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Bibbò S, Capone E, Lovato G, Ponziani S, Lamolinara A, Iezzi M, Lattanzio R, Mazzocco K, Morini M, Giansanti F, De Laurenzi V, Whitfield J, Iacobelli S, Ippoliti R, Beaulieu ME, Soucek L, Sala A, Sala G. EV20/Omomyc: A novel dual MYC/HER3 targeting immunoconjugate. J Control Release 2024; 374:171-180. [PMID: 39128771 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.08.009] [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: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
MYC is one of the most important therapeutic targets in human cancer. Many attempts have been made to develop small molecules that could be used to curb its activity in patients, but most failed to identify a suitable direct inhibitor. After years of preclinical characterization, a tissue-penetrating peptide MYC inhibitor, called Omomyc, has been recently successfully used in a Phase I dose escalation study in late-stage, all-comers solid tumour patients. The study showed drug safety and positive signs of clinical activity, prompting the beginning of a new Phase Ib combination study currently ongoing in metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients. In this manuscript, we have explored the possibility to improve Omomyc targeting to specific cancer subtypes by linking it to a therapeutic antibody. The new immunoconjugate, called EV20/Omomyc, was developed by linking a humanised anti-HER3 antibody, named EV20, to Omomyc using a bifunctional linker. EV20/Omomyc shows antigen-dependent penetrating activity and therapeutic efficacy in a metastatic model of neuroblastoma. This study suggests that directing Omomyc into specific cell types using antibodies recognising tumour antigens could improve its therapeutic activity in specific indications, like in the paediatric setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Bibbò
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, University "G. D'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy; Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University "G. D'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Emily Capone
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, University "G. D'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy; Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University "G. D'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Giulio Lovato
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, University "G. D'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy; Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University "G. D'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Sara Ponziani
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Coppito, Italy
| | - Alessia Lamolinara
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University "G. D'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy; Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Coppito, Italy; Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G. D'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Manuela Iezzi
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University "G. D'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy; Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G. D'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Rossano Lattanzio
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, University "G. D'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy; Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University "G. D'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Katia Mazzocco
- Laboratory of Experimental Therap ies in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini
| | - Martina Morini
- Laboratory of Experimental Therap ies in Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini
| | - Francesco Giansanti
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Coppito, Italy
| | - Vincenzo De Laurenzi
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, University "G. D'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy; Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University "G. D'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | | | | | - Rodolfo Ippoliti
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Coppito, Italy.
| | | | - Laura Soucek
- Peptomyc S.L., Barcelona 08035, Spain; Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona 08035, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra 08193, Spain; Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Arturo Sala
- Centre for Inflammation Research and Translational Medicine (CIRTM); College, of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, United Kingdom,.
| | - Gianluca Sala
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, University "G. D'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy; Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University "G. D'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.
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2
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Poletes C, Amanirad B, Santiago AT, Yan M, Conrad T, Jerzak KJ, Shultz DB. The incidence of brain metastases in breast cancer according to molecular subtype and stage: a 10-year single institution analysis. J Neurooncol 2024; 169:119-127. [PMID: 38740672 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-024-04707-1] [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: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer (BC) is the second most common etiology of brain metastases (BrM). We aimed to examine the incidence of BrM among all BC patients presenting to a large tertiary cancer centre over one decade. METHODS We included all BC patients presenting consecutively between 2009 and 2019 and cross referenced that cohort to a radiotherapy database, identifying patients treated for BrM at any time following their initial presentation. Cumulative incidences (CI) of BrM diagnoses were calculated using death as a competing risk and compared using the Fine-Gray method. Overall survival was estimated using the Kaplan Meier method. RESULTS We identified 12,995 unique patients. The CI of BrM in patients who initially presented with Stage 0-4 disease was 2.1%, 3.7%, 9.4%, 10.6%, and 28.7%, respectively at 10 years. For 8,951 patients with available molecular subtype data, 6,470 (72%), 961 (11%), 1,023 (11%), and 497 (6%) had hormone-receptor (HR)-positive/ERBB2-, HR-negative/ERBB2-, HR-positive/ERBB2 + , and HR-negative/ERBB2 + disease, respectively; the CI of BrM in each was 7.6%, 25.3%, 24.1%, and 26.6%, at 10 years following BC diagnosis, respectively. Median overall survival (OS) following BC diagnosis and BrM diagnosis was 28 years 95% CI [25, 32] and 10 months 95% CI [9, 12], respectively. CONCLUSIONS From a large, registry-based study, we observed that patients with ERBB2 + and triple negative BC have the highest incidence of BrM. Our data supports prospective surveillance brain MRI studies. Given advancements in BrM treatment, clinicians should have a low threshold for brain imaging in BC patients with high risk subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Poletes
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Bardia Amanirad
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anna T Santiago
- Department of Biostatistics, Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Michael Yan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tatiana Conrad
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Katarzyna J Jerzak
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - David B Shultz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Radiation Medicine Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
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3
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Xu D, Hu Z, Wang K, Hu S, Zhou Y, Zhang S, Chen Y, Pan T. Why does HER2-positive breast cancer metastasize to the brain and what can we do about it? Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 195:104269. [PMID: 38272149 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104269] [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: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most frequent malignancy in women. However, in the middle and late stages, some people develop distant metastases, which considerably lower the quality of life and life expectancy. The brain is one of the sites where metastasis frequently happens. According to epidemiological research, brain metastases occur at a late stage in 30-50% of patients with HER2-positive breast cancer, resulting in a poor prognosis. Additionally, few treatments are available for HER2-positive brain metastatic breast cancer, and the mortality rate is remarkable owing to the complexity of the brain's anatomical structure and physiological function. In this review, we described the stages of the brain metastasis of breast cancer, the relationship between the microenvironment and metastatic cancer cells, and the unique molecular and cellular mechanisms. It involves cancer cells migrating, invading, and adhering to the brain; penetrating the blood-brain barrier; interacting with brain cells; and activating signal pathways once inside the brain. Finally, we reviewed current clinically used treatment approaches for brain metastasis in HER2-positive breast cancer; summarized the traditional treatment, targeted treatment, immunotherapy, and other treatment modalities; compared the benefits and drawbacks of each approach; discussed treatment challenges; and emphasized the importance of identifying potential targets to improve patient survival rates and comprehend brain metastasis in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongyan Xu
- Department of Breast Surgery and Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China; Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences), The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China
| | - Zhengfang Hu
- Beijing Tian Tan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Kaiyue Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery and Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China; Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences), The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China
| | - Shiyao Hu
- Department of Breast Surgery and Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China; Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences), The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China
| | - Yunxiang Zhou
- Department of Breast Surgery and Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China; Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences), The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China
| | - Shizhen Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery and Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China; Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences), The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China
| | - Yiding Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery and Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China; Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences), The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China
| | - Tao Pan
- Department of Breast Surgery and Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China; Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Medical Sciences), The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, China.
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4
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Bonni S, Brindley DN, Chamberlain MD, Daneshvar-Baghbadorani N, Freywald A, Hemmings DG, Hombach-Klonisch S, Klonisch T, Raouf A, Shemanko CS, Topolnitska D, Visser K, Vizeacoumar FJ, Wang E, Gibson SB. Breast Tumor Metastasis and Its Microenvironment: It Takes Both Seed and Soil to Grow a Tumor and Target It for Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:911. [PMID: 38473273 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16050911] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Metastasis remains a major challenge in treating breast cancer. Breast tumors metastasize to organ-specific locations such as the brain, lungs, and bone, but why some organs are favored over others remains unclear. Breast tumors also show heterogeneity, plasticity, and distinct microenvironments. This contributes to treatment failure and relapse. The interaction of breast cancer cells with their metastatic microenvironment has led to the concept that primary breast cancer cells act as seeds, whereas the metastatic tissue microenvironment (TME) is the soil. Improving our understanding of this interaction could lead to better treatment strategies for metastatic breast cancer. Targeted treatments for different subtypes of breast cancers have improved overall patient survival, even with metastasis. However, these targeted treatments are based upon the biology of the primary tumor and often these patients' relapse, after therapy, with metastatic tumors. The advent of immunotherapy allowed the immune system to target metastatic tumors. Unfortunately, immunotherapy has not been as effective in metastatic breast cancer relative to other cancers with metastases, such as melanoma. This review will describe the heterogeneic nature of breast cancer cells and their microenvironments. The distinct properties of metastatic breast cancer cells and their microenvironments that allow interactions, especially in bone and brain metastasis, will also be described. Finally, we will review immunotherapy approaches to treat metastatic breast tumors and discuss future therapeutic approaches to improve treatments for metastatic breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirin Bonni
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- The Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - David N Brindley
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
- Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - M Dean Chamberlain
- Division of Oncology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0W8, Canada
- Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, University of Saskatchewan, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Nima Daneshvar-Baghbadorani
- Division of Oncology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0W8, Canada
- Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, University of Saskatchewan, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Andrew Freywald
- Department of Pathology, Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Denise G Hemmings
- Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2S2, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Sabine Hombach-Klonisch
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Thomas Klonisch
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Afshin Raouf
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E OT5, Canada
- Cancer Care Manitoba Research Institute, Cancer Care Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E OV9, Canada
| | - Carrie Simone Shemanko
- The Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr. NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Diana Topolnitska
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E OT5, Canada
- Cancer Care Manitoba Research Institute, Cancer Care Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E OV9, Canada
| | - Kaitlyn Visser
- Cancer Research Institute of Northern Alberta, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2S2, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1, Canada
| | - Franco J Vizeacoumar
- Division of Oncology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0W8, Canada
- Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, University of Saskatchewan, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Edwin Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical Genetics, and Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Spencer B Gibson
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
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Tomasich E, Steindl A, Paiato C, Hatziioannou T, Kleinberger M, Berchtold L, Puhr R, Hainfellner JA, Müllauer L, Widhalm G, Eckert F, Bartsch R, Heller G, Preusser M, Berghoff AS. Frequent Overexpression of HER3 in Brain Metastases from Breast and Lung Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:3225-3236. [PMID: 37036472 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE HER3 belongs to a family of receptor tyrosine kinases with oncogenic properties and is targeted by a variety of novel anticancer agents. There is a huge unmet medical need for systemic treatment options in patients with brain metastases (BM). Therefore, we aimed to investigate HER3 expression in BM of breast (BCa) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as the basis for future clinical trial design. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We analyzed 180 BM samples of breast cancer or NSCLC and 47 corresponding NSCLC extracranial tissue. IHC was performed to evaluate protein expression of HER3, and immune cells based on CD3, CD8, and CD68. To identify dysregulated pathways based on differential DNA methylation patterns, we used Infinium MethylationEPIC microarrays. RESULTS A total of 99/132 (75.0%) of BCa-BM and 35/48 (72.9%) of NSCLC-BM presented with HER3 expression. Among breast cancer, HER2-positive and HER2-low BM showed significantly higher rates of HER3 coexpression than HER2-negative BM (87.1%/85.7% vs. 61.0%, P = 0.004). Among NSCLC, HER3 was more abundantly expressed in BM than in matched extracranial samples (72.9% vs. 41.3%, P = 0.003). No correlation of HER3 expression and intratumoral immune cell density was observed. HER3 expression did not correlate with overall survival from BM diagnosis. Methylation signatures differed according to HER3 status in BCa-BM samples. Pathway analysis revealed subtype-specific differences, such as TrkB and Wnt signaling pathways dysregulated in HER2-positive and triple-negative breast cancer BM, respectively. CONCLUSIONS HER3 is highly abundant in BM of breast cancer and NSCLC. Given the promising results of antibody-drug conjugates in extracranial disease, BM-specific trials that target HER3 are warranted. See related commentary by Kabraji and Lin, p. 2961.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erwin Tomasich
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Personalized Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ariane Steindl
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Personalized Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christina Paiato
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Teresa Hatziioannou
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Markus Kleinberger
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Personalized Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Luzia Berchtold
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Center for Medical Statistics, Informatics and Intelligent Systems, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rainer Puhr
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Center for Medical Statistics, Informatics and Intelligent Systems, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes A Hainfellner
- Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Leonhard Müllauer
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Georg Widhalm
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Franziska Eckert
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rupert Bartsch
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerwin Heller
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias Preusser
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Personalized Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna Sophie Berghoff
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Personalized Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Terceiro LEL, Ikeogu NM, Lima MF, Edechi CA, Nickel BE, Fischer G, Leygue E, McManus KJ, Myal Y. Navigating the Blood-Brain Barrier: Challenges and Therapeutic Strategies in Breast Cancer Brain Metastases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12034. [PMID: 37569410 PMCID: PMC10418424 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women, with metastatic BC being responsible for the highest number of deaths. A frequent site for BC metastasis is the brain. Brain metastasis derived from BC involves the cooperation of multiple genetic, epigenetic, angiogenic, and tumor-stroma interactions. Most of these interactions provide a unique opportunity for development of new therapeutic targets. Potentially targetable signaling pathways are Notch, Wnt, and the epidermal growth factor receptors signaling pathways, all of which are linked to driving BC brain metastasis (BCBM). However, a major challenge in treating brain metastasis remains the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This barrier restricts the access of unwanted molecules, cells, and targeted therapies to the brain parenchyma. Moreover, current therapies to treat brain metastases, such as stereotactic radiosurgery and whole-brain radiotherapy, have limited efficacy. Promising new drugs like phosphatase and kinase modulators, as well as BBB disruptors and immunotherapeutic strategies, have shown the potential to ease the disease in preclinical studies, but remain limited by multiple resistance mechanisms. This review summarizes some of the current understanding of the mechanisms involved in BC brain metastasis and highlights current challenges as well as opportunities in strategic designs of potentially successful future therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas E. L. Terceiro
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P5, Canada; (L.E.L.T.); (C.A.E.); (B.E.N.); (G.F.)
| | - Nnamdi M. Ikeogu
- Department of Immunology, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T5, Canada;
| | - Matheus F. Lima
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9, Canada;
| | - Chidalu A. Edechi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P5, Canada; (L.E.L.T.); (C.A.E.); (B.E.N.); (G.F.)
| | - Barbara E. Nickel
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P5, Canada; (L.E.L.T.); (C.A.E.); (B.E.N.); (G.F.)
| | - Gabor Fischer
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P5, Canada; (L.E.L.T.); (C.A.E.); (B.E.N.); (G.F.)
| | - Etienne Leygue
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T5, Canada; (E.L.); (K.J.M.)
| | - Kirk J. McManus
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T5, Canada; (E.L.); (K.J.M.)
- Paul Albrechtsen Research Institute, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9, Canada
| | - Yvonne Myal
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P5, Canada; (L.E.L.T.); (C.A.E.); (B.E.N.); (G.F.)
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9, Canada;
- Paul Albrechtsen Research Institute, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9, Canada
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7
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Farahani MK, Gharibshahian M, Rezvani A, Vaez A. Breast cancer brain metastasis: from etiology to state-of-the-art modeling. J Biol Eng 2023; 17:41. [PMID: 37386445 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-023-00352-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, breast carcinoma is the most common form of malignancy and the main cause of cancer mortality in women worldwide. The metastasis of cancer cells from the primary tumor site to other organs in the body, notably the lungs, bones, brain, and liver, is what causes breast cancer to ultimately be fatal. Brain metastases occur in as many as 30% of patients with advanced breast cancer, and the 1-year survival rate of these patients is around 20%. Many researchers have focused on brain metastasis, but due to its complexities, many aspects of this process are still relatively unclear. To develop and test novel therapies for this fatal condition, pre-clinical models are required that can mimic the biological processes involved in breast cancer brain metastasis (BCBM). The application of many breakthroughs in the area of tissue engineering has resulted in the development of scaffold or matrix-based culture methods that more accurately imitate the original extracellular matrix (ECM) of metastatic tumors. Furthermore, specific cell lines are now being used to create three-dimensional (3D) cultures that can be used to model metastasis. These 3D cultures satisfy the requirement for in vitro methodologies that allow for a more accurate investigation of the molecular pathways as well as a more in-depth examination of the effects of the medication being tested. In this review, we talk about the latest advances in modeling BCBM using cell lines, animals, and tissue engineering methods.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maliheh Gharibshahian
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Alireza Rezvani
- Hematology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Ahmad Vaez
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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8
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Nguyen A, Nguyen A, Dada OT, Desai PD, Ricci JC, Godbole NB, Pierre K, Lucke-Wold B. Leptomeningeal Metastasis: A Review of the Pathophysiology, Diagnostic Methodology, and Therapeutic Landscape. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:5906-5931. [PMID: 37366925 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30060442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The present review aimed to establish an understanding of the pathophysiology of leptomeningeal disease as it relates to late-stage development among different cancer types. For our purposes, the focused metastatic malignancies include breast cancer, lung cancer, melanoma, primary central nervous system tumors, and hematologic cancers (lymphoma, leukemia, and multiple myeloma). Of note, our discussion was limited to cancer-specific leptomeningeal metastases secondary to the aforementioned primary cancers. LMD mechanisms secondary to non-cancerous pathologies, such as infection or inflammation of the leptomeningeal layer, were excluded from our scope of review. Furthermore, we intended to characterize general leptomeningeal disease, including the specific anatomical infiltration process/area, CSF dissemination, manifesting clinical symptoms in patients afflicted with the disease, detection mechanisms, imaging modalities, and treatment therapies (both preclinical and clinical). Of these parameters, leptomeningeal disease across different primary cancers shares several features. Pathophysiology regarding the development of CNS involvement within the mentioned cancer subtypes is similar in nature and progression of disease. Consequently, detection of leptomeningeal disease, regardless of cancer type, employs several of the same techniques. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis in combination with varied imaging (CT, MRI, and PET-CT) has been noted in the current literature as the gold standard in the diagnosis of leptomeningeal metastasis. Treatment options for the disease are both varied and currently in development, given the rarity of these cases. Our review details the differences in leptomeningeal disease as they pertain through the lens of several different cancer subtypes in an effort to highlight the current state of targeted therapy, the potential shortcomings in treatment, and the direction of preclinical and clinical treatments in the future. As there is a lack of comprehensive reviews that seek to characterize leptomeningeal metastasis from various solid and hematologic cancers altogether, the authors intended to highlight not only the overlapping mechanisms but also the distinct patterning of disease detection and progression as a means to uniquely treat each metastasis type. The scarcity of LMD cases poses a barrier to more robust evaluations of this pathology. However, as treatments for primary cancers have improved over time, so has the incidence of LMD. The increase in diagnosed cases only represents a small fraction of LMD-afflicted patients. More often than not, LMD is determined upon autopsy. The motivation behind this review stems from the increased capacity to study LMD in spite of scarcity or poor patient prognosis. In vitro analysis of leptomeningeal cancer cells has allowed researchers to approach this disease at the level of cancer subtypes and markers. We ultimately hope to facilitate the clinical translation of LMD research through our discourse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Nguyen
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Alexander Nguyen
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | | | - Persis D Desai
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Jacob C Ricci
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Nikhil B Godbole
- School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Kevin Pierre
- Department of Radiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Brandon Lucke-Wold
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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9
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Alsabbagh R, Ahmed M, Alqudah MAY, Hamoudi R, Harati R. Insights into the Molecular Mechanisms Mediating Extravasation in Brain Metastasis of Breast Cancer, Melanoma, and Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15082258. [PMID: 37190188 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain metastasis is an incurable end-stage of systemic cancer associated with poor prognosis, and its incidence is increasing. Brain metastasis occurs through a multi-step cascade where cancer cells spread from the primary tumor site to the brain. The extravasation of tumor cells through the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a critical step in brain metastasis. During extravasation, circulating cancer cells roll along the brain endothelium (BE), adhere to it, then induce alterations in the endothelial barrier to transmigrate through the BBB and enter the brain. Rolling and adhesion are generally mediated by selectins and adhesion molecules induced by inflammatory mediators, while alterations in the endothelial barrier are mediated by proteolytic enzymes, including matrix metalloproteinase, and the transmigration step mediated by factors, including chemokines. However, the molecular mechanisms mediating extravasation are not yet fully understood. A better understanding of these mechanisms is essential as it may serve as the basis for the development of therapeutic strategies for the prevention or treatment of brain metastases. In this review, we summarize the molecular events that occur during the extravasation of cancer cells through the blood-brain barrier in three types of cancer most likely to develop brain metastasis: breast cancer, melanoma, and lung cancer. Common molecular mechanisms driving extravasation in these different tumors are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rama Alsabbagh
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Munazza Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohammad A Y Alqudah
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Rifat Hamoudi
- Clinical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London W1W 7EJ, UK
| | - Rania Harati
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
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10
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Nair L, Mukherjee S, Kaur K, Murphy CM, Ravichandiran V, Roy S, Singh M. Multi compartmental 3D breast cancer disease model–recapitulating tumor complexity in in-vitro. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2023; 1867:130361. [PMID: 37019341 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2023.130361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common ailment among women. In 2020, it had the highest incidence of any type of cancer. Many Phase II and III anti-cancer drugs fail due to efficacy, durability, and side effects. Thus, accelerated drug screening models must be accurate. In-vivo models have been used for a long time, but delays, inconsistent results, and a greater sense of responsibility among scientists toward wildlife have led to the search for in-vitro alternatives. Stromal components support breast cancer growth and survival. Multi-compartment Transwell models may be handy instruments. Co-culturing breast cancer cells with endothelium and fibroblasts improves modelling. The extracellular matrix (ECM) supports native 3D hydrogels in natural and polymeric forms. 3D Transwell cultured tumor spheroids mimicked in-vivo pathological conditions. Tumor invasion, migration, Trans-endothelial migration, angiogenesis, and spread are studied using comprehensive models. Transwell models can create a cancer niche and conduct high-throughput drug screening, promising future applications. Our comprehensive shows how 3D in-vitro multi compartmental models may be useful in producing breast cancer stroma in Transwell culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakshmi Nair
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Assam Central University, Silchar, Assam 788011, India
| | - Souvik Mukherjee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Ghasidas University, Koni, Bilaspur,(C.G 495009, India
| | - Kulwinder Kaur
- Tissue Engineering Research Group, Department of Anatomy & Regenerative Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons (RCSI), Dublin D02YN77, Ireland
| | - Ciara M Murphy
- Tissue Engineering Research Group, Department of Anatomy & Regenerative Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons (RCSI), Dublin D02YN77, Ireland; Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin (TCD), Dublin D02YN77, Ireland; Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research Centre (AMBER), RCSI and TCD, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Velayutham Ravichandiran
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kolkata, West Bengal 700054, India
| | - Subhadeep Roy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Kolkata, West Bengal 700054, India.
| | - Manjari Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Assam Central University, Silchar, Assam 788011, India.
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11
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Organotropism of breast cancer metastasis: A comprehensive approach to the shared gene network. GENE REPORTS 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2023.101749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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12
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Liu Z, Zhao E, Li H, Lin D, Huang C, Zhou Y, Zhang Y, Pan X, Liao W, Li F. Identification and validation of a novel stress granules-related prognostic model in colorectal cancer. Front Genet 2023; 14:1105368. [PMID: 37205121 PMCID: PMC10187888 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1105368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims: A growing body of evidence demonstrates that Stress granules (SGs), a non-membrane cytoplasmic compartments, are important to colorectal development and chemoresistance. However, the clinical and pathological significance of SGs in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients is unclear. The aim of this study is to propose a new prognostic model related to SGs for CRC on the basis of transcriptional expression. Main methods: Differentially expressed SGs-related genes (DESGGs) were identified in CRC patients from TCGA dataset by limma R package. The univariate and Multivariate Cox regression model was used to construct a SGs-related prognostic prediction gene signature (SGPPGS). The CIBERSORT algorithm was used to assess cellular immune components between the two different risk groups. The mRNA expression levels of the predictive signature from 3 partial response (PR) and 6 stable disease (SD) or progress disease (PD) after neoadjuvant therapy CRC patients' specimen were examined. Key findings: By screening and identification, SGPPGS comprised of four genes (CPT2, NRG1, GAP43, and CDKN2A) from DESGGs is established. Furthermore, we find that the risk score of SGPPGS is an independent prognostic factor to overall survival. Notably, the abundance of immune response inhibitory components in tumor tissues is upregulated in the group with a high-risk score of SGPPGS. Importantly, the risk score of SGPPGS is associated with the chemotherapy response in metastatic colorectal cancer. Significance: This study reveals the association between SGs related genes and CRC prognosis and provides a novel SGs related gene signature for CRC prognosis prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Fengtian Li
- *Correspondence: Fengtian Li, ; Wenting Liao,
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13
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Menendez JA, Lupu R. Fatty acid synthase: A druggable driver of breast cancer brain metastasis. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2022; 26:427-444. [PMID: 35545806 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2022.2077189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Brain metastasis (BrM) is a key contributor to morbidity and mortality in breast cancer patients, especially among high-risk epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2+) and triple-negative/basal-like molecular subtypes. Optimal management of BrM is focused on characterizing a "BrM dependency map" to prioritize targetable therapeutic vulnerabilities. AREAS COVERED We review recent studies addressing the targeting of BrM in the lipid-deprived brain environment, which selects for brain-tropic breast cancer cells capable of cell-autonomously generating fatty acids by upregulating de novo lipogenesis via fatty acid synthase (FASN). Disruption of FASN activity impairs breast cancer growth in the brain, but not extracranially, and mapping of the molecular causes of organ-specific patterns of metastasis has uncovered an enrichment of lipid metabolism signatures in brain metastasizing cells. Targeting SREBP1-the master regulator of lipogenic gene transcription-curtails the ability of breast cancer cells to survive in the brain microenvironment. EXPERT OPINION Targeting FASN represents a new therapeutic opportunity for patients with breast cancer and BrM. Delivery of brain-permeable FASN inhibitors and identifying strategies to target metabolic plasticity that might compensate for impaired brain FASN activity are two potential roadblocks that may hinder FASN-centered strategies against BrM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier A Menendez
- Metabolism and Cancer Group, Program Against Cancer Therapeutic Resistance (ProCURE), Catalan Institute of Oncology, 17007 Girona, Spain.,Girona Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBGI), 17190 Girona, Spain
| | - Ruth Lupu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Division of Experimental Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Mayo Clinic Minnesota, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.,Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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14
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Saunus JM, De Luca XM, Northwood K, Raghavendra A, Hasson A, McCart Reed AE, Lim M, Lal S, Vargas AC, Kutasovic JR, Dalley AJ, Miranda M, Kalaw E, Kalita-de Croft P, Gresshoff I, Al-Ejeh F, Gee JMW, Ormandy C, Khanna KK, Beesley J, Chenevix-Trench G, Green AR, Rakha EA, Ellis IO, Nicolau DV, Simpson PT, Lakhani SR. Epigenome erosion and SOX10 drive neural crest phenotypic mimicry in triple-negative breast cancer. NPJ Breast Cancer 2022; 8:57. [PMID: 35501337 PMCID: PMC9061835 DOI: 10.1038/s41523-022-00425-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Intratumoral heterogeneity is caused by genomic instability and phenotypic plasticity, but how these features co-evolve remains unclear. SOX10 is a neural crest stem cell (NCSC) specifier and candidate mediator of phenotypic plasticity in cancer. We investigated its relevance in breast cancer by immunophenotyping 21 normal breast and 1860 tumour samples. Nuclear SOX10 was detected in normal mammary luminal progenitor cells, the histogenic origin of most TNBCs. In tumours, nuclear SOX10 was almost exclusive to TNBC, and predicted poorer outcome amongst cross-sectional (p = 0.0015, hazard ratio 2.02, n = 224) and metaplastic (p = 0.04, n = 66) cases. To understand SOX10’s influence over the transcriptome during the transition from normal to malignant states, we performed a systems-level analysis of co-expression data, de-noising the networks with an eigen-decomposition method. This identified a core module in SOX10’s normal mammary epithelial network that becomes rewired to NCSC genes in TNBC. Crucially, this reprogramming was proportional to genome-wide promoter methylation loss, particularly at lineage-specifying CpG-island shores. We propose that the progressive, genome-wide methylation loss in TNBC simulates more primitive epigenome architecture, making cells vulnerable to SOX10-driven reprogramming. This study demonstrates potential utility for SOX10 as a prognostic biomarker in TNBC and provides new insights about developmental phenotypic mimicry—a major contributor to intratumoral heterogeneity.
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15
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Ippolitov D, Arreza L, Munir MN, Hombach-Klonisch S. Brain Microvascular Pericytes—More than Bystanders in Breast Cancer Brain Metastasis. Cells 2022; 11:cells11081263. [PMID: 35455945 PMCID: PMC9028330 DOI: 10.3390/cells11081263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain tissue contains the highest number of perivascular pericytes compared to other organs. Pericytes are known to regulate brain perfusion and to play an important role within the neurovascular unit (NVU). The high phenotypic and functional plasticity of pericytes make this cell type a prime candidate to aid physiological adaptations but also propose pericytes as important modulators in diverse pathologies in the brain. This review highlights known phenotypes of pericytes in the brain, discusses the diverse markers for brain pericytes, and reviews current in vitro and in vivo experimental models to study pericyte function. Our current knowledge of pericyte phenotypes as it relates to metastatic growth patterns in breast cancer brain metastasis is presented as an example for the crosstalk between pericytes, endothelial cells, and metastatic cells. Future challenges lie in establishing methods for real-time monitoring of pericyte crosstalk to understand causal events in the brain metastatic process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danyyl Ippolitov
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada; (D.I.); (L.A.); (M.N.M.)
| | - Leanne Arreza
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada; (D.I.); (L.A.); (M.N.M.)
| | - Maliha Nuzhat Munir
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada; (D.I.); (L.A.); (M.N.M.)
| | - Sabine Hombach-Klonisch
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada; (D.I.); (L.A.); (M.N.M.)
- Department of Pathology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0Z2, Canada
- Correspondence:
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16
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Evolving management of HER2+ breast cancer brain metastases and leptomeningeal disease. J Neurooncol 2022; 157:249-269. [PMID: 35244835 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-022-03977-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer are at a particularly high risk of breast cancer brain metastasis (BCBM) and leptomeningeal disease (LMD). Improvements in systemic therapy have translated to improved survival for patients with HER2-positive BCBM and LMD. However, the optimal management of these cases is rapidly evolving and requires a multidisciplinary approach. Herein, a team of radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, neuro-oncologists, and breast surgeon created a review of the evolving management of HER2-positive BCBM and LMD. We assess the epidemiology, diagnosis, and evolving treatment options for patients with HER2-positive BCBM and LMD, as well as the ongoing prospective clinical trials enrolling these patients. The management of HER2-positive BCBM and LMD represents an increasingly common challenge that involves the coordination of local and systemic therapy. Advances in systemic therapy have resulted in an improved prognosis, and promising targeted therapies currently under prospective investigation have the potential to further benefit these patients.
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17
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Shu L, Chen A, Li L, Yao L, He Y, Xu J, Gu W, Li Q, Wang K, Zhang T, Liu G. NRG1 regulates Fra-1 transcription and metastasis of triple-negative breast cancer cells via the c-Myc ubiquitination as manipulated by ERK1/2-mediated Fbxw7 phosphorylation. Oncogene 2022; 41:907-919. [PMID: 34992218 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-02142-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Neuregulin 1 (NRG1), an EGF family member, is expressed in most breast cancers. It promotes breast cancer growth and metastasis in HER2 receptor expressing breast cancer. However, its role in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has not been extensively investigated. In this study, we observed that NRG1 knockdown resulted in the suppression of TNBC cells (MDA-MB-231 cell and MDA-MB-468 cell) metastasis and downregulation of Fra-1 (FOS-like 1, AP-1 transcription factor subunit, which is an overexpressed transcription factor in TNBC and acts as a coordinator of metastasis). In addition, the transcriptional regulation of Fra-1 by NRG1 was mediated by ERK1/2-induced recruitment of c-Myc (MYC proto-oncogene, transcription factor) to the promoter of Fra-1. Furthermore, c-Myc was targeted by an E3 ligase Fbxw7 and its ubiquitination and degradation by Fbxw7 was regulated by NRG1 expression and ERK1/2-mediated Fbxw7 phosphorylation that results in the dissociation and nuclear import of c-Myc. Taken together, the results of our study demonstrated that NRG1 regulates the Fra-1 expression to coordinate the TNBC metastasis via the novel ERK1/2-Fbxw7-c-Myc pathway and targeting NRG1 expression could be a potential therapeutic strategy for TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Shu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233030, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ao Chen
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, College of Life Science and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Linrui Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Lun Yao
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiduo He
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianbo Xu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Gu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233030, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Laboratory Medicine, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233030, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Li
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233030, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233030, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Kun Wang
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Tongcun Zhang
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, College of Life Science and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, Ministry of Education and Tianjin, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, 300457, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoquan Liu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233030, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Laboratory Medicine, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233030, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China.
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18
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Courtney D, Davey MG, Moloney BM, Barry MK, Sweeney K, McLaughlin RP, Malone CM, Lowery AJ, Kerin MJ. Breast cancer recurrence: factors impacting occurrence and survival. Ir J Med Sci 2022; 191:2501-2510. [PMID: 35076871 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-022-02926-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer mortality has decreased due to improved screening and treatment options. Nevertheless, 25-30% of patients develop disease recurrence and die from the disease dissemination. Patients who develop metastatic disease represent a heterogeneous group and management plans are dependent on molecular subtype, disease burden and metastatic site. AIM To determine predictive clinicopathological factors of disease recurrence and their impact on survival in the molecular era. METHODS Consecutive patients who breast cancer developed recurrence at our tertiary referral centre between 2000 and 2015 were included. Clinicopathological and treatment data were assessed using descriptive statistics. Oncological outcome was assessed using Cox regression and Kaplan Meier analyses. RESULTS Two hundred sixty-five consecutive patients who developed breast cancer recurrence were included; median age at metastasis was 59.3 years (range 27-87 years), and median time to recurrence (TTR) was 47.7 ± 38.5 months (range 3.0-194.3 months). Survival was 24.2% (64/265) 53.2% were luminal A (LABC) (141/265), 18.5% were luminal B (LBBC) (49/265), 18.5% were triple negative (TNBC) (49/265), and 9.8% were human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 overexpressing (HER2 +) (26/265). TTR for patients with LABC was 56.0 ± 41.3 months, LBBC was 48.4 ± 41.1 months, TNBC was 26.9 ± 28.5 months and HER2 + was 34.3 ± 21.8 months. Increased grade (P < 0.001), Nottingham Prognostic Indices (P < 0.001), TNBC (P < 0.001), HER2 + subtype (P < 0.001) and receiving targeted therapy (P = 0.006) predicted shorted TTR. Estrogen receptor positivity (P < 0.001), progesterone receptor positivity (P = 0.010), invasive lobular carcinoma (P = 0.009) and receiving endocrine therapy (P = 0.001) predicted longer TTR. CONCLUSION Readily available clinicopathological factors predict risk of metastatic dissemination. Developing a tailored program to identify patients at risk of recurrence is crucial in controlling metastatic dissemination of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald Courtney
- Department of Surgery, National University of Ireland, Galway, H91YR71, Republic of Ireland
| | - Matthew G Davey
- Department of Surgery, National University of Ireland, Galway, H91YR71, Republic of Ireland.
| | - Brian M Moloney
- Department of Surgery, National University of Ireland, Galway, H91YR71, Republic of Ireland
| | - Michael K Barry
- Department of Surgery, National University of Ireland, Galway, H91YR71, Republic of Ireland
| | - Karl Sweeney
- Department of Surgery, National University of Ireland, Galway, H91YR71, Republic of Ireland
| | - Ray P McLaughlin
- Department of Surgery, National University of Ireland, Galway, H91YR71, Republic of Ireland
| | - Carmel M Malone
- Department of Surgery, National University of Ireland, Galway, H91YR71, Republic of Ireland
| | - Aoife J Lowery
- Department of Surgery, National University of Ireland, Galway, H91YR71, Republic of Ireland
| | - Michael J Kerin
- Department of Surgery, National University of Ireland, Galway, H91YR71, Republic of Ireland
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19
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Identification of potential genes related to breast cancer brain metastasis in breast cancer patients. Biosci Rep 2021; 41:229807. [PMID: 34541602 PMCID: PMC8521534 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20211615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain metastases (BMs) usually develop in breast cancer (BC) patients. Thus, the molecular mechanisms of breast cancer brain metastasis (BCBM) are of great importance in designing therapeutic strategies to treat or prevent BCBM. The present study attempted to identify novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of BCBM. Two datasets (GSE125989 and GSE100534) were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to find differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in cases of BC with and without brain metastasis (BM). A total of 146 overlapping DEGs, including 103 up-regulated and 43 down-regulated genes, were identified. Functional enrichment analysis showed that these DEGs were mainly enriched for functions including extracellular matrix (ECM) organization and collagen catabolic fibril organization. Using protein-protein interaction (PPI) and principal component analysis (PCA) analysis, we identified ten key genes, including LAMA4, COL1A1, COL5A2, COL3A1, COL4A1, COL5A1, COL5A3, COL6A3, COL6A2, and COL6A1. Additionally, COL5A1, COL4A1, COL1A1, COL6A1, COL6A2, and COL6A3 were significantly associated with the overall survival of BC patients. Furthermore, COL6A3, COL5A1, and COL4A1 were potentially correlated with BCBM in human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) expression. Additionally, the miR-29 family might participate in the process of metastasis by modulating the cancer microenvironment. Based on datasets in the GEO database, several DEGs have been identified as playing potentially important roles in BCBM in BC patients.
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Momeny M, Shamsaiegahkani S, Kashani B, Hamzehlou S, Esmaeili F, Yousefi H, Irani S, Mousavi SA, Ghaffari SH. Cediranib, a pan-inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors, inhibits proliferation and enhances therapeutic sensitivity in glioblastoma cells. Life Sci 2021; 287:120100. [PMID: 34715143 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Glioblastoma (GB) is the most aggressive type of brain tumor. Rapid progression, active angiogenesis, and therapy resistance are major reasons for its high mortality. Elevated expression of members of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family suggests that anti-VEGF therapies may be potent anti-glioma therapeutic approaches. Here, we evaluated the anti-tumor activity of cediranib, a pan inhibitor of the VEGF receptors, on GB cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS Anti-proliferative effects of cediranib were determined using MTT, crystal-violet staining, clonogenic and anoikis resistance assays. Apoptosis induction was assessed by Annexin V/PI staining and Western blot analysis and aggressive abilities of GB cells were investigated using cell migration/invasion assays and zymography. Small-interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated Knockdown was used to study resistance mechanisms. The anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects of cediranib in combination with radiotherapy, temozolomide, bevacizumab were also evaluated using MTT, Annexin V/PI staining and Western blot analysis for cleaved PARP-1. KEY FINDINGS Cediranib reduced GB cell proliferation, induced apoptotic cell death and inhibited the aggressive abilities of GB cells. Cediranib synergistically increased the anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects of radiotherapy and bevacizumab and augmented the sensitivity of GB cells to temozolomide chemotherapy. In addition, knockdown of MET and AKT potentiated cediranib sensitivity in cediranib-resistant GB cells. SIGNIFICANCE These findings suggest that cediranib, alone or in combination with other therapeutics, is a promising strategy for the treatment of GB and provide a rationale for further investigation of the therapeutic potential of cediranib for the treatment of this fatal malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sahar Shamsaiegahkani
- Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahareh Kashani
- Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sepideh Hamzehlou
- Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Esmaeili
- Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hassan Yousefi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Centre, New Orleans, USA
| | - Shiva Irani
- Department of Biology Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed A Mousavi
- Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed H Ghaffari
- Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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21
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Capone E, Lattanzio R, Gasparri F, Orsini P, Rossi C, Iacobelli V, De Laurenzi V, Natali PG, Valsasina B, Iacobelli S, Sala G. EV20/NMS-P945, a Novel Thienoindole Based Antibody-Drug Conjugate Targeting HER-3 for Solid Tumors. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13040483. [PMID: 33918158 PMCID: PMC8066800 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13040483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
HER-3 is becoming an attractive target for antibody-drug conjugate (ADC)-based therapy. Indeed, this receptor and its ligands are found to be overexpressed in several malignancies, and re-activation of its downstream signaling axis is known to play a critical role in modulating the sensitivity of targeted therapeutics in different tumors. In this study, we generated a novel ADC named EV20/NMS-P945 by coupling the anti-HER-3 antibody EV20 with a duocarmycin-like derivative, the thienoindole (TEI) NMS-P528, a DNA minor groove alkylating agent through a peptidic cleavable linker. This ADC showed target-dependent cytotoxic activity in vitro on several tumor cell lines and therapeutic activity in mouse xenograft tumor models, including those originating from pancreatic, prostatic, head and neck, gastric and ovarian cancer cells and melanoma. Pharmacokinetics and toxicological studies in monkeys demonstrated that this ADC possesses a favorable terminal half-life and stability and it is well tolerated. These data support further EV20/NMS-P945 clinical development as a therapeutic agent against HER-3-expressing malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Capone
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (E.C.); (R.L.); (V.D.L.)
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), Via Polacchi 11, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Rossano Lattanzio
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (E.C.); (R.L.); (V.D.L.)
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), Via Polacchi 11, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Fabio Gasparri
- Nerviano Medical Sciences Srl, 20014 Milan, Italy; (F.G.); (P.O.); (B.V.)
| | - Paolo Orsini
- Nerviano Medical Sciences Srl, 20014 Milan, Italy; (F.G.); (P.O.); (B.V.)
| | - Cosmo Rossi
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), Via Polacchi 11, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Valentina Iacobelli
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Catholic University, 00168 Rome, Italy;
| | - Vincenzo De Laurenzi
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (E.C.); (R.L.); (V.D.L.)
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), Via Polacchi 11, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | | | - Barbara Valsasina
- Nerviano Medical Sciences Srl, 20014 Milan, Italy; (F.G.); (P.O.); (B.V.)
| | - Stefano Iacobelli
- MediaPharma s.r.l., Via della Colonnetta 50/A, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
- Correspondence: or (S.I.); (G.S.); Tel.: +39-08-7154-1504 (G.S.)
| | - Gianluca Sala
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (E.C.); (R.L.); (V.D.L.)
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), Via Polacchi 11, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
- Correspondence: or (S.I.); (G.S.); Tel.: +39-08-7154-1504 (G.S.)
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22
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Sinevici N, Ataeinia B, Zehnder V, Lin K, Grove L, Heidari P, Mahmood U. HER3 Differentiates Basal From Claudin Type Triple Negative Breast Cancer and Contributes to Drug and Microenvironmental Induced Resistance. Front Oncol 2020; 10:554704. [PMID: 33330026 PMCID: PMC7715030 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.554704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive form of Breast Cancer (BC). Numerous kinase inhibitors (KI) targeting different pathway nodes have shown limited benefit in the clinical setting. In this study, we aim to characterize the extent of HER3 reliance and to define the effect of Neuregulin (NRG) isoforms in TNBCs. Basal and Claudin type TNBC cell lines were treated with a range of small molecule inhibitors, in the presence or absence of the HER3 ligand NRG. Single agent and combination therapy was also evaluated in human cancer cell lines through viability and biochemical assessment of the AKT/MAPK signaling pathway. We show that Basal (BT20, HCC-70, and MDA-MB-468) and Claudin type (MDA-MB-231, BT-549) TNBC cell lines displayed differential reliance on the HER family of receptors. Expression and dynamic HER3 upregulation was predominant in the Basal TNBC subtype. Furthermore, the presence of the natural ligand NRG showed potent signaling through the HER3-AKT pathway, significantly diminishing the efficacy of the AKT and PI3K inhibitors tested. We report that NRG augments the HER3 feedback mechanism for continued cell survival in TNBC. We demonstrate that combination strategies to effectively block the EGFR-HER3-AKT pathway are necessary to overcome compensatory mechanisms to NRG dependent and independent resistance mechanisms. Our findings suggests that the EGFR-HER3 heterodimer forms a major signaling hub and is a key player in tumorigenesis in Basal but not Claudin type TNBC tested. Thus, HER3 could potentially serve as a biomarker for identifying patients in which targeted therapy against the EGFR-HER3-AKT axis would be most valuable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoleta Sinevici
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Bahar Ataeinia
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Veronica Zehnder
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kevin Lin
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Lauren Grove
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Pedram Heidari
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Umar Mahmood
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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23
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Momeny M, Sankanian G, Hamzehlou S, Yousefi H, Esmaeili F, Alishahi Z, Karimi B, Zandi Z, Shamsaiegahkani S, Sabourinejad Z, Kashani B, Nasrollahzadeh A, Mousavipak SH, Mousavi SA, Ghaffari SH. Cediranib, an inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor kinases, inhibits proliferation and invasion of prostate adenocarcinoma cells. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 882:173298. [PMID: 32593665 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Prostate Cancer is the second cause of cancer-related death in men and development of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is the major reason for its high mortality rate. Despite various treatments, all patients succumb to resistant disease, suggesting that there is a pressing need for novel and more efficacious treatments. Members of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family play key roles in the tumorigenesis of mCRPC, indicating that VEGF-targeted therapies may have potential anti-tumor efficacy in this malignancy. However, due to compensatory activation of other family members, clinical trials with single-targeted VEGF inhibitors were discouraging. Here, we determined the anti-neoplastic activity of Cediranib, a pan-VEGF receptor inhibitor, in the mCRPC cell lines. Anti-growth effects of Cediranib were studied by MTT and BrdU cell proliferation assays and crystal violet staining. Annexin V/PI, radiation therapy and cell motility assays were carried out to examine the effects of Cediranib on apoptosis, radio-sensitivity and cell motility. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot analyses were conducted to determine the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-tumor activity of Cediranib. Cediranib decreased cell viability and induced apoptosis via inhibition of the anti-apoptotic proteins. Combination with Cediranib synergistically increased Docetaxel sensitivity and potentiated the effects of radiation therapy. Furthermore, Cediranib impaired cell motility via decrease in the expression of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition markers. These findings suggest that Cediranib may have anti-tumor activity in mCRPC cells and warrant further investigation on the therapeutic activity of this pan-VEGF receptor inhibitor in mCRPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majid Momeny
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland.
| | - Ghazaleh Sankanian
- Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sepideh Hamzehlou
- Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hassan Yousefi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, USA
| | - Fatemeh Esmaeili
- Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zivar Alishahi
- Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behnaz Karimi
- Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Zandi
- Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Shamsaiegahkani
- Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Sabourinejad
- Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahareh Kashani
- Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Nasrollahzadeh
- Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyyedeh H Mousavipak
- Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed A Mousavi
- Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed H Ghaffari
- Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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24
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Zimmer AS, Van Swearingen AED, Anders CK. HER2‐positive
breast cancer brain metastasis: A new and exciting landscape. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2020; 5:e1274. [PMID: 32881421 PMCID: PMC9124511 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Brain metastases (BrM) incidence is 25% to 50% in women with advanced human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)‐positive breast cancer. Radiation and surgery are currently the main local treatment approaches for central nervous system (CNS) metastases. Systemic anti‐HER2 therapy following a diagnosis of BrM improves outcomes. Previous preclinical data has helped elucidate HER2 brain trophism, the blood‐brain/blood‐tumor barrier(s), and the brain tumor microenvironment, all of which can lead to development of novel therapeutic options. Recent findings Several anti‐HER2 agents are currently available and reviewed here, some of which have recently shown promising effects in BrM patients, specifically. New strategies driven by and focusing on brain metastasis‐specific genomics, immunotherapy, and preventive strategies have shown promising results and are under development. Conclusions The field of HER2+ breast cancer, particularly for BrM, continues to evolve as new therapeutic strategies show promising results in recent clinical trials. Increasing inclusion of patients with BrM in clinical studies, and a focus on assessing their outcomes both intracranially and extracranially, is changing the landscape for patients with HER2+ CNS metastases by demonstrating the ability of newer agents to improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Carey K. Anders
- Duke Center for Brain and Spine MetastasisDuke Cancer Institute Durham North Carolina USA
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25
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Fukui F, Hayashi SI, Yamaguchi Y. Heregulin controls ERα and HER2 signaling in mammospheres of ERα-positive breast cancer cells and interferes with the efficacy of molecular targeted therapy. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2020; 201:105698. [PMID: 32404282 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2020.105698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen receptor (ER)α and the human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) family are inversely expressed in ERα-positive cancer in association with resistance to hormonal therapy, but the mechanism underlying their relationship remains unknown. We analyzed the effect of HER family ligands on the expression of ER and the HER family in ERα-positive MCF-7 and T47D breast cancer cell lines in 3D spheroid culture. Here, we demonstrated for the first time that heregulin-1β (HRG), a HER3 and HER4 ligand, most effectively regulated ER/HER family expression by decreasing ERα mRNA expression and increasing HER family mRNA expression. HRG treatment attenuated fulvestrant-mediated growth inhibition, and promoted the migration of MCF-7 cells. Moreover, HRG increased the CD44+/CD24- cell fraction and side population cells, both of which are recognized as prospective breast cancer stem cell markers. HRG activated both phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. Inhibitors of these pathways reduced the growth of MCF-7 cells, but the addition of HRG has different effects on these pathways. HRG blocked the inhibitory effect of mTOR inhibitors, such as rapamycin and everolimus, on cell growth but not that of a PI3K inhibitor. Furthermore, HRG slightly decreased the inhibitory effect of an AKT inhibitor on cell growth. In contrast, HRG enhanced the MEK inhibitor-induced inhibition of cell growth. These findings suggest that HRG-stimulated signaling pathways allow ERα-positive breast cancer cells to escape from growth inhibition caused by everolimus, via MAPK signaling and/or other signaling pathways. Everolimus improves progression-free survival in combination with exemestane as second-line therapy for metastatic hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Our study suggests that HRG is a novel target for ERα-positive breast cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumiyo Fukui
- Research Institute for Clinical Oncology, Saitama Cancer Center, Saitama, Japan; Department of Molecular and Functional Dynamics, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.
| | - Shin-Ichi Hayashi
- Department of Molecular and Functional Dynamics, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.
| | - Yuri Yamaguchi
- Research Institute for Clinical Oncology, Saitama Cancer Center, Saitama, Japan.
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26
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Anti-tumor activity of neratinib, a pan-HER inhibitor, in gastric adenocarcinoma cells. Eur J Pharmacol 2019; 863:172705. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2019.172705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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27
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Inhibition of bromodomain and extraterminal domain reduces growth and invasive characteristics of chemoresistant ovarian carcinoma cells. Anticancer Drugs 2019; 29:1011-1020. [PMID: 30096128 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000000681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most lethal gynecological malignancy worldwide. Development of chemoresistance and peritoneal dissemination are the major reasons for low survival rate in the patients. The bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) proteins are known as epigenetic 'readers,' and their inhibitors are novel epigenetic strategies for cancer treatment. Accumulating body of evidence indicates that epigenetic modifications have critical roles in development of EOC, and overexpression of the BET family is a key step in the induction of important oncogenes. Here, we examined the mechanistic activity of I-BET151, a pan-inhibitor of the BET family, in therapy-resistant EOC cells. Our findings showed that I-BET151 diminished cell growth, clonogenic potential, and induced apoptosis. I-BET151 inhibited cell proliferation through down-modulation of FOXM1 and its targets aurora kinase B and cyclin B1. I-BET151 attenuated migration and invasion of the EOC cells by down-regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers fibronectin, ZEB2, and N-cadherin. I-BET151 synergistically enhanced cisplatin chemosensitivity by down-regulation of survivin and Bcl-2. Our data provide insights into the mechanistic activity of I-BET151 and suggest that BET inhibition has potential as a therapeutic strategy in therapy-resistant EOC. Further in vivo investigations on the therapeutic potential of I-BET151 in EOC are warranted.
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28
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Momeny M, Alishahi Z, Eyvani H, Esmaeili F, Zaghal A, Ghaffari P, Tavakkoly-Bazzaz J, Alimoghaddam K, Ghavamzadeh A, Ghaffari SH. Anti-tumor activity of cediranib, a pan-vascular endothelial growth factor receptor inhibitor, in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2019; 43:81-93. [DOI: 10.1007/s13402-019-00473-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
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29
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Momeny M, Esmaeili F, Hamzehlou S, Yousefi H, Javadikooshesh S, Vahdatirad V, Alishahi Z, Mousavipak SH, Bashash D, Dehpour AR, Tavangar SM, Tavakkoly-Bazzaz J, Haddad P, Kordbacheh F, Alimoghaddam K, Ghavamzadeh A, Ghaffari SH. The ERBB receptor inhibitor dacomitinib suppresses proliferation and invasion of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2019; 42:491-504. [PMID: 31025257 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-019-00448-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most common malignancy of the pancreas, is the fourth most common cause of cancer-related death in the USA. Local progression, early tumor dissemination and low efficacy of current treatments are the major reasons for its high mortality rate. The ERBB family is over-expressed in PDAC and plays essential roles in its tumorigenesis; however, single-targeted ERBB inhibitors have shown limited activity in this disease. Here, we examined the anti-tumor activity of dacomitinib, a pan-ERBB receptor inhibitor, on PDAC cells. METHODS Anti-proliferative effects of dacomitinib were determined using a cell proliferation assay and crystal violet staining. Annexin V/PI staining, radiation therapy and cell migration and invasion assays were carried out to examine the effects of dacomitinib on apoptosis, radio-sensitivity and cell motility, respectively. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot analyses were applied to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-tumor activity of dacomitinib. RESULTS We found that dacomitinib diminished PDAC cell proliferation via inhibition of FOXM1 and its targets Aurora kinase B and cyclin B1. Moreover, we found that dacomitinib induced apoptosis and potentiated radio-sensitivity via inhibition of the anti-apoptotic proteins survivin and MCL1. Treatment with dacomitinib attenuated cell migration and invasion through inhibition of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers ZEB1, Snail and N-cadherin. In contrast, we found that the anti-tumor activity of single-targeted ERBB agents including cetuximab (anti-EGFR mAb), trastuzumab (anti-HER2 mAb), H3.105.5 (anti-HER3 mAb) and erlotinib (EGFR small molecule inhibitor) were marginal. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that dacomitinib-mediated blockade of the ERBB receptors yields advantages over single-targeted ERBB inhibition and provide a rationale for further investigation of the therapeutic potential of dacomitinib in the treatment of ERBB-driven PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majid Momeny
- Turku Centre for Biotechnology, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland.
| | - Fatemeh Esmaeili
- Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sepideh Hamzehlou
- Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hassan Yousefi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Sepehr Javadikooshesh
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vasimeh Vahdatirad
- Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zivar Alishahi
- Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyedeh H Mousavipak
- Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Davood Bashash
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad R Dehpour
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyyed M Tavangar
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Tavakkoly-Bazzaz
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Peiman Haddad
- Radiation Oncology Research Center, Cancer Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Kordbacheh
- Cancer and Vascular Biology Group, ACRF Department of Cancer Biology and Therapeutics, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Kamran Alimoghaddam
- Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ardeshir Ghavamzadeh
- Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed H Ghaffari
- Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Innovative Therapeutic Strategies for Effective Treatment of Brain Metastases. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20061280. [PMID: 30875730 PMCID: PMC6471202 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20061280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain metastases are the most prevalent of intracranial malignancies. They are associated with a very poor prognosis and near 100% mortality. This has been the case for decades, largely because we lack effective therapeutics to augment surgery and radiotherapy. Notwithstanding improvements in the precision and efficacy of these life-prolonging treatments, with no reliable options for adjunct systemic therapy, brain recurrences are virtually inevitable. The factors limiting intracranial efficacy of existing agents are both physiological and molecular in nature. For example, heterogeneous permeability, abnormal perfusion and high interstitial pressure oppose the conventional convective delivery of circulating drugs, thus new delivery strategies are needed to achieve uniform drug uptake at therapeutic concentrations. Brain metastases are also highly adapted to their microenvironment, with complex cross-talk between the tumor, the stroma and the neural compartments driving speciation and drug resistance. New strategies must account for resistance mechanisms that are frequently engaged in this milieu, such as HER3 and other receptor tyrosine kinases that become induced and activated in the brain microenvironment. Here, we discuss molecular and physiological factors that contribute to the recalcitrance of these tumors, and review emerging therapeutic strategies, including agents targeting the PI3K axis, immunotherapies, nanomedicines and MRI-guided focused ultrasound for externally controlling drug delivery.
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31
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He G, Di X, Yan J, Zhu C, Sun X, Zhang S. Silencing human epidermal growth factor receptor-3 radiosensitizes human luminal A breast cancer cells. Cancer Sci 2018; 109:3774-3782. [PMID: 30259607 PMCID: PMC6272105 DOI: 10.1111/cas.13810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 09/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocrine therapy and radiotherapy are the main treatments for luminal A breast cancer. However, drug and radiotherapy resistance could occur during long‐term treatment, leading to local recurrence and distant metastasis. Some studies have found that drug resistance might be related to human epidermal growth factor receptor‐3 (HER3) overexpression. However, whether HER3 plays a role in radiotherapy resistance is unknown. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the effect of HER3 in radiotherapy and to assess whether HER3 could be a potential target for radiosensitivity. We used retroviruses to construct stable low expression of HER3 in MCF‐7 and ZR75‐1cells. The CCK‐8 assay was used to observe proliferation. Colony‐forming assay was used to detect radiosensitivity. Flow cytometry was used to observe the cell cycle and apoptosis. Immunofluorescence assay was used to detect the number of γH2AX foci in the nucleus with or without ionizing radiation (IR). Western blot analysis was used to verify the change of relative proteins. Nude mice were used to observe tumor growth in vivo. In our study, silencing HER3 reduced cell proliferation and clone formation ability after IR, so silencing HER3 increased the sensitivity of luminal A breast cancer cells to radiotherapy. In terms of radiosensitivity mechanisms, it is suggested that the silencing of HER3 enhanced IR‐induced DNA damage, reduced DNA repair, and increased apoptosis and G2/M arrest. In addition, silencing HER3 combined with IR clearly inhibited the transplanted tumor growth in vivo. Therefore, we concluded that HER3 played a role in radiotherapy resistance. Silencing HER3 increased the radiosensitivity of luminal A breast cancer cells and HER3 could be a potential target for radiosensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guofeng He
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoke Di
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jingjing Yan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Caiqiang Zhu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinchen Sun
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shu Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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32
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Wang Y, Ning Z, Zhou X, Yang Z, Tang H, Xu M, Wang X, Zhao J, Bai Y. Neuregulin1 acts as a suppressor in human lung adenocarcinoma via AKT and ERK1/2 pathway. J Thorac Dis 2018; 10:3166-3179. [PMID: 30069312 DOI: 10.21037/jtd.2018.05.175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Background Neuregulin1 (NRG1) is critical signaling protein that mediates the activation of downstream signaling pathways associated with malignancies. Multiple gene fusions related to NRG1 have been found in lung cancer. However, the underlying role NRG1 in lung cancer is yet unclear. Therefore, the present study investigated the biological functions on human lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Methods The expression of NRG1 was detected in LUAD tissues by Western blot (WB), quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The expression of NRG1 was upregulated by the addition of exogenous NRG1 and downregulated by small interfering RNA (siRNA), and the biological behaviors of LUAD cells were assessed: cell proliferation by MTT assay, cell cycle and apoptosis by flow cytometry analysis, and migration and invasion using Transwell system. Finally, the pathway underlying the cellular function was analyzed by WB. Results A lower expression of NRG1 was observed in LUAD cancer tissues (P<0.05). Moreover, the addition of exogenous NRG1 reduced the cell proliferation, migration, and invasion (P<0.001), while the downregulation of endogenous NRG1 promoted the three kinds of biological behaviors of LUAD cell lines (P<0.001); however, these manifestations did no effect on the distribution of cell cycle and apoptosis status (P>0.05). Furthermore, the deficiency of NRG1 reduced the expression of p-ERK1/2 and p-AKT at the protein level (P<0.001). Conclusions The current results suggested that NRG1 might be a suppressor in the development of LUAD, and its function was related to AKT and ERK1/2 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youya Wang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.,Clinical Medical School, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
| | - Zhifeng Ning
- Basic Medical School, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
| | - Xuefeng Zhou
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Zetian Yang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Hexiao Tang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Ming Xu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xianguo Wang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Jinping Zhao
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yuting Bai
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.,Clinical Medical School, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
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33
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Tsao SCH, Wang J, Wang Y, Behren A, Cebon J, Trau M. Characterising the phenotypic evolution of circulating tumour cells during treatment. Nat Commun 2018; 9:1482. [PMID: 29662054 PMCID: PMC5902511 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-03725-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Real-time monitoring of cancer cells' phenotypic evolution during therapy can provide vital tumour biology information for treatment management. Circulating tumour cell (CTC) analysis has emerged as a useful monitoring tool, but its routine usage is restricted by either limited multiplexing capability or sensitivity. Here, we demonstrate the use of antibody-conjugated and Raman reporter-coated gold nanoparticles for simultaneous labelling and monitoring of multiple CTC surface markers (named as "cell signature"), without the need for isolating individual CTCs. We observe cell heterogeneity and phenotypic changes of melanoma cell lines during molecular targeted treatment. Furthermore, we follow the CTC signature changes of 10 stage-IV melanoma patients receiving immunological or molecular targeted therapies. Our technique maps the phenotypic evolution of patient CTCs sensitively and rapidly, and shows drug-resistant clones having different CTC signatures of potential clinical value. We believe our proposed method is of general interest in the CTC relevant research and translation fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Chang-Hao Tsao
- Centre for Personalised Nanomedicine, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.,Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia.,Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia
| | - Jing Wang
- Centre for Personalised Nanomedicine, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Yuling Wang
- Centre for Personalised Nanomedicine, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia. .,Department of Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, 2109, Australia.
| | - Andreas Behren
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia.,School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Jonathan Cebon
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia.,Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia.,School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Matt Trau
- Centre for Personalised Nanomedicine, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia. .,School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.
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34
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Kodack DP, Askoxylakis V, Ferraro GB, Sheng Q, Badeaux M, Goel S, Qi X, Shankaraiah R, Cao ZA, Ramjiawan RR, Bezwada D, Patel B, Song Y, Costa C, Naxerova K, Wong CSF, Kloepper J, Das R, Tam A, Tanboon J, Duda DG, Miller CR, Siegel MB, Anders CK, Sanders M, Estrada MV, Schlegel R, Arteaga CL, Brachtel E, Huang A, Fukumura D, Engelman JA, Jain RK. The brain microenvironment mediates resistance in luminal breast cancer to PI3K inhibition through HER3 activation. Sci Transl Med 2018; 9:9/391/eaal4682. [PMID: 28539475 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aal4682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Although targeted therapies are often effective systemically, they fail to adequately control brain metastases. In preclinical models of breast cancer that faithfully recapitulate the disparate clinical responses in these microenvironments, we observed that brain metastases evade phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibition despite drug accumulation in the brain lesions. In comparison to extracranial disease, we observed increased HER3 expression and phosphorylation in brain lesions. HER3 blockade overcame the resistance of HER2-amplified and/or PIK3CA-mutant breast cancer brain metastases to PI3K inhibitors, resulting in marked tumor growth delay and improvement in mouse survival. These data provide a mechanistic basis for therapeutic resistance in the brain microenvironment and identify translatable treatment strategies for HER2-amplified and/or PIK3CA-mutant breast cancer brain metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- David P Kodack
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School (HMS), Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Vasileios Askoxylakis
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School (HMS), Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Gino B Ferraro
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School (HMS), Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Qing Sheng
- Oncology Translational Medicine, Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Mark Badeaux
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School (HMS), Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Shom Goel
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School (HMS), Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Xiaolong Qi
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School (HMS), Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Ram Shankaraiah
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School (HMS), Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Z Alexander Cao
- Oncology Translational Medicine, Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Rakesh R Ramjiawan
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School (HMS), Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Divya Bezwada
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School (HMS), Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Bhushankumar Patel
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School (HMS), Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Yongchul Song
- Department of Medicine, MGH Cancer Center and HMS, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Carlotta Costa
- Department of Medicine, MGH Cancer Center and HMS, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Kamila Naxerova
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School (HMS), Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Christina S F Wong
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School (HMS), Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Jonas Kloepper
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School (HMS), Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Rita Das
- Oncology Translational Medicine, Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Angela Tam
- Oncology Translational Medicine, Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | - Dan G Duda
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School (HMS), Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - C Ryan Miller
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Marni B Siegel
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Carey K Anders
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Medicine, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Melinda Sanders
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
| | - Monica V Estrada
- Breast Cancer Research Program, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
| | - Robert Schlegel
- Oncology Translational Medicine, Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Carlos L Arteaga
- Departments of Medicine and Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
| | - Elena Brachtel
- Department of Pathology, MGH and HMS, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Alan Huang
- Oncology Translational Medicine, Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Dai Fukumura
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School (HMS), Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Engelman
- Department of Medicine, MGH Cancer Center and HMS, Boston, MA 02129, USA.
| | - Rakesh K Jain
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School (HMS), Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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35
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Sugita B, Gill M, Mahajan A, Duttargi A, Kirolikar S, Almeida R, Regis K, Oluwasanmi OL, Marchi F, Marian C, Makambi K, Kallakury B, Sheahan L, Cavalli IJ, Ribeiro EM, Madhavan S, Boca S, Gusev Y, Cavalli LR. Differentially expressed miRNAs in triple negative breast cancer between African-American and non-Hispanic white women. Oncotarget 2018; 7:79274-79291. [PMID: 27813494 PMCID: PMC5346713 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), a clinically aggressive subtype of breast cancer, disproportionately affects African American (AA) women when compared to non-Hispanic Whites (NHW). MiRNAs(miRNAs) play a critical role in these tumors, through the regulation of cancer driver genes. In this study, our goal was to characterize and compare the patterns of miRNA expression in TNBC of AA (n = 27) and NHW women (n = 30). A total of 256 miRNAs were differentially expressed between these groups, and distinct from the ones observed in their respective non-TNBC subtypes. Fifty-five of these miRNAs were mapped in cytobands carrying copy number alterations (CNAs); 26 of them presented expression levels concordant with the observed CNAs. Receiving operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed a good power (AUC ≥ 0.80; 95% CI) for over 65% of the individual miRNAs and a high combined power with superior sensitivity and specificity (AUC = 0.88 (0.78−0.99); 95% CI) of the 26 miRNA panel in discriminating TNBC between these populations. Subsequent miRNA target analysis revealed their involvement in the interconnected PI3K/AKT, MAPK and insulin signaling pathways. Additionally, three miRNAs of this panel were associated with early age at diagnosis. Altogether, these findings indicated that there are different patterns of miRNA expression between TNBC of AA and NHW women and that their mapping in genomic regions with high levels of CNAs is not merely physical, but biologically relevant to the TNBC phenotype. Once validated in distinct cohorts of AA women, this panel can potentially represent their intrinsic TNBC genome signature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Sugita
- Department of Genetics, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Mandeep Gill
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Akanskha Mahajan
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Anju Duttargi
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Saurabh Kirolikar
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Rodrigo Almeida
- Department of Genetics, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Kenny Regis
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Olusayo L Oluwasanmi
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Fabio Marchi
- International Research Center-CIPE, A. C. Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Catalin Marian
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,The University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Kepher Makambi
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA.,Departments of Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, and Biomathematics, Georgetown University, Washington, DC USA
| | - Bhaskar Kallakury
- Department of Pathology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Laura Sheahan
- Innovation Center for Biomedical Informatics, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Iglenir J Cavalli
- Department of Genetics, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Enilze M Ribeiro
- Department of Genetics, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Subha Madhavan
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA.,Innovation Center for Biomedical Informatics, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Simina Boca
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA.,Innovation Center for Biomedical Informatics, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Yuriy Gusev
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA.,Innovation Center for Biomedical Informatics, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Luciane R Cavalli
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
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Chen W, Hoffmann AD, Liu H, Liu X. Organotropism: new insights into molecular mechanisms of breast cancer metastasis. NPJ Precis Oncol 2018; 2:4. [PMID: 29872722 PMCID: PMC5871901 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-018-0047-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2017] [Revised: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastasis accounts for 90% of breast cancer mortality. Despite the significant progress made over the past decade in cancer medicine our understanding of metastasis remains limited, therefore preventing and targeting metastasis is not yet possible. Breast cancer cells preferentially metastasize to specific organs, known as “organotropic metastasis”, which is regulated by subtypes of breast cancer, host organ microenvironment, and cancer cells-organ interactions. The cross-talk between cancer cells and host organs facilitates the formation of the premetastatic niche and is augmented by factors released from cancer cells prior to the cancer cells’ arrival at the host organ. Moreover, host microenvironment and specific organ structure influence metastatic niche formation and interactions between cancer cells and local resident cells, regulating the survival of cancer cells and formation of metastatic lesions. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of organotropic metastasis is essential for biomarker-based prediction and prognosis, development of innovative therapeutic strategy, and eventual improvement of patient outcomes. In this review, we summarize the molecular mechanisms of breast cancer organotropic metastasis by focusing on tumor cell molecular alterations, stemness features, and cross-talk with the host environment. In addition, we also update some new progresses on our understanding about genetic and epigenetic alterations, exosomes, microRNAs, circulating tumor cells and immune response in breast cancer organotropic metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Chen
- 1Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Andrew D Hoffmann
- 1Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Huiping Liu
- 1Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL USA.,2Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL USA.,3Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Xia Liu
- 1Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL USA.,3Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL USA
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37
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Schulten HJ, Bangash M, Karim S, Dallol A, Hussein D, Merdad A, Al-Thoubaity FK, Al-Maghrabi J, Jamal A, Al-Ghamdi F, Choudhry H, Baeesa SS, Chaudhary AG, Al-Qahtani MH. Comprehensive molecular biomarker identification in breast cancer brain metastases. J Transl Med 2017; 15:269. [PMID: 29287594 PMCID: PMC5747948 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-017-1370-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Breast cancer brain metastases (BCBM) develop in about 20–30% of breast cancer (BC) patients. BCBM are associated with dismal prognosis not at least due to lack of valuable molecular therapeutic targets. The aim of the study was to identify new molecular biomarkers and targets in BCBM by using complementary state-of-the-art techniques. Methods We compared array expression profiles of three BCBM with 16 non-brain metastatic BC and 16 primary brain tumors (prBT) using a false discovery rate (FDR) p < 0.05 and fold change (FC) > 2. Biofunctional analysis was conducted on the differentially expressed probe sets. High-density arrays were employed to detect copy number variations (CNVs) and whole exome sequencing (WES) with paired-end reads of 150 bp was utilized to detect gene mutations in the three BCBM. Results The top 370 probe sets that were differentially expressed between BCBM and both BC and prBT were in the majority comparably overexpressed in BCBM and included, e.g. the coding genes BCL3, BNIP3, BNIP3P1, BRIP1, CASP14, CDC25A, DMBT1, IDH2, E2F1, MYCN, RAD51, RAD54L, and VDR. A number of small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) were comparably overexpressed in BCBM and included SNORA1, SNORA2A, SNORA9, SNORA10, SNORA22, SNORA24, SNORA30, SNORA37, SNORA38, SNORA52, SNORA71A, SNORA71B, SNORA71C, SNORD13P2, SNORD15A, SNORD34, SNORD35A, SNORD41, SNORD53, and SCARNA22. The top canonical pathway was entitled, role of BRCA1 in DNA damage response. Network analysis revealed key nodes as Akt, ERK1/2, NFkB, and Ras in a predicted activation stage. Downregulated genes in a data set that was shared between BCBM and prBT comprised, e.g. BC cell line invasion markers JUN, MMP3, TFF1, and HAS2. Important cancer genes affected by CNVs included TP53, BRCA1, BRCA2, ERBB2, IDH1, and IDH2. WES detected numerous mutations, some of which affecting BC associated genes as CDH1, HEPACAM, and LOXHD1. Conclusions Using complementary molecular genetic techniques, this study identified shared and unshared molecular events in three highly aberrant BCBM emphasizing the challenge to detect new molecular biomarkers and targets with translational implications. Among new findings with the capacity to gain clinical relevance is the detection of overexpressed snoRNAs known to regulate some critical cellular functions as ribosome biogenesis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12967-017-1370-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans-Juergen Schulten
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mohammed Bangash
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sajjad Karim
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ashraf Dallol
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Deema Hussein
- King Fahad Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Adnan Merdad
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Fatma K Al-Thoubaity
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Jaudah Al-Maghrabi
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Pathology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Awatif Jamal
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahad Al-Ghamdi
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hani Choudhry
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh S Baeesa
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Adeel G Chaudhary
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed H Al-Qahtani
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Baldassarre T, Truesdell P, Craig AW. Endophilin A2 promotes HER2 internalization and sensitivity to trastuzumab-based therapy in HER2-positive breast cancers. Breast Cancer Res 2017; 19:110. [PMID: 28974266 PMCID: PMC5627411 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-017-0900-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) is amplified and a clinical target in a subset of human breast cancers with high rates of metastasis. Targeted therapies involving the antibody trastuzumab and trastuzumab-emtansine (T-DM1) have greatly improved outcomes for HER2-positive (HER2+) breast cancer patients. However, resistance to these targeted therapies can develop and limit their efficacy. Here, we test the involvement of the endocytic adaptor protein endophilin A2 (Endo II) in HER2+ breast cancer models, and their responses to treatments with trastuzumab and T-DM1. Methods Endo II expression in human breast tumors and lymph node metastases were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Stable silencing of Endo II was achieved in HER2+ cancer cell lines (SK-BR-3 and HCC1954) to test Endo II effects on HER2 levels, localization and signaling, cell motility and tumor metastasis. The effects of Endo II silencing on the responses of HER2+ cancer cells to trastuzumab or T-DM1 treatments were tested using real-time cell motility and cytotoxicity assays. Results High Endo II protein expression was detected in HER2-positive tumors, and was linked to worse overall survival in node-positive HER2+ breast cancers at the mRNA level. Stable silencing of Endo II in HER2+ cell lines led to elevated levels of HER2 on the cell surface, impaired epidermal growth factor-induced HER2 internalization, and reduced signaling to downstream effector kinases Akt and Erk. Endo II silencing also led to decreased migration and invasion of HER2+ cancer cells in vitro, and impaired lung seeding following tail vein injection in mice. In addition, Endo II silencing also impaired HER2 internalization in response to Trastuzumab, and led to reduced cytotoxicity response in HER2+ cancer cells treated with T-DM1. Conclusions Our study provides novel evidence of Endo II function in HER2+ cancer cell motility and trafficking of HER2 that relates to effective treatments with trastuzumab or T-DM1. Thus, differential expression of Endo II may relate to sensitivity or resistance to trastuzumab-based therapies for HER2+ cancers. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13058-017-0900-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomas Baldassarre
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.,Cancer Biology & Genetics Division, Queen's Cancer Research Institute, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter Truesdell
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.,Cancer Biology & Genetics Division, Queen's Cancer Research Institute, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew W Craig
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada. .,Cancer Biology & Genetics Division, Queen's Cancer Research Institute, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
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39
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Ciminera AK, Jandial R, Termini J. Metabolic advantages and vulnerabilities in brain metastases. Clin Exp Metastasis 2017; 34:401-410. [PMID: 29063238 PMCID: PMC5712254 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-017-9864-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2017] [Accepted: 10/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic adaptations permit tumor cells to metastasize to and thrive in the brain. Brain metastases continue to present clinical challenges due to rising incidence and resistance to current treatments. Therefore, elucidating altered metabolic pathways in brain metastases may provide new therapeutic targets for the treatment of aggressive disease. Due to the high demand for glucose in the brain, increased glycolytic activity is favored for energy production. Primary tumors that undergo Warburg-like metabolic reprogramming become suited to growth in the brain microenvironment. Indeed, elevated metabolism is a predictor of metastasis in many cancer subtypes. Specifically, metabolic alterations are seen in primary tumors that are associated with the formation of brain metastases, namely breast cancer, lung cancer, and melanoma. Because of this selective pressure, inhibitors of key metabolic factors may reduce tumor cell viability, thus exploiting metabolic pathways for cancer therapeutics. This review summarizes the metabolic advantages and vulnerabilities of brain metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra K Ciminera
- Irell and Manella Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Rahul Jandial
- Division of Neurosurgery, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - John Termini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA.
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40
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Askoxylakis V, Arvanitis CD, Wong CSF, Ferraro GB, Jain RK. Emerging strategies for delivering antiangiogenic therapies to primary and metastatic brain tumors. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2017. [PMID: 28648712 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2017.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Five-year survival rates have not increased appreciably for patients with primary and metastatic brain tumors. Nearly 17,000 patients die from primary brain tumors, whereas approximately 200,000 cases are diagnosed with brain metastasis every year in the US alone. At the same time, with improved control of systemic disease, the incidence of brain metastasis is increasing. Thus, novel approaches for improving the treatment outcome for these uniformly fatal diseases are needed urgently. In the review, we summarize the challenges in the treatment of these diseases using antiangiogenic therapies alone or in combination with radio-, chemo- and immuno-therapies. We also discuss the emerging strategies to improve the treatment outcome using both pharmacological approaches to normalize the tumor microenvironment and physical approaches (e.g., focused ultrasound) to modulate the blood-tumor-barrier, along with limitations of each approach. Finally, we offer some new avenues of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasileios Askoxylakis
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Harvard Medical School (HMS), Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Costas D Arvanitis
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Christina S F Wong
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Harvard Medical School (HMS), Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Gino B Ferraro
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Harvard Medical School (HMS), Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Rakesh K Jain
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Harvard Medical School (HMS), Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
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41
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Capone E, Giansanti F, Ponziani S, Lamolinara A, Iezzi M, Cimini A, Angelucci F, Sorda RL, Laurenzi VD, Natali PG, Ippoliti R, Iacobelli S, Sala G. EV20-Sap, a novel anti-HER-3 antibody-drug conjugate, displays promising antitumor activity in melanoma. Oncotarget 2017; 8:95412-95424. [PMID: 29221137 PMCID: PMC5707031 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.20728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the most biologically aggressive skin cancer of well established constitutive and induced resistance to pharmacological treatment. Despite the recent progresses in immunotherapies, many advanced metastatic melanoma patients still face a significant mortality risk. The aggressive nature of this disease sustains an urgent need for more successful, effective drugs. HER-3 - one of the four member of the tyrosin kinase epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs) family- is frequently overexpressed in solid tumors, including melanoma. Moreover, up-regulation of HER-3 and its ligand NRGβ-1 are associated with poor prognosis, thus suggesting this receptor as a suitable target for cancer therapy. Several monoclonal antibodies targeting HER-3 are currently available, but preliminary results from clinical testing of these agents reveal a modest efficacy. Thus, a substantial improvement over this immunotherapeutic approach could be offered by an anti-HER-3 based Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC). In the present paper, we describe the generation of an ADC obtained by coupling the HER-3 targeting antibody EV20 linked to the plant toxin Saporin (Sap). In vitro, this ADC displays a powerful, specific and target-dependent cytotoxic activity which correlates with the degree of expression and internalization of HER-3 on tumor cells. Furthermore, in a murine melanoma model, EV20-Sap treatment leads to a significant reduction of the number of pulmonary metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Capone
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Francesco Giansanti
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Coppito (AQ) Italy
| | - Sara Ponziani
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Coppito (AQ) Italy.,MediaPharma s.r.l., Via della Colonnetta, Chieti, Italy
| | - Alessia Lamolinara
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, Center of Excellence on Aging and Translational Medicine (CeSi-Met), G. D'Annunzio University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Manuela Iezzi
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, Center of Excellence on Aging and Translational Medicine (CeSi-Met), G. D'Annunzio University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Annamaria Cimini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Coppito (AQ) Italy.,Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine and Center for Biotechnology Temple University, Philadelphia, USA.,National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN), Gran Sasso National Laboratory (LNGS), Assergi, Italy
| | - Francesco Angelucci
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Coppito (AQ) Italy
| | | | - Vincenzo De Laurenzi
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | | | - Rodolfo Ippoliti
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Coppito (AQ) Italy
| | - Stefano Iacobelli
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,MediaPharma s.r.l., Via della Colonnetta, Chieti, Italy
| | - Gianluca Sala
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,MediaPharma s.r.l., Via della Colonnetta, Chieti, Italy
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42
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Momeny M, Zarrinrad G, Moghaddaskho F, Poursheikhani A, Sankanian G, Zaghal A, Mirshahvaladi S, Esmaeili F, Eyvani H, Barghi F, Sabourinejad Z, Alishahi Z, Yousefi H, Ghasemi R, Dardaei L, Bashash D, Chahardouli B, Dehpour AR, Tavakkoly-Bazzaz J, Alimoghaddam K, Ghavamzadeh A, Ghaffari SH. Dacomitinib, a pan-inhibitor of ErbB receptors, suppresses growth and invasive capacity of chemoresistant ovarian carcinoma cells. Sci Rep 2017. [PMID: 28646172 PMCID: PMC5482808 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-04147-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most lethal gynaecological malignancy worldwide. Development of chemoresistance and peritoneal dissemination of EOC cells are the major reasons for low survival rate. Targeting signal transduction pathways which promote therapy resistance and metastatic dissemination is the key to successful treatment. Members of the ErbB family of receptors are over-expressed in EOC and play key roles in chemoresistance and invasiveness. Despite this, single-targeted ErbB inhibitors have demonstrated limited activity in chemoresistant EOC. In this report, we show that dacomitinib, a pan-ErbB receptor inhibitor, diminished growth, clonogenic potential, anoikis resistance and induced apoptotic cell death in therapy-resistant EOC cells. Dacominitib inhibited PLK1-FOXM1 signalling pathway and its down-stream targets Aurora kinase B and survivin. Moreover, dacomitinib attenuated migration and invasion of the EOC cells and reduced expression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers ZEB1, ZEB2 and CDH2 (which encodes N-cadherin). Conversely, the anti-tumour activity of single-targeted ErbB agents including cetuximab (a ligand-blocking anti-EGFR mAb), transtuzumab (anti-HER2 mAb), H3.105.5 (anti-HER3 mAb) and erlotinib (EGFR small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor) were marginal. Our results provide a rationale for further investigation on the therapeutic potential of dacomitinib in treatment of the chemoresistant EOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majid Momeny
- Haematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Centre, Shariati Hospital, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ghazaleh Zarrinrad
- Haematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Centre, Shariati Hospital, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farima Moghaddaskho
- Haematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Centre, Shariati Hospital, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arash Poursheikhani
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ghazaleh Sankanian
- Haematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Centre, Shariati Hospital, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azam Zaghal
- Haematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Centre, Shariati Hospital, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahab Mirshahvaladi
- Department of Molecular Systems Biology, Cell Science Research Centre, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Esmaeili
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Haniyeh Eyvani
- Haematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Centre, Shariati Hospital, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farinaz Barghi
- Haematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Centre, Shariati Hospital, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Sabourinejad
- Haematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Centre, Shariati Hospital, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zivar Alishahi
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hassan Yousefi
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Ghasemi
- Section of Stem Cell Biology, Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Leila Dardaei
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Centre, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Davood Bashash
- Department of Haematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahram Chahardouli
- Haematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Centre, Shariati Hospital, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad R Dehpour
- Experimental Medicine Research Centre, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Tavakkoly-Bazzaz
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kamran Alimoghaddam
- Haematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Centre, Shariati Hospital, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ardeshir Ghavamzadeh
- Haematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Centre, Shariati Hospital, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed H Ghaffari
- Haematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Centre, Shariati Hospital, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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43
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Anti-tumour activity of tivozanib, a pan-inhibitor of VEGF receptors, in therapy-resistant ovarian carcinoma cells. Sci Rep 2017; 7:45954. [PMID: 28383032 PMCID: PMC5382685 DOI: 10.1038/srep45954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most fatal gynaecological malignancy. Despite initial therapeutic response, the majority of advanced-stage patients relapse and succumb to chemoresistant disease. Overcoming drug resistance is the key to successful treatment of EOC. Members of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family are overexpressed in EOC and play key roles in its malignant progression though their contribution in development of the chemoresistant disease remains elusive. Here we show that expression of the VEGF family is higher in therapy-resistant EOC cells compared to sensitive ones. Overexpression of VEGFR2 correlated with resistance to cisplatin and combination with VEGFR2-inhibitor apatinib synergistically increased cisplatin sensitivity. Tivozanib, a pan-inhibitor of VEGF receptors, reduced proliferation of the chemoresistant EOC cells through induction of G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptotic cell death. Tivozanib decreased invasive potential of these cells, concomitant with reduction of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and diminishing the enzymatic activity of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2). Moreover, tivozanib synergistically enhanced anti-tumour effects of EGFR-directed therapies including erlotinib. These findings suggest that the VEGF pathway has potential as a therapeutic target in therapy-resistant EOC and VEGFR blockade by tivozanib may yield stronger anti-tumour efficacy and circumvent resistance to EGFR-directed therapies.
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44
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Blockade of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors by tivozanib has potential anti-tumour effects on human glioblastoma cells. Sci Rep 2017; 7:44075. [PMID: 28287096 PMCID: PMC5347040 DOI: 10.1038/srep44075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) remains one of the most fatal human malignancies due to its high angiogenic and infiltrative capacities. Even with optimal therapy including surgery, radiotherapy and temozolomide, it is essentially incurable. GBM is among the most neovascularised neoplasms and its malignant progression associates with striking neovascularisation, evidenced by vasoproliferation and endothelial cell hyperplasia. Targeting the pro-angiogenic pathways is therefore a promising anti-glioma strategy. Here we show that tivozanib, a pan-inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors, inhibited proliferation of GBM cells through a G2/M cell cycle arrest via inhibition of polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) signalling pathway and down-modulation of Aurora kinases A and B, cyclin B1 and CDC25C. Moreover, tivozanib decreased adhesive potential of these cells through reduction of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). Tivozanib diminished GBM cell invasion through impairing the proteolytic cascade of cathepsin B/urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA)/matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2). Combination of tivozanib with EGFR small molecule inhibitor gefitinib synergistically increased sensitivity to gefitinib. Altogether, these findings suggest that VEGFR blockade by tivozanib has potential anti-glioma effects in vitro. Further in vivo studies are warranted to explore the anti-tumour activity of tivozanib in combinatorial approaches in GBM.
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45
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Abstract
The spread of cancer from a primary tumor to distant organ sites is the most devastating aspect of malignancy. Dissemination to specific organs depends upon blood flow patterns and characteristics of the distant organ environment, such as the vascular architecture, stromal cell content, and the biochemical milieu of growth factors, signaling molecules, and metabolic substrates, which can be permissive or antagonistic to metastatic colonization. Metastatic tumor cells possess intrinsic cellular properties selected for adaptation to specific organ environments, where they co-opt growth and survival signals, undergo metabolic reprogramming, and subvert resident stromal cell activities to promote extravasation, immune evasion, angiogenesis, and overt metastatic growth. Recent work and new experimental models of metastatic organotropism are uncovering crucial details of how malignant cells metastasize to specific tissues, revealing key mediators that prepare metastatic niches in specific organs and identifying new targets that offer attractive options for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heath A. Smith
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544
| | - Yibin Kang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544
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46
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Saunus JM, McCart Reed AE, Lim ZL, Lakhani SR. Breast Cancer Brain Metastases: Clonal Evolution in Clinical Context. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18010152. [PMID: 28098771 PMCID: PMC5297785 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18010152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Revised: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 12/27/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain metastases are highly-evolved manifestations of breast cancer arising in a unique microenvironment, giving them exceptional adaptability in the face of new extrinsic pressures. The incidence is rising in line with population ageing, and use of newer therapies that stabilise metastatic disease burden with variable efficacy throughout the body. Historically, there has been a widely-held view that brain metastases do not respond to circulating therapeutics because the blood-brain-barrier (BBB) restricts their uptake. However, emerging data are beginning to paint a more complex picture where the brain acts as a sanctuary for dormant, subclinical proliferations that are initially protected by the BBB, but then exposed to dynamic selection pressures as tumours mature and vascular permeability increases. Here, we review key experimental approaches and landmark studies that have charted the genomic landscape of breast cancer brain metastases. These findings are contextualised with the factors impacting on clonal outgrowth in the brain: intrinsic breast tumour cell capabilities required for brain metastatic fitness, and the neural niche, which is initially hostile to invading cells but then engineered into a tumour-support vehicle by the successful minority. We also discuss how late detection, abnormal vascular perfusion and interstitial fluid dynamics underpin the recalcitrant clinical behaviour of brain metastases, and outline active clinical trials in the context of precision management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodi M Saunus
- The University of Queensland (UQ), UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Herston, Queensland 4029, Australia.
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland 4006, Australia.
| | - Amy E McCart Reed
- The University of Queensland (UQ), UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Herston, Queensland 4029, Australia.
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland 4006, Australia.
| | - Zhun Leong Lim
- The University of Queensland (UQ), UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Herston, Queensland 4029, Australia.
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland 4006, Australia.
| | - Sunil R Lakhani
- The University of Queensland (UQ), UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Herston, Queensland 4029, Australia.
- Pathology Queensland, Royal Brisbane Women's Hospital, Herston, Queensland 4029, Australia.
- UQ School of Medicine, Herston, Queensland 4006, Australia.
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47
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Costa R, Carneiro B, Wainwright D, Santa-Maria C, Kumthekar P, Chae Y, Gradishar W, Cristofanilli M, Giles F. Developmental therapeutics for patients with breast cancer and central nervous system metastasis: current landscape and future perspectives. Ann Oncol 2017; 28:44-56. [PMID: 28177431 PMCID: PMC7360139 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdw532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of metastatic disease in the central nervous system (CNS). Recent advances in the biological understanding of breast cancer have facilitated an unprecedented increase of survival in a subset of patients presenting with metastatic breast cancer. Patients with HER2 positive (HER2+) or triple negative breast cancer are at highest risk of developing CNS metastasis, and typically experience a poor prognosis despite treatment with local and systemic therapies. Among the obstacles ahead in the realm of developmental therapeutics for breast cancer CNS metastasis is the improvement of our knowledge on its biological nuances and on the interaction of the blood–brain barrier with new compounds. This article reviews recent discoveries related to the underlying biology of breast cancer brain metastases, clinical progress to date and suggests rational approaches for investigational therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Costa
- Developmental Therapeutics Program, Feinberg School of Medicine and Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago
| | - B.A. Carneiro
- Developmental Therapeutics Program, Feinberg School of Medicine and Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago
| | - D.A. Wainwright
- Department of Pathology
- Department of Neurology
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, USA
| | - C.A. Santa-Maria
- Developmental Therapeutics Program, Feinberg School of Medicine and Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago
| | | | - Y.K. Chae
- Developmental Therapeutics Program, Feinberg School of Medicine and Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago
| | - W.J. Gradishar
- Developmental Therapeutics Program, Feinberg School of Medicine and Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago
| | - M. Cristofanilli
- Developmental Therapeutics Program, Feinberg School of Medicine and Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago
| | - F.J. Giles
- Developmental Therapeutics Program, Feinberg School of Medicine and Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago
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48
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Ebbing EA, Medema JP, Damhofer H, Meijer SL, Krishnadath KK, van Berge Henegouwen MI, Bijlsma MF, van Laarhoven HWM. ADAM10-mediated release of heregulin confers resistance to trastuzumab by activating HER3. Oncotarget 2016; 7:10243-54. [PMID: 26863569 PMCID: PMC4891117 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 01/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Receptor tyrosine kinases of the HER-family are involved in the development and progression of multiple epithelial tumors, and have consequently become widely used targets for new anti-cancer therapies. Trastuzumab, an antibody against HER2, has shown potent growth inhibitory effects on HER2 overexpressing tumors, including gastro-esophageal cancer, however, resistance to this therapy is inevitable. Unfortunately, a paucity of data on the cellular mechanisms of resistance to targeted therapeutic agents exists in esophageal adenocarcinoma. Using primary established HER2-overexpressing cultures and patient-derived xenograft models, we now reveal a novel resistance mechanism to trastuzumab in esophageal cancer: In response to trastuzumab, both HER3 and the metalloprotease ADAM10 are simultaneously upregulated. The proteolytic activity of the latter then releases the HER3 ligand heregulin from the cell surface to activate HER3 and confer resistance to trastuzumab by inducing compensatory growth factor receptor signaling. Blocking either HER3 or ADAM10 effectively reverts the acquired resistance to trastuzumab. Our data thus provide strategies to inhibit this signaling and circumvent resistance to trastuzumab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva A Ebbing
- Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Medical Oncology, Academic Medical Center, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Paul Medema
- Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Cancer Genomics Center, Academic Medical Center, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Helene Damhofer
- Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sybren L Meijer
- Department of Pathology, Academic Medical Center, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kausilia K Krishnadath
- Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Academic Medical Center, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Maarten F Bijlsma
- Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Academic Medical Center, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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HER-3 targeting alters the dimerization pattern of ErbB protein family members in breast carcinomas. Oncotarget 2016; 7:5576-97. [PMID: 26716646 PMCID: PMC4868707 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2015] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast carcinogenesis is a multi-step process in which membrane receptor tyrosine kinases are crucial participants. Lots of research has been done on epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and HER-2 with important clinical results. However, breast cancer patients present intrinsic or acquired resistance to available HER-2-directed therapies, mainly due to HER-3. Using new techniques, such as proximity ligation assay, herein we evaluate the dimerization pattern of HER-3 and the importance of context-dependent dimer formation between HER-3 and other HER protein family members. Additionally, we show that the efficacy of novel HER-3 targeting agents can be better predicted in certain breast cancer patient sub-groups based on the dimerization pattern of HER protein family members. Moreover, this model was also evaluated and reproduced in human paraffin-embedded breast cancer tissues.
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HRG/HER2/HER3 signaling promotes AhR-mediated Memo-1 expression and migration in colorectal cancer. Oncogene 2016; 36:2394-2404. [DOI: 10.1038/onc.2016.390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Revised: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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