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Arcangeli A, Iorio J, Duranti C. Targeting the hERG1 and β1 integrin complex for cancer treatment. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2024; 28:145-157. [PMID: 38372580 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2024.2318449] [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: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite great advances, novel therapeutic targets and strategies are still needed, in particular for some carcinomas in the metastatic stage (breast cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and the clear cell renal carcinoma). Ion channels may be considered good cancer biomarkers and targets for antineoplastic therapy. These concepts are particularly relevant considering the hERG1 potassium channel as a novel target for antineoplastic therapy. AREAS COVERED A great deal of evidence demonstrates that hERG1 is aberrantly expressed in human cancers, in particular in aggressive carcinomas. A relevant cornerstone was the discovery that, in cancer cells, the channel is present in a very peculiar conformation, strictly bound to the β1 subunit of integrin receptors. The hERG1/β1 integrin complex does not occur in the heart. Starting from this evidence, we developed a novel single chain bispecific antibody (scDb-hERG1-β1), which specifically targets the hERG1/β1 integrin complex and exerts antineoplastic effects in preclinical experiments. EXPERT OPINION Since hERG1 blockade cannot be pursued for antineoplastic therapy due to the severe cardiac toxic effects (ventricular arrhythmias) that many hERG1 blockers exert, different strategies must be identified to specifically target hERG1 in cancer. The targeting of the hERG1/β1 integrin complex through the bispecific antibody scDb-hERG1-β1 can overcome such hindrances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annarosa Arcangeli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
- CSDC (Center for the Study of complex dynamics), University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
- MCK Therapeutics srl, Pistoia (PT), Italy
| | - Jessica Iorio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Claudia Duranti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
- MCK Therapeutics srl, Pistoia (PT), Italy
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Abdullah Y. An Overview of Current Biomarkers, the Therapeutic Implications, and the Emerging Role of hERG1 Expression in Gastric Cancer: A Literature Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e47501. [PMID: 37877107 PMCID: PMC10591113 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.47501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer remains one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the world. It carries a high mortality rate, with cases being more prevalent in the developing world, and has been linked to diet and Helicobacter pylori infection. It is a highly heterogeneous disease, with most cases being of a sporadic nature. Most patients present at an advanced stage due to the asymptomatic nature of the early stages of the disease. A multidisciplinary approach is often best implemented to help decide how to best manage individual cases. However, the overall clinical outcome and survival of patients with advanced gastric cancer remain poor. Recent therapeutic advancements focus on the identification of molecular biomarkers associated with gastric cancer that have predictive, diagnostic, and prognostic implications. This enables the development of specific targeted therapies that have shown efficacy in numerous trials, either as monotherapy or in combination with standard chemotherapy. Despite this, tumour heterogeneity and treatment resistance are still issues leading to poor survival outcomes. An emerging approach is focusing efforts on the bidirectional crosstalk between tumour cells and the microenvironment through targeting ion channels. A key player in this is human ether-á-go-go-related gene 1 (hERG1). This voltage-gated potassium ion channel has been shown to have predictive, diagnostic, and prognostic significance, enabling the stratification of high-risk individuals. In addition, targeting hERG1 in combination with chemotherapy has been shown to potentiate tumour regression. This comprehensive literature review will aim to consolidate our understanding of current biomarkers in gastric cancer. The relevance of hERG1 in gastric cancer as a useful novel biomarker and the potential therapeutic implications as targeted therapy will be explored. This offers a new and personalised approach to helping to manage patients with gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yahya Abdullah
- Internal Medicine, Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Chester, GBR
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Sesti F, Bortolami A, Kathera-Ibarra EF. Non-conducting functions of potassium channels in cancer and neurological disease. CURRENT TOPICS IN MEMBRANES 2023; 92:199-231. [PMID: 38007268 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctm.2023.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Cancer and neurodegenerative disease, albeit fundamental differences, share some common pathogenic mechanisms. Accordingly, both conditions are associated with aberrant cell proliferation and migration. Here, we review the causative role played by potassium (K+) channels, a fundamental class of proteins, in cancer and neurodegenerative disease. The concept that emerges from the review of the literature is that K+ channels can promote the development and progression of cancerous and neurodegenerative pathologies by dysregulating cell proliferation and migration. K+ channels appear to control these cellular functions in ways that not necessarily depend on their conducting properties and that involve the ability to directly or indirectly engage growth and survival signaling pathways. As cancer and neurodegenerative disease represent global health concerns, identifying commonalities may help understand the molecular basis for those devastating conditions and may facilitate the design of new drugs or the repurposing of existing drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Sesti
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Hoes Ln. West, Piscataway, NJ, United States.
| | - Alessandro Bortolami
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Hoes Ln. West, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Elena Forzisi Kathera-Ibarra
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Hoes Ln. West, Piscataway, NJ, United States
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Zúñiga L, Cayo A, González W, Vilos C, Zúñiga R. Potassium Channels as a Target for Cancer Therapy: Current Perspectives. Onco Targets Ther 2022; 15:783-797. [PMID: 35899081 PMCID: PMC9309325 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s326614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Potassium (K+) channels are highly regulated membrane proteins that control the potassium ion flux and respond to different cellular stimuli. These ion channels are grouped into three major families, Kv (voltage-gated K+ channel), Kir (inwardly rectifying K+ channel) and K2P (two-pore K+ channels), according to the structure, to mediate the K+ currents. In cancer, alterations in K+ channel function can promote the acquisition of the so-called hallmarks of cancer – cell proliferation, resistance to apoptosis, metabolic changes, angiogenesis, and migratory capabilities – emerging as targets for the development of new therapeutic drugs. In this review, we focus our attention on the different K+ channels associated with the most relevant and prevalent cancer types. We summarize our knowledge about the potassium channels structure and function, their cancer dysregulated expression and discuss the K+ channels modulator and the strategies for designing new drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro Zúñiga
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Molecular, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Talca, Talca, Chile.,Centro de Nanomedicina, Diagnóstico y Desarrollo de Fármacos (ND3), Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Talca, Talca, Chile
| | - Angel Cayo
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Molecular, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Talca, Talca, Chile.,Centro de Nanomedicina, Diagnóstico y Desarrollo de Fármacos (ND3), Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Talca, Talca, Chile
| | - Wendy González
- Centro de Bioinformática y Simulación Molecular, Universidad de Talca, Talca, Chile.,Millennium Nucleus of Ion Channels-Associated Diseases (MiNICAD), Universidad de Talca, Talca, Chile
| | - Cristian Vilos
- Centro de Nanomedicina, Diagnóstico y Desarrollo de Fármacos (ND3), Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Talca, Talca, Chile.,Laboratory of Nanomedicine and Targeted Delivery, School of Medicine, Universidad de Talca, Talca, 3460000, Chile.,Center for The Development of Nanoscience & Nanotechnology (CEDENNA), Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, 8350709, Chile
| | - Rafael Zúñiga
- Laboratorio de Fisiología Molecular, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Talca, Talca, Chile.,Centro de Nanomedicina, Diagnóstico y Desarrollo de Fármacos (ND3), Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Talca, Talca, Chile
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hERG1 Potassium Channel Expression in Colorectal Adenomas: Comparison with Other Preneoplastic Lesions of the Gastrointestinal Tract. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2022; 44:1326-1331. [PMID: 35723312 PMCID: PMC8947036 DOI: 10.3390/cimb44030089] [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: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Preneoplastic lesions represent a useful target for early diagnosis and follow-up of gastrointestinal malignancies. hERG1 channel expression was tested by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in a cohort of colorectal adenoma samples belonging to Italian subjects. Overall, hERG1 was expressed in 56.5% of cases with both high staining intensity and a high percentage of positive cells. Moreover, hERG1 was expressed in a higher percentage of dysplastic adenomas with respect to hyperplastic lesions, and the proportion of positive samples further increased in patients with high-grade dysplasia. Comparing hERG1 expression in other preneoplastic lesions of the GI tract (gastric dysplasia and Barrett’s esophagus), it emerged that in all the conditions, hERG1 was expressed with a diffused pattern, throughout the cell, with variable staining intensity within the samples. The highest expression was detected in gastric dysplasia samples and the lowest in Barrett’s esophagus at similar levels observed in colorectal adenomas. Our results show that hERG1 is aberrantly expressed in human preneoplastic lesions of the gastrointestinal tract and has a different pattern of expression and role in the different sites. Overall, the detection of hERG1 expression in preneoplastic lesions could represent a novel diagnostic or prognostic marker of progression in the gastrointestinal tract.
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Novel Therapeutic Approaches of Ion Channels and Transporters in Cancer. Rev Physiol Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 183:45-101. [PMID: 32715321 DOI: 10.1007/112_2020_28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The expression and function of many ion channels and transporters in cancer cells display major differences in comparison to those from healthy cells. These differences provide the cancer cells with advantages for tumor development. Accordingly, targeting ion channels and transporters have beneficial anticancer effects including inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, metastasis, tumor vascularization, and chemotherapy resistance, as well as promoting apoptosis. Some of the molecular mechanisms associating ion channels and transporters with cancer include the participation of oxidative stress, immune response, metabolic pathways, drug synergism, as well as noncanonical functions of ion channels. This diversity of mechanisms offers an exciting possibility to suggest novel and more effective therapeutic approaches to fight cancer. Here, we review and discuss most of the current knowledge suggesting novel therapeutic approaches for cancer therapy targeting ion channels and transporters. The role and regulation of ion channels and transporters in cancer provide a plethora of exceptional opportunities in drug design, as well as novel and promising therapeutic approaches that may be used for the benefit of cancer patients.
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