1
|
Kumar A, Das SK, Emdad L, Fisher PB. Applications of tissue-specific and cancer-selective gene promoters for cancer diagnosis and therapy. Adv Cancer Res 2023; 160:253-315. [PMID: 37704290 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2023.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Current treatment of solid tumors with standard of care chemotherapies, radiation therapy and/or immunotherapies are often limited by severe adverse toxic effects, resulting in a narrow therapeutic index. Cancer gene therapy represents a targeted approach that in principle could significantly reduce undesirable side effects in normal tissues while significantly inhibiting tumor growth and progression. To be effective, this strategy requires a clear understanding of the molecular biology of cancer development and evolution and developing biological vectors that can serve as vehicles to target cancer cells. The advent and fine tuning of omics technologies that permit the collective and spatial recognition of genes (genomics), mRNAs (transcriptomics), proteins (proteomics), metabolites (metabolomics), epiomics (epigenomics, epitranscriptomics, and epiproteomics), and their interactomics in defined complex biological samples provide a roadmap for identifying crucial targets of relevance to the cancer paradigm. Combining these strategies with identified genetic elements that control target gene expression uncovers significant opportunities for developing guided gene-based therapeutics for cancer. The purpose of this review is to overview the current state and potential limitations in developing gene promoter-directed targeted expression of key genes and highlights their potential applications in cancer gene therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amit Kumar
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Swadesh K Das
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Luni Emdad
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Paul B Fisher
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Li L, Cao J, Chen C, Qin Y, He L, Gu H, Wu G. Antitumor effect of a novel humanized MUC1 antibody-drug conjugate on triple-negative breast cancer. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15164. [PMID: 37089317 PMCID: PMC10113850 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common malignant cancer in women. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has a poorer prognosis than other subtypes and is challenging to treat. MUC1 is a therapeutic target in breast and pancreatic cancer. We developed a novel humanized antibody that specifically binds MUC1 expressed in breast cancer cells and conjugated a humanized MUC1 (HzMUC1) antibody to monomethyl auristatin (MMAE). HzMUC1-MMAE showed an anti-proliferative effect on HER2 positive trastuzumab-resistant breast cancer. Immunoprecipitation indicated that HzMUC1 recognized native MUC1 in TNBC cells. Confocal microscopy showed that HzMUC1 bound MUC1 on the surface of TNBC cells, and the conjugates exhibited the same binding ability to HCC70 as unconjugated HzMUC1 by cell-based ELISA. Treatment of TNBC cells with HzMUC1-MMAE reduced growth of MUC1-positive cells and induced G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. In a mouse model of breast cancer, HzMUC1-MMAE significantly reduced the growth of tumors established by subcutaneous injection of HCC70 TNBC cells. Therefore, HzMUC1-ADC has therapeutic potential for TNBC.
Collapse
|
3
|
Hyeon DY, Nam D, Han Y, Kim DK, Kim G, Kim D, Bae J, Back S, Mun DG, Madar IH, Lee H, Kim SJ, Kim H, Hyun S, Kim CR, Choi SA, Kim YR, Jeong J, Jeon S, Choo YW, Lee KB, Kwon W, Choi S, Goo T, Park T, Suh YA, Kim H, Ku JL, Kim MS, Paek E, Park D, Jung K, Baek SH, Jang JY, Hwang D, Lee SW. Proteogenomic landscape of human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in an Asian population reveals tumor cell-enriched and immune-rich subtypes. NATURE CANCER 2023; 4:290-307. [PMID: 36550235 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-022-00479-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
We report a proteogenomic analysis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Mutation-phosphorylation correlations identified signaling pathways associated with somatic mutations in significantly mutated genes. Messenger RNA-protein abundance correlations revealed potential prognostic biomarkers correlated with patient survival. Integrated clustering of mRNA, protein and phosphorylation data identified six PDAC subtypes. Cellular pathways represented by mRNA and protein signatures, defining the subtypes and compositions of cell types in the subtypes, characterized them as classical progenitor (TS1), squamous (TS2-4), immunogenic progenitor (IS1) and exocrine-like (IS2) subtypes. Compared with the mRNA data, protein and phosphorylation data further classified the squamous subtypes into activated stroma-enriched (TS2), invasive (TS3) and invasive-proliferative (TS4) squamous subtypes. Orthotopic mouse PDAC models revealed a higher number of pro-tumorigenic immune cells in TS4, inhibiting T cell proliferation. Our proteogenomic analysis provides significantly mutated genes/biomarkers, cellular pathways and cell types as potential therapeutic targets to improve stratification of patients with PDAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Do Young Hyeon
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dowoon Nam
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Proteogenome Research, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngmin Han
- Department of Surgery and Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Duk Ki Kim
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Gibeom Kim
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Creative Research Initiatives Center for Epigenetic Code and Diseases, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Daeun Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences and Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jingi Bae
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Proteogenome Research, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seunghoon Back
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Proteogenome Research, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Gi Mun
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Proteogenome Research, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Inamul Hasan Madar
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Proteogenome Research, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hangyeore Lee
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Proteogenome Research, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Su-Jin Kim
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Proteogenome Research, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hokeun Kim
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Proteogenome Research, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangyeop Hyun
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences and Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Rok Kim
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Creative Research Initiatives Center for Epigenetic Code and Diseases, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seon Ah Choi
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Creative Research Initiatives Center for Epigenetic Code and Diseases, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Ryoul Kim
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Creative Research Initiatives Center for Epigenetic Code and Diseases, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Juhee Jeong
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Suwan Jeon
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeon Woong Choo
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Bun Lee
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Wooil Kwon
- Department of Surgery and Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seunghyuk Choi
- Department of Computer Science, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Taewan Goo
- Interdisciplinary Program in Bioinformatics, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Taesung Park
- Department of Statistics, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Ah Suh
- Department of Surgery and Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hongbeom Kim
- Department of Surgery and Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ja-Lok Ku
- Korean Cell Line Bank, Laboratory of Cell Biology, Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Min-Sik Kim
- Department of New Biology, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunok Paek
- Department of Computer Science, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Daechan Park
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences and Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea.
| | - Keehoon Jung
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea. .,Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sung Hee Baek
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea. .,Creative Research Initiatives Center for Epigenetic Code and Diseases, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jin-Young Jang
- Department of Surgery and Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Daehee Hwang
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sang-Won Lee
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Proteogenome Research, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Orr S, Huang L, Moser J, Stroopinsky D, Gandarilla O, DeCicco C, Liegel J, Tacettin C, Ephraim A, Cheloni G, Torres D, Kufe D, Rosenblatt J, Hidalgo M, Muthuswamy SK, Avigan D. Personalized tumor vaccine for pancreatic cancer. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023; 72:301-313. [PMID: 35834008 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-022-03237-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer is a highly lethal malignancy often presenting with advanced disease and characterized by resistance to standard chemotherapy. Immune-based therapies such checkpoint inhibition have been largely ineffective such that pancreatic cancer is categorized as an immunologically "cold tumor". In the present study, we examine the therapeutic efficacy of a personalized cancer vaccine in which tumor cells are fused with dendritic cells (DC) resulting in the broad induction of antitumor immunity. RESULTS In the KPC spontaneous pancreatic cancer murine model, we demonstrated that vaccination with DC/KPC fusions led to expansion of pancreatic cancer specific lymphocytes with an activated phenotype. Remarkably, vaccination led to a reduction in tumor bulk and near doubling of median survival in this highly aggressive model. In a second murine pancreatic model (Panc02), vaccination with DC/tumor fusions similarly led to expansion of tumor antigen specific lymphocytes and their infiltration to the tumor site. Having shown efficacy in immunocompetent murine models, we subsequently demonstrated that DC/tumor fusions generated from primary human pancreatic cancer and autologous DCs potently stimulate tumor specific cytotoxic lymphocyte responses. CONCLUSIONS DC/tumor fusions induce the activation and expansion of tumor reactive lymphocytes with the capacity to infiltrate into the pancreatic cancer tumor bed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shira Orr
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Ling Huang
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - James Moser
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Dina Stroopinsky
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Omar Gandarilla
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Cori DeCicco
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Jessica Liegel
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Cansu Tacettin
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Adam Ephraim
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Giulia Cheloni
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Daniela Torres
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Donald Kufe
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Jacalyn Rosenblatt
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Manuel Hidalgo
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Senthil K Muthuswamy
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - David Avigan
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Nucleoside transporters and immunosuppressive adenosine signaling in the tumor microenvironment: Potential therapeutic opportunities. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 240:108300. [PMID: 36283452 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Adenosine compartmentalization has a profound impact on immune cell function by regulating adenosine localization and, therefore, extracellular signaling capabilities, which suppresses immune cell function in the tumor microenvironment. Nucleoside transporters, responsible for the translocation and cellular compartmentalization of hydrophilic adenosine, represent an understudied yet crucial component of adenosine disposition in the tumor microenvironment. In this review article, we will summarize what is known regarding nucleoside transporter's function within the purinome in relation to currently devised points of intervention (i.e., ectonucleotidases, adenosine receptors) for cancer immunotherapy, alterations in nucleoside transporter expression reported in cancer, and potential avenues for targeting of nucleoside transporters for the desired modulation of adenosine compartmentalization and action. Further, we put forward that nucleoside transporters are an unexplored therapeutic opportunity, and modulation of nucleoside transport processes could attenuate the pathogenic buildup of immunosuppressive adenosine in solid tumors, particularly those enriched with nucleoside transport proteins.
Collapse
|
6
|
Koltai T, Reshkin SJ, Carvalho TMA, Di Molfetta D, Greco MR, Alfarouk KO, Cardone RA. Resistance to Gemcitabine in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Physiopathologic and Pharmacologic Review. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:2486. [PMID: 35626089 PMCID: PMC9139729 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a very aggressive tumor with a poor prognosis and inadequate response to treatment. Many factors contribute to this therapeutic failure: lack of symptoms until the tumor reaches an advanced stage, leading to late diagnosis; early lymphatic and hematic spread; advanced age of patients; important development of a pro-tumoral and hyperfibrotic stroma; high genetic and metabolic heterogeneity; poor vascular supply; a highly acidic matrix; extreme hypoxia; and early development of resistance to the available therapeutic options. In most cases, the disease is silent for a long time, andwhen it does become symptomatic, it is too late for ablative surgery; this is one of the major reasons explaining the short survival associated with the disease. Even when surgery is possible, relapsesare frequent, andthe causes of this devastating picture are the low efficacy ofand early resistance to all known chemotherapeutic treatments. Thus, it is imperative to analyze the roots of this resistance in order to improve the benefits of therapy. PDAC chemoresistance is the final product of different, but to some extent, interconnected factors. Surgery, being the most adequate treatment for pancreatic cancer and the only one that in a few selected cases can achieve longer survival, is only possible in less than 20% of patients. Thus, the treatment burden relies on chemotherapy in mostcases. While the FOLFIRINOX scheme has a slightly longer overall survival, it also produces many more adverse eventsso that gemcitabine is still considered the first choice for treatment, especially in combination with other compounds/agents. This review discusses the multiple causes of gemcitabine resistance in PDAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephan Joel Reshkin
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (T.M.A.C.); (D.D.M.); (M.R.G.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Tiago M. A. Carvalho
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (T.M.A.C.); (D.D.M.); (M.R.G.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Daria Di Molfetta
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (T.M.A.C.); (D.D.M.); (M.R.G.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Maria Raffaella Greco
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (T.M.A.C.); (D.D.M.); (M.R.G.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Khalid Omer Alfarouk
- Zamzam Research Center, Zamzam University College, Khartoum 11123, Sudan;
- Alfarouk Biomedical Research LLC, Temple Terrace, FL 33617, USA
| | - Rosa Angela Cardone
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (T.M.A.C.); (D.D.M.); (M.R.G.); (R.A.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Small-Molecule RAS Inhibitors as Anticancer Agents: Discovery, Development, and Mechanistic Studies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073706. [PMID: 35409064 PMCID: PMC8999084 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073706] [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: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations of RAS oncogenes are responsible for about 30% of all human cancer types, including pancreatic, lung, and colorectal cancers. While KRAS1 is a pseudogene, mutation of KRAS2 (commonly known as KRAS oncogene) is directly or indirectly associated with human cancers. Among the RAS family, KRAS is the most abundant oncogene related to uncontrolled cellular proliferation to generate solid tumors in many types of cancer such as pancreatic carcinoma (over 80%), colon carcinoma (40-50%), lung carcinoma (30-50%), and other types of cancer. Once described as 'undruggable', RAS proteins have become 'druggable', at least to a certain extent, due to the continuous efforts made during the past four decades. In this account, we discuss the chemistry and biology (wherever available) of the small-molecule inhibitors (synthetic, semi-synthetic, and natural) of KRAS proteins that were published in the past decades. Commercial drugs, as well as investigational molecules from preliminary stages to clinical trials, are categorized and discussed in this study. In summary, this study presents an in-depth discussion of RAS proteins, classifies the RAS superfamily, and describes the molecular mechanism of small-molecule RAS inhibitors.
Collapse
|
8
|
Potential Use of CTCs as Biomarkers in Renal Cancer Patients. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12010089. [PMID: 35054482 PMCID: PMC8779819 DOI: 10.3390/life12010089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
We demonstrated that the CellCollector is an appropriate tool for detecting CTCs in RCC patients. We examined EpCAM and MUC1 expression levels in RCC tissues and cell lines and analyzed the detection rate of CTCs in blood samples ex vivo using an anti-EpCAM antibody-covered straight or spiraled CellCollector. Eight matched samples were examined for affinity to the anti-EpCAM vs. anti-EpCAM/anti-MUC1 antibody-covered wire. The use of this combination of antibodies allowed us to classify patients with lung metastasis. Finally, four patients were analyzed in vivo. In conclusion, both straight (ex vivo, in vivo) and spiraled (ex vivo) wires detected CTCs.
Collapse
|
9
|
Khan A, Ali S, Murad W, Hayat K, Siraj S, Jawad M, Khan RA, Uddin J, Al-Harrasi A, Khan A. Phytochemical and pharmacological uses of medicinal plants to treat cancer: A case study from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, North Pakistan. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 281:114437. [PMID: 34391861 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Cancer is the top death causing disease in the world, due to its occurrence through various mechanism and form. Medicinal plants have been extensively used for the purifications and isolations of phytochemicals for the treatment and prevention of cancer. OBJECTIVES Consequently, this research was designed to document the traditional practices of anti-cancer plants and its phytochemical essay across the districts of KP, Pakistan. MATERIALS AND METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted in 24 districts from the informants mostly the traditional herbalists (key informants). The information were compared with the publish data using various authentic search engines including, google, researchgate, google scholar and NCBI. RESULTS One hundred and fifty-four (154) anti-cancer plants were recognized belonging to 69 families among all, Lamiaceae (13 sp.), Asteraceae (12 sp.) and Solanaceae (9 sp.) were the preferred families. The local inhabitants in the area typically prepare ethnomedicinal recipes from leaves (33.70%) and whole plants (23.37%) in the form of decoction and powder (24.67%), respectively. Herbs stayed the most preferred life form (61.68%) followed by shrub (21.4%). Similarly, breast (29.22%) and lung cancer (14.83%) was the common disease type. Literature study also authorize that, the medicinal plants of the research area were rich in phytochemical like quercetin, coumarine, kaempferol, apigenin, colchicine, alliin, rutin, lupeol, allicin, berbarine, lutolin, vanilic acid, urocilic acid and solamargine have revealed significant activates concerning the cancer diseases, that replicating the efficacy of these plants as medicines. CONCLUSION The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is rural area and the local inhabitants have very strong traditional knowledge about the medicinal plants for different diseases like cancer. The medicinal plants for significant ranked disorder might be pharmacologically and phtyochemicaly explored to demonstrate their efficacy. Moreover, the local flora especially medicinal plants facing overgrazing, overexploitation and inappropriate way of collection, however, proper management strategies like reforestation, controlled grazing, proper permission from concerned department and rangeland strategies among others may be assumed to enhance the proper usage of medicinal plants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Asif Khan
- Department of Botany, Garden Campus Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Sajid Ali
- Department of Botany, Garden Campus Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Waheed Murad
- Department of Botany, Garden Campus Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan.
| | - Khizar Hayat
- Key Laboratory of Plant Ecology, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Shumaila Siraj
- Department of Botany, Garden Campus Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Jawad
- Center of Geographical Information System, University of Punjab, Pakistan
| | | | - Jalal Uddin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Al-Harrasi
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Birkat Al Mauz, Nizwa, Oman.
| | - Ajmal Khan
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Center, University of Nizwa, Birkat Al Mauz, Nizwa, Oman.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Pretta A, Lai E, Persano M, Donisi C, Pinna G, Cimbro E, Parrino A, Spanu D, Mariani S, Liscia N, Dubois M, Migliari M, Impera V, Saba G, Pusceddu V, Puzzoni M, Ziranu P, Scartozzi M. Uncovering key targets of success for immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2021; 25:987-1005. [PMID: 34806517 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2021.2010044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite available treatment options, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is frequently lethal. Recent immunotherapy strategies have failed to yield any notable impact. Therefore, research is focussed on unearthing new drug targets and therapeutic strategies to tackle this malignancy and attain more positive outcomes for patients. AREAS COVERED In this perspective article, we evaluate the main resistance mechanisms to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and the approaches to circumvent them. We also offer an assessment of concluded and ongoing trials of PDAC immunotherapy. Literature research was performed on Pubmed accessible through keywords such as: 'pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma,' 'immunotherapy,' 'immunotherapy resistance,' 'immune escape,' 'biomarkers.' Papers published between 2000 and 2021 were selected. EXPERT OPINION The tumor microenvironment is a critical variable of treatment resistance because of its role as a physical barrier and inhibitory immune signaling. Promising therapeutic strategies appear to be a combination of immunotherapeutics with other targeted treatments. Going forward, predictive biomarkers are required to improve patient selection. Biomarker-driven trials could enhance approaches for assessing the role of immunotherapy in PDAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Pretta
- Medical Oncology Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome Italy.,Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Eleonora Lai
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mara Persano
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Clelia Donisi
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giovanna Pinna
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Erika Cimbro
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alissa Parrino
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Dario Spanu
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Stefano Mariani
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Nicole Liscia
- Medical Oncology Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome Italy.,Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marco Dubois
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marco Migliari
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Valentino Impera
- Medical Oncology Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome Italy.,Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giorgio Saba
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Valeria Pusceddu
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marco Puzzoni
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Pina Ziranu
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mario Scartozzi
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Stoup N, Liberelle M, Schulz C, Cavdarli S, Vasseur R, Magnez R, Lahdaoui F, Skrypek N, Peretti F, Frénois F, Thuru X, Melnyk P, Renault N, Jonckheere N, Lebègue N, Van Seuningen I. The EGF Domains of MUC4 Oncomucin Mediate HER2 Binding Affinity and Promote Pancreatic Cancer Cell Tumorigenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225746. [PMID: 34830899 PMCID: PMC8616066 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary A feature of pancreatic cancer (PC) is the frequent overexpression of tyrosine kinase membrane receptor HER2 along with its membrane partner the MUC4 oncomucin in the early stages of the pancreatic carcinogenesis. However, therapeutic approaches targeting HER2 in PC are not efficient. MUC4 could indeed represent an alternative therapeutic strategy to target HER2 signaling pathway, but this approach needs to characterize MUC4/HER2 interaction at the molecular level. In this study, we successfully showed the impact of the EGF domains of MUC4 on HER2 binding affinity and demonstrated their “growth factor-like” biological activities in PC cells. Moreover, homology models of the MUC4EGF/HER2 complexes allowed identification of binding hotspots mediating binding affinity with HER2 and PC cell proliferation. These results allow a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in the MUC4/HER2 complex formation and may lead to the design of potential MUC4/HER2 inhibitors. Abstract The HER2 receptor and its MUC4 mucin partner form an oncogenic complex via an extracellular region of MUC4 encompassing three EGF domains that promotes tumor progression of pancreatic cancer (PC) cells. However, the molecular mechanism of interaction remains poorly understood. Herein, we decipher at the molecular level the role and impact of the MUC4EGF domains in the mediation of the binding affinities with HER2 and the PC cell tumorigenicity. We used an integrative approach combining in vitro bioinformatic, biophysical, biochemical, and biological approaches, as well as an in vivo study on a xenograft model of PC. In this study, we specified the binding mode of MUC4EGF domains with HER2 and demonstrate their “growth factor-like” biological activities in PC cells leading to stimulation of several signaling proteins (mTOR pathway, Akt, and β-catenin) contributing to PC progression. Molecular dynamics simulations of the MUC4EGF/HER2 complexes led to 3D homology models and identification of binding hotspots mediating binding affinity with HER2 and PC cell proliferation. These results will pave the way to the design of potential MUC4/HER2 inhibitors targeting the EGF domains of MUC4. This strategy will represent a new efficient alternative to treat cancers associated with MUC4/HER2 overexpression and HER2-targeted therapy failure as a new adapted treatment to patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Stoup
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020-U1277—CANTHER—Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France; (N.S.); (C.S.); (S.C.); (R.V.); (R.M.); (F.L.); (N.S.); (F.P.); (F.F.); (X.T.); (N.J.)
| | - Maxime Liberelle
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1172—LilNCog—Lille Neurosciences & Cognition, F-59000 Lille, France; (M.L.); (P.M.)
| | - Céline Schulz
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020-U1277—CANTHER—Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France; (N.S.); (C.S.); (S.C.); (R.V.); (R.M.); (F.L.); (N.S.); (F.P.); (F.F.); (X.T.); (N.J.)
| | - Sumeyye Cavdarli
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020-U1277—CANTHER—Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France; (N.S.); (C.S.); (S.C.); (R.V.); (R.M.); (F.L.); (N.S.); (F.P.); (F.F.); (X.T.); (N.J.)
| | - Romain Vasseur
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020-U1277—CANTHER—Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France; (N.S.); (C.S.); (S.C.); (R.V.); (R.M.); (F.L.); (N.S.); (F.P.); (F.F.); (X.T.); (N.J.)
| | - Romain Magnez
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020-U1277—CANTHER—Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France; (N.S.); (C.S.); (S.C.); (R.V.); (R.M.); (F.L.); (N.S.); (F.P.); (F.F.); (X.T.); (N.J.)
| | - Fatima Lahdaoui
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020-U1277—CANTHER—Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France; (N.S.); (C.S.); (S.C.); (R.V.); (R.M.); (F.L.); (N.S.); (F.P.); (F.F.); (X.T.); (N.J.)
| | - Nicolas Skrypek
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020-U1277—CANTHER—Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France; (N.S.); (C.S.); (S.C.); (R.V.); (R.M.); (F.L.); (N.S.); (F.P.); (F.F.); (X.T.); (N.J.)
| | - Fabien Peretti
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020-U1277—CANTHER—Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France; (N.S.); (C.S.); (S.C.); (R.V.); (R.M.); (F.L.); (N.S.); (F.P.); (F.F.); (X.T.); (N.J.)
| | - Frédéric Frénois
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020-U1277—CANTHER—Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France; (N.S.); (C.S.); (S.C.); (R.V.); (R.M.); (F.L.); (N.S.); (F.P.); (F.F.); (X.T.); (N.J.)
| | - Xavier Thuru
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020-U1277—CANTHER—Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France; (N.S.); (C.S.); (S.C.); (R.V.); (R.M.); (F.L.); (N.S.); (F.P.); (F.F.); (X.T.); (N.J.)
| | - Patricia Melnyk
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1172—LilNCog—Lille Neurosciences & Cognition, F-59000 Lille, France; (M.L.); (P.M.)
| | - Nicolas Renault
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286—INFINITE—Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, F-59000 Lille, France;
| | - Nicolas Jonckheere
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020-U1277—CANTHER—Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France; (N.S.); (C.S.); (S.C.); (R.V.); (R.M.); (F.L.); (N.S.); (F.P.); (F.F.); (X.T.); (N.J.)
| | - Nicolas Lebègue
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1172—LilNCog—Lille Neurosciences & Cognition, F-59000 Lille, France; (M.L.); (P.M.)
- Correspondence: (N.L.); (I.V.S.); Tel.: +33-32096-4977 (N.L.)
| | - Isabelle Van Seuningen
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020-U1277—CANTHER—Cancer Heterogeneity Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France; (N.S.); (C.S.); (S.C.); (R.V.); (R.M.); (F.L.); (N.S.); (F.P.); (F.F.); (X.T.); (N.J.)
- Correspondence: (N.L.); (I.V.S.); Tel.: +33-32096-4977 (N.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Carter CJ, Mekkawy AH, Morris DL. Role of human nucleoside transporters in pancreatic cancer and chemoresistance. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:6844-6860. [PMID: 34790010 PMCID: PMC8567477 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i40.6844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The prognosis of pancreatic cancer is poor with the overall 5-year survival rate of less than 5% changing minimally over the past decades and future projections predicting it developing into the second leading cause of cancer related mortality within the next decade. Investigations into the mechanisms of pancreatic cancer development, progression and acquired chemoresistance have been constant for the past few decades, thus resulting in the identification of human nucleoside transporters and factors affecting cytotoxic uptake via said transporters. This review summaries the aberrant expression and role of human nucleoside transports in pancreatic cancer, more specifically human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1/2 (hENT1, hENT2), and human concentrative nucleoside transporter 1/3 (hCNT1, hCNT3), while briefly discussing the connection and importance between these nucleoside transporters and mucins that have also been identified as being aberrantly expressed in pancreatic cancer. The review also discusses the incidence, current diagnostic techniques as well as the current therapeutic treatments for pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, we address the importance of chemoresistance in nucleoside analogue drugs, in particular, gemcitabine and we discuss prospective therapeutic treatments and strategies for overcoming acquired chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer by the enhancement of human nucleoside transporters as well as the potential targeting of mucins using a combination of mucolytic compounds with cytotoxic agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carly Jade Carter
- Hepatobiliary and Surgical Oncology Unit, Department of Surgery, St George Hospital, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2217, New South Wales, Australia
- Mucpharm Pty Ltd, Australia
| | - Ahmed H Mekkawy
- Hepatobiliary and Surgical Oncology Unit, Department of Surgery, St George Hospital, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2217, New South Wales, Australia
- Mucpharm Pty Ltd, Australia
| | - David L Morris
- Hepatobiliary and Surgical Oncology Unit, Department of Surgery, St George Hospital, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2217, New South Wales, Australia
- Mucpharm Pty Ltd, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Słotwiński R, Słotwińska SM. Pancreatic cancer and adaptive metabolism in a nutrient-deficient environment. Cent Eur J Immunol 2021; 46:388-394. [PMID: 34764812 PMCID: PMC8574117 DOI: 10.5114/ceji.2021.109693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite tremendous progress in the treatment of many cancer types, leading to a significant increase in survival, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is still burdened with high mortality rates (5-year survival rate < 9%) due to late diagnosis, aggressiveness, and a lack of more effective treatment methods. Early diagnosis and new therapeutic approaches based on the adaptive metabolism of the tumor in a nutrient-deficient environment are expected to improve the future treatment of PDAC patients. It was found that blocking selected metabolic pathways related to the local adaptive metabolic activity of pancreatic cancer cells, improving nutrient acquisition and metabolic crosstalk within the microenvironment to sustain proliferation, may inhibit cancer development, increase cancer cell death, and increase sensitivity to other forms of treatment (e.g., chemotherapy). The present review highlights selected metabolic signaling pathways and their regulators aimed at inhibiting the neoplastic process. Particular attention is paid to the adaptive metabolism of pancreatic cancer, including fatty acids, autophagy, macropinocytosis, and deregulated cell-surface glycoproteins, which promotes cancer cell development in an oxygen-deficient and nutrient-poor environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Słotwiński
- Department of Immunology, Biochemistry and Nutrition, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Liu L, Kshirsagar P, Christiansen J, Gautam SK, Aithal A, Gulati M, Kumar S, Solheim JC, Batra SK, Jain M, Wannemuehler MJ, Narasimhan B. Polyanhydride nanoparticles stabilize pancreatic cancer antigen MUC4β. J Biomed Mater Res A 2021; 109:893-902. [PMID: 32776461 PMCID: PMC8100985 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.37080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most lethal malignancies and represents an increasing and challenging threat, especially with an aging population. The identification of immunogenic PC-specific upregulated antigens and an enhanced understanding of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment have provided opportunities to enable the immune system to recognize cancer cells. Due to its differential upregulation and functional role in PC, the transmembrane mucin MUC4 is an attractive target for immunotherapy. In the current study we characterized the antigen stability, antigenicity and release kinetics of a MUC4β-nanovaccine to guide further optimization and, in vivo evaluation. Amphiphilic polyanhydride copolymers based on 20 mol % 1,8-bis(p-carboxyphenoxy)-3,6-dioxaoctane and 80 mol % 1,6-bis(p-carboxyphenoxy)hexane were used to synthesize nanoparticles. Structurally stable MUC4β protein was released from the particles in a sustained manner and characterized by gel electrophoresis and fluorescence spectroscopy. Modest levels of protein degradation were observed upon release. The released protein was also analyzed by MUC4β-specific monoclonal antibodies using ELISA and showed no significant loss of epitope availability. Further, mice immunized with multiple formulations of combination vaccines containing MUC4β-loaded nanoparticles generated MUC4β-specific antibody responses. These results indicate that polyanhydride nanoparticles are viable MUC4β vaccine carriers, laying the foundation for evaluation of this platform for PC immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luman Liu
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
| | - Prakash Kshirsagar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - John Christiansen
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventative Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
| | - Shailendra K. Gautam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Abhijit Aithal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Mansi Gulati
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Sushil Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Joyce C. Solheim
- Nanovaccine Institute, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Surinder K. Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
- Nanovaccine Institute, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Maneesh Jain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
- Nanovaccine Institute, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Michael J. Wannemuehler
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventative Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
- Nanovaccine Institute, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
| | - Balaji Narasimhan
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
- Nanovaccine Institute, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Montaño-Samaniego M, Bravo-Estupiñan DM, Méndez-Guerrero O, Alarcón-Hernández E, Ibáñez-Hernández M. Strategies for Targeting Gene Therapy in Cancer Cells With Tumor-Specific Promoters. Front Oncol 2020; 10:605380. [PMID: 33381459 PMCID: PMC7768042 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.605380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the second cause of death worldwide, surpassed only by cardiovascular diseases, due to the lack of early diagnosis, and high relapse rate after conventional therapies. Chemotherapy inhibits the rapid growth of cancer cells, but it also affects normal cells with fast proliferation rate. Therefore, it is imperative to develop other safe and more effective treatment strategies, such as gene therapy, in order to significantly improve the survival rate and life expectancy of patients with cancer. The aim of gene therapy is to transfect a therapeutic gene into the host cells to express itself and cause a beneficial biological effect. However, the efficacy of the proposed strategies has been insufficient for delivering the full potential of gene therapy in the clinic. The type of delivery vehicle (viral or non viral) chosen depends on the desired specificity of the gene therapy. The first gene therapy trials were performed with therapeutic genes driven by viral promoters such as the CMV promoter, which induces non-specific toxicity in normal cells and tissues, in addition to cancer cells. The use of tumor-specific promoters over-expressed in the tumor, induces specific expression of therapeutic genes in a given tumor, increasing their localized activity. Several cancer- and/or tumor-specific promoters systems have been developed to target cancer cells. This review aims to provide up-to-date information concerning targeting gene therapy with cancer- and/or tumor-specific promoters including cancer suppressor genes, suicide genes, anti-tumor angiogenesis, gene silencing, and gene-editing technology, as well as the type of delivery vehicle employed. Gene therapy can be used to complement traditional therapies to provide more effective treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariela Montaño-Samaniego
- Laboratorio de Terapia Génica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Diana M Bravo-Estupiñan
- Laboratorio de Terapia Génica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Oscar Méndez-Guerrero
- Laboratorio de Terapia Génica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Ernesto Alarcón-Hernández
- Laboratorio de Genética Molecular, Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Miguel Ibáñez-Hernández
- Laboratorio de Terapia Génica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Ciudad de México, México
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Liu Y, Zhang Q, Wu J, Zhang H, Li X, Zheng Z, Luo M, Li L, Xiang Y, Yang F, Wu L. Long Non-Coding RNA A2M-AS1 Promotes Breast Cancer Progression by Sponging microRNA-146b to Upregulate MUC19. Int J Gen Med 2020; 13:1305-1316. [PMID: 33273850 PMCID: PMC7708314 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s278564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) A2M-AS1 has been indicated to be augmented in breast cancer (BC), with its specific function undetermined. Therefore, this study is designed to investigate the mechanism of lncRNA A2M-AS1 in BC. Methods The expression of A2M-AS1, microRNA (miR)-146b, and MUC19 in BC tissues and cells was measured. Then, the interaction among A2M-AS1, miR-146b, and MUC19 was detected. After A2M-AS1, miR-146b, and MUC19 expression were altered in BC cells, cell proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis were detected, and the protein levels of Hippo-related proteins (YAP and p-YAP) were evaluated. Tumor growth assay was also performed to validate the effects of A2M-AS1 and miR-146b in vivo. Results A2M-AS1 and MUC19 were highly expressed in BC, while miR-146b was poorly expressed. A2M-AS1 acts as a molecular sponge for miR-146b, which targeted and negatively modulated MUC19. A2M-AS1 accelerated BC cell proliferation, invasion, and colony formation and suppressed apoptosis via the miR-146b/MUC19/Hippo axis, which was confirmed in vivo. Conclusion Taken above together, an oncogenic role for A2M-AS1 in BC was elicited by acting as a miR-146b sponge to promote MUC19 expression. The findings will present some cues for a further approach to BC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuncong Liu
- Department of Oncology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang 550002, Guizhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang 550002, Guizhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Wu
- Department of Oncology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang 550002, Guizhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Hanqun Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang 550002, Guizhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Oncology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang 550002, Guizhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaopeng Zheng
- Department of Oncology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang 550002, Guizhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Luo
- Department of Oncology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang 550002, Guizhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Libo Li
- Department of Oncology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang 550002, Guizhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Xiang
- Department of Oncology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang 550002, Guizhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Feiyue Yang
- Department of Oncology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang 550002, Guizhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Wu
- Department of Oncology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang 550002, Guizhou, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Mejia I, Bodapati S, Chen KT, Díaz B. Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Invasiveness and the Tumor Microenvironment: From Biology to Clinical Trials. Biomedicines 2020; 8:E401. [PMID: 33050151 PMCID: PMC7601142 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8100401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) originates in the glandular compartment of the exocrine pancreas. Histologically, PDAC tumors are characterized by a parenchyma that is embedded in a particularly prominent stromal component or desmoplastic stroma. The unique characteristics of the desmoplastic stroma shape the microenvironment of PDAC and modulate the reciprocal interactions between cancer and stromal cells in ways that have profound effects in the pathophysiology and treatment of this disease. Here, we review some of the most recent findings regarding the regulation of PDAC cell invasion by the unique microenvironment of this tumor, and how new knowledge is being translated into novel therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Mejia
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Hematology Oncology, The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA;
| | - Sandhya Bodapati
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Pacific Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA;
| | - Kathryn T. Chen
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA;
| | - Begoña Díaz
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Hematology Oncology, The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA;
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Wang S, You L, Dai M, Zhao Y. Mucins in pancreatic cancer: A well-established but promising family for diagnosis, prognosis and therapy. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:10279-10289. [PMID: 32745356 PMCID: PMC7521221 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mucins are a family of multifunctional glycoproteins that mostly line the surface of epithelial cells in the gastrointestinal tract and exert pivotal roles in gut lubrication and protection. Pancreatic cancer is a lethal disease with poor early diagnosis, limited therapeutic effects, and high numbers of cancer‐related deaths. In this review, we introduce the expression profiles of mucins in the normal pancreas, pancreatic precursor neoplasia and pancreatic cancer. Mucins in the pancreas contribute to biological processes such as the protection, lubrication and moisturization of epithelial tissues. They also participate in the carcinogenesis of pancreatic cancer and are used as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Herein, we discuss the important roles of mucins that lead to the lethality of pancreatic adenocarcinoma, particularly MUC1, MUC4, MUC5AC and MUC16 in disease progression, and present a comprehensive analysis of the clinical application of mucins and their promising roles in cancer treatment to gain a better understanding of the role of mucins in pancreatic cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shunda Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Lei You
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Menghua Dai
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yupei Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Strapcova S, Takacova M, Csaderova L, Martinelli P, Lukacikova L, Gal V, Kopacek J, Svastova E. Clinical and Pre-Clinical Evidence of Carbonic Anhydrase IX in Pancreatic Cancer and Its High Expression in Pre-Cancerous Lesions. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2005. [PMID: 32707920 PMCID: PMC7464147 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia is a common phenomenon that occurs in most solid tumors. Regardless of tumor origin, the evolution of a hypoxia-adapted phenotype is critical for invasive cancer development. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is also characterized by hypoxia, desmoplasia, and the presence of necrosis, predicting poor outcome. Carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) is one of the most strict hypoxia regulated genes which plays a key role in the adaptation of cancer cells to hypoxia and acidosis. Here, we summarize clinical data showing that CAIX expression is associated with tumor necrosis, vascularization, expression of Frizzled-1, mucins, or proteins involved in glycolysis, and inevitably, poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients. We also describe the transcriptional regulation of CAIX in relation to signaling pathways activated in pancreatic cancers. A large part deals with the preclinical evidence supporting the relevance of CAIX in processes leading to the aggressive behavior of pancreatic tumors. Furthermore, we focus on CAIX occurrence in pre-cancerous lesions, and for the first time, we describe CAIX expression within intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasia. Our review concludes with a detailed account of clinical trials implicating that treatment consisting of conventionally used therapies combined with CAIX targeting could result in an improved anti-cancer response in pancreatic cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabina Strapcova
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 84505 Bratislava, Slovakia; (S.S.); (M.T.); (L.C.); (L.L.); (J.K.)
| | - Martina Takacova
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 84505 Bratislava, Slovakia; (S.S.); (M.T.); (L.C.); (L.L.); (J.K.)
| | - Lucia Csaderova
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 84505 Bratislava, Slovakia; (S.S.); (M.T.); (L.C.); (L.L.); (J.K.)
| | - Paola Martinelli
- Institute of Cancer Research, Clinic of Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
- Cancer Cell Signaling, Boehringer-Ingelheim RCV Vienna, A-1121 Vienna, Austria
| | - Lubomira Lukacikova
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 84505 Bratislava, Slovakia; (S.S.); (M.T.); (L.C.); (L.L.); (J.K.)
| | - Viliam Gal
- Alpha Medical Pathology, Ruzinovska 6, 82606 Bratislava, Slovakia;
| | - Juraj Kopacek
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 84505 Bratislava, Slovakia; (S.S.); (M.T.); (L.C.); (L.L.); (J.K.)
| | - Eliska Svastova
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 84505 Bratislava, Slovakia; (S.S.); (M.T.); (L.C.); (L.L.); (J.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Franses JW, Philipp J, Missios P, Bhan I, Liu A, Yashaswini C, Tai E, Zhu H, Ligorio M, Nicholson B, Tassoni EM, Desai N, Kulkarni AS, Szabolcs A, Hong TS, Liss AS, Fernandez-Del Castillo C, Ryan DP, Maheswaran S, Haber DA, Daley GQ, Ting DT. Pancreatic circulating tumor cell profiling identifies LIN28B as a metastasis driver and drug target. Nat Commun 2020; 11:3303. [PMID: 32620742 PMCID: PMC7335061 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-17150-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) lethality is due to metastatic dissemination. Characterization of rare, heterogeneous circulating tumor cells (CTCs) can provide insight into metastasis and guide development of novel therapies. Using the CTC-iChip to purify CTCs from PDAC patients for RNA-seq characterization, we identify three major correlated gene sets, with stemness genes LIN28B/KLF4, WNT5A, and LGALS3 enriched in each correlated gene set; only LIN28B CTC expression was prognostic. CRISPR knockout of LIN28B-an oncofetal RNA-binding protein exerting diverse effects via negative regulation of let-7 miRNAs and other RNA targets-in cell and animal models confers a less aggressive/metastatic phenotype. This correlates with de-repression of let-7 miRNAs and is mimicked by silencing of downstream let-7 target HMGA2 or chemical inhibition of LIN28B/let-7 binding. Molecular characterization of CTCs provides a unique opportunity to correlated gene set metastatic profiles, identify drivers of dissemination, and develop therapies targeting the "seeds" of metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph W Franses
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Julia Philipp
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Pavlos Missios
- Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Irun Bhan
- Massachusetts General Hospital Division of Gastroenterology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Ann Liu
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Chittampalli Yashaswini
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Eric Tai
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Huili Zhu
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Matteo Ligorio
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Benjamin Nicholson
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Tassoni
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Niyati Desai
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Anupriya S Kulkarni
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Annamaria Szabolcs
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Theodore S Hong
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Andrew S Liss
- Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | | | - David P Ryan
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Shyamala Maheswaran
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Daniel A Haber
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, 20615, USA
| | - George Q Daley
- Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - David T Ting
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Reynolds IS, Fichtner M, McNamara DA, Kay EW, Prehn JHM, Burke JP. Mucin glycoproteins block apoptosis; promote invasion, proliferation, and migration; and cause chemoresistance through diverse pathways in epithelial cancers. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2020; 38:237-257. [PMID: 30680581 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-019-09781-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Overexpression of mucin glycoproteins has been demonstrated in many epithelial-derived cancers. The significance of this overexpression remains uncertain. The aim of this paper was to define the association of mucin glycoproteins with apoptosis, cell growth, invasion, migration, adhesion, and clonogenicity in vitro as well as tumor growth, tumorigenicity, and metastasis in vivo in epithelial-derived cancers by performing a systematic review of all published data. A systematic review of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials was performed to identify all papers that evaluated the association between mucin glycoproteins with apoptosis, cell growth, invasion, migration, adhesion, and clonogenicity in vitro as well as tumor growth, tumorigenicity, and metastasis in vivo in epithelial-derived cancers. PRISMA guidelines were adhered to. Results of individual studies were extracted and pooled together based on the organ in which the cancer was derived from. The initial search revealed 2031 papers, of which 90 were deemed eligible for inclusion in the study. The studies included details on MUC1, MUC2, MUC4, MUC5AC, MUC5B, MUC13, and MUC16. The majority of studies evaluated MUC1. MUC1 overexpression was consistently associated with resistance to apoptosis and resistance to chemotherapy. There was also evidence that overexpression of MUC2, MUC4, MUC5AC, MUC5B, MUC13, and MUC16 conferred resistance to apoptosis in epithelial-derived cancers. The overexpression of mucin glycoproteins is associated with resistance to apoptosis in numerous epithelial cancers. They cause resistance through diverse signaling pathways. Targeting the expression of mucin glycoproteins represents a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of epithelial-derived cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ian S Reynolds
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland
- Department of Physiology & Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephens Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Michael Fichtner
- Department of Physiology & Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephens Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Deborah A McNamara
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland
- Department of Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephens Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Elaine W Kay
- Department of Pathology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland
- Department of Pathology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephens Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Jochen H M Prehn
- Department of Physiology & Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephens Green, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - John P Burke
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Novel Mechanistic Insight into the Anticancer Activity of Cucurbitacin D against Pancreatic Cancer (Cuc D Attenuates Pancreatic Cancer). Cells 2019; 9:cells9010103. [PMID: 31906106 PMCID: PMC7017063 DOI: 10.3390/cells9010103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PanCa) is one of the leading causes of death from cancer in the United States. The current standard treatment for pancreatic cancer is gemcitabine, but its success is poor due to the emergence of drug resistance. Natural products have been widely investigated as potential candidates in cancer therapies, and cucurbitacin D (Cuc D) has shown excellent anticancer properties in various models. However, there is no report on the therapeutic effect of Cuc D in PanCa. In the present study, we investigated the effects of the Cuc D on PanCa cells in vitro and in vivo. Cuc D inhibited the viability of PanCa cells in a dose and time dependent manner, as evident by MTS assays. Furthermore, Cuc D treatment suppressed the colony formation, arrest cell cycle, and decreased the invasion and migration of PanCa cells. Notably, our findings suggest that mucin 13 (MUC13) is down-regulated upon Cuc D treatment, as demonstrated by Western blot and qPCR analyses. Furthermore, we report that the treatment with Cuc D restores miR-145 expression in PanCa cells/tissues. Cuc D treatment suppresses the proliferation of gemcitabine resistant PanCa cells and inhibits RRM1/2 expression. Treatment with Cuc D effectively inhibited the growth of xenograft tumors. Taken together, Cuc D could be utilized as a novel therapeutic agents for the treatment/sensitization of PanCa.
Collapse
|
23
|
Taverna C, Maggiore G, Cannavicci A, Bonomo P, Santucci M, Franchi A. Immunohistochemical profiling of mucins in sinonasal adenocarcinomas. Pathol Res Pract 2019; 215:152439. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2019.152439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
|
24
|
Singhi AD, Koay EJ, Chari ST, Maitra A. Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer: Opportunities and Challenges. Gastroenterology 2019; 156:2024-2040. [PMID: 30721664 PMCID: PMC6486851 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2019.01.259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 398] [Impact Index Per Article: 79.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Revised: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Most patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) present with symptomatic, surgically unresectable disease. Although the goal of early detection of PDAC is laudable and likely to result in significant improvement in overall survival, the relatively low prevalence of PDAC renders general population screening infeasible. The challenges of early detection include identification of at-risk individuals in the general population who would benefit from longitudinal surveillance programs and appropriate biomarker and imaging-based modalities used for PDAC surveillance in such cohorts. In recent years, various subgroups at higher-than-average risk for PDAC have been identified, including those with familial risk due to germline mutations, a history of pancreatitis, patients with mucinous pancreatic cysts, and elderly patients with new-onset diabetes. The last 2 categories are discussed at length in terms of the opportunities and challenges they present for PDAC early detection. We also discuss current and emerging imaging modalities that are critical to identifying early, potentially curable PDAC in high-risk cohorts on surveillance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aatur D. Singhi
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Eugene J. Koay
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas,Sheikh Ahmed Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Suresh T. Chari
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Anirban Maitra
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas,Sheikh Ahmed Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Banerjee K, Gautam SK, Kshirsagar P, Ross KA, Spagnol G, Sorgen P, Wannemuehler MJ, Narasimhan B, Solheim JC, Kumar S, Batra SK, Jain M. Amphiphilic polyanhydride-based recombinant MUC4β-nanovaccine activates dendritic cells. Genes Cancer 2019; 10:52-62. [PMID: 31258832 PMCID: PMC6584211 DOI: 10.18632/genesandcancer.189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Mucin 4 (MUC4) is a high molecular weight glycoprotein that is differentially overexpressed in pancreatic cancer (PC), functionally contributes to disease progression, and correlates with poor survival. Further, due to its aberrant glycosylation and extensive splicing, MUC4 is a potential target for cancer immunotherapy. Our previous studies have demonstrated the utility of amphiphilic polyanhydride nanoparticles as a useful platform for the development of protein-based prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines. In the present study, we encapsulated purified recombinant human MUC4-beta (MUC4β) protein in polyanhydride (20:80 CPTEG:CPH) nanoparticles (MUC4β-nanovaccine) and evaluated its ability to activate dendritic cells and induce adaptive immunity. Immature dendritic cells when pulsed with MUC4β-nanovaccine exhibited significant increase in the surface expressions of MHC I and MHC II and costimulatory molecules (CD80 and CD86), as well as, secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-6, and IL-12) as compared to cells exposed to MUC4β alone or MUC4β mixed with blank nanoparticles (MUC4β+NP). Following immunization, as compared to the other formulations, MUC4β-nanovaccine elicited higher IgG2b to IgG1 ratio of anti-MUC4β-antibodies suggesting a predominantly Th1-like class switching. Thus, our findings demonstrate MUC4β-nanovaccine as a novel platform for PC immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kasturi Banerjee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Shailendra K Gautam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Prakash Kshirsagar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Kathleen A Ross
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Gaelle Spagnol
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Paul Sorgen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Michael J Wannemuehler
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.,Nanovaccine Institute, Ames, IA and Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Balaji Narasimhan
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.,Nanovaccine Institute, Ames, IA and Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Joyce C Solheim
- The Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.,Nanovaccine Institute, Ames, IA and Omaha, NE, USA.,Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Sushil Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.,The Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.,Nanovaccine Institute, Ames, IA and Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Maneesh Jain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.,The Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.,Nanovaccine Institute, Ames, IA and Omaha, NE, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Young K, Hughes DJ, Cunningham D, Starling N. Immunotherapy and pancreatic cancer: unique challenges and potential opportunities. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2018; 10:1758835918816281. [PMID: 30574212 PMCID: PMC6299311 DOI: 10.1177/1758835918816281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite decades of research, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) continues to have the worst 5-year survival of any malignancy. With 338,000 new cases diagnosed and over 300,000 deaths per year globally there is an urgent unmet need to improve the therapeutic options available. Novel immunotherapies have shown promising results across multiple solid tumours, in a number of cases surpassing chemotherapy as a first-line therapeutic option. However, to date, trials of single-agent immunotherapies in PDAC have been disappointing and PDAC has been labelled as a nonimmunogenic cancer. This lack of response may in part be attributed to PDAC’s unique tumour microenvironment (TME), consisting of a dense fibrotic stroma and a scarcity of tumour infiltrating lymphocytes. However, as our understanding of the PDAC TME evolves, it is becoming apparent that the problem is not simply the immune system failing to recognize the cancer. There is a highly complex interplay between stromal signals, the immune system and tumour cells, at times possibly restraining tumour growth and at others supporting growth and metastasis. Understanding this complexity will enable the development of rational combinations with immunotherapy, priming the TME to offer immunotherapy the best chance of success. This review seeks to describe the unique challenges of the PDAC TME, the potential opportunities it may afford and the trials in progress capitalizing on recent insights in this area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kate Young
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
| | - Daniel J Hughes
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
| | - David Cunningham
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
| | - Naureen Starling
- Consultant Medical Oncologist, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, 203 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JJ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Er Ö, Colak SG, Ocakoglu K, Ince M, Bresolí-Obach R, Mora M, Sagristá ML, Yurt F, Nonell S. Selective Photokilling of Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells Using Cetuximab-Targeted Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Delivery of Zinc Phthalocyanine. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23112749. [PMID: 30355983 PMCID: PMC6278564 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23112749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a non-invasive and innovative cancer therapy based on the photodynamic effect. In this study, we sought to determine the singlet oxygen production, intracellular uptake, and in vitro photodynamic therapy potential of Cetixumab-targeted, zinc(II) 2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24-octa(tert-butylphenoxy))phthalocyaninato(2-)-N29,N30,N31,N32 (ZnPcOBP)-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles against pancreatic cancer cells. Results: The quantum yield (ΦΔ) value of ZnPcOBP was found to be 0.60 in toluene. In vitro cellular studies were performed to determine the dark- and phototoxicity of samples with various concentrations of ZnPcOBP by using pancreatic cells (AsPC-1, PANC-1 and MIA PaCa-2) and 20, 30, and 40 J/cm2 light fluences. No dark toxicity was observed for any sample in any cell line. ZnPcOBP alone showed a modest photodynamic activity. However, when incorporated in silica nanoparticles, it showed a relatively high phototoxic effect, which was further enhanced by Cetuximab, a monoclonal antibody that targets the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR). The cell-line dependent photokilling observed correlates well with EGFR expression levels in these cells. Conclusions: Imidazole-capped Cetuximab-targeted mesoporous silica nanoparticles are excellent vehicles for the selective delivery of ZnPcOBP to pancreatic cancer cells expressing the EGFR receptor. The novel nanosystem appears to be a suitable agent for photodynamic therapy of pancreatic tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Özge Er
- Department of Nuclear Applications, Institute of Nuclear Science, Ege University, Bornova, Izmir 35100, Turkey.
| | - Suleyman Gokhan Colak
- Advanced Technology Research & Application Center, Mersin University, Ciftlikkoy Campus, Yenisehir, Mersin 33343, Turkey.
| | - Kasim Ocakoglu
- Department of Energy Systems Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Tarsus University, Tarsus 33400, Turkey.
| | - Mine Ince
- Department of Energy Systems Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Tarsus University, Tarsus 33400, Turkey.
| | - Roger Bresolí-Obach
- Institut Quimic de Sarria, Universitat Ramon Llull, Via Augusta 390, 08017 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Margarita Mora
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biomedicina Molecular, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Avinguda Diagonal 645, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Maria Lluïsa Sagristá
- Departament de Bioquímica i Biomedicina Molecular, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Avinguda Diagonal 645, E-08028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Fatma Yurt
- Department of Nuclear Applications, Institute of Nuclear Science, Ege University, Bornova, Izmir 35100, Turkey.
| | - Santi Nonell
- Institut Quimic de Sarria, Universitat Ramon Llull, Via Augusta 390, 08017 Barcelona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Yoshida GJ. Regarding "Improved Detection of Circulating Epithelial Cells in Patients with Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms". Oncologist 2018; 23:e119. [PMID: 30181312 DOI: 10.1634/theoncologist.2018-0148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Go J Yoshida
- Department of Pathological Cell Biology, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
A Novel Monoclonal Antibody Targets Mucin1 and Attenuates Growth in Pancreatic Cancer Model. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19072004. [PMID: 29987260 PMCID: PMC6073888 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19072004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Mucin1 (MUC1) is a highly glycosylated transmembrane protein that plays a crucial role in the lubrication and protection of normal epithelial cells. However, MUC1 has emerged as a potential target for cancer therapy because it is overexpressed and functions in several types of cancers. Recently, we produced a monoclonal antibody (the anti-hMUC1 antibody) specific to the extracellular region of the MUC1 subunit MUC1-C to evaluate the utility of using anti-MUC1 antibodies in pancreatic cancer models. The anti-hMUC1 antibody recognized the MUC1-C protein in pancreatic cancer cells. Based on immunostaining and confocal image analyses, the anti-hMUC1 antibody initially bound to the cell membrane then was internalized in cancer cells that express MUC1. The anti-hMUC1 antibody suppressed epidermal growth factor (EGF)-mediated extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation and cyclin D1 expression. When the anti-hMUC1 antibody was injected into a xenograft mouse model and traced using an in vivo imaging system, we observed that the anti-hMUC1 antibody was localized to MUC1-expressing pancreatic tumors. Importantly, the anti-hMUC1 monoclonal antibody suppressed pancreatic tumor growth in mice. According to immunohistochemistry analysis using a pancreatic cancer tissue array and the anti-hMUC1 antibody, MUC1 was highly expressed in human pancreatic cancer tissues compared to normal tissues. Therefore, we conclude that the anti-hMUC1 antibody specifically targets MUC1 and suppresses its function in pancreatic cancer in vitro and in vivo and can be further developed as a promising targeted therapy to treat pancreatic cancer.
Collapse
|
30
|
Balmaña M, Duran A, Gomes C, Llop E, López-Martos R, Ortiz MR, Barrabés S, Reis CA, Peracaula R. Analysis of sialyl-Lewis x on MUC5AC and MUC1 mucins in pancreatic cancer tissues. Int J Biol Macromol 2018; 112:33-45. [PMID: 29408556 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.01.148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Revised: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) lacks efficient biomarkers. Mucins are glycoproteins that can carry aberrant glycosylation in cancer. Our objective was to identify cancer-related glycan epitopes on MUC1 and MUC5AC mucins in PDAC as potential biomarkers. We have analysed the tumour-associated carbohydrate antigens sialyl-Lewis x (SLex) and sialyl-Tn (STn) on MUC1 and MUC5AC in PDAC tissues. The selected cohort for this study consisted of twenty-one PDAC tissues positive for SLex antigen and three normal pancreas specimens as controls. STn expression was shown in 76% of the PDAC tissues. MUC1 and MUC5AC were detected in 90% of PDAC tissues. We performed in situ proximity ligation assay combining antibodies against mucins and glycan epitopes to identify specific mucin glycoforms. MUC1-SLex and MUC5AC-SLex were found in 68% and 84% respectively, of the mucin expressing PDAC tissues, while STn hardly colocalized with any of the evaluated mucins. Further analysis by Western blot of MUC5AC and SLex in eight PDAC tissue lysates showed that six out of eight cases were positive for both markers. Moreover, immunoprecipitation of MUC5AC from positive PDAC tissues and subsequent SLex immunodetection confirmed the presence of SLex on MUC5AC. Altogether, MUC5AC-SLex glycoform is present in PDAC and can be regarded as potential biomarker.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meritxell Balmaña
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Biology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain; Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, I3S, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of University of Porto, Ipatimup, Porto, Portugal
| | - Adrià Duran
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Biology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Catarina Gomes
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, I3S, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of University of Porto, Ipatimup, Porto, Portugal
| | - Esther Llop
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Biology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Raquel López-Martos
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Dr. Trueta University Hospital, Girona, Spain
| | - M Rosa Ortiz
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Dr. Trueta University Hospital, Girona, Spain
| | - Sílvia Barrabés
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Biology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Celso A Reis
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, I3S, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of University of Porto, Ipatimup, Porto, Portugal; Medical Faculty, University of Porto, Al. Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar - ICBAS, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Rosa Peracaula
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Biology, University of Girona, Girona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Jeong SJ, Kim JH, Lim BJ, Yoon I, Song JA, Moon HS, Kim D, Lee DK, Kim S. Inhibition of MUC1 biosynthesis via threonyl-tRNA synthetase suppresses pancreatic cancer cell migration. Exp Mol Med 2018; 50:e424. [PMID: 29328069 PMCID: PMC5799795 DOI: 10.1038/emm.2017.231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Revised: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mucin1 (MUC1), a heterodimeric oncoprotein, containing tandem repeat structures with a high proportion of threonine, is aberrantly overexpressed in many human cancers including pancreatic cancer. Since the overall survival rate of pancreatic cancer patients has remained low for several decades, novel therapeutic approaches are highly needed. Intestinal mucin has been known to be affected by dietary threonine supply since de novo synthesis of mucin proteins is sensitive to luminal threonine concentration. However, it is unknown whether biosynthesis of MUC1 is regulated by threonine in human cancers. In this study, data provided suggests that threonine starvation reduces the level of MUC1 and inhibits the migration of MUC1-expressing pancreatic cancer cells. Interestingly, knockdown of threonyl-tRNA synthetase (TRS), an enzyme that catalyzes the ligation of threonine to its cognate tRNA, also suppresses MUC1 levels but not mRNA levels. The inhibitors of TRS decrease the level of MUC1 protein and prohibit the migration of MUC1-expressing pancreatic cancer cells. In addition, a positive correlation between TRS and MUC1 levels is observed in human pancreatic cancer cells. Concurrent with these results, the bioinformatics data indicate that co-expression of both TRS and MUC1 is correlated with the poor survival of pancreatic cancer patients. Taken together, these findings suggest a role for TRS in controlling MUC1-mediated cancer cell migration and provide insight into targeting TRS as a novel therapeutic approach to pancreatic cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seung Jae Jeong
- Medicinal Bioconvergence Research Center, Seoul National University, Suwon, Korea.,College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong Hyun Kim
- Medicinal Bioconvergence Research Center, Seoul National University, Suwon, Korea
| | - Beom Jin Lim
- Department of Pathology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ina Yoon
- Medicinal Bioconvergence Research Center, Seoul National University, Suwon, Korea.,College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji-Ae Song
- Medicinal Bioconvergence Research Center, Seoul National University, Suwon, Korea
| | - Hee-Sun Moon
- Medicinal Bioconvergence Research Center, Seoul National University, Suwon, Korea
| | - Doyeun Kim
- Medicinal Bioconvergence Research Center, Seoul National University, Suwon, Korea
| | - Dong Ki Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sunghoon Kim
- Medicinal Bioconvergence Research Center, Seoul National University, Suwon, Korea.,College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Emerging trends in the immunotherapy of pancreatic cancer. Cancer Lett 2017; 417:35-46. [PMID: 29242097 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2017] [Revised: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., claiming approximately 43,000 lives every year. Much like other solid tumors, PC evades the host immune surveillance by manipulating immune cells to establish an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Therefore, targeting and reinstating the patient's immune system could serve as a powerful therapeutic tool. Indeed, immunotherapy has emerged in recent years as a potential adjunct treatment for solid tumors including PC. Immunotherapy modulates the host's immune response to tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), eradicates cancer cells by reducing host tolerance to TAAs and provides both short- and long-term protection against the disease. Passive immunotherapies like monoclonal antibodies or engineered T-cell based therapies directly target tumor cells by recognizing TAAs. Active immunotherapies, like cancer vaccines, on the other hand elicit a long-lasting immune response via activation of the patient's immune cells against cancer cells. Several immunotherapy strategies have been tested for anti-tumor responses alone and in combination with standard care in multiple preclinical and clinical studies. In this review, we discuss various immunotherapy strategies used currently and their efficacy in abrogating self-antigen tolerance and immunosuppression, as well as their ability to eradicate PC.
Collapse
|
33
|
Kuscher S, Steinle H, Soleiman A, Öfner D, Schneeberger S, Oberhuber G. Intraductal tubulopapillary neoplasm (ITPN) of the pancreas associated with an invasive component: a case report with review of the literature. World J Surg Oncol 2017; 15:203. [PMID: 29145864 PMCID: PMC5689171 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-017-1267-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intraductal tubulopapillary neoplasm (ITPN) depicts a distinct entity in the subgroup of premalignant epithelial tumors of the pancreas. Although the histomorphological and immunophenotypical characterization of ITPN has been described by several authors in terms of report of case series in the past, the rarity of that tumor subtype and similarity to other entities still makes identification of ITPN a challenge for radiologists and pathologists. To date, little is known about tubulopapillary carcinoma that can evolve from ITPN. CASE PRESENTATION In the present work, we analyze one case of ITPN associated with an invasive component and discuss the results involving the current literature. Collected patient data included medical history, clinical symptoms, laboratory tests, radiological imaging, reports of interventions and operation, and histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations. The patient initially presented with acute pancreatitis. A solid tumor obstructing the main pancreatic duct and sticking out of the papilla of Vater was detected and caught via endoscopic intervention. Histopathological examination of the specimen revealed mainly tubular growth pattern with back to back tubular glands. Immunohistochemically, the tumor was strongly positive for keratin 7 (CK7) and pankeratin AE1/AE3, and alpha 1 antichymotrypsin; negative for synaptophysin and chromogranin A, CDx2, CK20, S100, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), MUC 2, MUC5AC, and somatostatin; and in part positive for CA19-9. Extended pancreatoduodenectomy was performed, the final diagnosis was tubulopapillary carcinoma grown in an ITPN. CONCLUSION The identification of an ITPN of the pancreas can be a challenging task. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography is an excellent tool to directly see and indirectly visualize the intraductal solid tumor and to take a biopsy for histopathological evaluation at the same time. Together with a thorough immunohistochemical workup, differential diagnoses can be ruled out quickly. To date, reports of ITPN are rare and little is known about the potential for malignant transformation and the prognosis of tubulopapillary carcinoma grown from an ITPN. Radical surgical resection following oncologic criteria is recommended; however, more data will be needed to assess an adequate treatment and follow-up standard.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Kuscher
- Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Center of Operative Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Hartmut Steinle
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Afschin Soleiman
- Pathology Department of the General Hospital of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Dietmar Öfner
- Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Center of Operative Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Stefan Schneeberger
- Department of Visceral, Transplant and Thoracic Surgery, Center of Operative Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Georg Oberhuber
- Pathology Department of the General Hospital of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Genomic landscape associated with potential response to anti-CTLA-4 treatment in cancers. Nat Commun 2017; 8:1050. [PMID: 29051489 PMCID: PMC5648801 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-01018-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has emerged as a promising anti-cancer treatment, however, little is known about the genetic characteristics that dictate response to immunotherapy. We develop a transcriptional predictor of immunotherapy response and assess its prediction in genomic data from ~10,000 human tissues across 30 different cancer types to estimate the potential response to immunotherapy. The integrative analysis reveals two distinct tumor types: the mutator type is positively associated with potential response to immunotherapy, whereas the chromosome-instable type is negatively associated with it. We identify somatic mutations and copy number alterations significantly associated with potential response to immunotherapy, in particular treatment with anti-CTLA-4 antibody. Our findings suggest that tumors may evolve through two different paths that would lead to marked differences in immunotherapy response as well as different strategies for evading immune surveillance. Our analysis provides resources to facilitate the discovery of predictive biomarkers for immunotherapy that could be tested in clinical trials. There is an urgent need to identify predictive markers for selecting responders to immunotherapy. Here, the authors describe a transcriptional predictor of immunotherapy response and assess it in genomic data from ~ 10,000 human tissues across 30 different cancer types.
Collapse
|
35
|
Ramos MC, Boulaiz H, Griñan-Lison C, Marchal JA, Vicente F. What’s new in treatment of pancreatic cancer: a patent review (2010–2017). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2017; 27:1251-1266. [DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2017.1349106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maria C. Ramos
- Fundación MEDINA, Parque Tecnológico de Ciencias de la Salud, Granada, Spain
| | - Houria Boulaiz
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Biosanitary Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), University Hospitals of Granada-University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Carmen Griñan-Lison
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Biosanitary Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), University Hospitals of Granada-University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Juan Antonio Marchal
- Biopathology and Regenerative Medicine Institute (IBIMER), Centre for Biomedical Research, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
- Biosanitary Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA), University Hospitals of Granada-University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Francisca Vicente
- Fundación MEDINA, Parque Tecnológico de Ciencias de la Salud, Granada, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Suh H, Pillai K, Morris DL. Mucins in pancreatic cancer: biological role, implications in carcinogenesis and applications in diagnosis and therapy. Am J Cancer Res 2017; 7:1372-1383. [PMID: 28670497 PMCID: PMC5489784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is the fourth highest cause of cancer mortality in the world. It has very low survival rates owing to late diagnosis resulting from the absence of accurate diagnostic tools and effective therapies. Hence, there is a pressing need to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic tools. In the recent years, there has been new evidence implicating the importance of mucins in pancreatic carcinogenesis. Mucins belong to a group of heavily glycosylated proteins, and are often aberrantly expressed in a number of cancers such as pancreatic cancer. Therefore, this literature review will summarise the role of mucins and mucin expression in pancreatic neoplasms. Subsequently the paper will also discuss the most recent advances in the biological properties of mucins and their role in carcinogenesis and resistance to chemotherapy. Then it will conclude on the newest developments in diagnosis and therapy based on mucins for pancreatic cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyerim Suh
- University of New South Wales, School of MedicineSydney NSW, Australia
| | - Krishna Pillai
- Department of Surgery, St George Hospital, The University of New South WalesKogarah, Sydney NSW 2217, Australia
| | - David Lawson Morris
- Department of Surgery, St George Hospital, The University of New South WalesKogarah, Sydney NSW 2217, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Tsuji S, Washimi K, Kageyama T, Yamashita M, Yoshihara M, Matsuura R, Yokose T, Kameda Y, Hayashi H, Morohoshi T, Tsuura Y, Yusa T, Sato T, Togayachi A, Narimatsu H, Nagasaki T, Nakamoto K, Moriwaki Y, Misawa H, Hiroshima K, Miyagi Y, Imai K. HEG1 is a novel mucin-like membrane protein that serves as a diagnostic and therapeutic target for malignant mesothelioma. Sci Rep 2017; 7:45768. [PMID: 28361969 PMCID: PMC5374711 DOI: 10.1038/srep45768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The absence of highly specific markers for malignant mesothelioma (MM) has served an obstacle for its diagnosis and development of molecular-targeting therapy against MM. Here, we show that a novel mucin-like membrane protein, sialylated protein HEG homolog 1 (HEG1), is a highly specific marker for MM. A monoclonal antibody against sialylated HEG1, SKM9-2, can detect even sarcomatoid and desmoplastic MM. The specificity and sensitivity of SKM9-2 to MM reached 99% and 92%, respectively; this antibody did not react with normal tissues. This accurate discrimination by SKM9-2 was due to the recognition of a sialylated O-linked glycan with HEG1 peptide. We also found that gene silencing of HEG1 significantly suppressed the survival and proliferation of mesothelioma cells; this result suggests that HEG1 may be a worthwhile target for function-inhibition drugs. Taken together, our results indicate that sialylated HEG1 may be useful as a diagnostic and therapeutic target for MM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shoutaro Tsuji
- Kanagawa Cancer Center Research Institute, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Kota Washimi
- Kanagawa Cancer Center Research Institute, Yokohama, Japan.,Department of Pathology, Kanagawa Cancer Center, Yokohama, Japan
| | | | | | | | - Rieko Matsuura
- Kanagawa Cancer Center Research Institute, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Yokose
- Department of Pathology, Kanagawa Cancer Center, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yoichi Kameda
- Department of Pathology, Kanagawa Cardiovascular and Respiratory Center, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Hayashi
- Department of Pathology, Yokohama Municipal Citizen's Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Takao Morohoshi
- Division of General Thoracic Surgery, Yokosuka-Kyosai Hospital, Yokosuka, Japan
| | - Yukio Tsuura
- Division of Pathology, Yokosuka-Kyosai Hospital, Yokosuka, Japan
| | - Toshikazu Yusa
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Asbestos Disease Center, Chiba Rosai Hospital, Ichihara, Japan
| | - Takashi Sato
- Research Center for Medical Glycoscience, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Akira Togayachi
- Research Center for Medical Glycoscience, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Hisashi Narimatsu
- Research Center for Medical Glycoscience, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Toshinori Nagasaki
- Kanagawa Cancer Center Research Institute, Yokohama, Japan.,Division of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kotaro Nakamoto
- Kanagawa Cancer Center Research Institute, Yokohama, Japan.,Division of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Moriwaki
- Division of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hidemi Misawa
- Division of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenzo Hiroshima
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Yachiyo Medical Center, Yachiyo, Japan
| | - Yohei Miyagi
- Kanagawa Cancer Center Research Institute, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Kohzoh Imai
- Kanagawa Cancer Center Research Institute, Yokohama, Japan.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Rao CV, Janakiram NB, Mohammed A. Molecular Pathways: Mucins and Drug Delivery in Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2017; 23:1373-1378. [PMID: 28039261 PMCID: PMC6038927 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-16-0862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2016] [Revised: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Over the past few decades, clinical and preclinical studies have clearly demonstrated the role of mucins in tumor development. It is well established that mucins form a barrier impeding drug access to target sites, leading to cancer chemoresistance. Recently gained knowledge regarding core enzyme synthesis has opened avenues to explore the possibility of disrupting mucin synthesis to improve drug efficacy. Cancer cells exploit aberrant mucin synthesis to efficiently mask the epithelial cells and ensure survival under hostile tumor microenvironment conditions. However, O-glycan synthesis enzyme core 2 beta 1,6 N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase (GCNT3/C2GnT-2) is overexpressed in Kras-driven mouse and human cancer, and inhibition of GCNT3 has been shown to disrupt mucin synthesis. This previously unrecognized developmental pathway might be responsible for aberrant mucin biosynthesis and chemoresistance. In this Molecular Pathways article, we briefly discuss the potential role of mucin synthesis in cancers, ways to improve drug delivery and disrupt mucin mesh to overcome chemoresistance by targeting mucin synthesis, and the unique opportunity to target the GCNT3 pathway for the prevention and treatment of cancers. Clin Cancer Res; 23(6); 1373-8. ©2016 AACR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chinthalapally V Rao
- Center for Cancer Prevention and Drug Development, Hematology and Oncology Section, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
| | - Naveena B Janakiram
- Center for Cancer Prevention and Drug Development, Hematology and Oncology Section, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Altaf Mohammed
- Center for Cancer Prevention and Drug Development, Hematology and Oncology Section, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Shang HS, Shih YL, Lu TJ, Lee CH, Hsueh SC, Chou YC, Lu HF, Liao NC, Chung JG. Benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) induces apoptosis of GBM 8401 human brain glioblastoma multiforms cells via activation of caspase-8/Bid and the reactive oxygen species-dependent mitochondrial pathway. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2016; 31:1751-1760. [PMID: 28675694 DOI: 10.1002/tox.22177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2015] [Revised: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 07/16/2015] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) is one of member of the isothiocyanate family which has been shown to induce cancer cell apoptosis in many human cancer cells. In the present study, we investigated the effects of BITC on the growth of GBM 8401 human brain glioblastoma multiforms cells. Results indicated that BITC-induced cell morphological changes decreased in the percentage of viable GBM8401 cells and these effects are dose-dependent manners. Results from flow cytometric assay indicated that BITC induced sub-G1 phase and induction of apoptosis of GBM 8401 cells. Furthermore, results also showed that BITC promoted the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Ca2+ release, but decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm ) and promoted caspase-8, -9, and -3 activates. After cells were pretreated with Z-IETD-FMK, Z-LEHD-FMK, and Z-DEVD-FMK (caspase-8, -9, and -3 inhibitors, respectively) led to decrease in the activities of caspase-8, -9, and -3 and increased the percentage of viable GBM 8401 cells that indicated which BITC induced cell apoptosis through caspase-dependent pathways. Western blotting indicated that BITC induced Fas, Fas-L, FADD, caspase-8, caspase -3, and pro-apoptotic protein (Bax, Bid, and Bak), but inhibited the ant-apoptotic proteins (Bcl-2 and Bcl-x) in GBM 8401 cells. Furthermore, BITC increased the release of cytochrome c, AIF, and Endo G from mitochondria that led to cell apoptosis. Results also showed that BITC increased GADD153, GRP 78, XBP-1, and ATF-6β, IRE-1α, IRE-1β, Calpain 1 and 2 in GBM 8401 cells, which is associated with ER stress. Based on these observations, we may suggest that BITC-induced apoptosis might be through Fas receptor, ROS induced ER stress, caspase-3, and mitochondrial signaling pathways. Taken together, these molecular alterations and signaling pathways offer an insight into BITC-caused growth inhibition and induced apoptotic cell death of GBM 8401 cells. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 1751-1760, 2016.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Sheng Shang
- Department of Pathology, Division of Clinical Pathology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Yung-Luen Shih
- Department of School of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
- School of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Tai-Jung Lu
- Jen-The Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, Miaoli County, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Ching-Hsiao Lee
- Jen-The Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, Miaoli County, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Shu-Ching Hsueh
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Yu-Cheng Chou
- Division of Neurosurgical Oncology, Neurological Institute, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Hsu-Feng Lu
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Department of Restaurant, Hotel and Institutional Management, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Nien-Chieh Liao
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Jing-Gung Chung
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Department of Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Pan S, Brentnall TA, Chen R. Glycoproteins and glycoproteomics in pancreatic cancer. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:9288-9299. [PMID: 27895417 PMCID: PMC5107693 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i42.9288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Revised: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrations in protein glycosylation and polysaccharides play a pivotal role in pancreatic tumorigenesis, influencing cancer progression, metastasis, immuno-response and chemoresistance. Abnormal expression in sugar moieties can impact the function of various glycoproteins, including mucins, surface receptors, adhesive proteins, proteoglycans, as well as their effectors and binding ligands, resulting in an increase in pancreatic cancer invasiveness and a cancer-favored microenvironment. Recent advance in glycoproteomics, glycomics and other chemical biology techniques have been employed to better understand the complex mechanism of glycosylation events and how they orchestrate molecular activities in genomics, proteomics and metabolomics implicated in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. A variety of strategies have been demonstrated targeting protein glycosylation and polysaccharides for diagnostic and therapeutic development.
Collapse
|
41
|
Koido S, Okamoto M, Shimodaira S, Sugiyama H. Wilms’ tumor 1 (WT1)-targeted cancer vaccines to extend survival for patients with pancreatic cancer. Immunotherapy 2016; 8:1309-1320. [DOI: 10.2217/imt-2016-0031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite novel chemotherapy treatments, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) remains a lethal disease. New targeted cancer vaccines may represent a viable option for patients with PDA. The Wilms’ tumor 1 (WT1) antigen is one of the most widely expressed tumor-associated antigens in various types of tumors, including PDA. Recent reports have indicated that WT1-targeted cancer vaccines for patients with PDA mediated a potent antitumor effect when combined with chemotherapy in preclinical and clinical studies. This review summarizes the early-phase clinical trials of WT1-targeted cancer vaccines (peptide vaccines and dendritic cell-based vaccines) for PDA. Moreover, we will discuss future strategies for PDA treatments using WT1-specific cancer vaccines combined with immune checkpoint therapies to maximize the clinical effectiveness of PDA treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shigeo Koido
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Kashiwa Hospital, Kashiwa City, Chiba 277-8567, Japan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine & Research, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Kashiwa City, Chiba 277-8567, Japan
| | - Masato Okamoto
- Department of Advanced Immunotherapeutics, Kitasato University School of Pharmacy, Tokyo 108-8641, Japan
| | | | - Haruo Sugiyama
- Department of Functional Diagnostic Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita City, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Zhang Q, Zhang Z, Peng M, Fu S, Xue Z, Zhang R. CAR-T cell therapy in gastrointestinal tumors and hepatic carcinoma: From bench to bedside. Oncoimmunology 2016; 5:e1251539. [PMID: 28123893 PMCID: PMC5214859 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2016.1251539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) is a genetically engineered receptor that combines a scFv domain, which specifically recognizes the tumor-specific antigen, with T cell activation domains. CAR-T cell therapies have demonstrated tremendous efficacy against hematologic malignancies in many clinical trials. Recent studies have extended these efforts to the treatment of solid tumors. However, the outcomes of CAR-T cell therapy for solid tumors are not as remarkable as the outcomes have been for hematologic malignancies. A series of hurdles has arisen with respect to CAR-T cell-based immunotherapy, which needs to be overcome to target solid tumors. The major challenge for CAR-T cell therapy in solid tumors is the selection of the appropriate specific antigen to demarcate the tumor from normal tissue. In this review, we discuss the application of CAR-T cells to gastrointestinal and hepatic carcinomas in preclinical and clinical research. Furthermore, we analyze the usefulness of several specific markers in the study of gastrointestinal tumors and hepatic carcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, Department of Immunology and Research Center of Basic Medical Science, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China; Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases of Educational Ministry of China, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Immunology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zimu Zhang
- Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, Department of Immunology and Research Center of Basic Medical Science, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China; Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases of Educational Ministry of China, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Immunology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Meiyu Peng
- Department of Immunology, Basic Medical College, Weifang Medical University , Weifang, China
| | - Shuyu Fu
- Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, Department of Immunology and Research Center of Basic Medical Science, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China; Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases of Educational Ministry of China, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Immunology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhenyi Xue
- Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, Department of Immunology and Research Center of Basic Medical Science, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China; Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases of Educational Ministry of China, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Immunology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Rongxin Zhang
- Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, Department of Immunology and Research Center of Basic Medical Science, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China; Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases of Educational Ministry of China, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Immunology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Moschovis D, Bamias G, Delladetsima I. Mucins in neoplasms of pancreas, ampulla of Vater and biliary system. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2016; 8:725-734. [PMID: 27795812 PMCID: PMC5064050 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v8.i10.725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Revised: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumors of the pancreas, the ampulla of Vater, and the extrahepatic and intrahepatic bile ducts have significant histological similarities due to the common embryonic origin of the pancreatobiliary system. This obviates the need for discovery of biomarkers with diagnostic and prognostic value for these tumors. Mucins, especially MUC-1, -2, -4 and -5AC, are important candidates for developing into such reliable biomarkers. Increased expression of MUC1 occurs in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas and is associated with increased degrees of dysplasia in pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN). Positive expression of MUC2 in intraductal papillary mucinus neoplasms (IPMN) of the intestinal type indicates high potential progression to invasive carcinoma with de novo expression of MUC1, while absence of MUC2 expression in IPMNs of gastric type implies low potential to malignant evolution. De novo MUC4 expression correlates to the severity of dysplasia in PanIN and is associated with a poor prognosis in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas. In biliary intraepithelial neoplasia (BilIN), increased expression of MUC1 is associated with higher degrees of dysplasia. Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinomas (ICC) are characterized by increased expression of all glycoforms of MUC1. Positive MUC2 expression in intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile ducts (IPNB) of the intestinal type indicates high malignant potential with de novo expression of MUC1 in the invasive element. Absent MUC2 expression in any degree of BilIN may prove useful in differentiating them from IPNB. De novo expression of MUC4 is associated with poor prognosis in patients with ICC or carcinoma of the extrahepatic bile ducts (EHBDC). High de novo expression of MUC5AC is found in all degrees of BilIN and all types of IPNB and ICC. The MUC5AC is useful in the detection of neoplastic lesions of the bile duct at an early stage. Increased expression of mucin MUC1 in carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater associated with unfavorable behavior of the tumor, such as lymph node metastasis, infiltration of the pancreas and duodenum, advanced TNM classification and worse prognosis. Patients with intra-ampullary papillary-tubular neoplasm (IAPN) of the pancreatobiliary immunophenotype did not show MUC2, while those of the intestinal immunophenotype are MUC2 positive. The expression of MUC4 is associated with poor prognosis in patients with carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater favoring metastasis and making them resistant to apoptosis. Moreover, it appears that MUC4 positivity correlates with recurrence of the tumor. Expression of MUC5AC is associated with the invasive potential of the tumor.
Collapse
|
44
|
Li Y, Wu C, Chen T, Zhang J, Liu G, Pu Y, Zhu J, Shen C, Zhang Y, Zeng N, Zhang X. Effects of RNAi-mediated MUC4 gene silencing on the proliferation and migration of human pancreatic carcinoma BxPC-3 cells. Oncol Rep 2016; 36:3449-3455. [PMID: 27748843 DOI: 10.3892/or.2016.5152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
It was previously demonstrated that mucin 4 (MUC4) is not expressed in normal pancreatic tissues or in chronic pancreatitis tissue but is highly expressed in pancreatic cancer (PC) tissue. Effective MUC4 gene knockdown in PC may contribute to the elucidation of pancreatic tumor development and metastasis, and may be valuable in new therapeutic approaches. Thus to confirm this, in the present study, the BxPC-3 cell line was transfected with eight pairs of shRNA lentiviral vectors for MUC4. The qPCR results showed that expression of MUC4 mRNA in the BxPC-3 cells was significantly decreased at 96 h after transfection. One of these shRNA lentiviral vectors (shRNA‑A141) had showed the strongest suppressive effect on MUC4 mRNA expression and was used for MUC4 knockdown in BxPC-3 cells. After stable transfection, BxPC-3 cells showed a significantly lower expression of MUC4 mRNA and MUC4 protein, and were suppressed on cell growth and migration. In vivo, lower tumor growth rates and tumor volume were observed in the tumors derived from the MUC4-knockdown cells, whereas the transplanted tumors derived from the control group cells, grew rapidly. Thus, inhibition of MUC4 expression may be an effective means for mitigating metastasis and invasion of PC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Li
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging and Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan 637000, P.R. China
| | - Changqiang Wu
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging and School of Medical Imaging, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan 637000, P.R. China
| | - Tianwu Chen
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging and Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan 637000, P.R. China
| | - Juanjuan Zhang
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan 637000, P.R. China
| | - Gang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics and Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, P.R. China
| | - Yu Pu
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging and Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan 637000, P.R. China
| | - Jiang Zhu
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging and Department of Chemistry, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan 637000, P.R. China
| | - Chengyi Shen
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging and Department of Pathophysiology, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan 637000, P.R. China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging and Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan 637000, P.R. China
| | - Nanlin Zeng
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging and Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan 637000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoming Zhang
- Sichuan Key Laboratory of Medical Imaging and Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan 637000, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
In vivo selection for spine-derived highly metastatic lung cancer cells is associated with increased migration, inflammation and decreased adhesion. Oncotarget 2016; 6:22905-17. [PMID: 26090868 PMCID: PMC4673208 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.4416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2015] [Accepted: 05/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We developed a murine spine metastasis model by screening five metastatic non-small cell lung cancer cell lines (PC-9, A549, NCI-H1299, NCI-H460, H2030). A549 cells displayed the highest tendency towards spine metastases. After three rounds of selection in vivo, we isolated a clone named A549L6, which induced spine metastasis in 80% of injected mice. The parameters of the A549L6 cell spinal metastatic mouse models were consistent with clinical spine metastasis features. All the spinal metastatic mice developed symptoms of nerve compression after 40 days. A549L6 cells had increased migration, invasiveness and decreased adhesion compared to the original A549L0 cells. In contrast, there was no significant differences in cell proliferation, apoptosis and sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents such as cisplatin. Comparative transcriptomic analysis and Real-time PCR analysis showed that expression of signaling molecules regulating several tumor properties including migration (MYL9), metastasis (CEACAM6, VEGFC, CX3CL1, CST1, CCL5, S100A9, IGF1, NOTCH3), adhesion (FN1, CEACAM1) and inflammation (TRAF2, NFκB2 and RelB) were altered in A549L6 cells. We suggest that migration, adhesion and inflammation related genes contribute to spine metastatic capacity.
Collapse
|
46
|
Martirosyan A, Olesen MJ, Fenton RA, Kjems J, Howard KA. Mucin-mediated nanocarrier disassembly for triggered uptake of oligonucleotides as a delivery strategy for the potential treatment of mucosal tumours. NANOSCALE 2016; 8:12599-12607. [PMID: 26694897 DOI: 10.1039/c5nr07206a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
This work demonstrates gastric mucin-triggered nanocarrier disassembly for release of antisense oligonucleotides and consequent unassisted cellular entry as a novel oral delivery strategy. A fluorescence activation-based reporter system was used to investigate the interaction and mucin-mediated disassembly of chitosan-based nanocarriers containing a 13-mer DNA oligonucleotide with a flanked locked RNA nucleic acid gapmer design. Gastric mucins were shown to trigger gapmer release from nanocarriers that was dependent on the interaction time, mucin concentration and N : P ratio with a maximal release at N : P 10. In contrast to siRNA, naked gapmers exhibited uptake into mucus producing HT-MTX mono-cultures and HT-MTX co-cultured with the carcinoma epithelial cell line Caco-2. Importantly, in vivo gapmer uptake was observed in epithelial tissue 30 min post-injection in murine intestinal loops. The findings present a mucosal design-based system tailored for local delivery of oligonucleotides that may maximize the effectiveness of gene silencing therapeutics within tumours at mucosal sites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Martirosyan
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
MUC16 contributes to the metastasis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma through focal adhesion mediated signaling mechanism. Genes Cancer 2016; 7:110-124. [PMID: 27382435 PMCID: PMC4918949 DOI: 10.18632/genesandcancer.104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
MUC16, a heavily glycosylated type-I transmembrane mucin is overexpressed in several cancers including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Previously, we have shown that MUC16 is significantly overexpressed in human PDAC tissues. However, the functional consequences and its role in PDAC is poorly understood. Here, we show that MUC16 knockdown decreases PDAC cell proliferation, colony formation and migration in vitro. Also, MUC16 knockdown decreases the tumor formation and metastasis in orthotopic xenograft mouse model. Mechanistically, immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence analyses confirms MUC16 interaction with galectin-3 and mesothelin in PDAC cells. Adhesion assay displayed decreased cell attachment of MUC16 knockdown cells with recombinant galectin-1 and galectin-3 protein. Further, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated MUC16 knockout cells show decreased tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens (T and Tn) in PDAC cells. Importantly, carbohydrate antigens were decreased in the region that corresponds to MUC16 and suggests for the decreased MUC16-galectin interactions. Co-immunoprecipitation also revealed a novel interaction between MUC16 and FAK in PDAC cells. Interestingly, we observed decreased expression of mesenchymal and increased expression of epithelial markers in MUC16-silenced cells. Additionally, MUC16 loss showed a decreased FAK-mediated Akt and ERK/MAPK activation. Altogether, these findings suggest that MUC16-focal adhesion signaling may play a critical role in facilitating PDAC growth and metastasis.
Collapse
|
48
|
Alkholief M, Campbell RB. Investigating the role of mucin in the delivery of nanoparticles to cellular models of human cancer disease: an in vitro study. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2016; 12:1291-302. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2016.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Revised: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
|
49
|
MUC16-mediated activation of mTOR and c-Myc reprograms pancreatic cancer metabolism. Oncotarget 2016; 6:19118-31. [PMID: 26046375 PMCID: PMC4662479 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.4078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2015] [Accepted: 05/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
MUC16, a transmembrane mucin, facilitates pancreatic adenocarcinoma progression and metastasis. In the current studies, we observed that MUC16 knockdown pancreatic cancer cells exhibit reduced glucose uptake and lactate secretion along with reduced migration and invasion potential, which can be restored by supplementing the culture media with lactate, an end product of aerobic glycolysis. MUC16 knockdown leads to inhibition of mTOR activity and reduced expression of its downstream target c-MYC, a key player in cellular growth, proliferation and metabolism. Ectopic expression of c-MYC in MUC16 knockdown pancreatic cancer cells restores the altered cellular physiology. Our LC-MS/MS based metabolomics studies indicate global metabolic alterations in MUC16 knockdown pancreatic cancer cells, as compared to the controls. Specifically, glycolytic and nucleotide metabolite pools were significantly decreased. We observed similar metabolic alterations that correlated with MUC16 expression in primary tumor tissue specimens from human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cancer patients. Overall, our results demonstrate that MUC16 plays an important role in metabolic reprogramming of pancreatic cancer cells by increasing glycolysis and enhancing motility and invasiveness.
Collapse
|
50
|
Crawley AS, O'Kennedy RJ. The need for effective pancreatic cancer detection and management: a biomarker-based strategy. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2016; 15:1339-53. [PMID: 26394703 DOI: 10.1586/14737159.2015.1083862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (Pa) is generally a very aggressive disease, with few effective approaches available for early diagnosis or therapy. These factors, combined with the aggressiveness and chemoresistance of Pa, results in a bleak outcome post-diagnosis. Cancer-related biomarkers have established capabilities for diagnosis, prognosis and screening and can be exploited to aid in earlier less-invasive diagnosis and optimization of targeted therapies. Pa has only one US FDA-approved biomarker, CA19-9, which has significant limitations. Hence, it is vital that novel biomarkers are identified and validated to diagnose, treat, control and monitor Pa. This review focuses on existing and potential Pa-associated markers and discusses how they may be applied in cohort for improved management of Pa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aoife S Crawley
- a 1 School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Richard J O'Kennedy
- a 1 School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland.,b 2 Biomedical Diagnostics Institute, National Centre for Sensor Research, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|