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Xu Y, Chen J, Zhang Y, Zhang P. Recent Progress in Peptide-Based Molecular Probes for Disease Bioimaging. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:2222-2242. [PMID: 38437161 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c01413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Recent strides in molecular pathology have unveiled distinctive alterations at the molecular level throughout the onset and progression of diseases. Enhancing the in vivo visualization of these biomarkers is crucial for advancing disease classification, staging, and treatment strategies. Peptide-based molecular probes (PMPs) have emerged as versatile tools due to their exceptional ability to discern these molecular changes with unparalleled specificity and precision. In this Perspective, we first summarize the methodologies for crafting innovative functional peptides, emphasizing recent advancements in both peptide library technologies and computer-assisted peptide design approaches. Furthermore, we offer an overview of the latest advances in PMPs within the realm of biological imaging, showcasing their varied applications in diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. We also briefly address current challenges and potential future directions in this dynamic field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xu
- School of Biomedical Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Advanced Medical Materials and Devices, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Junfan Chen
- School of Biomedical Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Advanced Medical Materials and Devices, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Pengcheng Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Advanced Medical Materials and Devices, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
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Camedda R, Frantellizzi V, Danieli R, De Vincentis G, Filippi L. Positron emission computed tomography targeting urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) in cancer: a systematic review. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2024; 24:137-145. [PMID: 38451196 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2024.2328167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To provide an overview of the available literature data on clinical applications of positron emission tomography (PET) targeting the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor in oncology. METHODS A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases up to June 2023. The results were presented according to the PRISMA guidelines. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skill Program checklist. RESULTS Seven papers were selected for final analysis, involving 266 patients with solid tumors who underwent PET with uPAR-ligands. Thematic areas identified include feasibility studies (n = 2) on the safety, pharmacokinetics, and dosimetry of uPAR-targeting radiopharmaceuticals; uPAR-directed imaging in head and neck cancer (n = 2); uPAR PET in prostate cancer (n = 2); and the investigation of uPAR in neuroendocrine neoplasms (n = 1). Six of the seven studies used the radiopharmaceutical [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-AE105 while one study used [64Cu]Cu-DOTA-AE105. The studies showed protocol homogeneity, with static PET imaging at 20 minutes. The quality assessment revealed limitations such as small cohorts and the fact that all studies were performed by a single research group. CONCLUSIONS uPAR-PET appears to be a promising imaging tool in well-selected oncological settings, but it needs to be validated by multicentre collaboration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Camedda
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Viviana Frantellizzi
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Oncology and Anatomo-Pathology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Danieli
- Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, University San Raffaele, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe De Vincentis
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Oncology and Anatomo-Pathology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Filippi
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Department of Oncohaematology, Fondazione PTV Policlinico Tor Vergata University Hospital, Rome, Italy
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He Y, Døssing KBV, Rossing M, Bagger FO, Kjaer A. uPAR (PLAUR) Marks Two Intra-Tumoral Subtypes of Glioblastoma: Insights from Single-Cell RNA Sequencing. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1998. [PMID: 38396677 PMCID: PMC10889167 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25041998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) encoded by the PLAUR gene is known as a clinical marker for cell invasiveness in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). It is additionally implicated in various processes, including angiogenesis and inflammation within the tumor microenvironment. However, there has not been a comprehensive study that depicts the overall functions and molecular cooperators of PLAUR with respect to intra-tumoral subtypes of GBM. Using single-cell RNA sequencing data from 37 GBM patients, we identified PLAUR as a marker gene for two distinct subtypes in GBM. One subtype is featured by inflammatory activities and the other subtype is marked by ECM remodeling processes. Using the whole-transcriptome data from single cells, we are able to uncover the molecular cooperators of PLAUR for both subtypes without presuming biological pathways. Two protein networks comprise the molecular context of PLAUR, with each of the two subtypes characterized by a different dominant network. We concluded that targeting PLAUR directly influences the mechanisms represented by these two protein networks, regardless of the subtype of the targeted cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue He
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine and PET & Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; (Y.H.); (K.B.V.D.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristina B. V. Døssing
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine and PET & Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; (Y.H.); (K.B.V.D.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Maria Rossing
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark (F.O.B.)
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Frederik Otzen Bagger
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark (F.O.B.)
| | - Andreas Kjaer
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine and PET & Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark; (Y.H.); (K.B.V.D.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
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Lawaetz M, Binderup T, Christensen A, Juhl K, Lelkaitis G, Lykke E, Knudsen L, von Buchwald C, Kjaer A. Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator Receptor (uPAR) Expression and [ 64Cu]Cu-DOTA-AE105 uPAR-PET/CT in Patient-Derived Xenograft Models of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Mol Imaging Biol 2023; 25:1034-1044. [PMID: 37749438 PMCID: PMC10728257 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-023-01858-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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE [64Cu]Cu-DOTA-AE105 urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR)-PET/CT is a novel and promising imaging modality for cancer visualization, although it has not been tested in head and neck cancer patients nor in preclinical models that closely resemble these heterogenous tumors, i.e., patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. The aim of the present study was to establish and validate oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) PDX models and to evaluate [64Cu]Cu-uPAR-PET/CT for tumor imaging in these models. PROCEDURES PDX flank tumor models were established by engrafting tumor tissue from three patients with locally advanced OSCC into immunodeficient mice. [64Cu]Cu-DOTA-AE105 was injected in passage 2 (P2) mice, and [64Cu]Cu-uPAR-PET/CT was performed 1 h and 24 h after injection. After the last PET scan, all animals were euthanized, and tumors dissected for autoradiography and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. RESULTS Three PDX models were established, and all of them showed histological stability and unchanged heterogenicity, uPAR expression, and Ki67 expression through passages. A significant correlation between uPAR expression and tumor growth was found. All tumors of all models (n=29) showed tumor uptake of [64Cu]Cu-DOTA-AE105. There was a clear visual concordance between the distribution of uPAR expression (IHC) and [64Cu]Cu-DOTA-AE105 uptake pattern in tumor tissue (autoradiography). No significant correlation was found between IHC (H-score) and PET-signal (SUVmax) (r=0.34; p=0.07). CONCLUSIONS OSCC PDX models in early passages histologically mimic donor tumors and could serve as a valuable platform for the development of uPAR-targeted imaging and therapeutic modalities. Furthermore, [64Cu]Cu-uPAR-PET/CT showed target- and tumor-specific uptake in OSCC PDX models demonstrating the diagnostic potential of this modality for OSCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mads Lawaetz
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery and Audiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine and PET and Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet & Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Tina Binderup
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine and PET and Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet & Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Christensen
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery and Audiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine and PET and Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet & Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Karina Juhl
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine and PET and Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet & Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Giedrius Lelkaitis
- Department of Pathology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Eva Lykke
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery and Audiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Line Knudsen
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine and PET and Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet & Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian von Buchwald
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery and Audiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andreas Kjaer
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine and PET and Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet & Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Lawaetz M, Christensen A, Juhl K, Lelkaitis G, Karnov K, Carlsen EA, Charabi BW, Loft A, Czyzewska D, von Buchwald C, Kjaer A. Diagnostic Value of Preoperative uPAR-PET/CT in Regional Lymph Node Staging of Oral and Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Prospective Phase II Trial. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:3303. [PMID: 37958201 PMCID: PMC10649042 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13213303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The detection of lymph node metastases is a major challenge in oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC and OPSCC). 68Ga-NOTA-AE105 is a novel positron emission tomography (PET) radioligand with high affinity to urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR), a receptor expressed on the surfaces of tumor cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic value of uPAR-PET/CT (computerized tomography) in detecting regional metastatic disease in patients with OSCC and OPSCC compared to the current imaging work-up. In this phase II trial, patients with OSCC and OPSCC referred for surgical treatment were prospectively enrolled. Before surgery, 68Ga-NOTA-AE105 uPAR-PET/CT was conducted, and SUVmax values were obtained from the primary tumor and the suspected lymph nodes. Histology results from lymph nodes were used as the standard of truth of metastatic disease. The diagnostic values of 68Ga-uPAR-PET/CT were compared to conventional routine preoperative imaging results (CT and/or MRI). The uPAR expression in resected primary tumors and metastases was determined by immunohistochemistry and quantified digitally (H-score). A total of 61 patients underwent uPAR-PET/CT. Of the 25 patients with histologically verified lymph node metastases, uPAR-PET/CT correctly identified regional metastatic disease in 14 patients, with a median lymph node metastasis size of 14 mm (range 3-27 mm). A significant correlation was found between SUVmax and the product of the H-score and tumor depth (r = 0.67; p = 0.003). The sensitivity and specificity of uPAR-PET/CT in detecting regional metastatic disease were 56% and 100%, respectively. When added to CT/MRI, uPAR-PET was able to upstage 2/11 (18%) of patients with occult metastases and increase the sensitivity to 64%. The sensitivity and specificity of 68Ga-NOTA-AE105 uPAR-PET/CT were equivalent to those of CT/MRI. The significant correlation between SUVmax and uPAR expression verified the target specificity of 68Ga-NOTA-AE105. Despite the target specificity, the sensitivity of imaging is too low for nodal staging and it cannot replace neck dissection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mads Lawaetz
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery and Audiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (M.L.)
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine and PET and Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet & Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark (D.C.)
| | - Anders Christensen
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery and Audiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (M.L.)
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine and PET and Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet & Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark (D.C.)
| | - Karina Juhl
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine and PET and Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet & Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark (D.C.)
| | - Giedrius Lelkaitis
- Department of Pathology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kirstine Karnov
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery and Audiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (M.L.)
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine and PET and Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet & Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark (D.C.)
| | - Esben Andreas Carlsen
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine and PET and Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet & Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark (D.C.)
| | - Birgitte W. Charabi
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery and Audiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (M.L.)
| | - Annika Loft
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine and PET and Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet & Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark (D.C.)
| | - Dorota Czyzewska
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine and PET and Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet & Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark (D.C.)
| | - Christian von Buchwald
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery and Audiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (M.L.)
| | - Andreas Kjaer
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine and PET and Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet & Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark (D.C.)
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Leth JM, Newcombe EA, Grønnemose AL, Jørgensen JT, Qvist K, Clausen AS, Knudsen LBS, Kjaer A, Kragelund BB, Jørgensen TJD, Ploug M. Targeted imaging of uPAR expression in vivo with cyclic AE105 variants. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17248. [PMID: 37821532 PMCID: PMC10567728 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43934-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
A comprehensive literature reports on the correlation between elevated levels of urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) and the severity of diseases with chronic inflammation including solid cancers. Molecular imaging is widely used as a non-invasive method to locate disease dissemination via full body scans and to stratify patients for targeted treatment. To date, the only imaging probe targeting uPAR that has reached clinical phase-II testing relies on a high-affinity 9-mer peptide (AE105), and several studies by positron emission tomography (PET) scanning or near-infra red (NIR) fluorescence imaging have validated its utility and specificity in vivo. While our previous studies focused on applying various reporter groups, the current study aims to improve uPAR-targeting properties of AE105. We successfully stabilized the small uPAR-targeting core of AE105 by constraining its conformational landscape by disulfide-mediated cyclization. Importantly, this modification mitigated the penalty on uPAR-affinity typically observed after conjugation to macrocyclic chelators. Cyclization did not impair tumor targeting efficiency of AE105 in vivo as assessed by PET imaging and a trend towards increased tracer uptake was observed. In future studies, we predict that this knowledge will aid development of new fluorescent AE105 derivatives with a view to optical imaging of uPAR to assist precision guided cancer surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Maja Leth
- Finsen Laboratory, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Estella Anne Newcombe
- Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- REPIN, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- The Linderstrøm Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaloes Vej 5, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Anne Louise Grønnemose
- Finsen Laboratory, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, 5230, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Jesper Tranekjær Jørgensen
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine and Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Katrine Qvist
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine and Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Anne Skovsbo Clausen
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine and Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Line Bruhn Schneider Knudsen
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine and Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Andreas Kjaer
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine and Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Birthe Brandt Kragelund
- Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- REPIN, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- The Linderstrøm Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaloes Vej 5, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | | | - Michael Ploug
- Finsen Laboratory, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark.
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark.
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Chu X, Li W, Hines MG, Lyakhov I, Mellors JW, Dimitrov DS. Human antibody V H domains targeting uPAR as candidate therapeutics for cancers. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1194972. [PMID: 37876962 PMCID: PMC10593477 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1194972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The high expression of uPAR has been linked to tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis in several types of cancer. Such overexpression of uPAR makes it a potential target for immunotherapies across common cancers such as breast, colorectal, lung, ovarian cancer, and melanoma. In our study, two high-affinity and specific human VH domain antibody candidates, designed as clones 3 and 115, were isolated from a phage-displayed human VH antibody library. Domain-based bispecific T- cell engagers (DbTE) based on these two antibodies exhibited potent killing of uPAR-positive cancer cells. Thus, these two anti-uPAR domain antibodies are promising candidates for treating uPAR positive cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojie Chu
- Center for Antibody Therapeutics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical School, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Wei Li
- Center for Antibody Therapeutics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical School, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Margaret G. Hines
- Center for Antibody Therapeutics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical School, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | | | - John W. Mellors
- Center for Antibody Therapeutics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical School, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Abound Bio, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Dimiter S. Dimitrov
- Center for Antibody Therapeutics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical School, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Abound Bio, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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Borghesani M, Gervaso L, Cella CA, Benini L, Ciardiello D, Algeri L, Ferrero A, Valenza C, Guidi L, Zampino MG, Spada F, Fazio N. Promising targetable biomarkers in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2023; 18:387-398. [PMID: 37743651 DOI: 10.1080/17446651.2023.2248239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In the treatment scenario of PanNETs-targeted therapies are desired but limited, as rarity and heterogeneity on PanNETs pose limitations to their development. AREAS COVERED We performed a literature review searching for promising druggable biomarkers and potential treatments to be implemented in the next future. We focused on treatments which have already reached clinical experimentation, although in early phases. Six targets were identified, namely Hsp90, HIFa, HDACs, CDKs, uPAR, and DDR. Even though biological rational is strong, so far reported efficacy outcomes are quite disappointing. The reason of that should be searched in the patients' heterogeneity, lack of biomarker selection, poor knowledge of interfering mechanisms as well as difficulties in patients accrual. Moreover, different ways to assess treatment efficacy should be considered, other than response rate, in light of the more indolent nature of NETs. EXPERT OPINION Development of targeted treatments in PanNETs is still an uncovered area, far behind other more frequent cancers. Rarity of NETs led to accrual of unselected populations, possibly jeopardizing the drug efficacy. Better patients' selection, both in terms of topography, grading and biomarkers is crucial and will help understanding which role targeted therapies can really play in these tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Borghesani
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Neuroendocrine Cancer Medical Treatment, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, IT, Italy
| | - L Gervaso
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Neuroendocrine Cancer Medical Treatment, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, IT, Italy
- Molecular Medicine Program, University of Pavia, Pavia, Lombardia, IT, Italy
| | - C A Cella
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Neuroendocrine Cancer Medical Treatment, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, IT, Italy
| | - L Benini
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Neuroendocrine Cancer Medical Treatment, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, IT, Italy
| | - D Ciardiello
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Neuroendocrine Cancer Medical Treatment, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, IT, Italy
| | - L Algeri
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Neuroendocrine Cancer Medical Treatment, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, IT, Italy
| | - A Ferrero
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Neuroendocrine Cancer Medical Treatment, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, IT, Italy
| | - C Valenza
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Neuroendocrine Cancer Medical Treatment, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, IT, Italy
| | - L Guidi
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Neuroendocrine Cancer Medical Treatment, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, IT, Italy
| | - M G Zampino
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Neuroendocrine Cancer Medical Treatment, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, IT, Italy
| | - F Spada
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Neuroendocrine Cancer Medical Treatment, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, IT, Italy
| | - N Fazio
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Neuroendocrine Cancer Medical Treatment, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, IT, Italy
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Kumar AA, Vine KL, Ranson M. Recent Advances in Targeting the Urokinase Plasminogen Activator with Nanotherapeutics. Mol Pharm 2023. [PMID: 37119285 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
The aberrant proteolytic landscape of the tumor microenvironment is a key contributor of cancer progression. Overexpression of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and/or its associated cell-surface receptor (uPAR) in tumor versus normal tissue is significantly associated with worse clinicopathological features and poorer patient survival across multiple cancer types. This is linked to mechanisms that facilitate tumor cell invasion and migration, via direct and downstream activation of various proteolytic processes that degrade the extracellular matrix─ultimately leading to metastasis. Targeting uPA has thus long been considered an attractive anticancer strategy. However, poor bioavailability of several uPA-selective small-molecule inhibitors has limited early clinical progress. Nanodelivery systems have emerged as an exciting method to enhance the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of existing chemotherapeutics, allowing increased circulation time, improved bioavailability, and targeted delivery to tumor tissue. Combining uPA inhibitors with nanoparticle-based delivery systems thus offers a remarkable opportunity to overcome existing PK challenges associated with conventional uPA inhibitors, while leveraging potent candidates into novel targeted nanotherapeutics for an improved anticancer response in uPA positive tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashna A Kumar
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Kara L Vine
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Marie Ranson
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
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Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator Receptor (uPAR) Cooperates with Mutated KRAS in Regulating Cellular Plasticity and Gemcitabine Response in Pancreatic Adenocarcinomas. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15051587. [PMID: 36900379 PMCID: PMC10000455 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15051587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the most lethal cancers. Given the currently limited therapeutic options, the definition of molecular subgroups with the development of tailored therapies remains the most promising strategy. Patients with high-level gene amplification of urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR/PLAUR) have an inferior prognosis. We analyzed the uPAR function in PDAC to understand this understudied PDAC subgroup's biology better. METHODS A total of 67 PDAC samples with clinical follow-up and TCGA gene expression data from 316 patients were used for prognostic correlations. Gene silencing by CRISPR/Cas9, as well as transfection of uPAR and mutated KRAS, were used in PDAC cell lines (AsPC-1, PANC-1, BxPC3) treated with gemcitabine to study the impact of these two molecules on cellular function and chemoresponse. HNF1A and KRT81 were surrogate markers for the exocrine-like and quasi-mesenchymal subgroup of PDAC, respectively. RESULTS High levels of uPAR were correlated with significantly shorter survival in PDAC, especially in the subgroup of HNF1A-positive exocrine-like tumors. uPAR knockout by CRISPR/Cas9 resulted in activation of FAK, CDC42, and p38, upregulation of epithelial makers, decreased cell growth and motility, and resistance against gemcitabine that could be reversed by re-expression of uPAR. Silencing of KRAS in AsPC1 using siRNAs reduced uPAR levels significantly, and transfection of mutated KRAS in BxPC-3 cells rendered the cell more mesenchymal and increased sensitivity towards gemcitabine. CONCLUSIONS Activation of uPAR is a potent negative prognostic factor in PDAC. uPAR and KRAS cooperate in switching the tumor from a dormant epithelial to an active mesenchymal state, which likely explains the poor prognosis of PDAC with high uPAR. At the same time, the active mesenchymal state is more vulnerable to gemcitabine. Strategies targeting either KRAS or uPAR should consider this potential tumor-escape mechanism.
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Lawaetz M, Christensen A, Juhl K, Karnov K, Lelkaitis G, Kanstrup Fiehn AM, Kjaer A, von Buchwald C. Potential of uPAR, αvβ6 Integrin, and Tissue Factor as Targets for Molecular Imaging of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Evaluation of Nine Targets in Primary Tumors and Metastases by Immunohistochemistry. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043853. [PMID: 36835265 PMCID: PMC9962929 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
No clinically approved tumor-specific imaging agents for head and neck cancer are currently available. The identification of biomarkers with a high and homogenous expression in tumor tissue and minimal expression in normal tissue is essential for the development of new molecular imaging targets in head and neck cancer. We investigated the expression of nine imaging targets in both primary tumor and matched metastatic tissue of 41 patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) to assess their potential as targets for molecular imaging. The intensity, proportion, and homogeneity in the tumor and the reaction in neighboring non-cancerous tissue was scored. The intensity and proportion were multiplied to obtain a total immunohistochemical (IHC) score ranging from 0-12. The mean intensity in the tumor tissue and normal epithelium were compared. The expression rate was high for the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) (97%), integrin αvβ6 (97%), and tissue factor (86%) with a median total immunostaining score (interquartile range) for primary tumors of 6 (6-9), 12 (12-12), and 6 (2.5-7.5), respectively. For the uPAR and tissue factor, the mean staining intensity score was significantly higher in tumors compared to normal epithelium. The uPAR, integrin αvβ6, and tissue factor are promising imaging targets for OSCC primary tumors, lymph node metastases, and recurrences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mads Lawaetz
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery and Audiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine and PET and Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet & Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Correspondence:
| | - Anders Christensen
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery and Audiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine and PET and Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet & Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Karina Juhl
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine and PET and Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet & Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kirstine Karnov
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery and Audiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine and PET and Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet & Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Giedrius Lelkaitis
- Department of Pathology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne-Marie Kanstrup Fiehn
- Department of Pathology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andreas Kjaer
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Nuclear Medicine and PET and Cluster for Molecular Imaging, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet & Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian von Buchwald
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery and Audiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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