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Wen L, Liu Z, Zhou L, Liu Z, Li Q, Geng B, Xia Y. Bone and Extracellular Signal-Related Kinase 5 (ERK5). Biomolecules 2024; 14:556. [PMID: 38785963 PMCID: PMC11117709 DOI: 10.3390/biom14050556] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Bones are vital for anchoring muscles, tendons, and ligaments, serving as a fundamental element of the human skeletal structure. However, our understanding of bone development mechanisms and the maintenance of bone homeostasis is still limited. Extracellular signal-related kinase 5 (ERK5), a recently identified member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, plays a critical role in the pathogenesis and progression of various diseases, especially neoplasms. Recent studies have highlighted ERK5's significant role in both bone development and bone-associated pathologies. This review offers a detailed examination of the latest research on ERK5 in different tissues and diseases, with a particular focus on its implications for bone health. It also examines therapeutic strategies and future research avenues targeting ERK5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wen
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China; (L.W.); (Z.L.); (L.Z.); (Z.L.); (Q.L.); (B.G.)
- Orthopedic Clinical Medical Research Center and Intelligent Orthopedic Industry Technology Center of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730030, China
- Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Zirui Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China; (L.W.); (Z.L.); (L.Z.); (Z.L.); (Q.L.); (B.G.)
- Orthopedic Clinical Medical Research Center and Intelligent Orthopedic Industry Technology Center of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Libo Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China; (L.W.); (Z.L.); (L.Z.); (Z.L.); (Q.L.); (B.G.)
- Orthopedic Clinical Medical Research Center and Intelligent Orthopedic Industry Technology Center of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Zhongcheng Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China; (L.W.); (Z.L.); (L.Z.); (Z.L.); (Q.L.); (B.G.)
- Orthopedic Clinical Medical Research Center and Intelligent Orthopedic Industry Technology Center of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Qingda Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China; (L.W.); (Z.L.); (L.Z.); (Z.L.); (Q.L.); (B.G.)
- Orthopedic Clinical Medical Research Center and Intelligent Orthopedic Industry Technology Center of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Bin Geng
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China; (L.W.); (Z.L.); (L.Z.); (Z.L.); (Q.L.); (B.G.)
- Orthopedic Clinical Medical Research Center and Intelligent Orthopedic Industry Technology Center of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Yayi Xia
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China; (L.W.); (Z.L.); (L.Z.); (Z.L.); (Q.L.); (B.G.)
- Orthopedic Clinical Medical Research Center and Intelligent Orthopedic Industry Technology Center of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730030, China
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Hamel KM, Frazier TP, Williams C, Duplessis T, Rowan BG, Gimble JM, Sanchez CG. Adipose Tissue in Breast Cancer Microphysiological Models to Capture Human Diversity in Preclinical Models. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2728. [PMID: 38473978 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052728] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Female breast cancer accounts for 15.2% of all new cancer cases in the United States, with a continuing increase in incidence despite efforts to discover new targeted therapies. With an approximate failure rate of 85% for therapies in the early phases of clinical trials, there is a need for more translatable, new preclinical in vitro models that include cellular heterogeneity, extracellular matrix, and human-derived biomaterials. Specifically, adipose tissue and its resident cell populations have been identified as necessary attributes for current preclinical models. Adipose-derived stromal/stem cells (ASCs) and mature adipocytes are a normal part of the breast tissue composition and not only contribute to normal breast physiology but also play a significant role in breast cancer pathophysiology. Given the recognized pro-tumorigenic role of adipocytes in tumor progression, there remains a need to enhance the complexity of current models and account for the contribution of the components that exist within the adipose stromal environment to breast tumorigenesis. This review article captures the current landscape of preclinical breast cancer models with a focus on breast cancer microphysiological system (MPS) models and their counterpart patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models to capture patient diversity as they relate to adipose tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Christopher Williams
- Division of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA 70125, USA
| | | | - Brian G Rowan
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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3
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Le NT. The significance of ERK5 catalytic-independent functions in disease pathways. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1235217. [PMID: 37601096 PMCID: PMC10436230 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1235217] [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: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5), also known as BMK1 or MAPK7, represents a recent addition to the classical mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family. This family includes well-known members such as ERK1/2, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), as well as atypical MAPKs such as ERK3, ERK4, ERK7 (ERK8), and Nemo-like kinase (NLK). Comprehensive reviews available elsewhere provide detailed insights into ERK5, which interested readers can refer to for in-depth knowledge (Nithianandarajah-Jones et al., 2012; Monti et al., Cancers (Basel), 2022, 14). The primary aim of this review is to emphasize the essential characteristics of ERK5 and shed light on the intricate nature of its activation, with particular attention to the catalytic-independent functions in disease pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nhat-Tu Le
- Center for Cardiovascular Regeneration, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, United States
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You I, Donovan KA, Krupnick NM, Boghossian AS, Rees MG, Ronan MM, Roth JA, Fischer ES, Wang ES, Gray NS. Acute pharmacological degradation of ERK5 does not inhibit cellular immune response or proliferation. Cell Chem Biol 2022; 29:1630-1638.e7. [PMID: 36220104 PMCID: PMC9675722 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2022.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Recent interest in the role that extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) plays in various diseases, particularly cancer and inflammation, has grown. Phenotypes observed from genetic knockdown or deletion of ERK5 suggested that targeting ERK5 could have therapeutic potential in various disease settings, motivating the development ATP-competitive ERK5 inhibitors. However, these inhibitors were unable to recapitulate the effects of genetic loss of ERK5, suggesting that ERK5 may have key kinase-independent roles. To investigate potential non-catalytic functions of ERK5, we report the development of INY-06-061, a potent and selective heterobifunctional degrader of ERK5. In contrast to results reported through genetic knockdown of ERK5, INY-06-061-induced ERK5 degradation did not induce anti-proliferative effects in multiple cancer cell lines or suppress inflammatory responses in primary endothelial cells. Thus, we developed and characterized a chemical tool useful for validating phenotypes reported to be associated with genetic ERK5 ablation and for guiding future ERK5-directed drug discovery efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inchul You
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Chem-H and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Katherine A Donovan
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Noah M Krupnick
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | | | - Matthew G Rees
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Melissa M Ronan
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Jennifer A Roth
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Eric S Fischer
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Eric S Wang
- Tumor Initiation and Maintenance Program, NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Nathanael S Gray
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Chem-H and Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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Decellularized normal and cancer tissues as tools for cancer research. Cancer Gene Ther 2022; 29:879-888. [PMID: 34785762 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-021-00398-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Today it is widely accepted that molecular mechanisms triggering cancer initiate with a genetic modification. However, a genetic alteration providing the aberrant clone with a growing advantage over neighboring cells is not sufficient to develop cancer. Currently, tumors are considered a heterogeneous population of cells and an extracellular matrix (ECM) that make up a characteristic microenvironment. Interactions between tumor cells and cancer microenvironment define cancer progression and therapeutic response. To investigate and clarify the role of ECM in the regulation of cancer cell behavior and response to therapy, the decellularization of ECM, a widely used technique in tissue engineering, has been recently employed to develop 3D culture model of disease. In this review, we briefly explore the different components of healthy and pathological ECM and the methods to obtain and characterize the ECM from native bioptic tissue. Finally, we highlight the most relevant applications of ECM in translational cancer research strategies: decellularized ECM, ECM-hydrogel and 3D bioprinting.
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Wang L, Ji X, Mao C, Yu R. BAY-885, a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 5 inhibitor, induces apoptosis by regulating the endoplasmic reticulum stress/Mcl-1/Bim pathway in breast cancer cells. Bioengineered 2022; 13:12888-12898. [PMID: 35609325 PMCID: PMC9275924 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2022.2078557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 5 (MEK5)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) axis has been reported to promote tumorigenesis in breast cancer (BC). Therefore, targeting the MEK5/ERK5 axis is a potential strategy against BC. BAY-885 is a novel inhibitor of ERK5; however, to date, its anti-tumor effects in BC have not been investigated. This study aimed to assess the anti-tumor effects of BAY-885 in BC and identify its underlying mechanisms of action. Unlike other ERK5 inhibitors, which frequently failed to mimic ERK5 genetic ablation phenotypes, the BAY-885 treatment effectively recapitulated ERK5 depletion effects in BC cells. Results revealed that BAY-885 affected the viability and induced apoptosis in BC cells. Moreover, the BAY-885-mediated downregulation of myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) and upregulation of Bim were dependent on ERK5 inhibition. Furthermore, BAY-885 triggered activation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, which further led to the upregulation of Bim and downregulation of Mcl-1. ER stress was induced in an ERK5 inhibition-dependent manner. These findings suggested that BAY-885 induced apoptosis in BC cells via ER stress/Mcl-1/Bim axis, suggesting that BAY-885 may serve as a therapeutic agent for BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Ningbo Medical Centre, the Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo
| | - Xiaochun Ji
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Ningbo Medical Centre, the Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo
| | - Chenxiao Mao
- Department of Electronic Commerce, Zhejiang Fashion Institute of Technology, Ningbo
| | - Rui Yu
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo
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Clinical Significance and Regulation of ERK5 Expression and Function in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14020348. [PMID: 35053510 PMCID: PMC8773716 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14020348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) is a unique kinase among MAPKs family members, given its large structure characterized by the presence of a unique C-terminal domain. Despite increasing data demonstrating the relevance of the ERK5 pathway in the growth, survival, and differentiation of normal cells, ERK5 has recently attracted the attention of several research groups given its relevance in inflammatory disorders and cancer. Accumulating evidence reported its role in tumor initiation and progression. In this review, we explore the gene expression profile of ERK5 among cancers correlated with its clinical impact, as well as the prognostic value of ERK5 and pERK5 expression levels in tumors. We also summarize the importance of ERK5 in the maintenance of a cancer stem-like phenotype and explore the major known contributions of ERK5 in the tumor-associated microenvironment. Moreover, although several questions are still open concerning ERK5 molecular regulation, different ERK5 isoforms derived from the alternative splicing process are also described, highlighting the potential clinical relevance of targeting ERK5 pathways.
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Bhatt AB, Wright TD, Barnes V, Chakrabarty S, Matossian MD, Lexner E, Ucar DA, Miele L, Flaherty PT, Burow ME, Cavanaugh JE. Diverse and converging roles of ERK1/2 and ERK5 pathways on mesenchymal to epithelial transition in breast cancer. Transl Oncol 2021; 14:101046. [PMID: 33761370 PMCID: PMC8020482 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is characterized by a loss of cell polarity, a decrease in the epithelial cell marker E-cadherin, and an increase in mesenchymal markers including the zinc-finger E-box binding homeobox (ZEB1). The EMT is also associated with an increase in cell migration and anchorage-independent growth. Induction of a reversal of the EMT, a mesenchymal to epithelial transition (MET), is an emerging strategy being explored to attenuate the metastatic potential of aggressive cancer types, such as triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) and tamoxifen-resistant (TAMR) ER-positive breast cancers, which have a mesenchymal phenotype. Patients with these aggressive cancers have poor prognoses, quick relapse, and resistance to most chemotherapeutic drugs. Overexpression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 and ERK5 is associated with poor patient survival in breast cancer. Moreover, TNBC and tamoxifen resistant cancers are unresponsive to most targeted clinical therapies and there is a dire need for alternative therapies. In the current study, we found that MAPK3, MAPK1, and MAPK7 gene expression correlated with EMT markers and poor overall survival in breast cancer patients using publicly available datasets. The effect of ERK1/2 and ERK5 pathway inhibition on MET was evaluated in MDA-MB-231, BT-549 TNBC cells, and tamoxifen-resistant MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Moreover, TU-BcX-4IC patient-derived primary TNBC cells were included to enhance the translational relevance of our study. We evaluated the effect of pharmacological inhibitors and lentivirus-induced activation or inhibition of the MEK1/2-ERK1/2 and MEK5-ERK5 pathways on cell morphology, E-cadherin, vimentin and ZEB1 expression. Additionally, the effects of pharmacological inhibition of trametinib and XMD8-92 on nuclear localization of ERK1/2 and ERK5, cell migration, proliferation, and spheroid formation were evaluated. Novel compounds that target the MEK1/2 and MEK5 pathways were used in combination with the AKT inhibitor ipatasertib to understand cell-specific responses to kinase inhibition. The results from this study will aid in the design of innovative therapeutic strategies that target cancer metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshita B Bhatt
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Thomas D Wright
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Van Barnes
- Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Suravi Chakrabarty
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, USA
| | - Margarite D Matossian
- Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Erin Lexner
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Deniz A Ucar
- Department of Genetics and Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Lucio Miele
- Department of Genetics and Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Patrick T Flaherty
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, USA
| | - Matthew E Burow
- Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Jane E Cavanaugh
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA.
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Matossian MD, Hoang VT, Burks HE, La J, Elliott S, Brock C, Rusch DB, Buechlein A, Nephew KP, Bhatt A, Cavanaugh JE, Flaherty PT, Collins-Burow BM, Burow ME. Constitutive activation of MEK5 promotes a mesenchymal and migratory cell phenotype in triple negative breast cancer. Oncoscience 2021; 8:64-71. [PMID: 34026925 PMCID: PMC8131078 DOI: 10.18632/oncoscience.535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer with limited targeted therapeutic options. A defining feature of TNBC is the propensity to metastasize and acquire resistance to cytotoxic agents. Mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) and extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathways have integral roles in cancer development and progression. While MEK5/ERK5 signaling drives mesenchymal and migratory cell phenotypes in breast cancer, the specific mechanisms underlying these actions remain under-characterized. To elucidate the mechanisms through which MEK5 regulates the mesenchymal and migratory phenotype, we generated stably transfected constitutively active MEK5 (MEK5-ca) TNBC cells. Downstream signaling pathways and candidate targets of MEK5-ca cells were based on RNA sequencing and confirmed using qPCR and Western blot analyses. MEK5 activation drove a mesenchymal cell phenotype independent of cell proliferation effects. Transwell migration assays demonstrated MEK5 activation significantly increased breast cancer cell migration. In this study, we provide supporting evidence that MEK5 functions through FRA-1 to regulate the mesenchymal and migratory phenotype in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarite D. Matossian
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Tulane University,
New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
- These authors contributed equally to this work and are shared first authors
| | - Van T. Hoang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Tulane University,
New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
- These authors contributed equally to this work and are shared first authors
| | - Hope E. Burks
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Tulane University,
New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
- These authors contributed equally to this work and are shared first authors
| | - Jacqueline La
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Tulane University,
New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
- These authors contributed equally to this work and are shared first authors
| | - Steven Elliott
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Tulane University,
New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
| | - Courtney Brock
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Tulane University,
New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
| | - Douglas B. Rusch
- Center for Genomics and Bioinformatics, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
47405, USA
| | - Aaron Buechlein
- Medical Sciences Program, Indiana University School of Medicine-Bloomington,
Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Kenneth P. Nephew
- Medical Sciences Program, Indiana University School of Medicine-Bloomington,
Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Akshita Bhatt
- Department of Pharmacology, Duquesne University School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh,
PA 15282, USA
| | - Jane E. Cavanaugh
- Department of Pharmacology, Duquesne University School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh,
PA 15282, USA
| | - Patrick T. Flaherty
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Duquesne University School of Pharmacy,
Pittsburgh, PA 15282, USA
| | - Bridgette M. Collins-Burow
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Tulane University,
New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
- Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Matthew E. Burow
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Tulane University,
New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
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Xu Q, Zhang J, Telfer BA, Zhang H, Ali N, Chen F, Risa B, Pearson AJ, Zhang W, Finegan KG, Ucar A, Giurisato E, Tournier C. The extracellular-regulated protein kinase 5 (ERK5) enhances metastatic burden in triple-negative breast cancer through focal adhesion protein kinase (FAK)-mediated regulation of cell adhesion. Oncogene 2021; 40:3929-3941. [PMID: 33981002 PMCID: PMC8195737 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-01798-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
There is overwhelming clinical evidence that the extracellular-regulated protein kinase 5 (ERK5) is significantly dysregulated in human breast cancer. However, there is no definite understanding of the requirement of ERK5 in tumor growth and metastasis due to very limited characterization of the pathway in disease models. In this study, we report that a high level of ERK5 is a predictive marker of metastatic breast cancer. Mechanistically, our in vitro data revealed that ERK5 was critical for maintaining the invasive capability of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells through focal adhesion protein kinase (FAK) activation. Specifically, we found that phosphorylation of FAK at Tyr397 was controlled by a kinase-independent function of ERK5. Accordingly, silencing ERK5 in mammary tumor grafts impaired FAK phosphorylation at Tyr397 and suppressed TNBC cell metastasis to the lung without preventing tumor growth. Collectively, these results establish a functional relationship between ERK5 and FAK signaling in promoting malignancy. Thus, targeting the oncogenic ERK5-FAK axis represents a promising therapeutic strategy for breast cancer exhibiting aggressive clinical behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuping Xu
- Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Jingwei Zhang
- Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Brian A Telfer
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Hao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Nisha Ali
- Manchester University NHS FT, Wythenshawe hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - Fuhui Chen
- Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Blanca Risa
- Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Adam J Pearson
- Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Wei Zhang
- Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Katherine G Finegan
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Ahmet Ucar
- Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Emanuele Giurisato
- Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Department of Biotechnology Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Cathy Tournier
- Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
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Hoang VT, Matossian MD, La J, Hoang K, Ucar DA, Elliott S, Burks HE, Wright TD, Patel S, Bhatt A, Phamduy T, Chrisey D, Buechlein A, Rusch DB, Nephew KP, Anbalagan M, Rowan B, Cavanaugh JE, Flaherty PT, Miele L, Collins-Burow BM, Burow ME. Dual inhibition of MEK1/2 and MEK5 suppresses the EMT/migration axis in triple-negative breast cancer through FRA-1 regulation. J Cell Biochem 2021; 122:835-850. [PMID: 33876843 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.29916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) presents a clinical challenge due to the aggressive nature of the disease and a lack of targeted therapies. Constitutive activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway has been linked to chemoresistance and metastatic progression through distinct mechanisms, including activation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) when cells adopt a motile and invasive phenotype through loss of epithelial markers (CDH1), and acquisition of mesenchymal markers (VIM, CDH2). Although MAPK/ERK1/2 kinase inhibitors (MEKi) are useful antitumor agents in a clinical setting, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved MEK1,2 dual inhibitors cobimetinib and trametinib, there are limitations to their clinical utility, primarily adaptation of the BRAF pathway and ocular toxicities. The MEK5 (HGNC: MAP2K5) pathway has important roles in metastatic progression of various cancer types, including those of the prostate, colon, bone and breast, and elevated levels of ERK5 expression in breast carcinomas are linked to a worse prognoses in TNBC patients. The purpose of this study is to explore MEK5 regulation of the EMT axis and to evaluate a novel pan-MEK inhibitor on clinically aggressive TNBC cells. Our results show a distinction between the MEK1/2 and MEK5 cascades in maintenance of the mesenchymal phenotype, suggesting that the MEK5 pathway may be necessary and sufficient in EMT regulation while MEK1/2 signaling further sustains the mesenchymal state of TNBC cells. Furthermore, additive effects on MET induction are evident through the inhibition of both MEK1/2 and MEK5. Taken together, these data demonstrate the need for a better understanding of the individual roles of MEK1/2 and MEK5 signaling in breast cancer and provide a rationale for the combined targeting of these pathways to circumvent compensatory signaling and subsequent therapeutic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van T Hoang
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Margarite D Matossian
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Jacqueline La
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Kristine Hoang
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Deniz A Ucar
- Department of Genetics and Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, LSUHSC, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Steven Elliott
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Hope E Burks
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Thomas D Wright
- Department of Pharmacology, Duquesne University, School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Saloni Patel
- Department of Pharmacology, Duquesne University, School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Akshita Bhatt
- Department of Pharmacology, Duquesne University, School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Theresa Phamduy
- Department of Physics, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Douglas Chrisey
- Department of Physics, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Aaron Buechlein
- Medical Sciences Program, Indiana University School of Medicine-Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Douglas B Rusch
- Center for Genomics and Bioinformatics, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Kenneth P Nephew
- Medical Sciences Program, Indiana University School of Medicine-Bloomington, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Murali Anbalagan
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Brian Rowan
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Jane E Cavanaugh
- Department of Pharmacology, Duquesne University, School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Patrick T Flaherty
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Duquesne University, School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lucio Miele
- Department of Genetics and Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, LSUHSC, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Bridgette M Collins-Burow
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.,Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Matthew E Burow
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology and Oncology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
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12
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Bhatt AB, Patel S, Matossian MD, Ucar DA, Miele L, Burow ME, Flaherty PT, Cavanaugh JE. Molecular Mechanisms of Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition Regulated by ERK5 Signaling. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11020183. [PMID: 33572742 PMCID: PMC7911413 DOI: 10.3390/biom11020183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK5) is an essential regulator of cancer progression, tumor relapse, and poor patient survival. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a complex oncogenic process, which drives cell invasion, stemness, and metastases. Activators of ERK5, including mitogen-activated protein kinase 5 (MEK5), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), are known to induce EMT and metastases in breast, lung, colorectal, and other cancers. Several downstream targets of the ERK5 pathway, such as myocyte-specific enhancer factor 2c (MEF2C), activator protein-1 (AP-1), focal adhesion kinase (FAK), and c-Myc, play a critical role in the regulation of EMT transcription factors SNAIL, SLUG, and β-catenin. Moreover, ERK5 activation increases the release of extracellular matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), facilitating breakdown of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and local tumor invasion. Targeting the ERK5 signaling pathway using small molecule inhibitors, microRNAs, and knockdown approaches decreases EMT, cell invasion, and metastases via several mechanisms. The focus of the current review is to highlight the mechanisms which are known to mediate cancer EMT via ERK5 signaling. Several therapeutic approaches that can be undertaken to target the ERK5 pathway and inhibit or reverse EMT and metastases are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshita B. Bhatt
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, USA;
| | - Saloni Patel
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, USA; (S.P.); (P.T.F.)
| | - Margarite D. Matossian
- Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (M.D.M.); (M.E.B.)
| | - Deniz A. Ucar
- Department of Genetics and Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (D.A.U.); (L.M.)
| | - Lucio Miele
- Department of Genetics and Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (D.A.U.); (L.M.)
| | - Matthew E. Burow
- Department of Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (M.D.M.); (M.E.B.)
| | - Patrick T. Flaherty
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, USA; (S.P.); (P.T.F.)
| | - Jane E. Cavanaugh
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-412-760-3503
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