treated daily with 6 mg/Kg RI-3 as compared to animals treated with vehicle only. Thus, RI-3 represents a promising lead for anti-metastatic drugs.
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Montuori N, Pesapane A, Rossi FW, Giudice V, De Paulis A, Selleri C, Ragno P. Urokinase type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) as a new therapeutic target in cancer. Transl Med UniSa 2016; 15:15-21. [PMID: 27896223 PMCID: PMC5120746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The urokinase (uPA)-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) is a GPI-anchored receptor that focuses urokinase (uPA) proteolytic activity on the cell surface. uPAR also regulates cell adhesion, migration and proliferation, protects from apoptosis and contributes to epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), independently of uPA enzymatic activity. Indeed, uPAR interacts with beta1, beta2 and beta3 integrins, thus regulating their activities. uPAR cross-talks with receptor tyrosine kinases through integrins and regulates cancer cell dormancy, proliferation and angiogenesis. Moreover, uPAR mediates uPA-dependent cell migration and chemotaxis induced by fMet-Leu-Phe (fMLF), through its association with fMLF-receptors (fMLF-Rs). Further, uPAR is an adhesion receptor because it binds vitronectin (VN), a component of provisional extracellular matrix. High uPAR expression predicts for more aggressive disease in several cancer types for its ability to increase invasion and metastasis. In fact, uPAR has been hypothesized to be the link between tumor cell dormancy and proliferation that usually precedes the onset of metastasis. Thus, inhibiting uPAR could be a feasible approach to affect tumor growth and metastasis. Here, we review the more recent advances in the development of uPAR-targeted anti-cancer therapeutic agents suitable for further optimization or ready for the evaluation in early clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nunzia Montuori
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Ada Pesapane
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca W Rossi
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Valentina Giudice
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Amato De Paulis
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Carmine Selleri
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Pia Ragno
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
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Xu Y, Xie X, Duan Y, Wang L, Cheng Z, Cheng J. A review of impedance measurements of whole cells. Biosens Bioelectron 2016; 77:824-36. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2015.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 252] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2015] [Revised: 10/03/2015] [Accepted: 10/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Yong YL, Liao CG, Wei D, Chen ZN, Bian H. CD147 overexpression promotes tumorigenicity in Chinese hamster ovary cells. Cell Biol Int 2016; 40:375-86. [DOI: 10.1002/cbin.10571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Le Yong
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology; Department of Cell Biology; Cell Engineering Research Center; Fourth Military Medical University; Xi'an 710032 China
| | - Cheng-Gong Liao
- Department of Oncology; Urumqi General Hospital of Lanzhou Military Command of PLA; Urumqi 830000 China
| | - Ding Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology; Department of Cell Biology; Cell Engineering Research Center; Fourth Military Medical University; Xi'an 710032 China
| | - Zhi-Nan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology; Department of Cell Biology; Cell Engineering Research Center; Fourth Military Medical University; Xi'an 710032 China
| | - Huijie Bian
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology; Department of Cell Biology; Cell Engineering Research Center; Fourth Military Medical University; Xi'an 710032 China
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Cyclization of the urokinase receptor-derived ser-arg-ser-arg-tyr Peptide generates a potent inhibitor of trans-endothelial migration of monocytes. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0126172. [PMID: 25938482 PMCID: PMC4418665 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0126172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2014] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The receptor for the urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPAR) is a widely recognized master regulator of cell migration and uPAR88-92 is the minimal sequence required to induce cell motility. We and others have previously documented that the uPAR88-92 sequence, even in the form of synthetic linear peptide (SRSRY), interacts with the formyl peptide receptor type 1 (FPR1), henceforth inducing cell migration of several cell lines, including monocytes. FPR1 is mainly expressed by mammalian phagocytic leukocytes and plays a crucial role in chemotaxis. In this study, we present evidence that the cyclization of the SRSRY sequence generates a new potent and stable inhibitor of monocyte trafficking. In rat basophilic leukaemia RBL-2H3/ETFR cells expressing high levels of constitutively activated FPR1, the cyclic SRSRY peptide ([SRSRY]) blocks FPR1 mediated cell migration by interfering with both internalization and ligand-uptake of FPR1. Similarly to RBL-2H3/ETFR cells, [SRSRY] competes with fMLF for binding to FPR1 and prevents agonist-induced FPR1 internalization in human monocyte THP-1 cells. Unlike scramble [RSSYR], [SRSRY] inhibits fMLF-directed migration of monocytes in a dose-dependent manner, with IC50 value of 0.01 nM. PMA-differentiated THP-1 cell exposure to fMLF gradient causes a marked cytoskeletal re-organization with the formation of F-actin rich pseudopodia that are prevented by the addition of [SRSRY]. Furthermore, [SRSRY] prevents migration of human primary monocytes and trans-endothelial migration of monocytes. Our findings indicate that [SRSRY] is a new FPR1 inhibitor which may suggest the development of new drugs for treating pathological conditions sustained by increased motility of monocytes, such as chronic inflammatory diseases.
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Rossi FW, Napolitano F, Pesapane A, Mascolo M, Staibano S, Matucci-Cerinic M, Guiducci S, Ragno P, di Spigna G, Postiglione L, Marone G, Montuori N, de Paulis A. Upregulation of the N-Formyl Peptide Receptors in Scleroderma Fibroblasts Fosters the Switch to Myofibroblasts. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 194:5161-73. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1402819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2014] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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