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Zhang Z, Lv ZG, Lu M, Li H, Zhou J. Nerve-tumor crosstalk in tumor microenvironment: From tumor initiation and progression to clinical implications. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189121. [PMID: 38796026 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189121] [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: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
The autonomic nerve system (ANS) innervates organs and tissues throughout the body and maintains functional balance among various systems. Further investigations have shown that excessive activation of ANS not only causes disruption of homeostasis, but also may promote tumor formation. In addition, the dynamic interaction between nerve and tumor cells in the tumor microenvironment also regulate tumor progression. On the one hand, nerves are passively invaded by tumor cells, that is, perineural invasion (PNI). On the other hand, compared with normal tissues, tumor tissues are subject to more abundant innervation, and nerves can influence tumor progression through regulating tumor proliferation, metastasis and drug resistance. A large number of studies have shown that nerve-tumor crosstalk, including PNI and innervation, is closely related to the prognosis of patients, and contributes to the formation of cancer pain, which significantly deteriorates the quality of life for patients. These findings suggest that nerve-tumor crosstalk represents a potential target for anti-tumor therapies and the management of cancer pain in the future. In this review, we systematically describe the mechanism by which nerve-tumor crosstalk regulates tumorigenesis and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Zhang
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhen Gang Lv
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Miao Lu
- Department of Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery, Zhongda Hospital Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Haifeng Li
- Department of Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery, Zhongda Hospital Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jiahua Zhou
- Department of Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery, Zhongda Hospital Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China.
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Ferraguti G, Terracina S, Tarani L, Fanfarillo F, Allushi S, Caronti B, Tirassa P, Polimeni A, Lucarelli M, Cavalcanti L, Greco A, Fiore M. Nerve Growth Factor and the Role of Inflammation in Tumor Development. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:965-989. [PMID: 38392180 PMCID: PMC10888178 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46020062] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF) plays a dual role both in inflammatory states and cancer, acting both as a pro-inflammatory and oncogenic factor and as an anti-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic mediator in a context-dependent way based on the signaling networks and its interaction with diverse cellular components within the microenvironment. This report aims to provide a summary and subsequent review of the literature on the role of NGF in regulating the inflammatory microenvironment and tumor cell growth, survival, and death. The role of NGF in inflammation and tumorigenesis as a component of the inflammatory system, its interaction with the various components of the respective microenvironments, its ability to cause epigenetic changes, and its role in the treatment of cancer have been highlighted in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giampiero Ferraguti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Terracina
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Tarani
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Fanfarillo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Allushi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Brunella Caronti
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University Hospital of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Tirassa
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Polimeni
- Department of Odontostomatological and Maxillofacial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Lucarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Pasteur Institute, Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Cavalcanti
- Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Greco
- Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
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3
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Morisse M, Bourhis T, Lévêque R, Guilbert M, Cicero J, Palma M, Chevalier D, le Bourhis X, Toillon RA, Mouawad F. Influence of EGF and pro-NGF on EGFR/SORTILIN interaction and clinical impact in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Front Oncol 2023; 13:661775. [PMID: 37576898 PMCID: PMC10416107 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.661775] [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: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) remains a cancer with a poor prognosis, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 50%. Although epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is almost always overexpressed, targeted anti-EGFR therapies have modest efficacy and are mainly used in palliative care. Growth factors such as Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and its precursor proNGF have been shown in our laboratory to play a role in tumor growth and aggressiveness. Interestingly, an interaction between Sortilin, a proNGF receptor, and EGFR has been observed. This interaction appears to interfere with the pro-oncogenic signaling of EGF and modulate the membrane expression of EGFR. The aim of this study was to characterize this interaction biologically, to assess its impact on clinical prognosis and to analyze its role in the cellular trafficking of EGFR. Using immunohistochemical staining on tumor sections from patients treated at our university center and PLA (Proximity Ligation Assay) labeling, we showed that Sortilin expression is significantly associated with reduced 5-year survival. However, when Sortilin was associated with EGFR, this association was not found. Using the Cal-27 and Cal-33 cancer cell lines, we observed that proNGF reduces the effects of EGF on cell growth by inducing the internalization of its receptor. These results therefore suggest a regulatory role for Sortilin in the degradation or renewal of EGFR on the membrane. It would be interesting in future work to show the intracellular fate of EGFR and the role of (pro)neurotrophins in these mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Morisse
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Center (CHU) de Lille, University of Lille, Lille, France
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, University Hospital Center (CHU) Lille, UMR9020-U1277 - CANTHER – Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, Lille, France
| | - Thomas Bourhis
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Center (CHU) de Lille, University of Lille, Lille, France
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, University Hospital Center (CHU) Lille, UMR9020-U1277 - CANTHER – Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, Lille, France
| | - Romain Lévêque
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, University Hospital Center (CHU) Lille, UMR9020-U1277 - CANTHER – Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, Lille, France
| | - Mathieu Guilbert
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, University Hospital Center (CHU) Lille, UMR9020-U1277 - CANTHER – Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, Lille, France
| | - Julien Cicero
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, University Hospital Center (CHU) Lille, UMR9020-U1277 - CANTHER – Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, Lille, France
| | - Martine Palma
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, University Hospital Center (CHU) Lille, UMR9020-U1277 - CANTHER – Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, Lille, France
| | - Dominique Chevalier
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Center (CHU) de Lille, University of Lille, Lille, France
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, University Hospital Center (CHU) Lille, UMR9020-U1277 - CANTHER – Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, Lille, France
| | - Xuefen le Bourhis
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, University Hospital Center (CHU) Lille, UMR9020-U1277 - CANTHER – Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, Lille, France
| | - Robert-Alain Toillon
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, University Hospital Center (CHU) Lille, UMR9020-U1277 - CANTHER – Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, Lille, France
| | - Francois Mouawad
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Center (CHU) de Lille, University of Lille, Lille, France
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, University Hospital Center (CHU) Lille, UMR9020-U1277 - CANTHER – Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, Lille, France
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ProNGF Expression and Targeting in Glioblastoma Multiforme. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021616. [PMID: 36675126 PMCID: PMC9863529 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most lethal adult brain cancer. Temozolomide (TMZ), the standard chemotherapeutic drug used in GBM, has limited benefit and alternate therapies are needed to improve GBM treatment. Nerve growth factor (NGF) and its precursor proNGF are increasingly recognized as stimulators of human tumor progression. The expression and stimulatory effect of NGF on GBM cell growth has previously been reported, but the status of proNGF in GBM is unreported. In this study, we have investigated proNGF expression and biological activity in GBM. A clinical cohort of GBM (n = 72) and low-grade glioma (n = 20) was analyzed by immunohistochemistry for proNGF and digital quantification. ProNGF expression was significantly increased in GBM compared to low grade gliomas and proNGF was also detected in patient plasma samples. ProNGF was also detected in most GBM cell lines by Western blotting. Although anti-proNGF blocking antibodies inhibited cell growth in GBM cells with methylated MGMT gene promoter, targeting proNGF could not potentiate the efficacy of TMZ. In subcutaneous xenograft of human GBM cells, anti-proNGF antibodies slightly reduced tumor volume but had no impact on TMZ efficacy. In conclusion, this data reveals that proNGF is overexpressed in GBM and can stimulate cancer cell growth. The potential of proNGF as a clinical biomarker and therapeutic target warrants further investigations.
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Ricci A, Salvucci C, Castelli S, Carraturo A, de Vitis C, D’Ascanio M. Adenocarcinomas of the Lung and Neurotrophin System: A Review. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10102531. [PMID: 36289793 PMCID: PMC9598928 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophins (NTs) represent a group of growth factors with pleiotropic activities at the central nervous system level. The prototype of these molecules is represented by the nerve growth factor (NGF), but other factors with similar functions have been identified, including the brain derived-growth factor (BDNF), the neurotrophin 3 (NT-3), and NT-4/5. These growth factors act by binding specific low (p75) and high-affinity tyrosine kinase (TrkA, TrkB, and TrkC) receptors. More recently, these growth factors have shown effects outside the nervous system in different organs, particularly in the lungs. These molecules are involved in the natural development of the lungs, and their homeostasis. However, they are also important in different pathological conditions, including lung cancer. The involvement of neurotrophins in lung cancer has been detailed most for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), in particular adenocarcinoma. This review aimed to extensively analyze the current knowledge of NTs and lung cancer and clarify novel molecular mechanisms for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Several clinical trials on humans are ongoing using NT receptor antagonists in different cancer cell types for further therapeutic applications. The pharmacological intervention against NT signaling may be essential to directly counteract cancer cell biology, and also indirectly modulate it in an inhibitory way by affecting neurogenesis and/or angiogenesis with potential impacts on tumor growth and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Michela D’Ascanio
- UOC Respiratory Disease, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy
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KIF11 Is a Promising Therapeutic Target for Thyroid Cancer Treatment. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2022; 2022:6426800. [PMID: 36017147 PMCID: PMC9398805 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6426800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective. To assess KIF11 expression in human thyroid tumor tissues and further evaluate its involvement in thyroid cancer. Methods. The expression of KIF11 in 71 cases of thyroid carcinoma as well as corresponding tissues was detected by the immunohistochemical (IHC) method. Patients were divided into the high KIF11 expression as well as low expression groups based on the staining levels. In addition, to study the relationship between the expression of KIF11 as well as clinicopathological features, the effects of KIF11 were detected on the proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle of two types of thyroid cancer cells, TPC-1 and KTC-1, through colony formation assays, MTT assays, and FCM assays, respectively. We further assessed the potential effects of KIF11 on tumor growth using an animal model. Results. The significantly high expression of KIF11 in thyroid tumor tissues was revealed, and the correlations between KIF11 expression levels as well as clinical pathological features (T stage and intraglandular dissemination) of patients were revealed. We further noticed that KIF11 knockdown remarkably suppressed thyroid cancer cell proliferation as well as induced cell apoptosis of thyroid cancer cells. Additionally, KIF11 contributed to tumor growth of thyroid cancer cells in mice. Conclusions. We noticed the involvement of KIF11 in the progression of thyroid cancer.
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7
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Marsland M, Dowdell A, Jiang CC, Wilmott JS, Scolyer RA, Zhang XD, Hondermarck H, Faulkner S. Expression of NGF/proNGF and Their Receptors TrkA, p75 NTR and Sortilin in Melanoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084260. [PMID: 35457078 PMCID: PMC9032112 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that nerve growth factor (NGF) and its receptors, the neurotrophic receptor tyrosine kinase 1 (NTRK1/TrkA), the common neurotrophin receptor (NGFR/p75NTR) and the membrane receptor sortilin, participate in cancer growth. In melanoma, there have been some reports suggesting that NGF, TrkA and p75NTR are dysregulated, but the expression of the NGF precursor (proNGF) and its membrane receptor sortilin is unknown. In this study, we investigated the expression of NGF, proNGF, TrkA, p75NTR and sortilin by immunohistochemistry in a series of human tissue samples (n = 100), including non-cancerous nevi (n = 20), primary melanomas (n = 40), lymph node metastases (n = 20) and distant metastases (n = 20). Immunostaining was digitally quantified and revealed NGF and proNGF were expressed in all nevi and primary melanomas, and that the level of expression decreased from primary tumors to melanoma metastases (p = 0.0179 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Interestingly, TrkA protein expression was high in nevi and thin primary tumors but was strongly downregulated in thick primary tumors (p < 0.0001) and metastases (p < 0.0001). While p75NTR and sortilin were both expressed in most nevi and melanomas, there was no significant difference in expression between them. Together, these results pointed to a downregulation of NGF/ProNGF and TrkA in melanoma, and thus did not provide evidence to support the use of anti-proNGF/NGF or anti-TrkA therapies in advanced and metastatic forms of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Marsland
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (M.M.); (A.D.); (X.D.Z.); (S.F.)
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia;
| | - Amiee Dowdell
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (M.M.); (A.D.); (X.D.Z.); (S.F.)
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia;
| | - Chen Chen Jiang
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia;
- School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - James S. Wilmott
- Tissue Pathology and Diagnostic Oncology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and NSW Health Pathology, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia; (J.S.W.); (R.A.S.)
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Richard A. Scolyer
- Tissue Pathology and Diagnostic Oncology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and NSW Health Pathology, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia; (J.S.W.); (R.A.S.)
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Xu Dong Zhang
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (M.M.); (A.D.); (X.D.Z.); (S.F.)
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia;
| | - Hubert Hondermarck
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (M.M.); (A.D.); (X.D.Z.); (S.F.)
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-2492-18830
| | - Sam Faulkner
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia; (M.M.); (A.D.); (X.D.Z.); (S.F.)
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia;
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Skerrett-Byrne DA, Bromfield EG, Murray HC, Jamaluddin MFB, Jarnicki AG, Fricker M, Essilfie AT, Jones B, Haw TJ, Hampsey D, Anderson AL, Nixon B, Scott RJ, Wark PAB, Dun MD, Hansbro PM. Time-resolved proteomic profiling of cigarette smoke-induced experimental chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Respirology 2021; 26:960-973. [PMID: 34224176 DOI: 10.1111/resp.14111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of illness and death worldwide. Current treatments aim to control symptoms with none able to reverse disease or stop its progression. We explored the major molecular changes in COPD pathogenesis. METHODS We employed quantitative label-based proteomics to map the changes in the lung tissue proteome of cigarette smoke-induced experimental COPD that is induced over 8 weeks and progresses over 12 weeks. RESULTS Quantification of 7324 proteins enabled the tracking of changes to the proteome. Alterations in protein expression profiles occurred in the induction phase, with 18 and 16 protein changes at 4- and 6-week time points, compared to age-matched controls, respectively. Strikingly, 269 proteins had altered expression after 8 weeks when the hallmark pathological features of human COPD emerge, but this dropped to 27 changes at 12 weeks with disease progression. Differentially expressed proteins were validated using other mouse and human COPD bronchial biopsy samples. Major changes in RNA biosynthesis (heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins C1/C2 [HNRNPC] and RNA-binding protein Musashi homologue 2 [MSI2]) and modulators of inflammatory responses (S100A1) were notable. Mitochondrial dysfunction and changes in oxidative stress proteins also occurred. CONCLUSION We provide a detailed proteomic profile, identifying proteins associated with the pathogenesis and disease progression of COPD establishing a platform to develop effective new treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Skerrett-Byrne
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.,Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.,University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Elizabeth G Bromfield
- Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.,University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Heather C Murray
- University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Cancer Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - M Fairuz B Jamaluddin
- University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Cancer Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew G Jarnicki
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael Fricker
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.,University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ama T Essilfie
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.,Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Bernadette Jones
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.,University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tatt J Haw
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.,University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Daniel Hampsey
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.,University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Amanda L Anderson
- Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.,University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Pregnancy and Reproduction Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.,University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rodney J Scott
- University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Cancer Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peter A B Wark
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.,University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Matthew D Dun
- University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Cancer Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Philip M Hansbro
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.,University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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9
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Al-Yozbaki M, Acha-Sagredo A, George A, Liloglou T, Wilson CM. Balancing neurotrophin pathway and sortilin function: Its role in human disease. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2020; 1874:188429. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2020.188429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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10
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The Receptor Tyrosine Kinase TrkA Is Increased and Targetable in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10091329. [PMID: 32957504 PMCID: PMC7564775 DOI: 10.3390/biom10091329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The tyrosine kinase receptor A (NTRK1/TrkA) is increasingly regarded as a therapeutic target in oncology. In breast cancer, TrkA contributes to metastasis but the clinicopathological significance remains unclear. In this study, TrkA expression was assessed via immunohistochemistry of 158 invasive ductal carcinomas (IDC), 158 invasive lobular carcinomas (ILC) and 50 ductal carcinomas in situ (DCIS). TrkA was expressed in cancer epithelial and myoepithelial cells, with higher levels of TrkA positively associated with IDC (39% of cases) (p < 0.0001). Interestingly, TrkA was significantly increased in tumours expressing the human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2), with expression in 49% of HER2-positive compared to 25% of HER2-negative tumours (p = 0.0027). A panel of breast cancer cells were used to confirm TrkA protein expression, demonstrating higher levels of TrkA (total and phosphorylated) in HER2-positive cell lines. Functional investigations using four different HER2-positive breast cancer cell lines indicated that the Trk tyrosine kinase inhibitor GNF-5837 reduced cell viability, through decreased phospho-TrkA (Tyr490) and downstream AKT (Ser473) activation, but did not display synergy with Herceptin. Overall, these data highlight a relationship between the tyrosine kinase receptors TrkA and HER2 and suggest the potential of TrkA as a novel or adjunct target for HER2-positive breast tumours.
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11
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Faulkner S, Griffin N, Rowe CW, Jobling P, Lombard JM, Oliveira SM, Walker MM, Hondermarck H. Nerve growth factor and its receptor tyrosine kinase TrkA are overexpressed in cervical squamous cell carcinoma. FASEB Bioadv 2020; 2:398-408. [PMID: 32676580 PMCID: PMC7354692 DOI: 10.1096/fba.2020-00016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF) and its receptors are increasingly implicated in cancer progression, but their expression in cervical cancer is unclear. The objective of this study was to define the protein expression of NGF, its precursor (proNGF), as well as their receptors, the tyrosine kinase receptor TrkA, the common neurotrophin receptor p75NTR and the pro-neurotrophin receptor sortilin in cervical cancer. Immunohistochemistry was performed in a cohort of cervical cancers (n = 287), including the two major subtypes of the disease: squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) and adenocarcinomas (AC). Normal cervical tissues (n = 28) were also analyzed. Protein expression was determined by computer-based digital quantification of staining intensity and comparative statistical analyses were made with clinicopathological parameters including histological subtype, age, grade, tumor size, lymph node invasion, and stage. The expression of NGF, proNGF, TrkA, p75NTR, and sortilin was higher in cervical cancer compared to normal cervical tissues. NGF and TrkA were found overexpressed in SCC compared to AC (P = .0006 and P < .0001, respectively). The expression of NGF (P = .0053), proNGF (P = .0022), and p75NTR (P = .0002), but not that of TrkA or sortilin, was associated with increasing grade in SCC. In addition, nerve infiltration into the tumor microenvironment was assessed using the pan-neuronal marker PGP9.5. Infiltrating nerves were detected in 27% of cervical tumors and expressed TrkA. Functional investigations using the HELA cervical cancer cell line indicated that the Trk tyrosine kinase inhibitor GNF-5837 reduced cell viability through decreased ERK1/2 activation. Together, these data reveal the overexpression of NGF and TrkA in cervical SCC, suggesting a potential therapeutic value of targeting the NGF-TrkA signaling pathway in this subtype of cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Faulkner
- School of Biomedical Sciences and PharmacyFaculty of Health and MedicineUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNSWAustralia
- Hunter Medical Research InstituteUniversity of NewcastleNew LambtonNSWAustralia
| | - Nathan Griffin
- School of Biomedical Sciences and PharmacyFaculty of Health and MedicineUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNSWAustralia
- Hunter Medical Research InstituteUniversity of NewcastleNew LambtonNSWAustralia
| | - Christopher W. Rowe
- Hunter Medical Research InstituteUniversity of NewcastleNew LambtonNSWAustralia
- School of Medicine and Public HealthFaculty of Health and MedicineUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNSWAustralia
| | - Phillip Jobling
- School of Biomedical Sciences and PharmacyFaculty of Health and MedicineUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNSWAustralia
- Hunter Medical Research InstituteUniversity of NewcastleNew LambtonNSWAustralia
| | - Janine M. Lombard
- School of Medicine and Public HealthFaculty of Health and MedicineUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNSWAustralia
- Department of Medical OncologyCalvary Mater NewcastleWaratahNSWAustralia
| | - Sonia M. Oliveira
- Hunter Medical Research InstituteUniversity of NewcastleNew LambtonNSWAustralia
| | - Marjorie M. Walker
- Hunter Medical Research InstituteUniversity of NewcastleNew LambtonNSWAustralia
- School of Medicine and Public HealthFaculty of Health and MedicineUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNSWAustralia
| | - Hubert Hondermarck
- School of Biomedical Sciences and PharmacyFaculty of Health and MedicineUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNSWAustralia
- Hunter Medical Research InstituteUniversity of NewcastleNew LambtonNSWAustralia
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12
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Liu H, Li X, Dun MD, Faulkner S, Jiang CC, Hondermarck H. Cold Shock Domain Containing E1 (CSDE1) Protein is Overexpressed and Can be Targeted to Inhibit Invasiveness in Pancreatic Cancer Cells. Proteomics 2020; 20:e1900331. [PMID: 32170829 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201900331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer has a dismal prognosis and to date there are no targeted therapies for this malignancy. Using shotgun proteomics, the mRNA binding protein cold shock domain containing E1 (CSDE1), also called upstream-of-N-Ras, is detected in pancreatic cancer cell lines but not in normal pancreatic epithelial cells. The expression of CSDE1 in pancreatic cancer cells is confirmed by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry of human pancreatic tumors. In vitro functional assays show that siRNA downregulation of CSDE1 or gene knockout using CRISPR-Cas9 significantly reduce the invasiveness of pancreatic cancer cells. Together, this study reveals that CSDE1 is overexpressed in pancreatic cancer and is a potential therapeutic target to inhibit pancreatic cancer cell invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Laboratory Medicine, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233030, P. R. China.,Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Xiang Li
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Matthew D Dun
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Sam Faulkner
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Chen Chen Jiang
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Hubert Hondermarck
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
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13
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Rowe CW, Dill T, Griffin N, Jobling P, Faulkner S, Paul JW, King S, Smith R, Hondermarck H. Innervation of papillary thyroid cancer and its association with extra-thyroidal invasion. Sci Rep 2020; 10:1539. [PMID: 32001748 PMCID: PMC6992619 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-58425-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Nerves are emerging regulators of cancer progression and in several malignancies innervation of the tumour microenvironment is associated with tumour aggressiveness. However, the innervation of thyroid cancer is unclear. Here, we investigated the presence of nerves in thyroid cancers and the potential associations with clinicopathological parameters. Nerves were detected by immunohistochemistry using the pan-neuronal marker PGP9.5 in whole-slide sections of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) (n = 75), compared to follicular thyroid cancer (FTC) (n = 13), and benign thyroid tissues (n = 26). Nerves were detected in most normal thyroid tissues and thyroid cancers, but nerve density was increased in PTC (12 nerves/cm2 [IQR 7–21]) compared to benign thyroid (6 nerves/cm2 [IQR: 3–10]) (p = 0.001). In contrast, no increase in nerve density was observed in FTC. In multivariate analysis, nerve density correlated positively with extrathyroidal invasion (p < 0.001), and inversely with tumour size (p < 0.001). The majority of nerves were adrenergic, although cholinergic and peptidergic innervation was detected. Perineural invasion was present in 35% of PTC, and was independently associated with extrathyroidal invasion (p = 0.008). This is the first report of infiltration of nerves into the tumour microenvironment of thyroid cancer and its association with tumour aggressiveness. The role of nerves in thyroid cancer pathogenesis should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher W Rowe
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia. .,Department of Endocrinology, John Hunter Hospital, Locked Bag 1, Newcastle, NSW, 2310, Australia. .,Hunter Medical Research Institute, 1 Kookaburra Circuit, New Lambton Heights, 2305, NSW, Australia.
| | - Tony Dill
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, NSW Health Pathology (Hunter), Locked Bag 1, HMRC, Newcastle, NSW, 2310, Australia.,ACT Pathology, Canberra Health Services, ACT Government, Canberra Hospital, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Nathan Griffin
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, 1 Kookaburra Circuit, New Lambton Heights, 2305, NSW, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Phil Jobling
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Sam Faulkner
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, 1 Kookaburra Circuit, New Lambton Heights, 2305, NSW, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Jonathan W Paul
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, 1 Kookaburra Circuit, New Lambton Heights, 2305, NSW, Australia
| | - Simon King
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, NSW Health Pathology (Hunter), Locked Bag 1, HMRC, Newcastle, NSW, 2310, Australia
| | - Roger Smith
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Department of Endocrinology, John Hunter Hospital, Locked Bag 1, Newcastle, NSW, 2310, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, 1 Kookaburra Circuit, New Lambton Heights, 2305, NSW, Australia
| | - Hubert Hondermarck
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, 1 Kookaburra Circuit, New Lambton Heights, 2305, NSW, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
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14
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Rowe CW, Faulkner S, Paul JW, Tolosa JM, Gedye C, Bendinelli C, Wynne K, McGrath S, Attia J, Smith R, Hondermarck H. The precursor for nerve growth factor (proNGF) is not a serum or biopsy-rinse biomarker for thyroid cancer diagnosis. BMC Endocr Disord 2019; 19:128. [PMID: 31775768 PMCID: PMC6882079 DOI: 10.1186/s12902-019-0457-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nerves and neurotrophic growth factors are emerging promoters of cancer growth. The precursor for Nerve Growth Factor (proNGF) is overexpressed in thyroid cancer, but its potential role as a clinical biomarker has not been reported. Here we have examined the value of proNGF as a serum and biopsy-rinse biomarker for thyroid cancer diagnosis. METHODS Patients presenting for thyroid surgery or biopsy were enrolled in separate cohorts examining serum (n = 204, including 46 cases of thyroid cancer) and biopsy-rinse specimens (n = 188, including 26 cases of thyroid cancer). ProNGF levels in clinical samples were analysed by ELISA. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were used to compare proNGF levels with malignancy status and clinicopathological parameters. RESULTS ProNGF was not detected in the majority of serum samples (176/204, 86%) and the detection of proNGF was not associated with thyroid cancer diagnosis. In the few cases where proNGF was detected in the serum, thyroidectomy did not affect proNGF concentration, demonstrating that the thyroid was not the source of serum proNGF. Intriguingly, an association between hyperthyroidism and serum proNGF was observed (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.6-8.7 p = 0.02). In biopsy-rinse, proNGF was detected in 73/188 (39%) cases, with no association between proNGF and thyroid cancer. However, a significant positive association between follicular lesions and biopsy-rinse proNGF was found (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.2-8.7, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS ProNGF levels in serum and biopsy-rinse are not increased in thyroid cancer and therefore proNGF is not a clinical biomarker for this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher W Rowe
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia.
- Department of Endocrinology, John Hunter Hospital, Locked Bag 1 HMRC, Newcastle, 2310, Australia.
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Australia.
| | - Sam Faulkner
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Jonathan W Paul
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Australia
| | - Jorge M Tolosa
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Australia
| | - Craig Gedye
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
- Department of Surgery, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Cino Bendinelli
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Calvary Mater Newcastle, Waratah, Australia
| | - Katie Wynne
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, John Hunter Hospital, Locked Bag 1 HMRC, Newcastle, 2310, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Australia
| | - Shaun McGrath
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, John Hunter Hospital, Locked Bag 1 HMRC, Newcastle, 2310, Australia
| | - John Attia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Australia
- Clinical Research Design, IT, and Statistical Support Unit, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Roger Smith
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, John Hunter Hospital, Locked Bag 1 HMRC, Newcastle, 2310, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Australia
| | - Hubert Hondermarck
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
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15
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Rowe CW, Dill T, Faulkner S, Gedye C, Paul JW, Tolosa JM, Jones M, King S, Smith R, Hondermarck H. The Precursor for Nerve Growth Factor (proNGF) in Thyroid Cancer Lymph Node Metastases: Correlation with Primary Tumour and Pathological Variables. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20235924. [PMID: 31775361 PMCID: PMC6929117 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20235924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastases in thyroid cancer are associated with aggressive disease and increased patient morbidity, but the factors driving metastatic progression are unclear. The precursor for nerve growth factor (proNGF) is increased in primary thyroid cancers, but its expression or significance in metastases is not known. In this study, we analysed the expression of proNGF in a retrospective cohort of thyroid cancer lymph node metastases (n = 56), linked with corresponding primary tumours, by automated immunohistochemistry and digital quantification. Potential associations of proNGF immunostaining with clinical and pathological parameters were investigated. ProNGF staining intensity (defined by the median h-score) was significantly higher in lymph node metastases (h-score 94, interquartile range (IQR) 50-147) than in corresponding primary tumours (57, IQR 42-84) (p = 0.002). There was a correlation between proNGF expression in primary tumours and corresponding metastases, where there was a 0.68 (95% CI 0 to 1.2) increase in metastatic tumour h-score for each unit increase in the primary tumour h-score. However, larger tumours (both primary and metastatic) had lower proNGF expression. In a multivariate model, proNGF expression in nodal metastases was negatively correlated with lateral neck disease and being male. In conclusion, ProNGF is expressed in locoregional metastases of thyroid cancer and is higher in lymph node metastases than in primary tumours, but is not associated with high-risk clinical features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher W. Rowe
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle 2310, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, 1 Kookaburra Circuit, New Lambton Heights 2310, Australia
| | - Tony Dill
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, NSW Health Pathology (Hunter), Newcastle 2310, Australia
| | - Sam Faulkner
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, 1 Kookaburra Circuit, New Lambton Heights 2310, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, Australia
| | - Craig Gedye
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Calvary Mater Newcastle, Waratah 2298, Australia
| | - Jonathan W. Paul
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, 1 Kookaburra Circuit, New Lambton Heights 2310, Australia
| | - Jorge M. Tolosa
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, 1 Kookaburra Circuit, New Lambton Heights 2310, Australia
| | - Mark Jones
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, 1 Kookaburra Circuit, New Lambton Heights 2310, Australia
| | - Simon King
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, 1 Kookaburra Circuit, New Lambton Heights 2310, Australia
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, NSW Health Pathology (Hunter), Newcastle 2310, Australia
| | - Roger Smith
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle 2310, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, 1 Kookaburra Circuit, New Lambton Heights 2310, Australia
| | - Hubert Hondermarck
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, 1 Kookaburra Circuit, New Lambton Heights 2310, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan 2308, Australia
- Correspondence:
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16
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Faulkner S, Jobling P, March B, Jiang CC, Hondermarck H. Tumor Neurobiology and the War of Nerves in Cancer. Cancer Discov 2019; 9:702-710. [PMID: 30944117 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-18-1398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Nerves are emerging regulators of cancer progression. Cancer cells induce the outgrowth of nerves in the tumor microenvironment through the release of neurotrophic factors, and in return nerves liberate neurotransmitters that activate cancer growth and dissemination. Although sympathetic nerves drive tumor angiogenesis via the liberation of noradrenaline, sensory and parasympathetic nerves stimulate cancer stem cells. Interestingly, recent evidence indicates that parasympathetic nerves can eventually inhibit tumor progression, suggesting a yin-yang type of regulation of cancer by nerves. From a broader perspective, the question of a higher level of control of cancer development by the central nervous system should be raised. SIGNIFICANCE: Nerves are emerging regulators of cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis. Here, we review the evidence to date and explore the basic and clinical ramifications of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Faulkner
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, New Lambton, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Phillip Jobling
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, New Lambton, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Brayden March
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, New Lambton, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Chen Chen Jiang
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, New Lambton, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hubert Hondermarck
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia. .,Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, New Lambton, New South Wales, Australia
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17
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ProNGF increases breast tumor aggressiveness through functional association of TrkA with EphA2. Cancer Lett 2019; 449:196-206. [PMID: 30771434 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
ProNGF expression has been linked to several types of cancers including breast cancer, and we have previously shown that proNGF stimulates breast cancer invasion in an autocrine manner through membrane receptors sortilin and TrkA. However, little is known regarding TrkA-associated protein partners upon proNGF stimulation. By proteomic analysis and proximity ligation assays, we found that proNGF binding to sortilin induced sequential formation of the functional sortilin/TrkA/EphA2 complex, leading to TrkA-phosphorylation dependent Akt activation and EphA2-dependent Src activation. EphA2 inhibition using siRNA approach abolished proNGF-stimulated clonogenic growth of breast cancer cell lines. Combinatorial targeting of TrkA and EphA2 dramatically reduced colony formation in vitro, primary tumor growth and metastatic dissemination towards the brain in vivo. Finally, proximity ligation assay in breast tumor samples revealed that increased TrkA/EphA2 proximity ligation assay signals were correlated with a decrease of overall survival in patients. All together, these data point out the importance of TrkA/EphA2 functional association in proNGF-induced tumor promoting effects, and provide a rationale to target proNGF/TrkA/EphA2 axis by alternative methods other than the simple use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in breast cancer.
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18
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Targeting neurotrophin signaling in cancer: The renaissance. Pharmacol Res 2018; 135:12-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Revised: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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19
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Li X, Dun MD, Faulkner S, Hondermarck H. Neuroproteins in Cancer: Assumed Bystanders Become Culprits. Proteomics 2018; 18:e1800049. [PMID: 29745056 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201800049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Recent breakthrough discoveries have highlighted the stimulatory role of nerves in cancer initiation and progression, through the release of neurotransmitters and growth factors by nerve terminals in the tumor microenvironment. Intriguingly, neuroproteins such as neuronal membrane proteins, synaptic proteins, neurotransmitters, and neurotrophic growth factors as well as their corresponding receptors, to name only a few, are frequently found in proteomic analyses of cancer tissues external to the brain and central nervous system. While the usual explanation was that neuroproteins were actually not specific to the nervous system and were therefore also expressed in cancer cells, it now appears that the presence of neuroproteins in cancer is largely due to the infiltration of nerves in the tumor microenvironment. Given the newly identified function of nerves as promoters of cancer growth and metastasis, neuroproteins should be considered with great attention because they may actually represent innovative biomarkers and therapeutic targets in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy & Hunter Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Matt D Dun
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy & Hunter Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Sam Faulkner
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy & Hunter Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Hubert Hondermarck
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy & Hunter Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
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20
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The neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor TrkA and its ligand NGF are increased in squamous cell carcinomas of the lung. Sci Rep 2018; 8:8135. [PMID: 29802376 PMCID: PMC5970205 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-26408-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor TrkA (NTRK1) and its ligand nerve growth factor (NGF) are emerging promoters of tumor progression. In lung cancer, drugs targeting TrkA are in clinical trials, but the clinicopathological significance of TrkA and NGF, as well as that of the precursor proNGF, the neurotrophin co-receptor p75NTR and the proneurotrophin co-receptor sortilin, remains unclear. In the present study, analysis of these proteins was conducted by immunohistochemistry and digital quantification in a series of 204 lung cancers of different histological subtypes versus 121 normal lung tissues. TrkA immunoreactivity was increased in squamous cell carcinoma compared with benign and other malignant lung cancer histological subtypes (p < 0.0001). NGF and proNGF were also increased in squamous cell carcinoma, as well as in adenocarcinoma (p < 0.0001). In contrast, p75NTR was increased across all lung cancer histological subtypes compared to normal lung (p < 0.0001). Sortilin was higher in adenocarcinoma and small cell carcinoma (p < 0.0001). Nerves in the tumor microenvironment were negative for TrkA, NGF, proNGF, p75NTR and sortilin. In conclusion, these data suggest a preferential therapeutic value of targeting the NGF-TrkA axis in squamous cell carcinomas of the lung.
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21
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Faulkner S, Jobling P, Rowe CW, Rodrigues Oliveira SM, Roselli S, Thorne RF, Oldmeadow C, Attia J, Jiang CC, Zhang XD, Walker MM, Hondermarck H. Neurotrophin Receptors TrkA, p75 NTR, and Sortilin Are Increased and Targetable in Thyroid Cancer. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2017; 188:229-241. [PMID: 29037860 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2017.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Revised: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Neurotrophin receptors are emerging targets in oncology, but their clinicopathologic significance in thyroid cancer is unclear. In this study, the neurotrophin tyrosine receptor kinase TrkA (also called NTRK1), the common neurotrophin receptor p75NTR, and the proneurotrophin receptor sortilin were analyzed with immunohistochemistry in a cohort of thyroid cancers (n = 128) and compared with adenomas and normal thyroid tissues (n = 62). TrkA was detected in 20% of thyroid cancers, compared with none of the benign samples (P = 0.0007). TrkA expression was independent of histologic subtypes but associated with lymph node metastasis (P = 0.0148), suggesting the involvement of TrkA in tumor invasiveness. Nerves in the tumor microenvironment were positive for TrkA. p75NTR was overexpressed in anaplastic thyroid cancers compared with papillary and follicular subtypes (P < 0.0001). Sortilin was overexpressed in thyroid cancers compared with benign thyroid tissues (P < 0.0001). Neurotrophin receptor expression was confirmed in a panel of thyroid cancer cell lines at the mRNA and protein levels. Functional investigations using the anaplastic thyroid cancer cell line CAL-62 found that siRNA against TrkA, p75NTR, and sortilin decreased cell survival and cell migration through decreased SRC and ERK activation. Together, these data reveal TrkA, p75NTR, and sortilin as potential therapeutic targets in thyroid cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Faulkner
- School of Biomedical Sciences & Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Philip Jobling
- School of Biomedical Sciences & Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christopher W Rowe
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia; School of Medicine & Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia; Department of Endocrinology, John Hunter Hospital, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - S M Rodrigues Oliveira
- School of Biomedical Sciences & Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Severine Roselli
- School of Biomedical Sciences & Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rick F Thorne
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christopher Oldmeadow
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia; School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Science and Information Technology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John Attia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia; School of Medicine & Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Chen Chen Jiang
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia; School of Medicine & Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Xu Dong Zhang
- School of Biomedical Sciences & Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Marjorie M Walker
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia; School of Medicine & Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia; Department of Anatomical Pathology, John Hunter Hospital, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hubert Hondermarck
- School of Biomedical Sciences & Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia; Hunter Medical Research Institute, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.
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Zhu MC, Xiong P, Li GL, Zhu M. Could lung cancer exosomes induce apoptosis of natural killer cells through the p75NTR–proNGF–sortilin axis? Med Hypotheses 2017; 108:151-153. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2017.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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ProNGF, but Not NGF, Switches from Neurotrophic to Apoptotic Activity in Response to Reductions in TrkA Receptor Levels. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18030599. [PMID: 28282920 PMCID: PMC5372615 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18030599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Revised: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nerve growth factor (NGF) promotes the survival and differentiation of neurons. NGF is initially synthesized as a precursor, proNGF, which is the predominant form in the central nervous system. NGF and proNGF bind to TrkA/p75NTR to mediate cell survival and to sortilin/p75NTR to promote apoptosis. The ratio of TrkA to p75NTR affects whether proNGF and mature NGF signal cell survival or apoptosis. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the loss of TrkA influences p75NTR or sortilin expression levels, and to establish whether proNGF and mature NGF have a similar ability to switch between cell survival and cell death. We systematically altered TrkA receptor levels by priming cells with NGF, using small interfering RNA, and using the mutagenized PC12nnr5 cell line. We found that both NGF and proNGF can support cell survival in cells expressing TrkA, even in the presence of p75NTR and sortilin. However, when TrkA is reduced, proNGF signals cell death, while NGF exhibits no activity. In the absence of TrkA, proNGF-induced cell death occurs, even when p75NTR and sortilin levels are reduced. These results show that proNGF can switch between neurotrophic and apoptotic activity in response to changes in TrkA receptor levels, whereas mature NGF cannot. These results also support the model that proNGF is neurotrophic under normal circumstances, but that a loss in TrkA in the presence of p75NTR and sortilin, as occurs in neurodegenerative disease or injury, shifts proNGF, but not NGF, signalling from cell survival to cell death.
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