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Tocci P, Roman C, Sestito R, Caprara V, Sacconi A, Molineris I, Tonon G, Blandino G, Bagnato A. The endothelin-1-driven tumor-stroma feed-forward loops in high-grade serous ovarian cancer. Clin Sci (Lond) 2024; 138:851-862. [PMID: 38884602 PMCID: PMC11230866 DOI: 10.1042/cs20240346] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
The high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HG-SOC) tumor microenvironment (TME) is constellated by cellular elements and a network of soluble constituents that contribute to tumor progression. In the multitude of the secreted molecules, the endothelin-1 (ET-1) has emerged to be implicated in the tumor/TME interplay; however, the molecular mechanisms induced by the ET-1-driven feed-forward loops (FFL) and associated with the HG-SOC metastatic potential need to be further investigated. The tracking of the patient-derived (PD) HG-SOC cell transcriptome by RNA-seq identified the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene and its associated signature among those mostly up-regulated by ET-1 and down-modulated by the dual ET-1R antagonist macitentan. Within the ligand-receptor pairs concurrently expressed in PD-HG-SOC cells, endothelial cells and activated fibroblasts, we discovered two intertwined FFL, the ET-1/ET-1R and VEGF/VEGF receptors, concurrently activated by ET-1 and shutting-down by macitentan, or by the anti-VEGF antibody bevacizumab. In parallel, we observed that ET-1 fine-tuned the tumoral and stromal secretome toward a pro-invasive pattern. Into the fray of the HG-SOC/TME double and triple co-cultures, the secretion of ET-1 and VEGF, that share a common co-regulation, was inhibited upon the administration of macitentan. Functionally, macitentan, mimicking the effect of bevacizumab, interfered with the HG-SOC/TME FFL-driven communication that fuels the HG-SOC invasive behavior. The identification of ET-1 and VEGF FFL as tumor and TME actionable vulnerabilities, reveals how ET-1R blockade, targeting the HG-SOC cells and the TME simultaneously, may represent an effective therapeutic option for HG-SOC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piera Tocci
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Celia Roman
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosanna Sestito
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Caprara
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Sacconi
- Translational Oncology Research Unit, IRCCS, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Ivan Molineris
- Department of Life Science and System Biology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giovanni Tonon
- Center for Omics Sciences (COSR) and Functional Genomics of Cancer Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Blandino
- Translational Oncology Research Unit, IRCCS, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Bagnato
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
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Wess J, Oteng AB, Rivera-Gonzalez O, Gurevich EV, Gurevich VV. β-Arrestins: Structure, Function, Physiology, and Pharmacological Perspectives. Pharmacol Rev 2023; 75:854-884. [PMID: 37028945 PMCID: PMC10441628 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.121.000302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The two β-arrestins, β-arrestin-1 and -2 (systematic names: arrestin-2 and -3, respectively), are multifunctional intracellular proteins that regulate the activity of a very large number of cellular signaling pathways and physiologic functions. The two proteins were discovered for their ability to disrupt signaling via G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) via binding to the activated receptors. However, it is now well recognized that both β-arrestins can also act as direct modulators of numerous cellular processes via either GPCR-dependent or -independent mechanisms. Recent structural, biophysical, and biochemical studies have provided novel insights into how β-arrestins bind to activated GPCRs and downstream effector proteins. Studies with β-arrestin mutant mice have identified numerous physiologic and pathophysiological processes regulated by β-arrestin-1 and/or -2. Following a short summary of recent structural studies, this review primarily focuses on β-arrestin-regulated physiologic functions, with particular focus on the central nervous system and the roles of β-arrestins in carcinogenesis and key metabolic processes including the maintenance of glucose and energy homeostasis. This review also highlights potential therapeutic implications of these studies and discusses strategies that could prove useful for targeting specific β-arrestin-regulated signaling pathways for therapeutic purposes. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The two β-arrestins, structurally closely related intracellular proteins that are evolutionarily highly conserved, have emerged as multifunctional proteins able to regulate a vast array of cellular and physiological functions. The outcome of studies with β-arrestin mutant mice and cultured cells, complemented by novel insights into β-arrestin structure and function, should pave the way for the development of novel classes of therapeutically useful drugs capable of regulating specific β-arrestin functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Wess
- Molecular Signaling Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland (J.W., A.-B.O., O.R.-G.); and Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee (E.V.G., V.V.G.)
| | - Antwi-Boasiako Oteng
- Molecular Signaling Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland (J.W., A.-B.O., O.R.-G.); and Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee (E.V.G., V.V.G.)
| | - Osvaldo Rivera-Gonzalez
- Molecular Signaling Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland (J.W., A.-B.O., O.R.-G.); and Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee (E.V.G., V.V.G.)
| | - Eugenia V Gurevich
- Molecular Signaling Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland (J.W., A.-B.O., O.R.-G.); and Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee (E.V.G., V.V.G.)
| | - Vsevolod V Gurevich
- Molecular Signaling Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland (J.W., A.-B.O., O.R.-G.); and Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee (E.V.G., V.V.G.)
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Banecki KMRM, Dora KA. Endothelin-1 in Health and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11295. [PMID: 37511055 PMCID: PMC10379484 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Discovered almost 40 years ago, the potent vasoconstrictor peptide endothelin-1 (ET-1) has a wide range of roles both physiologically and pathologically. In recent years, there has been a focus on the contribution of ET-1 to disease. This has led to the development of various ET receptor antagonists, some of which are approved for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension, while clinical trials for other diseases have been numerous yet, for the most part, unsuccessful. However, given the vast physiological impact of ET-1, it is both surprising and disappointing that therapeutics targeting the ET-1 pathway remain limited. Strategies aimed at the pathways influencing the synthesis and release of ET-1 could provide new therapeutic avenues, yet research using cultured cells in vitro has had little follow up in intact ex vivo and in vivo preparations. This article summarises what is currently known about the synthesis, storage and release of ET-1 as well as the role of ET-1 in several diseases including cardiovascular diseases, COVID-19 and chronic pain. Unravelling the ET-1 pathway and identifying therapeutic targets has the potential to treat many diseases whether through disease prevention, slowing disease progression or reversing pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kim A Dora
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK
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Sharma V, Rengasamy G, Sekaran S, Sankaran K, Veeraraghavan VP, Eswaramoorthy R. Molecular docking analysis of the tumor protein beta arrestin-1 with oxadiazole compounds. Bioinformation 2023; 19:111-116. [PMID: 37720289 PMCID: PMC10504516 DOI: 10.6026/97320630019111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Beta arrestins are a family of adaptor proteins that help in the regulation of signaling and trafficking of various G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). Six oxadiazole derivatives taken from literature are analyzed for anti-cancer properties. The toxicity profiles of all the drugs were similar to Tamoxifen used as control. Data shows that compounds 2, 4, and 6 exhibited comparably significant molecular interactions with the cancerous protein for further consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vipra Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai 600077, India
| | - Gayathri Rengasamy
- Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai 600077, India
| | - Surya Sekaran
- Department of Biomaterials (Green lab), Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai 600077, India
| | - Kavitha Sankaran
- Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai 600077, India
| | - Vishnu Priya Veeraraghavan
- Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai 600077, India
| | - Rajalakshmanan Eswaramoorthy
- Department of Biomaterials (Green lab), Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai 600077, India
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Aamna B, Kumar Dan A, Sahu R, Behera SK, Parida S. Deciphering the signaling mechanisms of β-arrestin1 and β-arrestin2 in regulation of cancer cell cycle and metastasis. J Cell Physiol 2022; 237:3717-3733. [PMID: 35908197 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
β-Arrestins are ubiquitously expressed intracellular proteins with many functions which interact directly and indirectly with a wide number of cellular partners and mediate downstream signaling. Originally, β-arrestins were identified for their contribution to GPCR desensitization to agonist-mediated activation, followed by receptor endocytosis and ubiquitylation. However, current investigations have now recognized that in addition to GPCR arresting (hence the name arrestin). β-Arrestins are adaptor proteins that control the recruitment, activation, and scaffolding of numerous cytoplasmic signaling complexes and assist in G-protein receptor signaling, thus bringing them into close proximity. They have participated in various cellular processes such as cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and transcription via canonical and noncanonical pathways. Despite their significant recognition in several physiological processes, these activities are also involved in the onset and progression of various cancers. This review delivers a concise overview of the role of β-arrestins with a primary emphasis on the signaling processes which underlie the mechanism of β-arrestins in the onset of cancer. Understanding these processes has important implications for understanding the therapeutic intervention and treatment of cancer in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bari Aamna
- School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (Deemed to be University), Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Aritra Kumar Dan
- School of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (Deemed to be University), Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Raghaba Sahu
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Santosh Kumar Behera
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Ahmedabad, India
| | - Sagarika Parida
- Department of Botany, Centurion University of Technology and Management, Odisha, India
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6
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Using GPCRs as Molecular Beacons to Target Ovarian Cancer with Nanomedicines. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14102362. [PMID: 35625966 PMCID: PMC9140059 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The five-year survival rate for women with ovarian cancer is very poor despite radical cytoreductive surgery and chemotherapy. Although most patients initially respond to platinum-based chemotherapy, the majority experience recurrence and ultimately develop chemoresistance, resulting in fatal outcomes. The current administration of cytotoxic compounds is hampered by dose-limiting severe adverse effects. There is an unmet clinical need for targeted drug delivery systems that transport chemotherapeutics selectively to tumor cells while minimizing off-target toxicity. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest family of membrane receptors, and many are overexpressed in solid tumors, including ovarian cancer. This review summarizes the progress in engineered nanoparticle research for drug delivery for ovarian cancer and discusses the potential use of GPCRs as molecular entry points to deliver anti-cancer compounds into ovarian cancer cells. A newly emerging treatment paradigm could be the personalized design of nanomedicines on a case-by-case basis.
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7
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Höltke C, Grewer M, Stölting M, Geyer C, Wildgruber M, Helfen A. Exploring the Influence of Different Albumin Binders on Molecular Imaging Probe Distribution. Mol Pharm 2021; 18:2574-2585. [PMID: 34048242 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.1c00064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The biodistribution of molecular imaging probes or tracers mainly depends on the chemical nature of the probe and the preferred metabolization and excretion routes. Small molecules have rather short half-lives while antibodies reside inside the organism for a longer period of time. An excretion via kidneys and bladder is faster than a mainly hepatobiliary elimination. To manipulate the biodistribution behavior of probes, different strategies have been pursued, including utilizing serum albumin as an inherent transport mechanism for small molecules. Here, we modified an existing small molecular fluorescent probe targeted to the endothelin-A receptor (ETAR) with three different albumin-binding moieties to search for an optimal modification strategy. A diphenylcyclohexyl (DPCH) group, a p-iodophenyl butyric acid (IPBA), and a fatty acid (FA) group were attached via amino acid linkers. All three modifications result in transient albumin binding of the developed compounds, as concluded from gel electrophoresis investigations. Spectrophotometric measurements applying variable amounts of bovine, murine, and human serum albumin (BSA, MSA, and HSA) reveal distinct variations of absorption and emission intensities and shifts of their maximum wavelengths. Binding to MSA results in the weakest effects, while binding to HSA leads to the strongest. Cell-based in vitro investigations utilizing ETAR-positive HT-1080 fibrosarcoma and ETAR-negative BT-20 breast adenocarcinoma cells support a retained specific target-binding capacity of the modified compounds and different degrees of unspecific binding. In vivo analysis of a HT-1080 xenograft model in nude mice over the course of 1 week by fluorescence reflectance imaging illustrates noticeable differences between the four examined probes. While the IPBA-modified probe shows the highest absolute signal intensity values, the FA-modified probe exhibits the most favorable tumor-to-organ ratios. In summary, reversible binding to albumin enhances the biological half-life of the designed probes substantially and enables near infrared optical imaging of subcutaneous tumors for several days in vivo. Because the unmodified probe already exhibits reasonable results, the attachment of albumin-binding moieties does not lead to a substantially improved imaging outcome in terms of target-to-background ratios. On the other hand, because the implemented transient albumin binding results in an overall higher amount of probe inside tumor lesions, this strategy might be adaptable for theranostic or therapeutic approaches in a future clinical routine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Höltke
- Clinic for Radiology, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Martin Grewer
- Clinic for Radiology, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Miriam Stölting
- Clinic for Radiology, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Christiane Geyer
- Clinic for Radiology, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Moritz Wildgruber
- Clinic for Radiology, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany.,Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Anne Helfen
- Clinic for Radiology, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
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YAP and endothelin-1 signaling: an emerging alliance in cancer. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:27. [PMID: 33422090 PMCID: PMC7797087 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-01827-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The rational making the G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) the centerpiece of targeted therapies is fueled by the awareness that GPCR-initiated signaling acts as pivotal driver of the early stages of progression in a broad landscape of human malignancies. The endothelin-1 (ET-1) receptors (ET-1R), known as ETA receptor (ETAR) and ETB receptor (ETBR) that belong to the GPCR superfamily, affect both cancer initiation and progression in a variety of cancer types. By the cross-talking with multiple signaling pathways mainly through the scaffold protein β-arrestin1 (β-arr1), ET-1R axis cooperates with an array of molecular determinants, including transcription factors and co-factors, strongly affecting tumor cell fate and behavior. In this scenario, recent findings shed light on the interplay between ET-1 and the Hippo pathway. In ETAR highly expressing tumors ET-1 axis induces the de-phosphorylation and nuclear accumulation of the Hippo pathway downstream effectors, the paralogous transcriptional cofactors Yes-associated protein (YAP) and Transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ). Recent evidence have discovered that ET-1R/β-arr1 axis instigates a transcriptional interplay involving YAP and mutant p53 proteins, which share a common gene signature and cooperate in a oncogenic signaling network. Mechanistically, YAP and mutp53 are enrolled in nuclear complexes that turn on a highly selective YAP/mutp53-dependent transcriptional response. Notably, ET-1R blockade by the FDA approved dual ET-1 receptor antagonist macitentan interferes with ET-1R/YAP/mutp53 signaling interplay, through the simultaneous suppression of YAP and mutp53 functions, hampering metastasis and therapy resistance. Based on these evidences, we aim to review the recent findings linking the GPCR signaling, as for ET-1R, to YAP/TAZ signaling, underlining the clinical relevance of the blockade of such signaling network in the tumor and microenvironmental contexts. In particular, we debate the clinical implications regarding the use of dual ET-1R antagonists to blunt gain of function activity of mutant p53 proteins and thereby considering them as a potential therapeutic option for mutant p53 cancers. The identification of ET-1R/β-arr1-intertwined and bi-directional signaling pathways as targetable vulnerabilities, may open new therapeutic approaches able to disable the ET-1R-orchestrated YAP/mutp53 signaling network in both tumor and stromal cells and concurrently sensitizes to high-efficacy combined therapeutics.
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Russignan A, Dal Collo G, Bagnato A, Tamassia N, Bugatti M, Belleri M, Lorenzi L, Borsi E, Bazzoni R, Gottardi M, Terragna C, Vermi W, Giacomini A, Presta M, Cassatella MA, Krampera M, Tecchio C. Targeting the Endothelin-1 Receptors Curtails Tumor Growth and Angiogenesis in Multiple Myeloma. Front Oncol 2021; 10:600025. [PMID: 33489901 PMCID: PMC7820698 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.600025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The endothelin-1 (ET-1) receptors were recently found to mediate pro-survival functions in multiple myeloma (MM) cells in response to autocrine ET-1. This study investigated the effectiveness of macitentan, a dual ET-1 receptor antagonist, in MM treatment, and the mechanisms underlying its activities. Macitentan affected significantly MM cell (RPMI-8226, U266, KMS-12-PE) survival and pro-angiogenic cytokine release by down-modulating ET-1-activated MAPK/ERK and HIF-1α pathways, respectively. HIF-1α silencing abrogated the ET-1 mediated induction of genes encoding for pro-angiogenic cytokines such as VEGF-A, IL-8, Adrenomedullin, and ET-1 itself. Upon exposure to macitentan, MM cells cultured in the presence of the hypoxia-mimetic agent CoCl2, exogenous ET-1, or CoCl2 plus ET-1, down-regulated HIF-1α and the transcription and release of downstream pro-angiogenic cytokines. Consistently, macitentan limited significantly the basal pro-angiogenic activity of RPMI-8226 cells in chorioallantoic membrane assay. In xenograft mouse models, established by injecting NOG mice either via intra-caudal vein with U266 or subcutaneously with RPMI-8226 cells, macitentan reduced effectively the number of MM cells infiltrating bone marrow, and the size and microvascular density of subcutaneous MM tumors. ET-1 receptors targeting by macitentan represents an effective anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenic therapeutic approach in preclinical settings of MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Russignan
- Section of Hematology and Bone-Marrow Transplant Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Giada Dal Collo
- Section of Hematology and Bone-Marrow Transplant Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Anna Bagnato
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Tamassia
- Section of General Pathology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Mattia Bugatti
- Section of Pathology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Mirella Belleri
- Experimental Oncology and Immunology Unit, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Luisa Lorenzi
- Section of Pathology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Enrica Borsi
- Department of Experimental Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), "L. and A. Seràgnoli", Bologna University, Bologna, Italy
| | - Riccardo Bazzoni
- Section of Hematology and Bone-Marrow Transplant Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Carolina Terragna
- Department of Experimental Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), "L. and A. Seràgnoli", Bologna University, Bologna, Italy
| | - William Vermi
- Section of Pathology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Arianna Giacomini
- Experimental Oncology and Immunology Unit, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marco Presta
- Experimental Oncology and Immunology Unit, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Mauro Krampera
- Section of Hematology and Bone-Marrow Transplant Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Cristina Tecchio
- Section of Hematology and Bone-Marrow Transplant Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Endothelin-1 axis fosters YAP-induced chemotherapy escape in ovarian cancer. Cancer Lett 2020; 492:84-95. [PMID: 32860850 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The majority of ovarian cancer (OC) patients recur with a platinum-resistant disease. OC cells activate adaptive resistance mechanisms that are only partially described. Here we show that OC cells can adapt to chemotherapy through a positive-feedback loop that favors chemoresistance. In platinum-resistant OC cells we document that the endothelin-1 (ET-1)/endothelin A receptor axis intercepts the YAP pathway. This cross-talk occurs through the LATS/RhoA/actin-dependent pathway and contributes to prevent the chemotherapy-induced apoptosis. Mechanistically, β-arrestin1 (β-arr1) and YAP form a complex shaping TEAD-dependent transcriptional activity on the promoters of YAP target genes, including EDN1, which fuels a feed-forward signaling circuit that sustains a platinum-tolerant state. The FDA approved dual ET-1 receptor antagonist macitentan in co-therapy with cisplatin sensitizes resistant cells to the platinum-based therapy, reducing their metastatic potential. Furthermore, high ETAR/YAP gene expression signature is associated with a poor platinum-response in OC patients. Collectively, our findings identify in the networking between ET-1 and YAP pathways an escape strategy from chemotherapy. ET-1 receptor blockade interferes with such adaptive network and enhances platinum-induced apoptosis, representing a promising therapeutic opportunity to restore drug sensitivity in OC patients.
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Shukla AK, Dwivedi-Agnihotri H. Structure and function of β-arrestins, their emerging role in breast cancer, and potential opportunities for therapeutic manipulation. Adv Cancer Res 2020; 145:139-156. [PMID: 32089163 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2020.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
β-Arrestins (βarrs) are multifunctional intracellular proteins with an ability to directly interact with a large number of cellular partners including the G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). βarrs contribute to multiple aspects of GPCR signaling, trafficking and downregulation. Considering the central involvement of GPCR signaling in the onset and progression of diverse types of cancers, βarrs have also emerged as key players in the context of investigating cancer phenotypes, and as potential therapeutic targets. In this chapter, we first provide a brief account of structure and function of βarrs and then highlight recent discoveries unfolding novel functional attributes of βarrs in breast cancer. We also underscore the recent paradigms of modulating βarr functions in cellular context and potential therapeutic opportunities going forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun K Shukla
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, India.
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