1
|
Cortés-Ballinas L, López-Pérez TV, Rocha-zavaleta L. STAT3 and the STAT3‑regulated inhibitor of apoptosis protein survivin as potential therapeutic targets in colorectal cancer (Review). Biomed Rep 2024; 21:175. [PMID: 39355529 PMCID: PMC11443488 DOI: 10.3892/br.2024.1863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 10/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading types of cancer worldwide. CRC development has been associated with the constitutive activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). STAT3 is a master regulator of inflammation during cancer-associated colitis, and becomes upregulated in CRC. In CRC, STAT3 is activated by IL-6, among other pro-inflammatory cytokines, inducing the expression of target genes that stimulate proliferation, angiogenesis and the inhibition of apoptosis. One of the main STAT3-regulated inhibitors of apoptosis is survivin, which is a bifunctional protein that regulates apoptosis and participates in cell mitosis. Survivin expression is normally limited to foetal tissue; however, survivin is also upregulated in tumours. In silico and experimental analyses have shown that the STAT3 interactome is relevant during CRC progression, and the constitutive STAT3-survivin axis participates in development of the tumour microenvironment and response to therapy. The presence of a STAT3-survivin axis has been documented in CRC cohorts, and the expression of these molecules is associated with poor prognosis and a higher mortality rate in patients with CRC. Thus, STAT3, survivin, and the upstream activators IL-6 and IL-6 receptor, are considered therapeutic targets for CRC. Efforts to develop drugs targeting the STAT3-survivin axis include the evaluation of phytochemical compounds, small molecules and monoclonal antibodies. In the present review, the expression, function and participation of the STAT3-survivin axis in the progression of CRC were investigated. In addition, an update on the pre-clinical and clinical trials evaluating potential treatments targeting the STAT3-survivin axis is presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Cortés-Ballinas
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Biotecnología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Tania V. López-Pérez
- Consejo Nacional de Humanidades, Ciencias y Tecnologías (CONAHCYT), Unidad de Investigación en Enfermedades Oncológicas, Hospital Infantil de México, Federico Gómez, Mexico City 06720, Mexico
| | - Leticia Rocha-zavaleta
- Departamento de Biología Molecular y Biotecnología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
He X, Liu P, Luo Y, Fu X, Yang T. STATs, promising targets for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 277:116783. [PMID: 39180944 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116783] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Cytokines play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, with over 50 cytokines undergoing signal transduction through the Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription (STAT) signaling pathway. Recent studies have solidly confirmed the pivotal role of STATs in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Therefore, this review provides a detailed summary of the immunological functions of STATs, focusing on exploring their mechanisms in various autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Additionally, with the rapid advancement of structural biology in the field of drug discovery, many STAT inhibitors have been identified using structure-based drug design strategies. In this review, we also examine the structures of STAT proteins and compile the latest research on STAT inhibitors currently being tested in animal models and clinical trials for the treatment of immunological diseases, which emphasizes the feasibility of STATs as promising therapeutic targets and provides insights into the design of the next generation of STAT inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinlian He
- Laboratory of Human Diseases and Immunotherapy, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China; Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Pingxian Liu
- Laboratory of Human Diseases and Immunotherapy, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China; Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Youfu Luo
- Laboratory of Human Diseases and Immunotherapy, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xinyuan Fu
- Laboratory of Human Diseases and Immunotherapy, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China; Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Tao Yang
- Laboratory of Human Diseases and Immunotherapy, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China; Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang Q, Zhang X, Li B, Liu X, Li A, Li H, Shi X, Han J. Tumor-Derived Exosomes Promote Tumor Growth Through Modulating Microvascular Hemodynamics in a Human Ovarian Cancer Xenograft Model. Microcirculation 2024; 31:e12876. [PMID: 39005221 DOI: 10.1111/micc.12876] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Abnormal tumor vascular network contributes to aberrant blood perfusion and reduced oxygenation in tumors, which lead to poor efficacy of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. We aimed to explore the effects of the tumor-derived exosomes (TDEs) and C188-9 (a small molecule inhibitor of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, STAT3) on tumor microvascular hemodynamics and determine which blood flow oscillations for various frequency intervals are responsible for these changes. METHODS Microvascular hemodynamics parameters were recorded using a PeriFlux 6000 EPOS system in tumor surface in a nude mouse subcutaneous xenograft model. Oscillations of laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) signal were investigated by wavelet transform analysis. RESULTS TDEs facilitated tumor growth at least partially was associated with increasing blood flow in smaller vessels with lower speed and decreasing the blood flow at larger vessels with higher speed. Lower oxyhemoglobin saturation (SO2) on tumor surface was aggravated by TDEs, and C188-9 treatment significantly alleviated this decrease. Wavelet transform spectral analysis revealed that TDEs increased the amplitude of oscillations in four frequency intervals related to endothelial (NO-dependent and -independent), myogenic and neurogenic activities, and C188-9 had no effect on this increase. CONCLUSIONS TDEs facilitated tumor growth partially was associated with increasing blood flow in distributing vessels, reducing blood perfusion in larger vessels, and lowering SO2 on tumor surface. Enhanced vascular smooth muscle, endothelial and neurogenic activities occurred in tumor superficial zone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qin Wang
- Institute of Microcirculation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- International Center of Microvascular Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhang
- Institute of Microcirculation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- International Center of Microvascular Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bingwei Li
- Institute of Microcirculation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- International Center of Microvascular Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xueting Liu
- Institute of Microcirculation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- International Center of Microvascular Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ailing Li
- Institute of Microcirculation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- International Center of Microvascular Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hongwei Li
- Institute of Microcirculation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- International Center of Microvascular Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohua Shi
- Department of Pathology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jianqun Han
- Institute of Microcirculation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- International Center of Microvascular Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Che L, Stevenson CK, Plas DR, Wang J, Du C. BRUCE liver-deficiency potentiates MASLD/MASH in PTEN liver-deficient background by impairment of mitochondrial metabolism in hepatocytes and activation of STAT3 signaling in hepatic stellate cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.09.13.611500. [PMID: 39314445 PMCID: PMC11419131 DOI: 10.1101/2024.09.13.611500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is currently the most common liver disease, affecting up to 25% of people worldwide, featuring excessive fat accumulation in hepatocytes. Its advanced form, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), is a serious disease with hepatic inflammation and fibrosis, increasing the need for liver transplants. However, the pathogenic mechanism of MASLD and MASH is not fully understood. We reported that BRUCE ( BIRC6) is a liver cancer suppressor and is downregulated in MASLD/MASH patient liver specimens, though the functional role of BRUCE in MASLD/MASH remains to be elucidated. To this end, we generated liver-specific double KO (DKO) mice of BRUCE and PTEN, a major tumor suppressor and MASLD/MASH suppressor. By comparing liver histopathology among 2-3-month-old mice, there were no signs of MASLD or MASH in BRUCE liver-KO mice and only onset of steatosis in PTEN liver-KO mice. Interestingly, DKO mice had developed robust hepatic steatosis with inflammation and fibrosis. Further analysis of mitochondrial function with primary hepatocytes found moderate reduction of mitochondrial respiration, ATP production and fatty acid oxidation in BRUCE KO and the greatest reduction in DKO hepatocytes. Moreover, aberrant activation of pro-fibrotic STAT3 signaling was found in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in DKO mice which was prevented by administered STAT3-specific inhibitor (TTI-101). Collectively, the data demonstrates by maintaining mitochondrial metabolism BRUCE works in concert with PTEN to suppress the pro-fibrogenic STAT3 activation in HSCs and consequentially prevent MASLD/MASH. The findings highlight BRUCE being a new co-suppressor of MASLD/MASH.
Collapse
|
5
|
Li Y, Dong Y. TTI-101 targets STAT3/c-Myc signaling pathway to suppress cervical cancer progression: an integrated experimental and computational analysis. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:286. [PMID: 39135042 PMCID: PMC11320917 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03463-6] [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: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervical cancer (CC) is a significant global health concern, demanding the consideration of novel therapeutic strategies. The signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway has been implicated in cancer progression and is a potential target for therapeutic intervention. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic potential of TTI-101, a small molecule STAT3 inhibitor, in CC and investigate its underlying mechanisms. METHODS Molecular docking studies and molecular dynamics simulations were performed to explore the binding interaction between TTI-101 and STAT3 and assess the stability of the STAT3-TTI-101 complex. Cell viability assays, wound healing assays, colony formation assays, flow cytometry analysis, and gene expression analysis were conducted. In vivo xenograft models were used to assess the antitumor efficacy of TTI-101. RESULTS The in silico analysis shows a stable binding interaction between TTI-101 and STAT3. TTI-101 treatment inhibits cell viability, clonogenic ability, and cell migration in CC cells. Furthermore, TTI-101 induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Analysis of apoptosis-related markers demonstrated dysregulation of Bax, Bcl-2, and Caspase-3 upon TTI-101 treatment. Moreover, TTI-101 caused G2/M phase arrest accompanied by a decrease in CDK1 and Cyclin B1 at mRNA levels. In the xenograft model, TTI-101 significantly inhibited tumor growth without adverse effects on body weight. CONCLUSION TTI-101 exhibited anticancer effects by targeting the STAT3/c-Myc signaling pathway, inducing cell cycle arrest, and promoting apoptosis in CC cells. These findings provide valuable insights into the development of novel therapeutic strategies for cervical cancer. Further investigation is warranted to validate the clinical application of TTI-101.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Li
- Department of Gynaecology, Shandong Provincial Third Hospital, Shandong University, No.11 Wuyingshan Middle Road, Tianqiao District, Jinan, 250031, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuyan Dong
- Department of Gynaecology, Shandong Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, 238 Jingshi East Road, Jinan, 250014, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ganesh S, Kim MJ, Lee J, Feng X, Ule K, Mahan A, Krishnan HS, Wang Z, Anzahaee MY, Singhal G, Korboukh I, Lockridge JA, Sanftner L, Rijnbrand R, Abrams M, Brown BD. RNAi mediated silencing of STAT3/PD-L1 in tumor-associated immune cells induces robust anti-tumor effects in immunotherapy resistant tumors. Mol Ther 2024; 32:1895-1916. [PMID: 38549376 PMCID: PMC11184339 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.03.035] [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: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Malignant tumors are often associated with an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), rendering most of them resistant to standard-of-care immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs). Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), a ubiquitously expressed transcription factor, has well-defined immunosuppressive functions in several leukocyte populations within the TME. Since the STAT3 protein has been challenging to target using conventional pharmaceutical modalities, we investigated the feasibility of applying systemically delivered RNA interference (RNAi) agents to silence its mRNA directly in tumor-associated immune cells. In preclinical rodent tumor models, chemically stabilized acylated small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) selectively silenced Stat3 mRNA in multiple relevant cell types, reduced STAT3 protein levels, and increased cytotoxic T cell infiltration. In a murine model of CPI-resistant pancreatic cancer, RNAi-mediated Stat3 silencing resulted in tumor growth inhibition, which was further enhanced in combination with CPIs. To further exemplify the utility of RNAi for cancer immunotherapy, this technology was used to silence Cd274, the gene encoding the immune checkpoint protein programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1). Interestingly, silencing of Cd274 was effective in tumor models that are resistant to PD-L1 antibody therapy. These data represent the first demonstration of systemic delivery of RNAi agents to the TME and suggest applying this technology for immuno-oncology applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanthi Ganesh
- Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc, a Novo Nordisk Company, Lexington, MA 02421, USA.
| | - Min Ju Kim
- Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc, a Novo Nordisk Company, Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | - Jenny Lee
- Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc, a Novo Nordisk Company, Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | - Xudong Feng
- Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc, a Novo Nordisk Company, Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | - Krisjanis Ule
- Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc, a Novo Nordisk Company, Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | - Amy Mahan
- Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc, a Novo Nordisk Company, Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | | | - Zhe Wang
- Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc, a Novo Nordisk Company, Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | | | - Garima Singhal
- Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc, a Novo Nordisk Company, Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | - Ilia Korboukh
- Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc, a Novo Nordisk Company, Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | | | - Laura Sanftner
- Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc, a Novo Nordisk Company, Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | - Rene Rijnbrand
- Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc, a Novo Nordisk Company, Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | - Marc Abrams
- Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc, a Novo Nordisk Company, Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | - Bob D Brown
- Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc, a Novo Nordisk Company, Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Moulari B, Pallandre JR, Béduneau A, Borg C, Pellequer Y, Pudlo M. Comparison of a selective STAT3 inhibitor with a dual STAT3/STAT1 inhibitor using a dextran sulfate sodium murine colitis model: new insight into the debate on selectivity. Ann Gastroenterol 2024; 37:333-340. [PMID: 38779644 PMCID: PMC11107407 DOI: 10.20524/aog.2024.0880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Recent advances in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease include antitumor necrosis factor antibodies and the Janus kinase inhibitor tofacitinib, approved for ulcerative colitis. Janus kinase recruits signal transducers and activators of transcriptions (STAT), which are promising targets in inflammatory bowel diseases. However few inhibitors have been evaluated, and their selectivity with respect to STAT1 and STAT3 remains controversial. Here, we investigated the therapeutic potential of a selective inhibitor vs. a non-selective, closely related compound, in a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) murine colitis model. Methods Thirty Swiss/CD-1 male mice were used in this study. They were divided into a healthy control group, a colitis-DSS control group, a compound (cpd) 23-treated group, a cpd 46-treated group and an icariin-treated group. For the coadministration experiment with rutin, the cpd 46-treated group and the icariin-treated group were replaced by the oral rutin-treated group and the coadministration rutin/cpd 23-treated group. The effect of the tested inhibitors was also assessed by quantification of proinflammatory markers. Results The selective inhibitor had a significantly greater effect than the dual inhibitor on the disease activity index. We also noticed in curative treatment a significant decrease in the most abundant proinflammatory biomarker present in neutrophilic granulocytes, myeloperoxidase and on proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ, interleukins -6 and -23, with a mild synergy with rutin, the glycoside of quercetin. Conclusion The current study shows how STAT3 selective inhibitors can exert a significant therapeutic effect in the treatment of experimental DSS-colitis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brice Moulari
- Université de Franche-Comté, EFS, INSERM, UMR RIGHT (Brice Moulari, Jean-Réné Pallandre, Arnaud Béduneau, Christophe Borg, Yann Pellequer, Marc Pudlo)
| | - Jean-Réné Pallandre
- Université de Franche-Comté, EFS, INSERM, UMR RIGHT (Brice Moulari, Jean-Réné Pallandre, Arnaud Béduneau, Christophe Borg, Yann Pellequer, Marc Pudlo)
| | - Arnaud Béduneau
- Université de Franche-Comté, EFS, INSERM, UMR RIGHT (Brice Moulari, Jean-Réné Pallandre, Arnaud Béduneau, Christophe Borg, Yann Pellequer, Marc Pudlo)
| | - Christophe Borg
- Université de Franche-Comté, EFS, INSERM, UMR RIGHT (Brice Moulari, Jean-Réné Pallandre, Arnaud Béduneau, Christophe Borg, Yann Pellequer, Marc Pudlo)
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Center (Christophe Borg), Besançon, France
| | - Yann Pellequer
- Université de Franche-Comté, EFS, INSERM, UMR RIGHT (Brice Moulari, Jean-Réné Pallandre, Arnaud Béduneau, Christophe Borg, Yann Pellequer, Marc Pudlo)
| | - Marc Pudlo
- Université de Franche-Comté, EFS, INSERM, UMR RIGHT (Brice Moulari, Jean-Réné Pallandre, Arnaud Béduneau, Christophe Borg, Yann Pellequer, Marc Pudlo)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhang G, Hou S, Li S, Wang Y, Cui W. Role of STAT3 in cancer cell epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (Review). Int J Oncol 2024; 64:48. [PMID: 38488027 PMCID: PMC11000535 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2024.5636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Since its discovery, the role of the transcription factor, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), in both normal physiology and the pathology of numerous diseases, including cancer, has been extensively studied. STAT3 is aberrantly activated in different types of cancer, fulfilling a critical role in cancer progression. The biological process, epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT), is indispensable for embryonic morphogenesis. During the development of cancer, EMT is hijacked to confer motility, tumor cell stemness, drug resistance and adaptation to changes in the microenvironment. The aim of the present review was to outline recent advances in knowledge of the role of STAT3 in EMT, which may contribute to the understanding of the function of STAT3 in EMT in various types of cancer. Delineating the underlying mechanisms associated with the STAT3‑EMT signaling axis may generate novel diagnostic and therapeutic options for cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guoan Zhang
- Department of Forensic Genetics, Institute of Forensic Medicine and Laboratory Medicine, Jining Medical University, Forensic Science Center of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272067, P.R. China
| | - Sen Hou
- Department of Forensic Genetics, Institute of Forensic Medicine and Laboratory Medicine, Jining Medical University, Forensic Science Center of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272067, P.R. China
| | - Shuyue Li
- Department of Forensic Genetics, Institute of Forensic Medicine and Laboratory Medicine, Jining Medical University, Forensic Science Center of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272067, P.R. China
| | - Yequan Wang
- Department of Forensic Genetics, Institute of Forensic Medicine and Laboratory Medicine, Jining Medical University, Forensic Science Center of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272067, P.R. China
| | - Wen Cui
- Department of Forensic Pathology, Institute of Forensic Medicine and Laboratory Medicine, Jining Medical University, Forensic Science Center of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong 272067, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wang W, Lopez McDonald MC, Hariprasad R, Hamilton T, Frank DA. Oncogenic STAT Transcription Factors as Targets for Cancer Therapy: Innovative Strategies and Clinical Translation. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1387. [PMID: 38611065 PMCID: PMC11011165 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in our understanding of molecular aspects of oncogenesis, cancer remains a leading cause of death. The malignant behavior of a cancer cell is driven by the inappropriate activation of transcription factors. In particular, signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs), which regulate many critical cellular processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation, are frequently activated inappropriately in a wide spectrum of human cancers. Multiple signaling pathways converge on the STATs, highlighting their importance in the development and progression of oncogenic diseases. STAT3 and STAT5 are two members of the STAT protein family that are the most frequently activated in cancers and can drive cancer pathogenesis directly. The development of inhibitors targeting STAT3 and STAT5 has been the subject of intense investigations in the last decade, although effective treatment options remain limited. In this review, we investigate the specific roles of STAT3 and STAT5 in normal physiology and cancer biology, discuss the opportunities and challenges in pharmacologically targeting STAT proteins and their upstream activators, and offer insights into novel therapeutic strategies to identify STAT inhibitors as cancer therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weiyuan Wang
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (W.W.); (M.C.L.M.); (T.H.)
| | - Melanie Cristina Lopez McDonald
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (W.W.); (M.C.L.M.); (T.H.)
| | | | - Tiara Hamilton
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (W.W.); (M.C.L.M.); (T.H.)
| | - David A. Frank
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (W.W.); (M.C.L.M.); (T.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Khoo A, Boyer M, Jafri Z, Makeham T, Pham T, Khachigian LM, Floros P, Dowling E, Fedder K, Shonka D, Garneau J, O'Meara CH. Human Papilloma Virus Positive Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma and the Immune System: Pathogenesis, Immunotherapy and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2798. [PMID: 38474047 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052798] [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: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), a subset of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), involves the palatine tonsils, soft palate, base of tongue, and uvula, with the ability to spread to adjacent subsites. Personalized treatment strategies for Human Papillomavirus-associated squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx (HPV+OPSCC) are yet to be established. In this article, we summarise our current understanding of the pathogenesis of HPV+OPSCC, the intrinsic role of the immune system, current ICI clinical trials, and the potential role of small molecule immunotherapy in HPV+OPSCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Khoo
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Canberra Health Services, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - M Boyer
- Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Z Jafri
- Vascular Biology and Translational Research, Department of Pathology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - T Makeham
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Canberra Health Services, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
- ANU School of Medicine & Psychology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia
| | - T Pham
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Canberra Health Services, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
- ANU School of Medicine & Psychology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia
| | - L M Khachigian
- Vascular Biology and Translational Research, Department of Pathology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - P Floros
- St Vincent's Hospital, 390 Victoria Street, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - E Dowling
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - K Fedder
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - D Shonka
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - J Garneau
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - C H O'Meara
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, Canberra Health Services, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
- ANU School of Medicine & Psychology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Adesoye T, Tripathy D, Hunt KK, Keyomarsi K. Exploring Novel Frontiers: Leveraging STAT3 Signaling for Advanced Cancer Therapeutics. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:492. [PMID: 38339245 PMCID: PMC10854592 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030492] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) plays a significant role in diverse physiologic processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, angiogenesis, and survival. STAT3 activation via phosphorylation of tyrosine and serine residues is a complex and tightly regulated process initiated by upstream signaling pathways with ligand binding to receptor and non-receptor-linked kinases. Through downstream deregulation of target genes, aberrations in STAT3 activation are implicated in tumorigenesis, metastasis, and recurrence in multiple cancers. While there have been extensive efforts to develop direct and indirect STAT3 inhibitors using novel drugs as a therapeutic strategy, direct clinical application remains in evolution. In this review, we outline the mechanisms of STAT3 activation, the resulting downstream effects in physiologic and malignant settings, and therapeutic strategies for targeting STAT3. We also summarize the pre-clinical and clinical evidence of novel drug therapies targeting STAT3 and discuss the challenges of establishing their therapeutic efficacy in the current clinical landscape.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taiwo Adesoye
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Debasish Tripathy
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Kelly K. Hunt
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Khandan Keyomarsi
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Huth SW, Oakley JV, Seath CP, Geri JB, Trowbridge AD, Parker DL, Rodriguez-Rivera FP, Schwaid AG, Ramil C, Ryu KA, White CH, Fadeyi OO, Oslund RC, MacMillan DWC. μMap Photoproximity Labeling Enables Small Molecule Binding Site Mapping. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:16289-16296. [PMID: 37471577 PMCID: PMC10809032 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c03325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
The characterization of ligand binding modes is a crucial step in the drug discovery process and is especially important in campaigns arising from phenotypic screening, where the protein target and binding mode are unknown at the outset. Elucidation of target binding regions is typically achieved by X-ray crystallography or photoaffinity labeling (PAL) approaches; yet, these methods present significant challenges. X-ray crystallography is a mainstay technique that has revolutionized drug discovery, but in many cases structural characterization is challenging or impossible. PAL has also enabled binding site mapping with peptide- and amino-acid-level resolution; however, the stoichiometric activation mode can lead to poor signal and coverage of the resident binding pocket. Additionally, each PAL probe can have its own fragmentation pattern, complicating the analysis by mass spectrometry. Here, we establish a robust and general photocatalytic approach toward the mapping of protein binding sites, which we define as identification of residues proximal to the ligand binding pocket. By utilizing a catalytic mode of activation, we obtain sets of labeled amino acids in the proximity of the target protein binding site. We use this methodology to map, in vitro, the binding sites of six protein targets, including several kinases and molecular glue targets, and furthermore to investigate the binding site of the STAT3 inhibitor MM-206, a ligand with no known crystal structure. Finally, we demonstrate the successful mapping of drug binding sites in live cells. These results establish μMap as a powerful method for the generation of amino-acid- and peptide-level target engagement data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sean W. Huth
- Merck Center for Catalysis at Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - James V. Oakley
- Merck Center for Catalysis at Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - Ciaran P. Seath
- Merck Center for Catalysis at Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - Jacob B. Geri
- Merck Center for Catalysis at Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - Aaron D. Trowbridge
- Merck Center for Catalysis at Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - Dann L. Parker
- Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | | | - Adam G. Schwaid
- Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02141, United States
| | - Carlo Ramil
- Discovery Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02141, United States
| | - Keun Ah Ryu
- Merck Exploratory Science Center, Merck & Co., Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02141, United States
| | - Cory H. White
- Merck Exploratory Science Center, Merck & Co., Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02141, United States
| | - Olugbeminiyi O. Fadeyi
- Merck Exploratory Science Center, Merck & Co., Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02141, United States
| | - Rob C. Oslund
- Merck Exploratory Science Center, Merck & Co., Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts 02141, United States
| | - David W. C. MacMillan
- Merck Center for Catalysis at Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Wei N, Burnett J, Crocker DL, Huang Y, Li S, Wipf P, Chu E, Schmitz JC. Quassinoid analogs exert potent antitumor activity via reversible protein biosynthesis inhibition in human colorectal cancer. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 212:115564. [PMID: 37116665 PMCID: PMC11225567 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115564] [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: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Cellular protein synthesis is accelerated in human colorectal cancer (CRC), and high expression of protein synthesis regulators in CRC patients is associated with poor prognosis. Thus, inhibition of protein synthesis may be an effective therapeutic strategy for CRC. We previously demonstrated that the quassinoid bruceantinol (BOL) had antitumor activity against CRC. Herein, potent tumor growth suppression (>80%) and STAT3 inhibition was observed in two different mouse models following BOL administration. Loss of body and spleen weight was observed but was eliminated upon nanoparticle encapsulation while maintaining strong antitumor activity. STAT3 siRNA knockdown exhibited modest suppression of cell proliferation. Surprisingly, STAT3 inhibition using a PROTAC degrader (SD-36) had little effect on cancer cell proliferation suggesting the possibility of additional mechanism(s) of action for quassinoids. BOL-resistant (BR) cell lines, HCT116BR and HCA7BR, were equally sensitive to standard CRC therapeutic agents and known STAT3 inhibitors but resistant to homoharringtonine (HHT), a known protein synthesis inhibitor. The ability of quassinoids to inhibit protein synthesis was dependent on the structure of the C15 sidechain. Of note, BOL did not inhibit protein synthesis in normal human colon epithelial cells whereas HHT and napabucasin remained effective in these normal cells. Novel quassinoids were designed, synthesized, and evaluated in pre-clinical CRC models. Treatment with the most potent analog, 5c, resulted in significant inhibition of cell proliferation and protein synthesis at nanomolar concentrations. These quassinoid analogs may represent a novel class of protein synthesis inhibitors for the treatment of human CRC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ning Wei
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Cancer Therapeutics Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Montefiore Einstein Cancer Center, Cancer Therapeutics Program, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States.
| | - James Burnett
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Desirae L Crocker
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Yixian Huang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Song Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Peter Wipf
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Edward Chu
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Cancer Therapeutics Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Montefiore Einstein Cancer Center, Cancer Therapeutics Program, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - John C Schmitz
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Cancer Therapeutics Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Robinson P, Montoya K, Magness E, Rodriguez E, Villalobos V, Engineer N, Yang P, Bharadwaj U, Eckols TK, Tweardy DJ. Therapeutic Potential of a Small-Molecule STAT3 Inhibitor in a Mouse Model of Colitis. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15112977. [PMID: 37296943 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15112977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) predisposes to colorectal cancer (CRC). In the current studies, we used the dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) murine model of colitis, which is widely used in preclinical studies, to determine the contribution of STAT3 to IBD. STAT3 has two isoforms: (STAT3 α; which has pro-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic functions, and STAT3β; which attenuates the effects of STAT3α). In the current study, we determined the contribution of STAT3 to IBD across all tissues by examining DSS-induced colitis in mice that express only STAT3α and in mice treated with TTI-101, a direct small-molecule inhibitor of both isoforms of STAT3. METHODS We examined mortality, weight loss, rectal bleeding, diarrhea, colon shortening, apoptosis of colonic CD4+ T-cells, and colon infiltration with IL-17-producing cells following 7-day administration of DSS (5%) to transgenic STAT3α knock-in (STAT3β-deficient; ΔβΔβ) mice and wild-type (WT) littermate cage control mice. We also examined the effect of TTI-101 on these endpoints in DSS-induced colitis in WT mice. RESULTS Each of the clinical manifestations of DSS-induced colitis examined was exacerbated in ΔβΔβ transgenic versus cage-control WT mice. Importantly, TTI-101 treatment of DSS-administered WT mice led to complete attenuation of each of the clinical manifestations and also led to increased apoptosis of colonic CD4+ T cells, reduced colon infiltration with IL-17-producing cells, and down-modulation of colon mRNA levels of STAT3-upregulated genes involved in inflammation, apoptosis resistance, and colorectal cancer metastases. CONCLUSIONS Thus, small-molecule targeting of STAT3 may be of benefit in treating IBD and preventing IBD-associated colorectal cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prema Robinson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control & Employee Health, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Kelsey Montoya
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control & Employee Health, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Emily Magness
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control & Employee Health, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Emma Rodriguez
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control & Employee Health, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Viviana Villalobos
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control & Employee Health, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Nikita Engineer
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control & Employee Health, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Peng Yang
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Uddalak Bharadwaj
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control & Employee Health, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - Thomas Kris Eckols
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control & Employee Health, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| | - David John Tweardy
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control & Employee Health, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Standing D, Feess E, Kodiyalam S, Kuehn M, Hamel Z, Johnson J, Thomas SM, Anant S. The Role of STATs in Ovarian Cancer: Exploring Their Potential for Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092485. [PMID: 37173951 PMCID: PMC10177275 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OvCa) is a deadly gynecologic malignancy that presents many clinical challenges due to late-stage diagnoses and the development of acquired resistance to standard-of-care treatment protocols. There is an increasing body of evidence suggesting that STATs may play a critical role in OvCa progression, resistance, and disease recurrence, and thus we sought to compile a comprehensive review to summarize the current state of knowledge on the topic. We have examined peer reviewed literature to delineate the role of STATs in both cancer cells and cells within the tumor microenvironment. In addition to summarizing the current knowledge of STAT biology in OvCa, we have also examined the capacity of small molecule inhibitor development to target specific STATs and progress toward clinical applications. From our research, the best studied and targeted factors are STAT3 and STAT5, which has resulted in the development of several inhibitors that are under current evaluation in clinical trials. There remain gaps in understanding the role of STAT1, STAT2, STAT4, and STAT6, due to limited reports in the current literature; as such, further studies to establish their implications in OvCa are necessitated. Moreover, due to the deficiency in our understanding of these STATs, selective inhibitors also remain elusive, and therefore present opportunities for discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Standing
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
| | - Emma Feess
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
| | - Satvik Kodiyalam
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
| | - Michael Kuehn
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
| | - Zachary Hamel
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
| | - Jaimie Johnson
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
| | - Sufi Mary Thomas
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Shrikant Anant
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66103, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Kasembeli MM, Kaparos E, Bharadwaj U, Allaw A, Khouri A, Acot B, Tweardy DJ. Aberrant function of pathogenic STAT3 mutant proteins is linked to altered stability of monomers and homodimers. Blood 2023; 141:1411-1424. [PMID: 36240433 PMCID: PMC10651785 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2021015330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
STAT3 mutations, predominantly in the DNA-binding domain (DBD) and Src-homology 2 domain (SH2D), cause rare cases of immunodeficiency, malignancy, and autoimmunity. The exact mechanisms by which these mutations abrogate or enhance STAT3 function are not completely understood. Here, we examined how loss-of-function (LOF) and gain-of-function (GOF) STAT3 mutations within the DBD and SH2D affect monomer and homodimer protein stability as well as their effect on key STAT3 activation events, including recruitment to phosphotyrosine (pY) sites within peptide hormone receptors, tyrosine phosphorylation at Y705, dimerization, nuclear translocation, and DNA binding. The DBD LOF mutants showed reduced DNA binding when homodimerized, whereas the DBD GOF mutants showed increased DNA binding. DBD LOF and GOF mutants showed minimal changes in other STAT3 functions or in monomer or homodimer protein stability. However, SH2D LOF mutants demonstrated reduced conformational stability as either monomers or homodimers, leading to decreased pY-peptide recruitment, tyrosine phosphorylation, dimerization, nuclear localization, and DNA binding. In contrast, cancer-causing SH2D GOF mutants showed increased STAT3 homodimer stability, which increased their DNA binding. Of note, a small-molecule inhibitor of STAT3 that targets the tyrosine phosphopeptide-binding pocket within the STAT3 SH2D potently inhibited cell proliferation driven by STAT3 SH2D GOF mutants. These findings indicate that the stability of STAT3 protein monomer and homodimer is critical for the pathogenesis of diseases caused by SH2D LOF and GOF mutations and suggest that agents that modulate STAT3 monomer and/or homodimer protein stability may have therapeutic value in diseases caused by these mutations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moses M. Kasembeli
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Employee Health, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Efiyenia Kaparos
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Employee Health, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Uddalak Bharadwaj
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Employee Health, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Ahmad Allaw
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Employee Health, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Alain Khouri
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Employee Health, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Bianca Acot
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Employee Health, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - David J. Tweardy
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control and Employee Health, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Starska-Kowarska K. The Role of Different Immunocompetent Cell Populations in the Pathogenesis of Head and Neck Cancer-Regulatory Mechanisms of Pro- and Anti-Cancer Activity and Their Impact on Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:1642. [PMID: 36980527 PMCID: PMC10046400 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061642] [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: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most aggressive and heterogeneous groups of human neoplasms. HNSCC is characterized by high morbidity, accounting for 3% of all cancers, and high mortality with ~1.5% of all cancer deaths. It was the most common cancer worldwide in 2020, according to the latest GLOBOCAN data, representing the seventh most prevalent human malignancy. Despite great advances in surgical techniques and the application of modern combinations and cytotoxic therapies, HNSCC remains a leading cause of death worldwide with a low overall survival rate not exceeding 40-60% of the patient population. The most common causes of death in patients are its frequent nodal metastases and local neoplastic recurrences, as well as the relatively low response to treatment and severe drug resistance. Much evidence suggests that the tumour microenvironment (TME), tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and circulating various subpopulations of immunocompetent cells, such regulatory T cells (CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Tregs), cytotoxic CD3+CD8+ T cells (CTLs) and CD3+CD4+ T helper type 1/2/9/17 (Th1/Th2/Th9/Th17) lymphocytes, T follicular helper cells (Tfh) and CD56dim/CD16bright activated natural killer cells (NK), carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), tumour-associated neutrophils (N1/N2 TANs), as well as tumour-associated macrophages (M1/M2 phenotype TAMs) can affect initiation, progression and spread of HNSCC and determine the response to immunotherapy. Rapid advances in the field of immuno-oncology and the constantly growing knowledge of the immunosuppressive mechanisms and effects of tumour cancer have allowed for the use of effective and personalized immunotherapy as a first-line therapeutic procedure or an essential component of a combination therapy for primary, relapsed and metastatic HNSCC. This review presents the latest reports and molecular studies regarding the anti-tumour role of selected subpopulations of immunocompetent cells in the pathogenesis of HNSCC, including HPV+ve (HPV+) and HPV-ve (HPV-) tumours. The article focuses on the crucial regulatory mechanisms of pro- and anti-tumour activity, key genetic or epigenetic changes that favour tumour immune escape, and the strategies that the tumour employs to avoid recognition by immunocompetent cells, as well as resistance mechanisms to T and NK cell-based immunotherapy in HNSCC. The present review also provides an overview of the pre- and clinical early trials (I/II phase) and phase-III clinical trials published in this arena, which highlight the unprecedented effectiveness and limitations of immunotherapy in HNSCC, and the emerging issues facing the field of HNSCC immuno-oncology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Starska-Kowarska
- Department of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Clinical Physiology, Medical University of Lodz, Żeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752 Lodz, Poland; ; Tel.: +48-604-541-412
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, EnelMed Center Expert, Drewnowska 58, 91-001 Lodz, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Yang Z, Xu H, Yang Y, Duan C, Zhang P, Wang Y, Fu K, Shen Y, Xu MX. Synthesis and evaluation of naphthalene derivatives as potent STAT3 inhibitors and agents against triple-negative breast cancer growth and metastasis. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2023; 197:255-267. [PMID: 36369502 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-022-06790-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) represents the worst prognostic subtype of breast cancer and lacks targeted therapeutic drugs. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is overexpressed and constitutively activated in TNBCs and associated with poor patient outcomes. However, no agents targeting STAT3 have been successfully developed and marketed. Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) have been reported as potential inhibitors of the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway. Naphthalene compounds have good pharmacological activity and significant anti-cancer activity. In this study, we synthesized a new series of naphthalene derivatives with the general structure of SERM and evaluated their effects on TNBC and STAT3 signals. METHODS A new series of compounds based on the scaffold of SERMs and an amino group were designed and screened based on the structure-activity relationship by MTT assay. The binding activity of SMY002 to STAT3 was predicted and validated by docking and SPR. The STAT3 signaling target and anti-cancer effects of SMY002 were evaluated with three TNBC cell lines and the mice transplanted tumor model. RESULTS Among the compounds, SMY002 displayed the most potent activity, which could directly interact with STAT3 SH2-domain, and strongly inhibit the phosphorylation, dimerization, nuclear distribution, transcriptional activity, and target genes expression of STAT3. Furthermore, SMY002 markedly suppressed migration, invasion, survival, growth, and metastasis of TNBC cells in vitro and in vivo via down-regulating the expression of Cyclin D1 and MMP9. CONCLUSIONS SMY002 can significantly inhibit the growth and metastasis of TNBC cells by targeting the STAT3 signal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyan Yang
- Henan International Joint Lab for Anti-Cancer Drug Design Based On Biological Target and Drug Discovery, Henan Ruida Bio-Tech Medicine Co. Ltd, Kaifeng, 475000, China
- School of Basic Medical Science, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China
| | - Hongyun Xu
- Henan International Joint Lab for Anti-Cancer Drug Design Based On Biological Target and Drug Discovery, Henan Ruida Bio-Tech Medicine Co. Ltd, Kaifeng, 475000, China
| | - Yupo Yang
- Henan International Joint Lab for Anti-Cancer Drug Design Based On Biological Target and Drug Discovery, Henan Ruida Bio-Tech Medicine Co. Ltd, Kaifeng, 475000, China
| | - Chaoqun Duan
- Henan International Joint Lab for Anti-Cancer Drug Design Based On Biological Target and Drug Discovery, Henan Ruida Bio-Tech Medicine Co. Ltd, Kaifeng, 475000, China
| | - Pai Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Science, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng, 475000, China
| | - Kai Fu
- Department of Pathology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York, 14263-0001, USA
| | - Yonghong Shen
- Institute of Microbial Engineering, Engineering Research Center for Applied Microbiology of Henan Province, School of Life Sciences of Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China.
| | - Marvin Xuejun Xu
- Henan International Joint Lab for Anti-Cancer Drug Design Based On Biological Target and Drug Discovery, Henan Ruida Bio-Tech Medicine Co. Ltd, Kaifeng, 475000, China.
- Translational Medical Center, Luoyang Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Luoyang, 471009, China.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Ono Y, Saito M, Sakamoto K, Maejima Y, Misaka S, Shimomura K, Nakanishi N, Inoue S, Kotani J. C188-9, a specific inhibitor of STAT3 signaling, prevents thermal burn-induced skeletal muscle wasting in mice. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1031906. [PMID: 36588738 PMCID: PMC9800842 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1031906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Burn injury is the leading cause of death and disability worldwide and places a tremendous economic burden on society. Systemic inflammatory responses induced by thermal burn injury can cause muscle wasting, a severe involuntary loss of skeletal muscle that adversely affects the survival and functional outcomes of these patients. Currently, no pharmacological interventions are available for the treatment of thermal burn-induced skeletal muscle wasting. Elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), are important hallmarks of severe burn injury. The levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)-a downstream component of IL-6 inflammatory signaling-are elevated with muscle wasting in various pro-catabolic conditions, and STAT3 has been implicated in the regulation of skeletal muscle atrophy. Here, we tested the effects of the STAT3-specific signaling inhibitor C188-9 on thermal burn injury-induced skeletal muscle wasting in vivo and on C2C12 myotube atrophy in vitro after the administration of plasma from burn model mice. In mice, thermal burn injury severity dependently increased IL-6 in the plasma and tibialis anterior muscles and activated the STAT3 (increased ratio of phospho-STAT3/STAT3) and ubiquitin-proteasome proteolytic pathways (increased Atrogin-1/MAFbx and MuRF1). These effects resulted in skeletal muscle atrophy and reduced grip strength. In murine C2C12 myotubes, plasma from burn mice activated the same inflammatory and proteolytic pathways, leading to myotube atrophy. In mice with burn injury, the intraperitoneal injection of C188-9 (50 mg/kg) reduced activation of the STAT3 and ubiquitin-proteasome proteolytic pathways, reversed skeletal muscle atrophy, and increased grip strength. Similarly, pretreatment of murine C2C12 myotubes with C188-9 (10 µM) reduced activation of the same inflammatory and proteolytic pathways, and ameliorated myotube atrophy induced by plasma taken from burn model mice. Collectively, these results indicate that pharmacological inhibition of STAT3 signaling may be a novel therapeutic strategy for thermal burn-induced skeletal muscle wasting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Ono
- Department of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan,Department of Bioregulation and Pharmacological Medicine, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan,*Correspondence: Yuko Ono,
| | - Masafumi Saito
- Department of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Kazuho Sakamoto
- Department of Bio-Informational Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Yuko Maejima
- Department of Bioregulation and Pharmacological Medicine, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Shingen Misaka
- Department of Bioregulation and Pharmacological Medicine, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Kenju Shimomura
- Department of Bioregulation and Pharmacological Medicine, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Nobuto Nakanishi
- Department of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Shigeaki Inoue
- Department of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Joji Kotani
- Department of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
SH2 Domains: Folding, Binding and Therapeutical Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415944. [PMID: 36555586 PMCID: PMC9783222 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
SH2 (Src Homology 2) domains are among the best characterized and most studied protein-protein interaction (PPIs) modules able to bind and recognize sequences presenting a phosphorylated tyrosine. This post-translational modification is a key regulator of a plethora of physiological and molecular pathways in the eukaryotic cell, so SH2 domains possess a fundamental role in cell signaling. Consequently, several pathologies arise from the dysregulation of such SH2-domains mediated PPIs. In this review, we recapitulate the current knowledge about the structural, folding stability, and binding properties of SH2 domains and their roles in molecular pathways and pathogenesis. Moreover, we focus attention on the different strategies employed to modulate/inhibit SH2 domains binding. Altogether, the information gathered points to evidence that pharmacological interest in SH2 domains is highly strategic to developing new therapeutics. Moreover, a deeper understanding of the molecular determinants of the thermodynamic stability as well as of the binding properties of SH2 domains appears to be fundamental in order to improve the possibility of preventing their dysregulated interactions.
Collapse
|
21
|
Genetic and Small-Molecule Modulation of Stat3 in a Mouse Model of Crohn's Disease. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11237020. [PMID: 36498596 PMCID: PMC9736649 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11237020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Crohn's disease (CD), is an inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the gastro-intestinal tract (GI) and is associated with an increased risk of gastro-intestinal cancer. In the current study, we determined the role of genetic and small-molecule modulation of STAT3 in a mouse model of CD. STAT3 has 2 isoforms (α, β) which are expressed in most cells in a 4:1 ratio (α: β). STAT3α has pro-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic functions, while STAT3β has contrasting roles. We used an animal model of CD consisting of intrarectal administration of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid and examined the severity of CD in transgenic-mice that express only STAT3α (∆β/∆β), as well as in wild-type (WT) mice administered TTI-101 (formerly C188-9), a small molecule STAT3 inhibitor. We determined that clinical manifestations of CD, such as mortality, rectal-bleeding, colonic bleeding, diarrhea, and colon shortening, were exacerbated in ∆β/∆β transgenic versus cage-control WT mice, while they were markedly decreased by TTI-101 treatment of WT mice. TTI-101 treatment also increased apoptosis of pathogenic CD4+ T cells and reduced colon levels of IL-17-positive cells. Our results indicate that STAT3 contributes to CD and that targeting of STAT3 with TTI-101 may be a useful approach to treating CD.
Collapse
|
22
|
Crist M, Yaniv B, Palackdharry S, Lehn MA, Medvedovic M, Stone T, Gulati S, Karivedu V, Borchers M, Fuhrman B, Crago A, Curry J, Martinez-Outschoorn U, Takiar V, Wise-Draper TM. Metformin increases natural killer cell functions in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma through CXCL1 inhibition. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2022-005632. [PMID: 36328378 PMCID: PMC9639146 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-005632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metformin slows tumor growth and progression in vitro, and in combination with chemoradiotherapy, resulted in high overall survival in patients with head and neck cancer squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in our phase 1 clinical trial (NCT02325401). Metformin is also postulated to activate an antitumor immune response. Here, we investigate immunologic effects of metformin on natural killer (NK) and natural killer T cells, including results from two phase I open-label studies in patients with HNSCC treated with metformin (NCT02325401, NCT02083692). METHODS Peripheral blood was collected before and after metformin treatment or from newly diagnosed patients with HNSCC. Peripheral immune cell phenotypes were evaluated using flow cytometry, cytokine expression by ELISA and/or IsoLight, and NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity was determined with a flow-based NK cell cytotoxicity assay (NKCA). Patient tumor immune infiltration before and after metformin treatment was analyzed with immunofluorescence. NK cells were treated with either vehicle or metformin and analyzed by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). NK cells were then treated with inhibitors of significant pathways determined by RNA-seq and analyzed by NKCA, ELISA, and western blot analyses. RESULTS Increased peripheral NK cell activated populations were observed in patients treated with metformin. NK cell tumor infiltration was enhanced in patients with HNSCC treated with metformin preoperatively. Metformin increased antitumorigenic cytokines ex vivo, including significant increases in perforin. Metformin increased HNSCC NK cell cytotoxicity and inhibited the CXCL1 pathway while stimulating the STAT1 pathway within HNSCC NK cells. Exogenous CXCL1 prevented metformin-enhanced NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Metformin-mediated NK cell cytotoxicity was found to be AMP-activated protein kinase independent, but dependent on both mechanistic target of rapamycin and pSTAT1. CONCLUSIONS Our data identifies a new role for metformin-mediated immune antitumorigenic function through NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity and downregulation of CXCL1 in HNSCC. These findings will inform future immunomodulating therapies in HNSCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- McKenzie Crist
- Department of Internal Medicine; Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Benyamin Yaniv
- Department of Medicine, UMass Memorial Medical Center, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sarah Palackdharry
- University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Maria A Lehn
- Department of Internal Medicine; Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA,Division of Radiation Oncology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Mario Medvedovic
- Department of Environmental Health; Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Timothy Stone
- Department of Environmental Health; Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Shuchi Gulati
- Department of Internal Medicine; Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Vidhya Karivedu
- Department of Medical Oncology Head and Neck Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Michael Borchers
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA,Cincinnati VA Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Bethany Fuhrman
- University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Audrey Crago
- University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Joseph Curry
- Department of Otolaryngology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Vinita Takiar
- Division of Radiation Oncology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA,Cincinnati VA Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Trisha M Wise-Draper
- Department of Internal Medicine; Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Rationale for Combining the BCL2 Inhibitor Venetoclax with the PI3K Inhibitor Bimiralisib in the Treatment of IDH2- and FLT3-Mutated Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012587. [PMID: 36293442 PMCID: PMC9604078 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In October 2020, the FDA granted regular approval to venetoclax (ABT-199) in combination with hypomethylating agents for newly-diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in adults 75 years or older, or in patients with comorbidities precluding intensive chemotherapy. The treatment response to venetoclax combination treatment, however, may be short-lived, and leukemia relapse is the major cause of treatment failure. Multiple studies have confirmed the upregulation of the anti-apoptotic proteins of the B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) family and the activation of intracellular signaling pathways associated with resistance to venetoclax. To improve treatment outcome, compounds targeting anti-apoptotic proteins and signaling pathways have been evaluated in combination with venetoclax. In this study, the BCL-XL inhibitor A1331852, MCL1-inhibitor S63845, dual PI3K-mTOR inhibitor bimiralisib (PQR309), BMI-1 inhibitor unesbulin (PTC596), MEK-inhibitor trametinib (GSK1120212), and STAT3 inhibitor C-188-9 were assessed as single agents and in combination with venetoclax, for their ability to induce apoptosis and cell death in leukemic cells grown in the absence or presence of bone marrow stroma. Enhanced cytotoxic effects were present in all combination treatments with venetoclax in AML cell lines and AML patient samples. Elevated in vitro efficacies were observed for the combination treatment of venetoclax with A1331852, S63845 and bimiralisib, with differing response markers for each combination. For the venetoclax and bimiralisib combination treatment, responders were enriched for IDH2 and FLT3 mutations, whereas non-responders were associated with PTPN11 mutations. The combination of PI3K/mTOR dual pathway inhibition with bimiralisib and BCL2 inhibition with venetoclax has emerged as a candidate treatment in IDH2- and FLT3-mutated AML.
Collapse
|
24
|
Li Y, Zhang H, Merkher Y, Chen L, Liu N, Leonov S, Chen Y. Recent advances in therapeutic strategies for triple-negative breast cancer. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:121. [PMID: 36038913 PMCID: PMC9422136 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01341-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 217] [Impact Index Per Article: 108.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most malignant subtype of breast cancer (BC) with a poor prognosis. Current treatment options are limited to surgery, adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy; however, a proportion of patients have missed the surgical window at the time of diagnosis. TNBC is a highly heterogeneous cancer with specific mutations and aberrant activation of signaling pathways. Hence, targeted therapies, such as those targeting DNA repair pathways, androgen receptor signaling pathways, and kinases, represent promising treatment options against TNBC. In addition, immunotherapy has also been demonstrated to improve overall survival and response in TNBC. In this review, we summarize recent key advances in therapeutic strategies based on molecular subtypes in TNBC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun Li
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Huajun Zhang
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Yulia Merkher
- School of Biological and Medical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, Russia, 141700
| | - Lin Chen
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Na Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Sergey Leonov
- School of Biological and Medical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, Russia, 141700. .,Institute of Cell Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Russia, 142290.
| | - Yongheng Chen
- Department of Oncology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Laboratory of Structural Biology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Yang J, Wang L, Guan X, Qin JJ. Inhibiting STAT3 signaling pathway by natural products for cancer prevention and therapy: In vitro and in vivo activity and mechanisms of action. Pharmacol Res 2022; 182:106357. [PMID: 35868477 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) plays a critical role in signal transmission from the plasma membrane to the nucleus, regulating the expression of genes involved in essential cell functions and controlling the processes of cell cycle progression and apoptosis. Thus, STAT3 has been elucidated as a promising target for developing anticancer drugs. Many natural products have been reported to inhibit the STAT3 signaling pathway during the past two decades and have exhibited significant anticancer activities in vitro and in vivo. However, there is no FDA-approved STAT3 inhibitor yet. The major mechanisms of these natural product inhibitors of the STAT3 signaling pathway include targeting the upstream regulators of STAT3, directly binding to the STAT3 SH2 domain and inhibiting its activation, inhibiting STAT3 phosphorylation and/or dimerization, and others. In the present review, we have systematically discussed the development of these natural product inhibitors of STAT3 signaling pathway as well as their in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity and mechanisms of action. Outlooks and perspectives on the associated challenges are provided as well.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Yang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lingling Wang
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoqing Guan
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Prevention, Diagnosis and Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310022, China.
| | - Jiang-Jiang Qin
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Prevention, Diagnosis and Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310022, China.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Novel Systemic Treatment Modalities Including Immunotherapy and Molecular Targeted Therapy for Recurrent and Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147889. [PMID: 35887235 PMCID: PMC9320653 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are the sixth most common cancers worldwide. More than half of patients with HNSCC eventually experience disease recurrence and/or metastasis, which can threaten their long-term survival. HNSCCs located in the oral cavity and larynx are usually associated with tobacco and/or alcohol use, whereas human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, particularly HPV16 infection, is increasingly recognized as a cause of oropharyngeal HNSCC. Despite clinical, histologic, and molecular differences between HPV-positive and HPV-negative HNSCCs, current treatment approaches are the same. For recurrent disease, these strategies include chemotherapy, immunotherapy with PD-1-inhibitors, or a monoclonal antibody, cetuximab, that targets epidermal growth factor; these therapies can be administered either as single agents or in combination. However, these treatment strategies carry a high risk of toxic side effects; therefore, more effective and less toxic treatments are needed. The landscape of HNSCC therapy is changing significantly; numerous clinical trials are underway to test novel therapeutic options like adaptive cellular therapy, antibody-drug conjugates, new targeted therapy agents, novel immunotherapy combinations, and therapeutic vaccines. This review helps in understanding the various developments in HNSCC therapy and sheds light on the path ahead in terms of further research in this field.
Collapse
|
27
|
Witalisz-Siepracka A, Klein K, Zdársky B, Stoiber D. The Multifaceted Role of STAT3 in NK-Cell Tumor Surveillance. Front Immunol 2022; 13:947568. [PMID: 35865518 PMCID: PMC9294167 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.947568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a member of the Janus kinase (JAK)-STAT pathway, which is one of the key pathways contributing to cancer. STAT3 regulates transcription downstream of many cytokines including interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10. In cancer, STAT3 is mainly described as a tumor promoter driving tumor cell proliferation, resistance to apoptosis, angiogenesis and metastasis and aberrant activation of STAT3 is associated with poor prognosis. STAT3 is also an important driver of immune evasion. Among many other immunosuppressive mechanisms, STAT3 aids tumor cells to escape natural killer (NK) cell-mediated immune surveillance. NK cells are innate lymphocytes, which can directly kill malignant cells but also regulate adaptive immune responses and contribute to the composition of the tumor microenvironment. The inborn ability to lyse transformed cells renders NK cells an attractive tool for cancer immunotherapy. Here, we provide an overview of the role of STAT3 in the dynamic interplay between NK cells and tumor cells. On the one hand, we summarize the current knowledge on how tumor cell-intrinsic STAT3 drives the evasion from NK cells. On the other hand, we describe the multiple functions of STAT3 in regulating NK-cell cytotoxicity, cytokine production and their anti-tumor responses in vivo. In light of the ongoing research on STAT3 inhibitors, we also discuss how targeting STAT3 would affect the two arms of STAT3-dependent regulation of NK cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity. Understanding the complexity of this interplay in the tumor microenvironment is crucial for future implementation of NK cell-based immunotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Witalisz-Siepracka
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Microbiology, Division Pharmacology, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria
| | - Klara Klein
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bernhard Zdársky
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Microbiology, Division Pharmacology, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria
| | - Dagmar Stoiber
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Microbiology, Division Pharmacology, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria
- *Correspondence: Dagmar Stoiber,
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Ni Y, Low JT, Silke J, O’Reilly LA. Digesting the Role of JAK-STAT and Cytokine Signaling in Oral and Gastric Cancers. Front Immunol 2022; 13:835997. [PMID: 35844493 PMCID: PMC9277720 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.835997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
When small proteins such as cytokines bind to their associated receptors on the plasma membrane, they can activate multiple internal signaling cascades allowing information from one cell to affect another. Frequently the signaling cascade leads to a change in gene expression that can affect cell functions such as proliferation, differentiation and homeostasis. The Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) and the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) are the pivotal mechanisms employed for such communication. When deregulated, the JAK-STAT and the TNF receptor signaling pathways can induce chronic inflammatory phenotypes by promoting more cytokine production. Furthermore, these signaling pathways can promote replication, survival and metastasis of cancer cells. This review will summarize the essentials of the JAK/STAT and TNF signaling pathways and their regulation and the molecular mechanisms that lead to the dysregulation of the JAK-STAT pathway. The consequences of dysregulation, as ascertained from founding work in haematopoietic malignancies to more recent research in solid oral-gastrointestinal cancers, will also be discussed. Finally, this review will highlight the development and future of therapeutic applications which modulate the JAK-STAT or the TNF signaling pathways in cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanhong Ni
- Central Laboratory, Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun T. Low
- Inflammation Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - John Silke
- Inflammation Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Lorraine A. O’Reilly
- Inflammation Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Hua Y, Yuan X, Shen YH, Wang J, Azeem W, Yang S, Gade A, Lellahi SM, Øyan AM, Ke X, Zhang WD, Kalland KH. Novel STAT3 Inhibitors Targeting STAT3 Dimerization by Binding to the STAT3 SH2 Domain. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:836724. [PMID: 35712699 PMCID: PMC9196127 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.836724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Our drug discovery model has identified two novel STAT3 SH2 domain inhibitors 323–1 and 323–2 (delavatine A stereoisomers) in a series of experiments. In silico computational modeling, drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS), and fluorescence polarization (FP) assays altogether determined that 323–1 and 323–2 directly target the STAT3 SH2 domain and inhibited both phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated STAT3 dimerization. Computational docking predicted that compound 323s bind to three subpockets of the STAT3 SH2 domain. The 323s inhibition of STAT3 dimerization was more potent than the commercial STAT3 SH2 domain inhibitor S3I-201 in the co-immunoprecipitation assay, correlating with computational docking data. The fluorescence polarization assay further confirmed that the compound 323s target the STAT3 SH2 domain by competitively abrogating the interaction between STAT3 and the SH2-binding peptide GpYLPQTV. Compared with S3I-201, the 323 compounds exhibited stronger inhibition of STAT3 and reduced the level of IL-6-stimulated phosphorylation of STAT3 (Tyr705) in LNCaP cells over the phosphorylation of STAT1 (Tyr701) induced by IFN-ɣ in PC3 cells or the phosphorylation of STAT1 (Ser727) in DU145 cells. Both compounds downregulated STAT3 target genes MCL1 and cyclin D1. Thus, the two compounds are promising lead compounds for the treatment of cancers with hyper-activated STAT3.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Hua
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers (CCBIO), Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- *Correspondence: Yaping Hua, ; Wei-dong Zhang, ; Karl-Henning Kalland,
| | - Xing Yuan
- Department of Phytochemistry, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun-heng Shen
- Department of Phytochemistry, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinxin Wang
- Department of Phytochemistry, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Waqas Azeem
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers (CCBIO), Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Microbiology, Haukeland University Hospital, Helse Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Shuo Yang
- School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Alexandra Gade
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Seyed Mohammad Lellahi
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers (CCBIO), Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Anne Margrete Øyan
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers (CCBIO), Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Microbiology, Haukeland University Hospital, Helse Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xisong Ke
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers (CCBIO), Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-dong Zhang
- Department of Phytochemistry, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yaping Hua, ; Wei-dong Zhang, ; Karl-Henning Kalland,
| | - Karl-Henning Kalland
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers (CCBIO), Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Microbiology, Haukeland University Hospital, Helse Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- *Correspondence: Yaping Hua, ; Wei-dong Zhang, ; Karl-Henning Kalland,
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
STAT1 is regulated by TRIM24 and promotes immunosuppression in head and neck squamous carcinoma cells, but enhances T cell antitumour immunity in the tumour microenvironment. Br J Cancer 2022; 127:624-636. [PMID: 35595823 PMCID: PMC9381763 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-022-01853-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a significant problem and is frequently resistant to current treatments. STAT1 is important in anti-tumour immune responses against HNSCC. However, the role of STAT1 expression by tumour cells and its regulation during HNSCC is unclear. METHODS We determined the effects of STAT1 inhibition on tumour development and immunity in CAL27 and UMSCC22A HNSCC cell lines in vitro and in a HNSCC carcinogen-induced model in vivo. RESULTS STAT1 siRNA knockdown in human HNSCC cells impaired their proliferation and expression of the immunosuppressive marker PD-L1. Stat1-deficient mice displayed increased oral lesion incidence and multiplicity during tumour carcinogenesis in vivo. Immunosuppressive markers PD-1 in CD8+ T cells and PD-L1 in monocytic MDSCs and macrophages were reduced in oral tumours and draining lymph nodes of tumour-bearing Stat1-deficient mice. However, STAT1 was required for anti-tumour functions of T cells during HNSCC in vivo. Finally, we identified TRIM24 to be a negative regulator of STAT1 that plays a similar tumorigenic function to STAT1 in vitro and thus may be a potential target when treating HNSCC. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that STAT1 activity plays an important role in tumorigenicity and immunosuppression during HNSCC development.
Collapse
|
31
|
Yu D, Qi S, Guan X, Yu W, Yu X, Cai M, Li Q, Wang W, Zhang W, Qin JJ. Inhibition of STAT3 Signaling Pathway by Terphenyllin Suppresses Growth and Metastasis of Gastric Cancer. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:870367. [PMID: 35401187 PMCID: PMC8993145 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.870367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer is a common type of malignant tumor with a relatively poor prognosis and presents a serious threat to global health. Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription-3 (STAT3) has been strongly implicated in many cancers, and its constitutive activation promotes growth, angiogenesis, inflammation, and immune evasion. Therefore, considerable efforts have been put into developing effective and safe STAT3 inhibitors. In this study, we performed a virtual screening by molecular docking and found that terphenyllin, a marine-derived natural product, directly interacted with STAT3. We further found that terphenyllin inhibited the phosphorylation and activation of STAT3 and decreased the protein levels of STAT3-dependent target genes, including c-Myc and Cyclin D1. Subsequently, we demonstrated that terphenyllin exerted its potent anticancer efficacy against gastric cancer in vitro and in vivo. Terphenyllin concentration-dependently inhibited growth, proliferation, and colony formation and induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of gastric cancer cells in vitro. Moreover, terphenyllin treatment suppressed the tumor growth and metastasis in a gastric cancer orthotopic mouse model without notable toxicity in vivo. Taken together, our results indicated that terphenyllin exerts its anticancer activity by inhibiting the STAT3 signaling pathway and may serve as a potent STAT3 inhibitor for gastric cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dehua Yu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.,The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Simin Qi
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.,The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoqing Guan
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenkai Yu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.,The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuefei Yu
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Maohua Cai
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.,The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qinglin Li
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weiyi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Biogenetic Resources, Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, China
| | - Weidong Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research and Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiang-Jiang Qin
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.,The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Yang R, Song Y, Shakoor K, Yi W, Peng C, Liu S. Insights into the role of STAT3 in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (Review). Mol Med Rep 2022; 25:171. [PMID: 35302174 PMCID: PMC8971913 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2022.12687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a primary malignant liver tumour whose incidence is second only to that of hepatocellular carcinoma. ICC is a highly heterogeneous disease arising from neoplastic transformation of intrahepatic biliary epithelial cells (cholangiocytes), and it is characterized by a very poor prognosis. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is an important oncogene that is widely expressed in numerous cancers. STAT3 is a candidate target for the treatment of ICC. However, studies on STAT3 and the occurrence and development of ICC require improvements. Therefore, the present review summarized the mechanism of STAT3 in ICC and provided a theoretical basis for STAT3 to become an effective target for determining the prognosis and treatment of ICC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ranzhiqiang Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410005, P.R. China
| | - Yinghui Song
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410005, P.R. China
| | - Kashif Shakoor
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410005, P.R. China
| | - Weimin Yi
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410005, P.R. China
| | - Chuang Peng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410005, P.R. China
| | - Sulai Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan 410005, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
STAT3 inhibition suppresses adaptive survival of ALK-rearranged lung cancer cells through transcriptional modulation of apoptosis. NPJ Precis Oncol 2022; 6:11. [PMID: 35228642 PMCID: PMC8885877 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-022-00254-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with advanced anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-rearranged non-small cell lung cancer who are prescribed ALK-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (ALK-TKIs) rarely have complete responses, with residual tumors relapsing as heterogeneous resistant phenotypes. Herein, we investigated new therapeutic strategies to reduce and eliminate residual tumors in the early treatment phase. Functional genomic screening using small guide RNA libraries showed that treatment-induced adaptive survival of ALK-rearranged lung cancer cells was predominantly dependent on STAT3 activity upon ALK inhibition. STAT3 inhibition effectively suppressed the adaptive survival of ALK-rearranged lung cancer cells by enhancing ALK inhibition-induced apoptosis. The combined effects were characterized by treatment-induced STAT3 dependence and transcriptional regulation of anti-apoptotic factor BCL-XL. In xenograft study, the combination of YHO-1701 (STAT3 inhibitor) and alectinib significantly suppressed tumor regrowth after treatment cessation with near tumor remission compared with alectinib alone. Hence, this study provides new insights into combined therapeutic strategies for patients with ALK-rearranged lung cancer.
Collapse
|
34
|
Tweardy DJ. DRUGGING "UNDRUGGABLE" DISEASE-CAUSING PROTEINS: FOCUS ON SIGNAL TRANSDUCER AND ACTIVATOR OF TRANSCRIPTION (STAT) 3. TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN CLINICAL AND CLIMATOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 2022; 132:61-76. [PMID: 36196170 PMCID: PMC9480546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3 has been assigned to the group of "undruggable" disease-causing proteins, despite its containing a Src-homology (SH) 2 domain, a potential Achilles' heel that has eluded successful targeting by academic and pharmaceutical groups over the past 30 years. Based on mutational and modeling studies, our group developed a unique virtual ligand screening strategy targeting the STAT3 SH2 domain that was coupled to robust biochemical and cellular assays and structure-based medicinal chemistry and led to the identification of TTI-101. TTI-101 represents one of the most advanced, direct, small-molecule inhibitors of an SH2 domain-containing, disease-causing protein in clinical development. TTI-101 is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1 study to determine safety and tolerability in addition to pharmacodynamic effects and efficacy in patients with advanced solid tumors.
Collapse
|
35
|
Wang L, Astone M, Alam SK, Zhu Z, Pei W, Frank DA, Burgess SM, Hoeppner LH. Suppressing STAT3 activity protects the endothelial barrier from VEGF-mediated vascular permeability. Dis Model Mech 2021; 14:272222. [PMID: 34542605 PMCID: PMC8592016 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular permeability triggered by inflammation or ischemia promotes edema, exacerbates disease progression and impairs tissue recovery. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent inducer of vascular permeability. VEGF plays an integral role in regulating vascular barrier function physiologically and in pathologies, including cancer, stroke, cardiovascular disease, retinal conditions and COVID-19-associated pulmonary edema, sepsis and acute lung injury. Understanding temporal molecular regulation of VEGF-induced vascular permeability will facilitate developing therapeutics to inhibit vascular permeability, while preserving tissue-restorative angiogenesis. Here, we demonstrate that VEGF signals through signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) to promote vascular permeability. We show that genetic STAT3 ablation reduces vascular permeability in STAT3-deficient endothelium of mice and VEGF-inducible zebrafish crossed with CRISPR/Cas9-generated Stat3 knockout zebrafish. Intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) expression is transcriptionally regulated by STAT3, and VEGF-dependent STAT3 activation is regulated by JAK2. Pyrimethamine, an FDA-approved antimicrobial agent that inhibits STAT3-dependent transcription, substantially reduces VEGF-induced vascular permeability in zebrafish, mouse and human endothelium. Collectively, our findings suggest that VEGF/VEGFR-2/JAK2/STAT3 signaling regulates vascular barrier integrity, and inhibition of STAT3-dependent activity reduces VEGF-induced vascular permeability. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper. Summary: Genetic STAT3 ablation in mice and VEGF-inducible zebrafish reveals that VEGF signals through STAT3 to promote vascular permeability. Pyrimethamine reduces VEGF-induced permeability in animal models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA
| | - Matteo Astone
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA
| | - Sk Kayum Alam
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA
| | - Zhu Zhu
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA
| | - Wuhong Pei
- Translational and Functional Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - David A Frank
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Shawn M Burgess
- Translational and Functional Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Luke H Hoeppner
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA.,Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Kasembeli MM, Singhmar P, Ma J, Edralin J, Tang Y, Adams C, Heijnen CJ, Kavelaars A, Tweardy DJ. TTI-101: A competitive inhibitor of STAT3 that spares oxidative phosphorylation and reverses mechanical allodynia in mouse models of neuropathic pain. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 192:114688. [PMID: 34274354 PMCID: PMC8478865 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT) 3 emerged rapidly as a high-value target for treatment of cancer. However, small-molecule STAT3 inhibitors have been slow to enter the clinic due, in part, to serious adverse events (SAE), including lactic acidosis and peripheral neuropathy, which have been attributed to inhibition of STAT3's mitochondrial function. Our group developed TTI-101, a competitive inhibitor of STAT3 that targets the receptor pY705-peptide binding site within the Src homology 2 (SH2) domain to block its recruitment and activation. TTI-101 has shown target engagement, no toxicity, and evidence of clinical benefit in a Phase I study in patients with solid tumors. Here we report that TTI-101 did not affect mitochondrial function, nor did it cause STAT3 aggregation, chemically modify STAT3 or cause neuropathic pain. Instead, TTI-101 unexpectedly suppressed neuropathic pain induced by chemotherapy or in a spared nerve injury model. Thus, in addition to its direct anti-tumor effect, TTI-101 may be of benefit when administered to cancer patients at risk of developing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moses M Kasembeli
- The Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control & Employee Health, Division of Internal Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030-4009, United States
| | - Pooja Singhmar
- The Department of Symptom Research, Division of Internal Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030-4009, United States
| | - Jiacheng Ma
- The Department of Symptom Research, Division of Internal Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030-4009, United States
| | - Jules Edralin
- The Department of Symptom Research, Division of Internal Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030-4009, United States
| | - Yongfu Tang
- The Department of Symptom Research, Division of Internal Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030-4009, United States
| | - Clydell Adams
- The Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control & Employee Health, Division of Internal Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030-4009, United States
| | - Cobi J Heijnen
- The Department of Symptom Research, Division of Internal Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030-4009, United States
| | - Annemieke Kavelaars
- The Department of Symptom Research, Division of Internal Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030-4009, United States
| | - David J Tweardy
- The Department of Infectious Diseases, Infection Control & Employee Health, Division of Internal Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030-4009, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Tao B, Shi J, Shuai S, Zhou H, Zhang H, Li B, Wang X, Li G, He H, Zhong J. CYB561D2 up-regulation activates STAT3 to induce immunosuppression and aggression in gliomas. J Transl Med 2021; 19:338. [PMID: 34372858 PMCID: PMC8351164 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-021-02987-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fine tuned balance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is essential for tumor cells and tumor cells use immune checkpoints to evade attack form immunity system. However, it's unclear whether there is any crosstalk between these two pathways. CYB561D2, an antioxidant protein, is part of 5-gene prognosis signature in gliomas and its involvement in gliomas is unknown. Here, we aim to provide a detailed characterization of CYB561D2 in gliomas. METHODS CYB561D2 expression was measured in clinical samples of gilomas and normal tissues. The effects of CYB561D2 on immunity related genes and tumor behaviors were investigated in glioma cell lines with various in vitro and in vivo assays. RESULTS CYB561D2 expression was enhanced in gliomas compared to control tissues. CYB561D2 up-regulation was associated with high grading of gliomas and short survival in patients. CYB561D2 expression was induced by H2O2 in glioma cell lines. CYB561D2 and its functional product ascorbate activated STAT3 dose-dependently. CYB561D2 over-expression increased PD-L1, CCL2 and TDO2 expression, and induced immunosuppression in co-cultured T cells. In in vitro assays, CYB561D2 knock-down suppressed cell growth, colony formation, migration and promoted apoptosis. In contrast, CYB561D2 over-expression reduced survival rate in intracranial glioma model and this effect could be blocked by dominant negative-STAT3. The CYB561D2 up-regulation and the positive association of CYB561D2 with PD-L1, CCL2 and TDO2 expression were cross-validated in open-access datasets. CONCLUSIONS CYB561D2 up-regulation induces immunosuppression and aggression via activating STAT3 in gliomas and CYB561D2 mediates ROS-tumor immunity crosstalk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bangbao Tao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Juanhong Shi
- Department of Pathology, Tongji Hospital, Shanghai Tongji University, No 389 Xincun Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuai Shuai
- Depatment of Oncology, Center Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China
| | - Haiyan Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Xiang-ya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Hongxia Zhang
- Department of Emergency, San Ai Tang Hospital, 74 Jing-Ning Road, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Bin Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Guohui Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| | - Hua He
- Department of Neurosurgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Second Military Medical University, No 225 Changhai Road, Shanghai, 200438, China.
| | - Jun Zhong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Ferrer B, Suresh H, Santamaria A, Rocha JB, Bowman AB, Aschner M. The antioxidant role of STAT3 in methylmercury-induced toxicity in mouse hypothalamic neuronal GT1-7 cell line. Free Radic Biol Med 2021; 171:245-259. [PMID: 34010664 PMCID: PMC8217327 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress, impairment of antioxidant defenses, and disruption of calcium homeostasis are associated with the toxicity of methylmercury (MeHg). Yet, the relative contribution and interdependence of these effects and other molecular mechanisms that mediate MeHg-induced neurotoxicity remain uncertain. The signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a transcription factor that regulates the expression of anti-apoptotic and cell cycle progression genes. In addition to its role in cell growth and survival, STAT3 regulates redox homeostasis and prevents oxidative stress by the modulation of nuclear genes that encode for electron transport complexes (ETC) and antioxidant enzymes. Here we tested the hypothesis that STAT3 contributes to the orchestration of the antioxidant defense response against MeHg injury. We show that MeHg (>1 μM) exposure induced STAT3 activation within 1 h and beyond in mouse hypothalamic neuronal GT1-7 cells in a concentration-and time-dependent manner. Pharmacological inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation exacerbated MeHg-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and antioxidant responses. Finally, treatment with the antioxidant Trolox demonstrated that MeHg-induced STAT3 activation is mediated, at least in part, by MeHg-induced ROS generation. Combined, our results demonstrated a role for the STAT3 signaling pathway as an early response to MeHg-induced oxidative stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Ferrer
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, 10461, Bronx, NY, USA.
| | - Harshini Suresh
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, 10461, Bronx, NY, USA.
| | - Abel Santamaria
- Laboratorio de Aminoácidos Excitadores, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, 14269, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - João Batista Rocha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil.
| | - Aaron B Bowman
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States.
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, 10461, Bronx, NY, USA; IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia, Institute of Cellular and Intracellular Symbiosis, Russian Academy of Sciences, Orenburg, Russia.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Liu J, Jin Y, Wang B, Zhang J, Zuo S. C188-9 reduces TGF-β1-induced fibroblast activation and alleviates ISO-induced cardiac fibrosis in mice. FEBS Open Bio 2021; 11:2033-2040. [PMID: 34056872 PMCID: PMC8255844 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is the final event of heart failure and is associated with almost all forms of cardiovascular disease. Cardiac fibroblasts (CFs), a major cell type in the heart, are responsible for regulating normal myocardial function and maintaining extracellular matrix homeostasis in adverse myocardial remodeling. In this study, we found that C188‐9, a small‐molecule inhibitor of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), exhibited an antifibrotic function, both in vitro and in vivo. C188‐9 decreased transforming growth factor‐β1‐induced CF activation and fibrotic gene expression. Moreover, C188‐9 treatment alleviated heart injury and cardiac fibrosis in an isoproterenol‐induced mouse model by suppressing STAT3 phosphorylation and activation. These findings may help us better understand the role of C188‐9 in cardiac fibrosis and facilitate the development of new treatments for cardiac fibrosis and other cardiovascular diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Liu
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, China.,Key Laboratory of Cardiac Injury and Repair of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yuxuan Jin
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, China
| | - Bei Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, China
| | - Jinying Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, China.,Key Laboratory of Cardiac Injury and Repair of Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shengkai Zuo
- Department of Pharmacology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, China
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Novel STAT3 small-molecule inhibitors identified by structure-based virtual ligand screening incorporating SH2 domain flexibility. Pharmacol Res 2021; 169:105637. [PMID: 33932608 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Efforts to develop STAT3 inhibitors have focused on its SH2 domain starting with short phosphotyrosylated peptides based on STAT3 binding motifs, e.g. pY905LPQTV within gp130. Despite binding to STAT3 with high affinity, issues regarding stability, bioavailability, and membrane permeability of these peptides, as well as peptidomimetics such as CJ-887, have limited their further clinical development and led to interest in small-molecule inhibitors. Some small molecule STAT3 inhibitors, identified using structure-based virtual ligand screening (SB-VLS); while having favorable drug-like properties, suffer from weak binding affinities, possibly due to the high flexibility of the target domain. We conducted molecular dynamic (MD) simulations of the SH2 domain in complex with CJ-887, and used an averaged structure from this MD trajectory as an "induced-active site" receptor model for SB-VLS of 110,000 compounds within the SPEC database. Screening was followed by re-docking and re-scoring of the top 30% of hits, selection for hit compounds that directly interact with pY + 0 binding pocket residues R609 and S613, and testing for STAT3 targeting in vitro, which identified two lead hits with good activity and favorable drug-like properties. Unlike most small-molecule STAT3 inhibitors previously identified, which contain negatively-charged moieties that mediate binding to the pY + 0 binding pocket, these compounds are uncharged and likely will serve as better candidates for anti-STAT3 drug development. IMPLICATIONS: SB-VLS, using an averaged structure from molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of STAT3 SH2 domain in a complex with CJ-887, a known peptidomimetic binder, identify two highly potent, neutral, low-molecular weight STAT3-inhibitors with favorable drug-like properties.
Collapse
|
41
|
He QR, Tang JJ, Liu Y, Chen ZF, Liu YX, Chen H, Li D, Yi ZF, Gao JM. The natural product trienomycin A is a STAT3 pathway inhibitor that exhibits potent in vitro and in vivo efficacy against pancreatic cancer. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:2496-2515. [PMID: 33687738 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Pancreatic cancer is an exceptionally fatal disease. However, therapeutic drugs for pancreatic cancer have presented a serious shortage over the past few decades. Signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) is persistently activated in many human cancers where it promotes tumour development and progression. Natural products serve as an inexhaustible source of anticancer drugs. Here, we identified the natural product trienomycin A (TA), an ansamycin antibiotic, as a potential inhibitor of the STAT3 pathway with potent activity against pancreatic cancer. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Effects of trienomycin A on transcriptional activity of STAT3 were assessed by the STAT3-luciferase (STAT3-luc) reporter system. In vitro and in vivo inhibitory activity of TA against pancreatic cancer made use of molecular docking, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assay, MTS assay, colony formation assay, transwell migration/invasion assay, flow cytometric analysis, immunofluorescence staining, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), western blotting, tumour xenograft model, haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and immunohistochemistry. KEY RESULTS Trienomycin A directly bound to STAT3 and inhibited STAT3 (Tyr705) phosphorylation, thus inhibiting the STAT3 pathway. Trienomycin A also inhibited colony formation, proliferation, migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cell lines. Trienomycin A also markedly blocked pancreatic tumour growth in vivo. More importantly, trienomycin A did not show obvious toxicity at the effective dose in mice. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Trienomycin A exerted anti-neoplastic activity by suppressing STAT3 activation in pancreatic cancer. This natural product could be a novel therapeutic candidate for pancreatic cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiu-Rui He
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Natural Products and Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
| | - Jiang-Jiang Tang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Natural Products and Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
| | - Yao Liu
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Natural Products and Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
| | - Zhi-Fan Chen
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Natural Products and Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
| | - Yu-Xi Liu
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Natural Products and Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
| | - Huang Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ding Li
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Natural Products and Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
| | - Zheng-Fang Yi
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin-Ming Gao
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Natural Products and Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Northwest A&F University, Xianyang, China
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Wu K, Chen X, Feng J, Zhang S, Xu Y, Zhang J, Wu Q, You M, Xia B, Ma S. Capilliposide C from Lysimachia capillipes Restores Radiosensitivity in Ionizing Radiation-Resistant Lung Cancer Cells Through Regulation of ERRFI1/EGFR/STAT3 Signaling Pathway. Front Oncol 2021; 11:644117. [PMID: 33869036 PMCID: PMC8047471 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.644117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims Radiation therapy is used as the primary treatment for lung cancer. Unfortunately, radiation resistance remains to be the major clinic problem for lung cancer patients. Lysimachia capillipes capilliposide C (LC-C), an extract from LC Hemsl, has demonstrated multiple anti-cancer effects in several types of cancer. Here, we investigated the potential therapeutic impacts of LC-C on radiosensitivity in lung cancer cells and their underlying mechanisms. Methods Non-small cell lung cancer cell lines were initially irradiated to generate ionizing radiation (IR)-resistant lung cancer cell lines. RNA-seq analysis was used to examine the whole-transcriptome alteration in IR-resistant lung cancer cells treated with or without LC-C, and the differentially expressed genes with most significance were verified by RT-qPCR. Colony formation assays were performed to determine the effect of LC-C and the target gene ErbB receptor feedback inhibitor 1 (ERRFI1) on radiosensitivity of IR-resistant lung cancer cells. In addition, effects of ERRFI1 on cell cycle distribution, DNA damage repair activity were assessed by flow cytometry and γ-H2AX immunofluorescence staining respectively. Western blotting was performed to identify the activation of related signaling pathways. Tumor xenograft experiments were conducted to observe the effect of LC-C and ERRFI1 on radiosensitivity of IR-resistant lung cancer cells in vivo. Results Compared with parental cells, IR-resistant lung cancer cells were more resistant to radiation. LC-C significantly enhanced the effect of radiation in IR-resistant lung cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo and validated ERRFI1 as a candidate downstream gene by RNA-seq. Forced expression of ERRFI1 alone could significantly increase the radiosensitivity of IR-resistant lung cancer cells, while silencing of ERRFI1 attenuated the radiosensitizing function of LC-C. Accordingly, LC-C and ERRFI1 effectively inhibited IR-induced DNA damage repair, and ERRFI1 significantly induced G2/M checkpoint arrest. Additional investigations revealed that down-regulation of EGFR/STAT3 pathway played an important role in radiosensitization between ERRFI1 and LC-C. Furthermore, the high expression level of ERRFI1 was associated with high overall survival rates in lung cancer patients. Conclusions Treatment of LC-C may serve as a promising therapeutic strategy to overcome the radiation resistance and ERRFI1 may be a potential therapeutic target in NSCLC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kan Wu
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research of Zhejiang Province, Affiliated Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xueqin Chen
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research of Zhejiang Province, Affiliated Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Thoracic Oncology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianguo Feng
- Zhejiang Cancer Research Institute, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shirong Zhang
- Center for Translational Medicine, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yasi Xu
- Center for Translational Medicine, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Center for Translational Medicine, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiong Wu
- Center for Translational Medicine, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mingliang You
- Hangzhou Cancer Institute, Affiliated Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bing Xia
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research of Zhejiang Province, Affiliated Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Oncology, Jiande Second People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shenglin Ma
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research of Zhejiang Province, Affiliated Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Santoni M, Miccini F, Cimadamore A, Piva F, Massari F, Cheng L, Lopez-Beltran A, Montironi R, Battelli N. An update on investigational therapies that target STAT3 for the treatment of cancer. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2021; 30:245-251. [PMID: 33599169 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2021.1891222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is involved in cancer initiation and resistance to chemo-radiation therapies and targeted agents. The role of STAT3 in inflammation and immunity together with its involvement in a variety of diseases including genitourinary, gastrointestinal, lung, ovarian and brain tumors makes STAT3 an ideal candidate for therapeutic strategies. AREAS COVERED The authors provided an overview on STAT3 inhibitors and examined the most recent results obtained by these agents in cancer patients. The authors discussed the results published since 2015 and the ongoing clinical trials on anti-STAT3 agents in cancer patients. The authors also provide our opinion on the future perspectives of this therapeutic approach in this context. The manuscript includes information from trial databases and scientific literature. EXPERT OPINION Future challenges include the development of non-peptide small-molecule inhibitors of STAT3 designed to directly inhibit STAT3 activity. In addition, inhibitors of STAT3/STAT3 nuclear translocation or DNA binding activity are also emerging as novel promising therapeutic approaches A better comprehension of the role of STAT3 in modulating immune response together with advances in understanding the mechanisms of STAT3-induced chemo and/or radio-resistance will also help the design of combined strategies in cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Santoni
- U.O.C Medical Oncology, Macerata Hospital, Macerata, Italy
| | | | - Alessia Cimadamore
- Section of Pathological Anatomy, Polytechnic University of the Marche Region, School of Medicine, United Hospitals, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesco Piva
- Department of Specialistic Clinical and Odontostomatological Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Francesco Massari
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy
| | - Liang Cheng
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Department of Urology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Antonio Lopez-Beltran
- Department of Pathology and Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Cordoba University, Cordoba, Spain.,Anatomic Pathology, Champalimaud Clinical Center, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rodolfo Montironi
- Section of Pathological Anatomy, Polytechnic University of the Marche Region, School of Medicine, United Hospitals, Ancona, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Chen H, Bian A, Yang LF, Yin X, Wang J, Ti C, Miao Y, Peng S, Xu S, Liu M, Qiu WW, Yi Z. Targeting STAT3 by a small molecule suppresses pancreatic cancer progression. Oncogene 2021; 40:1440-1457. [PMID: 33420372 PMCID: PMC7906907 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-01626-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is lethal in over 90% of cases since it is resistant to current therapeutic strategies. The key role of STAT3 in promoting pancreatic cancer progression has been proven, but effective interventions that suppress STAT3 activities are limited. The development of novel anticancer agents that directly target STAT3 may have potential clinical benefits for pancreatic cancer treatment. Here, we report a new small-molecule inhibitor (N4) with potent antitumor bioactivity, which inhibits multiple oncogenic processes in pancreatic cancer. N4 blocked STAT3 and phospho-tyrosine (pTyr) peptide interactions in fluorescence polarization (FP) assay, specifically abolished phosphor-STAT3 (Tyr705), and suppressed expression of STAT3 downstream genes. The mechanism involved the direct binding of N4 to the STAT3 SH2 domain, thereby, the STAT3 dimerization, STAT3-EGFR, and STAT3-NF-κB cross-talk were efficiently inhibited. In animal models of pancreatic cancer, N4 was well tolerated, suppressed tumor growth and metastasis, and significantly prolonged survival of tumor-bearing mice. Our results offer a preclinical proof of concept for N4 as a candidate therapeutic compound for pancreatic cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huang Chen
- East China Normal University and Shanghai Fengxian District Central Hospital Joint Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Aiwu Bian
- East China Normal University and Shanghai Fengxian District Central Hospital Joint Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Lian-Fang Yang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Xuan Yin
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Chaowen Ti
- East China Normal University and Shanghai Fengxian District Central Hospital Joint Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Ying Miao
- East China Normal University and Shanghai Fengxian District Central Hospital Joint Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Shihong Peng
- East China Normal University and Shanghai Fengxian District Central Hospital Joint Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Shifen Xu
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingyao Liu
- East China Normal University and Shanghai Fengxian District Central Hospital Joint Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China.
| | - Wen-Wei Qiu
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China.
| | - Zhengfang Yi
- East China Normal University and Shanghai Fengxian District Central Hospital Joint Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China.
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Shiah JV, Grandis JR, Johnson DE. Targeting STAT3 with Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras and Next-Generation Antisense Oligonucleotides. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 20:219-228. [PMID: 33203730 PMCID: PMC7888537 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-20-0599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
STAT3 has been recognized for its key role in the progression of cancer, where it is frequently upregulated or constitutively hyperactivated, contributing to tumor cell proliferation, survival, and migration, as well as angiogenesis and suppression of antitumor immunity. Given the ubiquity of dysregulated STAT3 activity in cancer, it has long been considered a highly attractive target for the development of anticancer therapies. Efforts to target STAT3, however, have proven to be especially challenging, perhaps owing to the fact that transcription factors lack targetable enzymatic activity and have historically been considered "undruggable." Small-molecule inhibitors targeting STAT3 have been limited by insufficient selectivity and potency. More recently, therapeutic approaches that selectively target STAT3 protein for degradation have been developed, offering novel strategies that do not rely on inhibition of upstream pathways or direct competitive inhibition of the STAT3 protein. Here, we review these emerging approaches, including the development of STAT3 proteolysis targeting chimera agents, as well as preclinical and clinical studies of chemically stabilized antisense molecules, such as the clinical agent AZD9150. These therapeutic strategies may robustly reduce the cellular activity of oncogenic STAT3 and overcome the historical limitations of less selective small molecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jamie V Shiah
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Jennifer R Grandis
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Daniel E Johnson
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Bhansali RS, Rammohan M, Lee P, Laurent AP, Wen Q, Suraneni P, Yip BH, Tsai YC, Jenni S, Bornhauser B, Siret A, Fruit C, Pacheco-Benichou A, Harris E, Besson T, Thompson BJ, Goo YA, Hijiya N, Vilenchik M, Izraeli S, Bourquin JP, Malinge S, Crispino JD. DYRK1A regulates B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia through phosphorylation of FOXO1 and STAT3. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:135937. [PMID: 33393494 PMCID: PMC7773384 DOI: 10.1172/jci135937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
DYRK1A is a serine/threonine kinase encoded on human chromosome 21 (HSA21) that has been implicated in several pathologies of Down syndrome (DS), including cognitive deficits and Alzheimer's disease. Although children with DS are predisposed to developing leukemia, especially B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), the HSA21 genes that contribute to malignancies remain largely undefined. Here, we report that DYRK1A is overexpressed and required for B-ALL. Genetic and pharmacologic inhibition of DYRK1A decreased leukemic cell expansion and suppressed B-ALL development in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we found that FOXO1 and STAT3, transcription factors that are indispensable for B cell development, are critical substrates of DYRK1A. Loss of DYRK1A-mediated FOXO1 and STAT3 signaling disrupted DNA damage and ROS regulation, respectively, leading to preferential cell death in leukemic B cells. Thus, we reveal a DYRK1A/FOXO1/STAT3 axis that facilitates the development and maintenance of B-ALL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rahul S. Bhansali
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Malini Rammohan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Paul Lee
- Abbvie, North Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Qiang Wen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Praveen Suraneni
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Bon Ham Yip
- Division of Experimental Hematology, Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Yi-Chien Tsai
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Children’s Research Centre, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Silvia Jenni
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Children’s Research Centre, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Beat Bornhauser
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Children’s Research Centre, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Aurélie Siret
- INSERM U1170, Gustave Roussy Institute, Villejuif, France
| | - Corinne Fruit
- Normandie University, UNIROUEN, Institut National des Sciences Appliquées (INSA) Rouen, CNRS, Chimie Organique et Bioorganique — Réactivité et Analyse (COBRA) UMR 6014, Rouen, France
| | - Alexandra Pacheco-Benichou
- Normandie University, UNIROUEN, Institut National des Sciences Appliquées (INSA) Rouen, CNRS, Chimie Organique et Bioorganique — Réactivité et Analyse (COBRA) UMR 6014, Rouen, France
| | - Ethan Harris
- College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Thierry Besson
- Normandie University, UNIROUEN, Institut National des Sciences Appliquées (INSA) Rouen, CNRS, Chimie Organique et Bioorganique — Réactivité et Analyse (COBRA) UMR 6014, Rouen, France
| | | | - Young Ah Goo
- Proteomics Center of Excellence, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Nobuko Hijiya
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Shai Izraeli
- Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Schneider Children’s Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Jean-Pierre Bourquin
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Children’s Research Centre, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sébastien Malinge
- INSERM U1170, Gustave Roussy Institute, Villejuif, France
- Telethon Kids Institute, Telethon Kids Cancer Centre (TKCC), Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - John D. Crispino
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Division of Experimental Hematology, Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Wang L, Astone M, Alam SK, Zhu Z, Pei W, Frank DA, Burgess SM, Hoeppner LH. Suppressing STAT3 activity protects the endothelial barrier from VEGF-mediated vascular permeability. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2020. [PMID: 33140053 PMCID: PMC7605565 DOI: 10.1101/2020.10.27.358374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Vascular permeability triggered by inflammation or ischemia promotes edema, exacerbates disease progression, and impairs tissue recovery. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent inducer of vascular permeability. VEGF plays an integral role in regulating vascular barrier function physiologically and in pathologies, such as cancer, ischemic stroke, cardiovascular disease, retinal conditions, and COVID-19-associated pulmonary edema and sepsis, which often leads to acute lung injury, including acute respiratory distress syndrome. However, after initially stimulating permeability, VEGF subsequently mediates angiogenesis to repair damaged tissue. Consequently, understanding temporal molecular regulation of VEG-Finduced vascular permeability will facilitate developing therapeutics that achieve the delicate balance of inhibiting vascular permeability while preserving tissue repair. Here, we demonstrate that VEGF signals through signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) to promote vascular permeability. Specifically, we show that genetic STAT3 ablation reduces vascular permeability in STAT3-deficient endothelium of mice and VEGF-inducible zebrafish crossed with CRISPR/Cas9 generated genomic STAT3 knockout zebrafish. Importantly, STAT3 deficiency does not impair vascular development and function in vivo. We identify intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) as a STAT3-dependent transcriptional regulator and show VEGF-dependent STAT3 activation is regulated by JAK2. Pyrimethamine, an FDA-approved antimicrobial agent that inhibits STAT3-dependent transcription, substantially reduces VEGF-induced vascular permeability in zebrafish, mouse, and human endothelium. Indeed, pharmacologically targeting STAT3 increases vascular barrier integrity using two additional compounds, atovaquone and C188-9. Collectively, our findings suggest that the VEGF, VEGFR-2, JAK2, and STAT3 signaling cascade regulates vascular barrier integrity, and inhibition of STAT3-dependent activity reduces VEGF-induced vascular permeability in vertebrate models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, USA
| | - Matteo Astone
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, USA
| | - Sk Kayum Alam
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, USA
| | - Zhu Zhu
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, USA
| | - Wuhong Pei
- Translational and Functional Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - David A Frank
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shawn M Burgess
- Translational and Functional Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Luke H Hoeppner
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, USA.,Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Economopoulou P, Kotsantis I, Psyrri A. Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy Response in Head and Neck Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3377. [PMID: 33203092 PMCID: PMC7696050 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) encompasses cellular and non-cellular components which play an important role in tumor evolution, invasion, and metastasis. A complicated interplay between tumor cells and adjacent TME cells, such as stromal cells, immune cells, inflammatory cells, and cytokines, leads to severe immunosuppression and the proliferation of cancer cells in several solid tumors. An immunosuppressive TME has a significant impact on treatment resistance and may guide response to immunotherapy. In head and neck cancer (HNC), immunotherapeutic drugs have been incorporated in everyday clinical practice. However, despite an exceptional rate of durable responses, only a low percentage of patients respond. In this review, we will focus on the complex interactions occurring in this dynamic system, the TME, which orchestrate key events that lead to tumor progression, immune escape, and resistance. Furthermore, we will summarize current clinical trials that depict the TME as a potential therapeutic target for improved patient selection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Amanda Psyrri
- Section of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, 12462 Athens, Greece; (P.E.); (I.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Meng H, Pang Y, Liu G, Luo Z, Tan H, Liu X. Podocarpusflavone A inhibits cell growth of skin cutaneous melanoma by suppressing STAT3 signaling. J Dermatol Sci 2020; 100:201-208. [PMID: 33127205 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2020.10.008] [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: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND JAK2/STAT3 pathway is involved in the development and progression of melanoma once DNA damage is caused by environment and genetic factors. OBJECTIVE Here, we aimed to identify novel inhibitor of JAK2/STAT3 pathway and reveal the underlying mechanisms. METHODS Eighty MedChemExpress compounds were screened by using STAT3-Luc reporter in A375 cells. Podocarpusflavone A (PCFA) was identified as an inhibitor of STAT3, which was further verified in four melanoma cell lines. The anti-melanoma effects and mechanism of PCFA were examined and explored in melanoma cells and mouse xenograft models by using Western blot and cell-counting kit-8 assay. RESULTS PCFA exhibited potent inhibitory effects on melanoma both in vitro and in vivo. PCFA inhibited the activation of STAT3 through suppressing the phosphorylation of JAK2, and then restrained cell cycle and induced apoptosis of melanoma cells. CONCLUSION PCFA inhibits melanoma growth via the inhibition of JAK2/STAT3 pathway, which provides a promising therapeutic strategies of melanoma treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huijuan Meng
- Department of Dermatology, the Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Shandong, China
| | - Yunyan Pang
- Department of Dermatology, the Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Shandong, China
| | - Guoyan Liu
- Department of Dermatology, the Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Shandong, China
| | - Zengxiang Luo
- Department of Dermatology, the Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Shandong, China
| | - Haiyang Tan
- Department of Pharmacy, the Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Shandong, China
| | - Xiangming Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Weifang Medical University, Shandong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Wu MM, Zhang Z, Tong CWS, Yan VW, Cho WCS, To KKW. Repurposing of niclosamide as a STAT3 inhibitor to enhance the anticancer effect of chemotherapeutic drugs in treating colorectal cancer. Life Sci 2020; 262:118522. [PMID: 33011217 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide. Mutation of various cell signaling molecules or aberrant activation of signaling pathways leads to poor response to chemotherapy in CRC. Signal transducer and activator of transcription protein 3 (STAT3) is an important signaling molecule, which plays crucial roles in regulating cell survival and growth. In this study, the potentitation of chemotherapy by putative STAT3 inhibitors for treating CRC was investigated. MAIN METHODS A few putative STAT3 inhibitors were investigated. Niclosamide, originally indicated for the treatment of tapeworm infection, was chosen for further investigation in five CRC cell lines (HCT116, HT29, HCC2998, LoVo and SW480). Western blot analysis was used to evaluate the expression of STAT3/phospho-STAT3 and its downstream targets. Sulforhodamine B assay was used to evaluate the cytotoxicity of drug combinations. Flow cytometric assays were used to investigate the apoptotic and cell cycle effect. KEY FINDINGS Niclosamide was found to inhibit expression and activation of STAT3 in a concentration- and time-dependent manner, thereby downregulating STAT3 downstream targets including survivin and cyclin-D1 to induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. When combined with niclosamide or specific STAT3 inhibitor (C188-9), the cytotoxicity and DNA damage response from SN38 (the active metabolite from irinotecan) were significantly enhanced. The sequential exposure of SN38 followed by niclosamide was found to be the most potent treatment sequence for the drug combination. SIGNIFICANCE Niclosamide represents a promising candidate for repurposing to potentiate the anticancer activity of chemotherapeutic drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mia M Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Z Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Christy W S Tong
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - ViVi W Yan
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - William C S Cho
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Kenneth K W To
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China.
| |
Collapse
|