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Hunt BG, Fox LH, Davis JC, Jones A, Lu Z, Waltz SE. An Introduction and Overview of RON Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Signaling. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:517. [PMID: 36833444 PMCID: PMC9956929 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
RON is a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) of the MET receptor family that is canonically involved in mediating growth and inflammatory signaling. RON is expressed at low levels in a variety of tissues, but its overexpression and activation have been associated with malignancies in multiple tissue types and worse patient outcomes. RON and its ligand HGFL demonstrate cross-talk with other growth receptors and, consequentially, positions RON at the intersection of numerous tumorigenic signaling programs. For this reason, RON is an attractive therapeutic target in cancer research. A better understanding of homeostatic and oncogenic RON activity serves to enhance clinical insights in treating RON-expressing cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian G. Hunt
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0521, USA
| | - Levi H. Fox
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0521, USA
| | - James C. Davis
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0521, USA
| | - Angelle Jones
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0521, USA
| | - Zhixin Lu
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0521, USA
| | - Susan E. Waltz
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0521, USA
- Research Service, Cincinnati Veterans Affairs Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA
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Brown NE, Jones A, Hunt BG, Waltz SE. Prostate tumor RON receptor signaling mediates macrophage recruitment to drive androgen deprivation therapy resistance through Gas6-mediated Axl and RON signaling. Prostate 2022; 82:1422-1437. [PMID: 35860905 PMCID: PMC9492645 DOI: 10.1002/pros.24416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), or chemical castration, is the first-line therapy for prostate cancer; however, resistance leaves few treatment options. Prostatic tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) have been shown to promote prostate cancer growth and are abundant in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), suggesting a role in promoting CRPC. We recently showed a tumor cell-intrinsic mechanism by which RON promotes CRPC. Given previous reports that RON alters prostate cancer cell chemokine production and RON-overexpressing tumors alter macrophage function, we hypothesized that a macrophage-dependent mechanism regulated by tumor cell intrinsic RON also promotes CRPC. METHODS Using RON-modulated genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) and GEMM-derived cell lines and co-cultures with bone marrow-derived macrophages, we show functional and molecular characteristics of signaling pathways in supporting CRPC. Further, we used an unbiased phosphokinase array to identify pathway interactions regulated by RON. Finally, using human prostate cancer cell lines and prostate cancer patient data sets, we show the relevance of our findings to human prostate cancer. RESULTS Studies herein show that macrophages recruited into the prostate tumor microenvironment (TME) serve as a source for Gas6 secretion which serves to further enhance RON and Axl receptor activation in prostate tumor cells thereby driving CRPC. Further, we show targeting RON and macrophages in a murine model promotes CRPC sensitization to ADT. CONCLUSIONS We discovered a novel role for the RON receptor in prostate cancer cells in promoting CRPC through the recruitment of macrophages into the prostate TME. Macrophage-targeting agents in combination with RON/Axl inhibition are likely to provide clinical benefits for patients with CRPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas E. Brown
- Department of Cancer BiologyUniversity of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiOhioUSA
| | - Angelle Jones
- Department of Cancer BiologyUniversity of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiOhioUSA
| | - Brian G. Hunt
- Department of Cancer BiologyUniversity of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiOhioUSA
| | - Susan E. Waltz
- Department of Cancer BiologyUniversity of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiOhioUSA
- Research ServiceCincinnati Veterans Affairs Medical CenterCincinnatiOhioUSA
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Hunt BG, Jones A, Lester C, Davis JC, Benight NM, Waltz SE. RON ( MST1R) and HGFL ( MST1) Co-Overexpression Supports Breast Tumorigenesis through Autocrine and Paracrine Cellular Crosstalk. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:2493. [PMID: 35626096 PMCID: PMC9140067 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aberrant RON signaling is present in numerous cancers including breast cancer. Evidence suggests that the ligand, hepatocyte growth factor-like (HGFL), is also overexpressed in breast cancer. RON (MST1R) and HGFL (MST1) genes are located on human chromosome 3 and mouse chromosome 9 respectively and are found near each other in both species. Based on co-expression patterns, we posited that RON and HGFL are co-regulated and that coordinate upregulation drives aggressive tumorigenesis. METHODS Mouse models were used to establish the functional significance of RON and HGFL co-overexpression on the activation of tumor cells and tumor-associated macrophages in breast cancer. TCGA and METABRIC gene expression and alteration data were used to query the relationships between MST1R and MST1 in breast cancer. RESULTS In tumor models, physiologic sources of HGFL modestly improve Arginase-1+ (M2) macrophage recruitment to the tumor proper. Tumor-cell produced HGFL functions in autocrine to sustain tumor cell RON activation and MAPK-dependent secretion of chemotactic factors and in paracrine to activate RON on macrophages and to promote breast cancer stem cell self-renewal. In silico analyses support that RON and HGFL are co-expressed across virtually all cancer types including breast cancer and that common genomic alterations do not appear to be drivers of RON/HGFL co-overexpression. CONCLUSIONS Co-overexpression of RON and HGFL in breast cancer cells (augmented by physiologic sources of HGFL) promotes tumorigenesis through autocrine-mediated RON activation/RON-dependent secretome changes and paracrine activation of macrophage RON to promote breast cancer stem cell self-renewal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian G. Hunt
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA; (B.G.H.); (A.J.); (C.L.); (J.C.D.); (N.M.B.)
| | - Angelle Jones
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA; (B.G.H.); (A.J.); (C.L.); (J.C.D.); (N.M.B.)
| | - Carissa Lester
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA; (B.G.H.); (A.J.); (C.L.); (J.C.D.); (N.M.B.)
| | - James C. Davis
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA; (B.G.H.); (A.J.); (C.L.); (J.C.D.); (N.M.B.)
| | - Nancy M. Benight
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA; (B.G.H.); (A.J.); (C.L.); (J.C.D.); (N.M.B.)
| | - Susan E. Waltz
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA; (B.G.H.); (A.J.); (C.L.); (J.C.D.); (N.M.B.)
- Research Service, Cincinnati Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA
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Bourn JR, Ruiz-Torres SJ, Hunt BG, Benight NM, Waltz SE. Tumor cell intrinsic RON signaling suppresses innate immune responses in breast cancer through inhibition of IRAK4 signaling. Cancer Lett 2021; 503:75-90. [PMID: 33508385 PMCID: PMC7981256 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that cancer cells require both alterations in intrinsic cellular processes and the tumor microenvironment for tumor establishment, growth, and progression to metastatic disease. Despite this, knowledge of tumor-cell intrinsic molecular mechanisms controlling both tumor cell processes as well as the tumor microenvironment is limited. In this study, we provide evidence demonstrating the novel role of RON signaling in regulating breast cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis through modulation of tumor cell intrinsic processes and the tumor microenvironment. Using clinically relevant models of breast cancer, we show that RON signaling in the mammary epithelial tumor cells promotes tumor cell survival and proliferation as well as an immunopermissive microenvironment associated with decreased M1 macrophage, natural killer (NK) cell, and CD8+ T cell recruitment. Moreover, we demonstrate that RON signaling supports these phenotypes through novel mechanisms involving suppression of IRAK4 signaling and inhibition of type I Interferons. Our studies indicate that activation of RON signaling within breast cancer cells promotes tumor cell intrinsic growth and immune evasion which support breast cancer progression and highlight the role of targeting RON signaling as a potential therapeutic strategy against breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Bourn
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45267-0521, USA
| | - Sasha J Ruiz-Torres
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45267-0521, USA
| | - Brian G Hunt
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45267-0521, USA
| | - Nancy M Benight
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45267-0521, USA
| | - Susan E Waltz
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45267-0521, USA; Research Service, Cincinnati Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA.
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Batth IS, Huang SB, Villarreal M, Gong J, Chakravarthy D, Keppler B, Jayamohan S, Osmulski P, Xie J, Rivas P, Bedolla R, Liss MA, Yeh IT, Reddick R, Miyamoto H, Ghosh R, Kumar AP. Evidence for 2-Methoxyestradiol-Mediated Inhibition of Receptor Tyrosine Kinase RON in the Management of Prostate Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041852. [PMID: 33673346 PMCID: PMC7918140 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
2-Methoxyestradiol (2-ME2) possesses anti-tumorigenic activities in multiple tumor models with acceptable tolerability profile in humans. Incomplete understanding of the mechanism has hindered its development as an anti-tumorigenic compound. We have identified for the first-time macrophage stimulatory protein 1 receptor (MST1R) as a potential target of 2-ME2 in prostate cancer cells. Human tissue validation studies show that MST1R (a.k.a RON) protein levels are significantly elevated in prostate cancer tissues compared to adjacent normal/benign glands. Serum levels of macrophage stimulatory protein (MSP), a ligand for RON, is not only associated with the risk of disease recurrence, but also significantly elevated in samples from African American patients. 2-ME2 treatment inhibited mechanical properties such as adhesion and elasticity that are associated with epithelial mesenchymal transition by downregulating mRNA expression and protein levels of MST1R in prostate cancer cell lines. Intervention with 2-ME2 significantly reduced tumor burden in mice. Notably, global metabolomic profiling studies identified significantly higher circulating levels of bile acids in castrated animals that were decreased with 2-ME2 intervention. In summary, findings presented in this manuscript identified MSP as a potential marker for predicting biochemical recurrence and suggest repurposing 2-ME2 to target RON signaling may be a potential therapeutic modality for prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izhar Singh Batth
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (I.S.B.); (S.-B.H.); (M.V.); (J.G.); (D.C.); (B.K.); (S.J.); (P.O.); (J.X.); (P.R.); (R.B.)
| | - Shih-Bo Huang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (I.S.B.); (S.-B.H.); (M.V.); (J.G.); (D.C.); (B.K.); (S.J.); (P.O.); (J.X.); (P.R.); (R.B.)
| | - Michelle Villarreal
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (I.S.B.); (S.-B.H.); (M.V.); (J.G.); (D.C.); (B.K.); (S.J.); (P.O.); (J.X.); (P.R.); (R.B.)
| | - Jingjing Gong
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (I.S.B.); (S.-B.H.); (M.V.); (J.G.); (D.C.); (B.K.); (S.J.); (P.O.); (J.X.); (P.R.); (R.B.)
| | - Divya Chakravarthy
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (I.S.B.); (S.-B.H.); (M.V.); (J.G.); (D.C.); (B.K.); (S.J.); (P.O.); (J.X.); (P.R.); (R.B.)
| | - Brian Keppler
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (I.S.B.); (S.-B.H.); (M.V.); (J.G.); (D.C.); (B.K.); (S.J.); (P.O.); (J.X.); (P.R.); (R.B.)
| | - Sridharan Jayamohan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (I.S.B.); (S.-B.H.); (M.V.); (J.G.); (D.C.); (B.K.); (S.J.); (P.O.); (J.X.); (P.R.); (R.B.)
| | - Pawel Osmulski
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (I.S.B.); (S.-B.H.); (M.V.); (J.G.); (D.C.); (B.K.); (S.J.); (P.O.); (J.X.); (P.R.); (R.B.)
| | - Jianping Xie
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (I.S.B.); (S.-B.H.); (M.V.); (J.G.); (D.C.); (B.K.); (S.J.); (P.O.); (J.X.); (P.R.); (R.B.)
| | - Paul Rivas
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (I.S.B.); (S.-B.H.); (M.V.); (J.G.); (D.C.); (B.K.); (S.J.); (P.O.); (J.X.); (P.R.); (R.B.)
| | - Roble Bedolla
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (I.S.B.); (S.-B.H.); (M.V.); (J.G.); (D.C.); (B.K.); (S.J.); (P.O.); (J.X.); (P.R.); (R.B.)
| | - Michael A. Liss
- Urology, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (M.A.L.); (R.G.)
- Mays Cancer Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - I-Tien Yeh
- Pathology, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (I.-T.Y.); (R.R.)
| | - Robert Reddick
- Pathology, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (I.-T.Y.); (R.R.)
| | - Hiroshi Miyamoto
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA;
| | - Rita Ghosh
- Urology, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (M.A.L.); (R.G.)
- Mays Cancer Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Addanki P. Kumar
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (I.S.B.); (S.-B.H.); (M.V.); (J.G.); (D.C.); (B.K.); (S.J.); (P.O.); (J.X.); (P.R.); (R.B.)
- Urology, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (M.A.L.); (R.G.)
- Mays Cancer Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- Correspondence:
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Sullivan C, Brown NE, Vasiliauskas J, Pathrose P, Starnes SL, Waltz SE. Prostate Epithelial RON Signaling Promotes M2 Macrophage Activation to Drive Prostate Tumor Growth and Progression. Mol Cancer Res 2020; 18:1244-1254. [PMID: 32439702 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-20-0060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Effective treatment of advanced prostate cancer persists as a significant clinical need as only 30% of patients with distant disease survive to 5 years after diagnosis. Targeting signaling and tumor cell-immune cell interactions in the tumor microenvironment has led to the development of powerful immunotherapeutic agents, however, the prostate tumor milieu remains impermeable to these strategies highlighting the need for novel therapeutic targets. In this study, we provide compelling evidence to support the role of the RON receptor tyrosine kinase as a major regulator of macrophages in the prostate tumor microenvironment. We show that loss of RON selectively in prostate epithelial cells leads to significantly reduced prostate tumor growth and metastasis and is associated with increased intratumor infiltration of macrophages. We further demonstrate that prostate epithelial RON loss induces transcriptional reprogramming of macrophages to support expression of classical M1 markers and suppress expression of alternative M2 markers. Interestingly, our results show epithelial RON activation drives upregulation of RON expression in macrophages as a positive feed-forward mechanism to support prostate tumor growth. Using 3D coculture assays, we provide additional evidence that epithelial RON expression coordinates interactions between prostate tumor cells and macrophages to promote macrophage-mediated tumor cell growth. Taken together, our results suggest that RON receptor signaling in prostate tumor cells directs the functions of macrophages in the prostate tumor microenvironment to promote prostate cancer. IMPLICATIONS: Epithelial RON is a novel immunotherapeutic target that is responsible for directing the macrophage antitumor immune response to support prostate tumor growth and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Sullivan
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Nicholas E Brown
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Juozas Vasiliauskas
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Peterson Pathrose
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Sandra L Starnes
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Susan E Waltz
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio.
- Research Service, Cincinnati Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
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Babicky ML, Harper MM, Chakedis J, Cazes A, Mose ES, Jaquish DV, French RP, Childers B, Alakus H, Schmid MC, Foubert P, Miyamoto J, Holman PJ, Walterscheid ZJ, Tang CM, Varki N, Sicklick JK, Messer K, Varner JA, Waltz SE, Lowy AM. MST1R kinase accelerates pancreatic cancer progression via effects on both epithelial cells and macrophages. Oncogene 2019; 38:5599-5611. [PMID: 30967626 PMCID: PMC6625868 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-019-0811-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The MST1R (RON) kinase is overexpressed in >80% of human pancreatic cancers, but its role in pancreatic carcinogenesis is unknown. In this study, we examined the relevance of Mst1r kinase to Kras driven pancreatic carcinogenesis using genetically engineered mouse models. In the setting of mutant Kras, Mst1r overexpression increased acinar-ductal metaplasia (ADM), accelerated progression of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN), and resulted in the accumulation of (mannose receptor C type 1) MRC1+, (arginase 1) Arg+ macrophages in the tumor microenvironment. Conversely, absence of a functional Mst1r kinase slowed PanIN initiation, resulted in smaller tumors, prolonged survival and a reduced tumor associated macrophage content. Mst1r expression was associated with increased production of its ligand Mst1, and in orthotopic models, suppression of Mst1 expression resulted in reduced tumor size, changes in macrophage polarization and enhanced T cell infiltration. This study demonstrates the functional significance of Mst1r during pancreatic cancer initiation and progression. Further, it provides proof of concept that targeting Mst1r can modulate pancreatic cancer growth and the microenvironment. This study provides further rationale for targeting Mst1r as a therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele L Babicky
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Megan M Harper
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Jeffery Chakedis
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Alex Cazes
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Evangeline S Mose
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Dawn V Jaquish
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Randall P French
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Betzaira Childers
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Hakan Alakus
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Michael C Schmid
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Phillippe Foubert
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Jaclyn Miyamoto
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Patrick J Holman
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Zakkary J Walterscheid
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Chih-Min Tang
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Nissi Varki
- Department of Family Medicine and Epidemiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Jason K Sicklick
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Karen Messer
- Department of Family Medicine and Epidemiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Judith A Varner
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Susan E Waltz
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, and Research Service, Cincinnati Veteran's Administration Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
| | - Andrew M Lowy
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
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Brown NE, Paluch AM, Nashu MA, Komurov K, Waltz SE. Tumor Cell Autonomous RON Receptor Expression Promotes Prostate Cancer Growth Under Conditions of Androgen Deprivation. Neoplasia 2018; 20:917-929. [PMID: 30121008 PMCID: PMC6098205 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2018.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Current treatment strategies provide minimal results for patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Attempts to target the androgen receptor have shown promise, but resistance ultimately develops, often due to androgen receptor reactivation. Understanding mechanisms of resistance, including androgen receptor reactivation, is crucial for development of more efficacious CRPC therapies. Here, we report that the RON receptor tyrosine kinase is highly expressed in the majority of human hormone-refractory prostate cancers. Further, we show that exogenous expression of RON in human and murine prostate cancer cells circumvents sensitivity to androgen deprivation and promotes prostate cancer cell growth in both in vivo and in vitro settings. Conversely, RON loss induces sensitivity of CRPC cells to androgen deprivation. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that RON overexpression leads to activation of multiple oncogenic transcription factors (namely, β-catenin and NF-κB), which are sufficient to drive androgen receptor nuclear localization and activation of AR responsive genes under conditions of androgen deprivation and support castration-resistant growth. In total, this study demonstrates the functional significance of RON during prostate cancer progression and provides a strong rationale for targeting RON signaling in prostate cancer as a means to limit resistance to androgen deprivation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas E Brown
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Andrew M Paluch
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Madison A Nashu
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Kakajan Komurov
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, OH, USA
| | - Susan E Waltz
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA; Research Service, Cincinnati Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
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Brown NE, Sullivan C, Waltz SE. Therapeutic Considerations for Ron Receptor Expression in Prostate Cancer. EMS CANCER SCIENCE JOURNAL 2018; 1:003. [PMID: 30775725 PMCID: PMC6377156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Ron receptor tyrosine kinase was initially discovered as a protein which played a critical role in regulating inflammatory responses. This effect was primarily determined through studies in various macrophage populations. Since its initial discovery, a role has emerged for Ron as a driver of cancer within epithelial cells. After numerous publications have detailed a role for Ron in promoting tumor initiation, growth, and metastasis, Ron has been designated as an emerging therapeutic option in a variety of cancers. AREAS COVERED This review discusses the current literature regarding the role of Ron in prostate cancer and places special emphasis on the role of Ron in both epithelial cells and macrophages. Whole body loss of Ron signaling initially exposed a variety of prostate cancer growth mechanisms regulated by Ron. With the knowledge that Ron plays an integral part in regulating the function of epithelial cells and macrophages, studies commenced to discern the cell type specific functions for Ron in prostate cancer. A novel role for Ron in promoting Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer has recently been uncovered, and the results of these studies are summarized herein. Furthermore, this review gives a summary of several currently available compounds which show promise at targeting Ron in both epithelial and macrophage populations. OUTLOOK Sufficient evidence has been provided for the initiation of clinical trials focused on targeting Ron in both macrophage and epithelial compartments for the treatment of prostate cancer. A number of therapeutic avenues for targeting Ron in prostate cancer are currently available; however, special consideration will need to take place knowing that Ron signaling impacts multiple cell types. Further understanding of the cell type specific functions of Ron in prostate cancer will help inform and shape future clinical research and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas E. Brown
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Camille Sullivan
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Susan E. Waltz
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
- Research Service, Cincinnati Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
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HGFL supports mammary tumorigenesis by enhancing tumor cell intrinsic survival and influencing macrophage and T-cell responses. Oncotarget 2016; 6:17445-61. [PMID: 25938541 PMCID: PMC4627320 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The Ron receptor is overexpressed in human breast cancers and is associated with heightened metastasis and poor survival. Ron overexpression in the mammary epithelium of mice is sufficient to induce aggressive mammary tumors with a high degree of metastasis. Despite the well-documented role of Ron in breast cancer, few studies have examined the necessity of the endogenous Ron ligand, hepatocyte growth factor-like protein (HGFL) in mammary tumorigenesis. Herein, mammary tumor growth and metastasis were examined in mice overexpressing Ron in the mammary epithelium with or without HGFL. HGFL ablation decreased oncogenic Ron activation and delayed mammary tumor initiation. HGFL was important for tumor cell proliferation and survival. HGFL loss resulted in increased numbers of macrophages and T-cells within the tumor. T-cell proliferation and cytotoxicity dramatically increased in HGFL deficient mice. Biochemical analysis of HGFL proficient tumors showed increased local HGFL production, with HGFL loss decreasing β-catenin expression and NF-κB activation. Re-expression of HGFL in HGFL deficient tumor cells stimulated cell migration and invasion with coordinate activation of NF-κB and reduced apoptosis. Together, these results demonstrate critical in vivo functions for HGFL in promoting breast tumorigenesis and suggest that targeting HGFL may inhibit tumor growth and reactivate anti-tumor immune responses.
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