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Jahnke K, Struve N, Hofmann D, Gote MJ, Bach M, Kriegs M, Hausmann M. Formation of EGFRwt/EGFRvIII homo- and hetero-dimers in glioblastoma cells as detected by single molecule localization microscopy. NANOSCALE 2024. [PMID: 39073345 DOI: 10.1039/d4nr01570c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Super-resolution microscopy has been used to show the formation of receptor clusters and adapted lipid organization of cell membranes for many members of the ErbB receptor family. The clustering behaviour depends on the receptor size and shape, possibly ligand binding or expression activity. Using single molecule localization microscopy (SMLM), we also showed this typical clustering for the epidermal growth factor receptor variant III (EGFRvIII) in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cells. EGFRvIII is co-expressed with the wild type (EGFRwt) and both receptors are assumed to preferentially form hetero-dimers leading to transactivation and elevated oncogenic EGFR-signalling in GBM cells. Here, we analysed EGFRvIII and EGFRwt co-localization using our already described model system of the glioblastoma cell line DKMG, displaying endogenous EGFRvIII expression. Using EGFRvIII and EGFRwt specific antibodies, EGFR localization and their potential for dimerization in a given membrane cluster were analysed by dual colour SMLM supported by novel approaches of mathematic evaluations including Ripley statistics, persistent homology and similarity algorithms. Surprisingly, cluster analysis, Ripley point-to-point distance statistics for cluster geometry and persistent homology comparing cluster topology, revealed that both EGFRvIII and EGFRwt do primarily not form hetero-dimers but the results support the hypothesis that they tend to form homo-dimers. The ratio of homo-dimers obtained by this calculation was significantly higher (>5σ, standard deviation) than expected from randomly arranged points. In comparison, hetero-dimer formation was only slightly increased. We confirmed these data by immunoprecipitation, which show no co-precipitation of EGFRvIII and EGFRwt. Furthermore, we showed that the topology of the clusters was more similar among the same type than among the different types of receptors. Taken together, these data indicate that EGFRvIII does induce oncogenic signalling by homo-dimerisation and not preferentially by hetero-dimer formation with EGFRwt. These data offer a new perspective on EGFRvIII signalling which will lead to a better understanding of this tumour associated receptor variant in GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Jahnke
- Kirchhoff-Institute for Physics, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 227, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Nina Struve
- Department of Radiotherapy & Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg - Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Daniel Hofmann
- Kirchhoff-Institute for Physics, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 227, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Martin Julius Gote
- Kirchhoff-Institute for Physics, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 227, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Margund Bach
- Kirchhoff-Institute for Physics, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 227, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Malte Kriegs
- Department of Radiotherapy & Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg - Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Michael Hausmann
- Kirchhoff-Institute for Physics, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 227, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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Bagchi A, Stayrook SE, Xenaki KT, Starbird CA, Doulkeridou S, El Khoulati R, Roovers RC, Schmitz KR, van Bergen En Henegouwen PMP, Ferguson KM. Structural insights into the role and targeting of EGFRvIII. Structure 2024:S0969-2126(24)00195-3. [PMID: 38908376 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2024.05.018] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a well-known oncogenic driver in lung and other cancers. In glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the EGFR deletion variant III (EGFRvIII) is frequently found alongside EGFR amplification. Agents targeting the EGFR axis have shown limited clinical benefits in GBM and the role of EGFRvIII in GBM is poorly understood. To shed light on the role of EGFRvIII and its potential as a therapeutic target, we determined X-ray crystal structures of a monomeric EGFRvIII extracellular region (ECR). The EGFRvIII ECR resembles the unliganded conformation of EGFR, including the orientation of the C-terminal region of domain II. Domain II is mostly disordered, but the ECR structure is compact. We selected a nanobody with preferential binding to EGFRvIII relative to EGFR and structurally defined an epitope on domain IV that is occluded in the unliganded intact EGFR. These findings suggest new avenues for EGFRvIII targeting in GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atrish Bagchi
- Graduate Group in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Steven E Stayrook
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Yale Cancer Biology Institute, Yale University West Campus, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Katerina T Xenaki
- Division of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584CH, the Netherlands
| | - Chrystal A Starbird
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Yale Cancer Biology Institute, Yale University West Campus, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Sofia Doulkeridou
- Division of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584CH, the Netherlands
| | - Rachid El Khoulati
- Division of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584CH, the Netherlands
| | - Rob C Roovers
- Division of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584CH, the Netherlands
| | - Karl R Schmitz
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Paul M P van Bergen En Henegouwen
- Division of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht 3584CH, the Netherlands
| | - Kathryn M Ferguson
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Yale Cancer Biology Institute, Yale University West Campus, West Haven, CT 06516, USA.
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Rutkowska A, Strózik T, Jędrychowska-Dańska K, Zamerska A, Jesionek-Kupnicka D, Kowalczyk T, Och W, Szóstak B, Tręda C, Włodarczyk A, Kierasińska-Kałka A, Wasiak T, Ciunowicz D, Rieske P, Stoczyńska-Fidelus E. Immunohistochemical detection of EGFRvIII in glioblastoma - Anti-EGFRvIII antibody validation for diagnostic and CAR-T purposes. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 685:149133. [PMID: 37918325 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.149133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of therapies such as CAR-T has created a need for reliable, validated methods for detecting EGFRvIII in patient tumor cells. Particularly so since previous studies have already suggested that some anti-EGFRvIII antibodies may be non-specific. The present paper evaluates the use of the L8A4 antibody in the immunohistochemical (IHC) and immunocytochemical (ICC) detection of EGFRvIII in 30 glioblastoma specimens, and compares it with other methods such as RT-PCR, MLPA, and FISH. The results indicate that Real-time PCR appears to be a very specific and sensitive method of EGFRvIII detection. ICC analysis with L8A4 also appears specific but requires cell culture. IHC analyses of EGFRvIII returned a number of false positives when using L8A4. Due to the growing need for an effective diagnostic tool before starting immunotherapy methods, such as the CAR-T anti-EGFRvIII or SynNotch CAR-T recognizing EGFRvIII, it is necessary to identify a more reliable and simple method of EGFRvIII detection or improve the specificity of the anti-EGFRvIII antibody, until then, immunocytochemistry may temporarily replace immunohistochemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrianna Rutkowska
- Department of Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lodz, Zeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752, Lodz, Poland; Department of Research and Development, Celther Polska LTD, Inwestycyjna 7, 95-050, Konstantynow Lodzki, Poland; Department of Research and Development, Personather LTD, Inwestycyjna 7, 95-050, Konstantynow Lodzki, Poland
| | - Tadeusz Strózik
- Department of Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lodz, Zeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752, Lodz, Poland
| | | | - Alicja Zamerska
- Department of Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lodz, Zeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752, Lodz, Poland
| | | | - Tamara Kowalczyk
- Department of Pathology, Chair of Oncology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Waldemar Och
- Clinical Department of Neurosurgery, The Regional Specialist Hospital in Olsztyn, Zolnierska 18, 10-561, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Błażej Szóstak
- Department of Pathomorphology, The Regional Specialist Hospital in Olsztyn, Zolnierska 18, 10-561, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Cezary Tręda
- Department of Research and Development, Celther Polska LTD, Inwestycyjna 7, 95-050, Konstantynow Lodzki, Poland; Department of Research and Development, Personather LTD, Inwestycyjna 7, 95-050, Konstantynow Lodzki, Poland; Department of Tumor Biology, Medical University of Lodz, Zeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752, Lodz, Poland
| | - Aneta Włodarczyk
- Department of Research and Development, Celther Polska LTD, Inwestycyjna 7, 95-050, Konstantynow Lodzki, Poland; Department of Research and Development, Personather LTD, Inwestycyjna 7, 95-050, Konstantynow Lodzki, Poland; Department of Tumor Biology, Medical University of Lodz, Zeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752, Lodz, Poland
| | - Amelia Kierasińska-Kałka
- Department of Research and Development, Celther Polska LTD, Inwestycyjna 7, 95-050, Konstantynow Lodzki, Poland; Department of Research and Development, Personather LTD, Inwestycyjna 7, 95-050, Konstantynow Lodzki, Poland; Department of Tumor Biology, Medical University of Lodz, Zeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752, Lodz, Poland
| | - Tomasz Wasiak
- Department of Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lodz, Zeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752, Lodz, Poland
| | - Damian Ciunowicz
- Department of Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lodz, Zeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752, Lodz, Poland; Department of Research and Development, Celther Polska LTD, Inwestycyjna 7, 95-050, Konstantynow Lodzki, Poland; Department of Research and Development, Personather LTD, Inwestycyjna 7, 95-050, Konstantynow Lodzki, Poland
| | - Piotr Rieske
- Department of Research and Development, Celther Polska LTD, Inwestycyjna 7, 95-050, Konstantynow Lodzki, Poland; Department of Research and Development, Personather LTD, Inwestycyjna 7, 95-050, Konstantynow Lodzki, Poland; Department of Tumor Biology, Medical University of Lodz, Zeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752, Lodz, Poland
| | - Ewelina Stoczyńska-Fidelus
- Department of Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lodz, Zeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752, Lodz, Poland; Department of Research and Development, Celther Polska LTD, Inwestycyjna 7, 95-050, Konstantynow Lodzki, Poland; Department of Research and Development, Personather LTD, Inwestycyjna 7, 95-050, Konstantynow Lodzki, Poland.
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Increased EGFRvIII Epitope Accessibility after Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Treatment of Glioblastoma Cells Creates More Opportunities for Immunotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054350. [PMID: 36901782 PMCID: PMC10001577 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The number of glioblastoma (GB) cases is increasing every year, and the currently available therapies remain ineffective. A prospective antigen for GB therapy is EGFRvIII, an EGFR deletion mutant containing a unique epitope that is recognized by the L8A4 antibody used in CAR-T (chimeric antigen receptor T cell) therapy. In this study, we observed that the concomitant use of L8A4 with particular tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) does not impede the interaction between L8A4 and EGFRvIII; moreover, in this case, the stabilization of formed dimers results in increased epitope display. Unlike in wild-type EGFR, a free cysteine at position 16 (C16) is exposed in the extracellular structure of EGFRvIII monomers, leading to covalent dimer formation in the region of L8A4-EGFRvIII mutual interaction. Following in silico analysis of cysteines possibly involved in covalent homodimerization, we prepared constructs containing cysteine-serine substitutions of EGFRvIII in adjacent regions. We found that the extracellular part of EGFRvIII possesses plasticity in the formation of disulfide bridges within EGFRvIII monomers and dimers due to the engagement of cysteines other than C16. Our results suggest that the EGFRvIII-specific L8A4 antibody recognizes both EGFRvIII monomers and covalent dimers, regardless of the cysteine bridging structure. To summarize, immunotherapy based on the L8A4 antibody, including CAR-T combined with TKIs, can potentially increase the chances of success in anti-GB therapy.
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Dewdney B, Ursich L, Fletcher EV, Johns TG. Anoctamins and Calcium Signalling: An Obstacle to EGFR Targeted Therapy in Glioblastoma? Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235932. [PMID: 36497413 PMCID: PMC9740065 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common form of high-grade glioma in adults and has a poor survival rate with very limited treatment options. There have been no significant advancements in glioblastoma treatment in over 30 years. Epidermal growth factor receptor is upregulated in most glioblastoma tumours and, therefore, has been a drug target in recent targeted therapy clinical trials. However, while many inhibitors and antibodies for epidermal growth factor receptor have demonstrated promising anti-tumour effects in preclinical models, they have failed to improve outcomes for glioblastoma patients in clinical trials. This is likely due to the highly plastic nature of glioblastoma tumours, which results in therapeutic resistance. Ion channels are instrumental in the development of many cancers and may regulate cellular plasticity in glioblastoma. This review will explore the potential involvement of a class of calcium-activated chloride channels called anoctamins in brain cancer. We will also discuss the integrated role of calcium channels and anoctamins in regulating calcium-mediated signalling pathways, such as epidermal growth factor signalling, to promote brain cancer cell growth and migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany Dewdney
- Cancer Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- Centre for Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-8-6319-1023
| | - Lauren Ursich
- Cancer Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Emily V. Fletcher
- Cancer Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- Centre for Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Terrance G. Johns
- Cancer Centre, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- Centre for Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
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Włodarczyk A, Tręda C, Rutkowska A, Grot D, Dobrewa W, Kierasińska A, Węgierska M, Wasiak T, Strózik T, Rieske P, Stoczyńska-Fidelus E. Phenotypical Flexibility of the EGFRvIII-Positive Glioblastoma Cell Line and the Multidirectional Influence of TGFβ and EGF on These Cells—EGFRvIII Appears as a Weak Oncogene. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012129. [PMID: 36292985 PMCID: PMC9603514 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The biological role of EGFRvIII (epidermal growth factor receptor variant three) remains unclear. Methods: Three glioblastoma DK-MG sublines were tested with EGF (epidermal growth factor) and TGFβ (transforming growth factor β). Sublines were characterized by an increased percentage of EGFRvIII-positive cells and doubling time (DK-MGlow to DK-MGextra-high), number of amplicons, and EGFRvIII mRNA expression. The influence of the growth factors on primary EGFRvIII positive glioblastomas was assessed. Results: The overexpression of exoEGFRvIII in DK-MGhigh did not convert them into DK-MGextra-high, and this overexpression did not change DK-MGlow to DK-MGhigh; however, the overexpression of RASG12V increased the proliferation of DK-MGlow. Moreover, the highest EGFRvIII phosphorylation in DK-MGextra-high did not cause relevant AKT (known as protein kinase B) and ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) activation. Further analyses indicate that TGFβ is able to induce apoptosis of DK-MGhigh cells. This subline was able to convert to DK-MGextra-high, which appeared resistant to this proapoptotic effect. EGF acted as a pro-survival factor and stimulated proliferation; however, simultaneous senescence induction in DK-MGextra-high cells was ambiguous. Primary EGFRvIII positive (and SOX2 (SRY-Box Transcription Factor 2) positive or SOX2 negative) glioblastoma cells differentially responded to EGF and TGFβ. Conclusions: The roles of TGFβ and EGF in the EGFRvIII context remain unclear. EGFRvIII appears as a weak oncogene and not a marker of GSC (glioma stem cells). Hence, it may not be a proper target for CAR-T (chimeric antigen receptor T cells).
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneta Włodarczyk
- Department of Tumor Biology, Medical University of Lodz, Zeligowskiego 7/9 St., 90-752 Lodz, Poland
- Department of Research and Development, Celther Polska LTD, Inwestycyjna 7 St., 95-050 Konstantynow Lodzki, Poland
- Department of Research and Development, Personather LTD, Inwestycyjna 7 St., 95-050 Konstantynow Lodzki, Poland
| | - Cezary Tręda
- Department of Tumor Biology, Medical University of Lodz, Zeligowskiego 7/9 St., 90-752 Lodz, Poland
- Department of Research and Development, Celther Polska LTD, Inwestycyjna 7 St., 95-050 Konstantynow Lodzki, Poland
- Department of Research and Development, Personather LTD, Inwestycyjna 7 St., 95-050 Konstantynow Lodzki, Poland
| | - Adrianna Rutkowska
- Department of Tumor Biology, Medical University of Lodz, Zeligowskiego 7/9 St., 90-752 Lodz, Poland
- Department of Research and Development, Celther Polska LTD, Inwestycyjna 7 St., 95-050 Konstantynow Lodzki, Poland
- Department of Research and Development, Personather LTD, Inwestycyjna 7 St., 95-050 Konstantynow Lodzki, Poland
| | - Dagmara Grot
- Department of Tumor Biology, Medical University of Lodz, Zeligowskiego 7/9 St., 90-752 Lodz, Poland
- Department of Research and Development, Celther Polska LTD, Inwestycyjna 7 St., 95-050 Konstantynow Lodzki, Poland
- Department of Research and Development, Personather LTD, Inwestycyjna 7 St., 95-050 Konstantynow Lodzki, Poland
| | - Weronika Dobrewa
- Department of Tumor Biology, Medical University of Lodz, Zeligowskiego 7/9 St., 90-752 Lodz, Poland
| | - Amelia Kierasińska
- Department of Tumor Biology, Medical University of Lodz, Zeligowskiego 7/9 St., 90-752 Lodz, Poland
- Department of Research and Development, Celther Polska LTD, Inwestycyjna 7 St., 95-050 Konstantynow Lodzki, Poland
| | - Marta Węgierska
- Department of Tumor Biology, Medical University of Lodz, Zeligowskiego 7/9 St., 90-752 Lodz, Poland
- Department of Research and Development, Celther Polska LTD, Inwestycyjna 7 St., 95-050 Konstantynow Lodzki, Poland
| | - Tomasz Wasiak
- Department of Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lodz, Zeligowskiego 7/9 St., 90-752 Lodz, Poland
| | - Tadeusz Strózik
- Department of Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lodz, Zeligowskiego 7/9 St., 90-752 Lodz, Poland
| | - Piotr Rieske
- Department of Tumor Biology, Medical University of Lodz, Zeligowskiego 7/9 St., 90-752 Lodz, Poland
- Department of Research and Development, Celther Polska LTD, Inwestycyjna 7 St., 95-050 Konstantynow Lodzki, Poland
- Department of Research and Development, Personather LTD, Inwestycyjna 7 St., 95-050 Konstantynow Lodzki, Poland
| | - Ewelina Stoczyńska-Fidelus
- Department of Tumor Biology, Medical University of Lodz, Zeligowskiego 7/9 St., 90-752 Lodz, Poland
- Department of Research and Development, Celther Polska LTD, Inwestycyjna 7 St., 95-050 Konstantynow Lodzki, Poland
- Department of Research and Development, Personather LTD, Inwestycyjna 7 St., 95-050 Konstantynow Lodzki, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-426-393-221
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EGFRvIII tumorigenicity requires PDGFRA co-signaling and reveals therapeutic vulnerabilities in glioblastoma. Oncogene 2021; 40:2682-2696. [PMID: 33707748 PMCID: PMC9159289 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-01721-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Focal amplification of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and its ligand-independent, constitutively active EGFRvIII mutant form are prominent oncogenic drivers in glioblastoma (GBM). The EGFRvIII gene rearrangement is considered to be an initiating event in the etiology of GBM, however, the mechanistic details of how EGFRvIII drives cellular transformation and tumor maintenance remain unclear. Here, we report that EGFRvIII demonstrates a reliance on PDGFRA co-stimulatory signaling during the tumorigenic process in a genetically engineered autochthonous GBM model. This dependency exposes liabilities that were leveraged using kinase inhibitors treatments in EGFRvIII-expressing GBM patient-derived xenografts (PDXs), where simultaneous pharmacological inhibition of EGFRvIII and PDGFRA kinase activities is necessary for anti-tumor efficacy. Our work establishes that EGFRvIII-positive tumors have unexplored vulnerabilities to targeted agents concomitant to the EGFR kinase inhibitor repertoire.
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Rutkowska A, Stoczyńska-Fidelus E, Janik K, Włodarczyk A, Rieske P. EGFR vIII: An Oncogene with Ambiguous Role. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2019; 2019:1092587. [PMID: 32089685 PMCID: PMC7024087 DOI: 10.1155/2019/1092587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor variant III (EGFRvIII) seems to constitute the perfect therapeutic target for glioblastoma (GB), as it is specifically present on up to 28-30% of GB cells. In case of other tumor types, expression and possible role of this oncogene still remain controversial. In spite of EGFRvIII mechanism of action being crucial for the design of small active anticancer molecules and immunotherapies, i.e., CAR-T technology, it is yet to be precisely defined. EGFRvIII is known to be resistant to degradation, but it is still unclear whether it heterodimerizes with EGF-activated wild-type EGFR (EGFRWT) or homodimerizes (including covalent homodimerization). Constitutive kinase activity of this mutated receptor is relatively low, and some researchers even claim that a nuclear, but not a membrane function, is crucial for its activity. Based on the analyses of recurrent tumors that are often lacking EGFRvIII expression despite its initial presence in corresponding primary foci, this oncogene is suggested to play a marginal role during later stages of carcinogenesis, while even in primary tumors EGFRvIII expression is detected only in a small percentage of tumor cells, undermining the rationality of EGFRvIII-targeting therapies. On the other hand, EGFRvIII-positive cells are resistant to apoptosis, more invasive, and characterized with enhanced proliferation rate. Moreover, expression of this oncogenic receptor was also postulated to be a marker of cancer stem cells. Opinions regarding the role that EGFRvIII plays in tumorigenesis and for tumor aggressiveness are clearly contradictory and, therefore, it is crucial not only to determine its mechanism of action, but also to unambiguously define its role at early and advanced cancer stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrianna Rutkowska
- Department of Tumor Biology, Medical University of Lodz, Zeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752 Lodz, Poland
| | - Ewelina Stoczyńska-Fidelus
- Department of Tumor Biology, Medical University of Lodz, Zeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752 Lodz, Poland
- Department of Research and Development, Celther Polska Ltd., Milionowa 23, 93-193 Lodz, Poland
- Department of Research and Development, Personather Ltd., Milionowa 23, 93-193 Lodz, Poland
| | - Karolina Janik
- Department of Tumor Biology, Medical University of Lodz, Zeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752 Lodz, Poland
| | - Aneta Włodarczyk
- Department of Tumor Biology, Medical University of Lodz, Zeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752 Lodz, Poland
| | - Piotr Rieske
- Department of Tumor Biology, Medical University of Lodz, Zeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752 Lodz, Poland
- Department of Research and Development, Celther Polska Ltd., Milionowa 23, 93-193 Lodz, Poland
- Department of Research and Development, Personather Ltd., Milionowa 23, 93-193 Lodz, Poland
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