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Fen FU, Yang ZHANG, Hong SHEN. [Advances in Targeted Therapy for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma]. ZHONGGUO FEI AI ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF LUNG CANCER 2024; 27:391-398. [PMID: 38880927 PMCID: PMC11183316 DOI: 10.3779/j.issn.1009-3419.2024.102.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare cancer with high malignancy and aggressiveness on the pleural, caused by the following risk factors including asbestos inhalation, genetic factors, and genetic mutation. The present chemotherapy, antiangiogenic therapy, and immunotherapy methods are ineffective and the survival time of patients is very short. There is an urgent need to find potential therapeutic targets for MPM. At present, it has been found the following types of targets: gene mutation targets such as BRCA associated protein 1 (BAP1) and cyclin-dependent kinase 2A (CDKN2A); epigenetic targets such as lysine (K)-specific demethylase 4A (KDM4A) and lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1), and signal protein targets such as glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). So far, available clinical trials include phase II clinical trials of histone methyltransferase inhibitor Tazemetostat, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor Rucaparib and cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) inhibitor Abemaciclib, as well as phase I clinical trials of mesothelin-targeting chimeric antigen receptor T-cell immunotherapy (CAR-T) cell injection in the thoracic cavity and TEA domain family member (TEAD) inhibitor VT3989 and IK-930, and the results of these trials have showed certain clinical efficacy.
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Manoharan S, Ying Ying L. Pyrimethamine reduced tumour growth in pre-clinical cancer models: a systematic review to identify potential pre-clinical studies for subsequent human clinical trials. Biol Methods Protoc 2024; 9:bpae021. [PMID: 38618181 PMCID: PMC11014785 DOI: 10.1093/biomethods/bpae021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Pyrimethamine (PYR), a STAT3 inhibitor, has been shown to reduce tumour burden in mouse cancer models. It is unclear how much of a reduction occurred or whether the PYR dosages and route of administration used in mice were consistent with the FDA's recommendations for drug repurposing. Search engines such as ScienceDirect, PubMed/MEDLINE, and other databases, including Google Scholar, were thoroughly searched, as was the reference list. The systematic review includes fourteen (14) articles. The risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using SYRCLE's guidelines. Due to the heterogeneity of the data, no meta-analysis was performed. According to the RoB assessment, 13/14 studies fall into the moderate RoB category, with one study classified as high RoB. None adhered to the ARRIVE guideline for transparent research reporting. Oral (FDA-recommended) and non-oral routes of PYR administration were used in mice, with several studies reporting very high PYR dosages that could lead to myelosuppression, while oral PYR dosages of 30 mg/kg or less are considered safe. Direct human equivalent dose translation is probably not the best strategy for comparing whether the used PYR dosages in mice are in line with FDA-approved strength because pharmacokinetic profiles, particularly PYR's half-life (t1/2), between humans (t1/2 = 96 h) and mice (t1/2 = 6 h), must also be considered. Based on the presence of appropriate control and treatment groups, as well as the presence of appropriate clinically proven chemotherapy drug(s) for comparison purposes, only one study (1/14) involving liver cancer can be directed into a clinical trial. Furthermore, oesophageal cancer too can be directed into clinical trials, where the indirect effect of PYR on the NRF2 gene may suppress oesophageal cancer in patients, but this must be done with caution because PYR is an investigational drug for oesophageal cancer, and combining it with proven chemotherapy drug(s) is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sivananthan Manoharan
- Molecular Pathology Unit, Cancer Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam 40170, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Lee Ying Ying
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Asia Metropolitan University, Johor Bahru 81750, Johor, Malaysia
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Kast RE. IPIAD- an augmentation regimen added to standard treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma using already-marketed repurposed drugs irbesartan, pyrimethamine, itraconazole, azithromycin, and dapsone. Oncoscience 2024; 11:15-31. [PMID: 38524376 PMCID: PMC10959018 DOI: 10.18632/oncoscience.594] [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: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
This short note presents the data and rationale for adding five generic non-oncology drugs from general medical practice to gemcitabine, nab-paclitaxel, a current standard cytotoxic chemotherapy of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. The regimen, called IPIAD, uses an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) irbesartan indicated for treating hypertension, an old antimicrobial drug pyrimethamine indicated for treating toxoplasmosis or malaria, an old antifungal drug itraconazole, an old broad spectrum antibiotic azithromycin and an old antibiotic dapsone. In reviewing selected growth driving systems active in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma then comparing these with detailed data on ancillary attributes of the IPIAD drugs, one can predict clinical benefit and slowing growth of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma by this augmentation regimen.
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Zhang C, Sun Q, Zhao J, Jiang N, Hao Y, Luo J, Karim S, Wu L, de Perrot M, Peng C, Zhao X. JSI-124 inhibits cell proliferation and tumor growth by inducing autophagy and apoptosis in murine malignant mesothelioma. Mol Carcinog 2023; 62:1888-1901. [PMID: 37642305 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23623] [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: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM), mainly caused by asbestos exposure, has a poor prognosis and lacks effective treatment compared with other cancer types. The intracellular transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is overexpressed and hyperactivated in most human cancers. In this study, the role of STAT3 in murine MPM was examined. Inhibition of the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/STAT3 pathway with the selective inhibitor JSI-124 has an antitumor effect in murine MPM. Specifically, we demonstrated that JSI-124 inhibits murine MPM cell growth and induces apoptotic and autophagic cell death. Exposure of RN5 and AB12 cells to JSI-124 resulted in apoptosis via the Bcl-2 family of proteins. JSI-124 triggered autophagosome formation, accumulation, and conversion of LC3I to LC3II. Autophagy inhibitors, Chloroquine (CQ) and Bafilomycin A1 (Baf-A1), inhibited autophagy and sensitized RN5 and AB12 cells to JSI-124-induced apoptosis. Our data indicate that JSI-124 is a promising therapeutic agent for MPM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengke Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Thoracic Cancer, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Qifeng Sun
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiangfeng Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Thoracic Cancer, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Ning Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Thoracic Cancer, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingtao Hao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Thoracic Cancer, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Junwen Luo
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Thoracic Cancer, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Saraf Karim
- Latner Thoracic Surgery Research Laboratories and Division of Thoracic Surgery, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Licun Wu
- Key Laboratory of Thoracic Cancer, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
- Latner Thoracic Surgery Research Laboratories and Division of Thoracic Surgery, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marc de Perrot
- Latner Thoracic Surgery Research Laboratories and Division of Thoracic Surgery, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chuanliang Peng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Thoracic Cancer, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaogang Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Thoracic Cancer, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China
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Sahu RK, Ruhi S, Jeppu AK, Al-Goshae HA, Syed A, Nagdev S, Widyowati R, Ekasari W, Khan J, Bhattacharjee B, Goyal M, Bhattacharya S, Jangde RK. Malignant mesothelioma tumours: molecular pathogenesis, diagnosis, and therapies accompanying clinical studies. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1204722. [PMID: 37469419 PMCID: PMC10353315 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1204722] [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: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathetic malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a extremely uncommon and confrontational tumor that evolves in the mesothelium layer of the pleural cavities (inner lining- visceral pleura and outer lining- parietal pleura), peritoneum, pericardium, and tunica vaginalis and is highly resistant to standard treatments. In mesothelioma, the predominant pattern of lesions is a loss of genes that limit tumour growth. Despite the worldwide ban on the manufacture and supply of asbestos, the prevalence of mesothelioma continues to increase. Mesothelioma presents and behaves in a variety of ways, making diagnosis challenging. Most treatments available today for MM are ineffective, and the median life expectancy is between 10 and 12 months. However, in recent years, considerable progress has already been made in understanding the genetics and molecular pathophysiology of mesothelioma by addressing hippo signaling pathway. The development and progression of MM are related to many important genetic alterations. This is related to NF2 and/or LATS2 mutations that activate the transcriptional coactivator YAP. The X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans are used to diagnose the MM. The MM are treated with surgery, chemotherapy, first-line combination chemotherapy, second-line treatment, radiation therapy, adoptive T-cell treatment, targeted therapy, and cancer vaccines. Recent clinical trials investigating the function of surgery have led to the development of innovative approaches to the treatment of associated pleural effusions as well as the introduction of targeted medications. An interdisciplinary collaborative approach is needed for the effective care of persons who have mesothelioma because of the rising intricacy of mesothelioma treatment. This article highlights the key findings in the molecular pathogenesis of mesothelioma, diagnosis with special emphasis on the management of mesothelioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ram Kumar Sahu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (A Central University), Chauras, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Sakina Ruhi
- Department of Biochemistry, International Medical School (IMS), Management and Science University, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ashok Kumar Jeppu
- Department of Biochemistry, International Medical School (IMS), Management and Science University, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Husni Ahmed Al-Goshae
- Department of Anantomy, International Medical School (IMS), Management and Science University, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ayesha Syed
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry, Management and Science University, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sanjay Nagdev
- Department of Pharmacy, Gyan Ganga Institute of Technology and Sciences, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Retno Widyowati
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Wiwied Ekasari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Jiyauddin Khan
- School of Pharmacy, Management and Science University, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
| | | | - Manoj Goyal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (A Central University), Chauras, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Sankha Bhattacharya
- School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKM’s NMIMS, Shirpur, MH, India
| | - Rajendra K. Jangde
- University Institute of Pharmacy, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India
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Cunningham R, Jia S, Purohit K, Salem O, Hui NS, Lin Y, Carragher NO, Hansen CG. YAP/TAZ activation predicts clinical outcomes in mesothelioma and is conserved in in vitro model of driver mutations. Clin Transl Med 2023; 13:e1190. [PMID: 36740402 PMCID: PMC9899629 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The Hippo signalling pathway is dysregulated across a wide range of cancer types and, although driver mutations that directly affect the core Hippo components are rare, a handful is found within pleural mesothelioma (PM). PM is a deadly disease of the lining of the lung caused by asbestos exposure. By pooling the largest-scale clinical datasets publicly available, we here interrogate associations between the most prevalent driver mutations within PM and Hippo pathway disruption in patients, while assessing correlations with a variety of clinical markers. This analysis reveals a consistent worse outcome in patients exhibiting transcriptional markers of YAP/TAZ activation, pointing to the potential of leveraging Hippo pathway transcriptional activation status as a metric by which patients may be meaningfully stratified. Preclinical models recapitulating disease are transformative in order to develop new therapeutic strategies. We here establish an isogenic cell-line model of PM, which represents the most frequently mutated genes and which faithfully recapitulates the molecular features of clinical PM. This preclinical model is developed to probe the molecular basis by which the Hippo pathway and key driver mutations affect cancer initiation and progression. Implementing this approach, we reveal the role of NF2 as a mechanosensory component of the Hippo pathway in mesothelial cells. Cellular NF2 loss upon physiological stiffnesses analogous to the tumour niche drive YAP/TAZ-dependent anchorage-independent growth. Consequently, the development and characterisation of this cellular model provide a unique resource to obtain molecular insights into the disease and progress new drug discovery programs together with future stratification of PM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Cunningham
- Centre for Inflammation ResearchInstitute for Regeneration and RepairEdinburgh BioQuarterUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Siyang Jia
- Centre for Inflammation ResearchInstitute for Regeneration and RepairEdinburgh BioQuarterUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Krishna Purohit
- Centre for Inflammation ResearchInstitute for Regeneration and RepairEdinburgh BioQuarterUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Omar Salem
- Centre for Inflammation ResearchInstitute for Regeneration and RepairEdinburgh BioQuarterUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Ning Sze Hui
- Centre for Inflammation ResearchInstitute for Regeneration and RepairEdinburgh BioQuarterUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Yue Lin
- Centre for Inflammation ResearchInstitute for Regeneration and RepairEdinburgh BioQuarterUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Neil O. Carragher
- Cancer Research UK Scotland CentreInstitute of Genetics and CancerUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Carsten Gram Hansen
- Centre for Inflammation ResearchInstitute for Regeneration and RepairEdinburgh BioQuarterUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
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Ma GY, Shi S, Sang YZ, Wang P, Zhang ZG. High Expression of SMO and GLI1 Genes with Poor Prognosis in Malignant Mesothelioma. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 2023:6575194. [PMID: 37139482 PMCID: PMC10151145 DOI: 10.1155/2023/6575194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Background To investigate the value of SMO and GLI1 genes in the hedgehog pathway in malignant mesothelioma specimens. Further study on the expression and prognosis of SMO and GLI1 in malignant mesothelioma tissues and the relationship between the two and the molecular mechanisms of mesothelioma immunity and to further investigate the prognostic value of mesothelioma expression. Materials and Methods Immunohistochemistry and RT-qPCR were applied to detect the expression of SMO and GLI1 proteins and mRNA in biopsy specimens and plasma cavity effusion specimens from malignant mesothelioma (n = 130) and benign mesothelial tissues (n = 50) and to analyze the clinicopathological significance and survival risk factors of SMO and GLI1 protein expression in mesothelioma. The mechanisms of mesothelioma cell expression and immune cell infiltration were investigated using bioinformatics methods. Results SMO and GLI1 in mesothelioma tissues detected high concordance between the diagnostic results of mesothelioma biopsy specimens and plasma cavity effusion specimens. The expression levels of SMO and GLI1 protein and mRNA in mesothelioma tissues were higher than those in benign mesothelioma tissues. The expression levels of SMO and GLI1 protein were correlated with the age, site, and asbestos exposure history of patients with mesothelioma. The expression levels of SMO and GLI1 protein were correlated with the expressions of ki67 and p53 (P < 0.05). SMO and GLI1 gene expression levels were negatively correlated with good prognosis in mesothelioma patients (P < 0.05). Cox proportional risk model indicated that protein expressions of invasion, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, staging, and genes were independent prognostic factors of mesothelioma. The GEPIA database showed the overall survival rate and the disease-free survival rate of mesothelioma patients in the high SMO and GLI1 expression groups; the UALCAN database analysis showed lower SMO expression levels in mesothelioma patients with more pronounced TP53 mutations (P = 0.001); GLI1 gene expression levels were strongly correlated with lymph node metastasis in mesothelioma patients (P = 0.009). Timer database analysis showed that the mechanism of immune cell infiltration was closely related to SMO and GLI1 expression. The degree of immune cell infiltration was strongly correlated with the prognosis of mesothelioma patients (P < 0.05). Conclusion The expression levels of both SMO and GLI1 proteins were higher than those of normal mesothelial tissues, and the mRNA expression levels also changed in the same direction. SMO and GLI1 gene expressions in mesothelioma were negatively correlated with age, site of occurrence, and history of asbestos exposure. Positive expression of SMO and GLI1 was negatively correlated with patient survival. The Cox proportional risk model showed that gender, history of asbestos exposure, site of occurrence, SMO, and GLI1 were independent prognostic factors for mesothelioma. The mechanism of immune cell infiltration in mesothelioma is closely related to the gene expression of both and the survival prognosis of mesothelioma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guan-Ying Ma
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei 067000, China
| | - Shuai Shi
- Department of Pathology, Cangzhou People's Hospital, Cangzhou, Hebei 061000, China
| | - Yin-Zhou Sang
- Department of Pathology, Cangzhou People's Hospital, Cangzhou, Hebei 061000, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Pathology, Cangzhou People's Hospital, Cangzhou, Hebei 061000, China
| | - Zhi-Gang Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Cangzhou People's Hospital, Cangzhou, Hebei 061000, China
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Kadariya Y, Sementino E, Shrestha U, Gorman G, White JM, Ross EA, Clapper ML, Neamati N, Miller MS, Testa JR. Inflammation as a chemoprevention target in asbestos-induced malignant mesothelioma. Carcinogenesis 2022; 43:1137-1148. [PMID: 36355620 PMCID: PMC10122428 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgac089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is an incurable cancer of the serosal lining that is often caused by exposure to asbestos. Therefore, novel agents for the prevention and treatment of this disease are urgently needed. Asbestos induces the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and IL-6, which play a role in MM development. IL-6 is a component of the JAK-STAT3 pathway that contributes to inflammation-associated tumorigenesis. Glycoprotein 130 (gp130), the signal transducer of this signaling axis, is an attractive drug target because of its role in promoting neoplasia via the activation of downstream STAT3 signaling. The anticancer drug, SC144, inhibits the interaction of gp130 with the IL-6 receptor (IL6R), effectively blunting signaling from this inflammatory axis. To test whether the inflammation-related release of IL-6 plays a role in the formation of MM, we evaluated the ability of SC144 to inhibit asbestos-induced carcinogenesis in a mouse model. The ability of sulindac and anakinra, an IL6R antagonist/positive control, to inhibit MM formation in this model was tested in parallel. Asbestos-exposed Nf2+/-;Cdkn2a+/- mice treated with SC144, sulindac or anakinra showed significantly prolonged survival compared to asbestos-exposed vehicle-treated mice. STAT3 activity was markedly decreased in MM specimens from SC144-treated mice. Furthermore, SC144 inhibited STAT3 activation by IL-6 in cultured normal mesothelial cells, and in vitro treatment of MM cells with SC144 markedly decreased the expression of STAT3 target genes. The emerging availability of newer, more potent SC144 analogs showing improved pharmacokinetic properties holds promise for future trials, benefitting individuals at high risk of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwaraj Kadariya
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
| | - Eleonora Sementino
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
| | - Ujjawal Shrestha
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
| | - Greg Gorman
- Department of Pharmaceutical, Social and Administrative Sciences, Samford University McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Birmingham, AL, 35229, USA
| | - Jonathan M White
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MRIGlobal, Kansas City, MO, 64110, USA
| | - Eric A Ross
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Facility, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
| | - Margie L Clapper
- Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
| | - Nouri Neamati
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Mark Steven Miller
- Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, 9606 Medical Center Drive, Rockville, MD, 20850, USA
| | - Joseph R Testa
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
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Kast RE, Alfieri A, Assi HI, Burns TC, Elyamany AM, Gonzalez-Cao M, Karpel-Massler G, Marosi C, Salacz ME, Sardi I, Van Vlierberghe P, Zaghloul MS, Halatsch ME. MDACT: A New Principle of Adjunctive Cancer Treatment Using Combinations of Multiple Repurposed Drugs, with an Example Regimen. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:2563. [PMID: 35626167 PMCID: PMC9140192 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In part one of this two-part paper, we present eight principles that we believe must be considered for more effective treatment of the currently incurable cancers. These are addressed by multidrug adjunctive cancer treatment (MDACT), which uses multiple repurposed non-oncology drugs, not primarily to kill malignant cells, but rather to reduce the malignant cells' growth drives. Previous multidrug regimens have used MDACT principles, e.g., the CUSP9v3 glioblastoma treatment. MDACT is an amalgam of (1) the principle that to be effective in stopping a chain of events leading to an undesired outcome, one must break more than one link; (2) the principle of Palmer et al. of achieving fractional cancer cell killing via multiple drugs with independent mechanisms of action; (3) the principle of shaping versus decisive operations, both being required for successful cancer treatment; (4) an idea adapted from Chow et al., of using multiple cytotoxic medicines at low doses; (5) the idea behind CUSP9v3, using many non-oncology CNS-penetrant drugs from general medical practice, repurposed to block tumor survival paths; (6) the concept from chess that every move creates weaknesses and strengths; (7) the principle of mass-by adding force to a given effort, the chances of achieving the goal increase; and (8) the principle of blocking parallel signaling pathways. Part two gives an example MDACT regimen, gMDACT, which uses six repurposed drugs-celecoxib, dapsone, disulfiram, itraconazole, pyrimethamine, and telmisartan-to interfere with growth-driving elements common to cholangiocarcinoma, colon adenocarcinoma, glioblastoma, and non-small-cell lung cancer. gMDACT is another example of-not a replacement for-previous multidrug regimens already in clinical use, such as CUSP9v3. MDACT regimens are designed as adjuvants to be used with cytotoxic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alex Alfieri
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital of Winterthur, 8400 Winterthur, Switzerland; (A.A.); (M.-E.H.)
| | - Hazem I. Assi
- Naef K. Basile Cancer Center, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1100, Lebanon;
| | - Terry C. Burns
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA;
| | - Ashraf M. Elyamany
- Oncology Unit, Hemato-Oncology Department, SECI Assiut University Egypt/King Saud Medical City, Riyadh 7790, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Maria Gonzalez-Cao
- Translational Cancer Research Unit, Dexeus University Hospital, 08028 Barcelona, Spain;
| | | | - Christine Marosi
- Clinical Division of Medical Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Michael E. Salacz
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA;
| | - Iacopo Sardi
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Meyer Children’s Hospital, Viale Pieraccini 24, 50139 Florence, Italy;
| | - Pieter Van Vlierberghe
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Mohamed S. Zaghloul
- Children’s Cancer Hospital & National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo 11796, Egypt;
| | - Marc-Eric Halatsch
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital of Winterthur, 8400 Winterthur, Switzerland; (A.A.); (M.-E.H.)
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Pyrimethamine inhibits cell growth by inducing cell senescence and boosting CD8 + T-cell mediated cytotoxicity in colorectal cancer. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:4281-4292. [PMID: 35262820 PMCID: PMC9262800 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07262-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The emergence of nonresponse or resistance to traditional chemotherapeutic agents is one of the main challenges of colorectal cancer (CRC) therapies. Thus, novel therapeutic drugs that can improve the clinical outcomes of CRC patients are urgently needed. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects and mechanisms of pyrimethamine in CRC. METHODS AND RESULTS In this study, we assessed the role of pyrimethamine on CRC cell growth by cell counting kit-8 and colony formation assays. Cell cycle distribution and cellular senescence were determined by flow cytometry and senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining respectively. RNA-seq analysis and western blotting were used to investigate the potential pathways of pyrimethamine in CRC development. Moreover, animal experiments were performed to evaluate the effect of pyrimethamine in vivo. Our results demonstrated that pyrimethamine could inhibit cell growth by inducing S phase arrest followed by cellular senescence in CRC cells, and the p38MAPK-p53 axis was probably involved in that effect. In addition, pyrimethamine could also boost CD8+ T-cell mediated cytotoxicity and exert antitumor activity in vivo. CONCLUSION These results indicated that pyrimethamine may be a promising candidate agent for CRC treatment.
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Identification of a Novel PPAR Signature for Predicting Prognosis, Immune Microenvironment, and Chemotherapy Response in Bladder Cancer. PPAR Res 2022; 2021:7056506. [PMID: 35027921 PMCID: PMC8749226 DOI: 10.1155/2021/7056506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mounting evidence has confirmed that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) played a crucial role in the development and progression of bladder cancer (BLCA). The purpose of this study is to comprehensively investigate the function and prognostic value of PPAR-targeted genes in BLCA. Methods The RNA sequencing data and clinical information of BLCA patients were acquired from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The differentially expressed PPAR-targeted genes were investigated. Cox analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis were performed for screening prognostic PPAR-targeted genes and constructing the prognostic PPAR signature and then validated by GSE13507 cohort and GSE32894 cohort. A nomogram was constructed to predict the outcomes of BLCA patients in combination with PPAR signature and clinical factors. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and immune cell infiltration were implemented to explore the molecular characteristics of the signature. The Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC) database was used to predict the chemotherapy responses of the prognostic signature. The candidate small molecule drugs targeting PPAR-targeted genes were screened by the CMAP database. Results We constructed and validated the prognostic signature comprising of 4 PPAR-targeted genes (CPT1B, CALR, AHNAK, and FADS2), which was an independent prognostic biomarker in BLCA patients. A nomogram based on the signature and clinical factors was established in the TCGA set, and the calibration plots displayed the excellent predictive capacity. GSEA analysis indicated that PPAR signature was implicated in multiple oncogenic signaling pathways and correlated with tumor immune cell infiltration. Patients in the high-risk groups showed greater sensitivity to chemotherapy than those in the low-risk groups. Moreover, 11 candidate small molecule drugs were identified for the treatment of BLCA. Conclusion We constructed and validated a novel PPAR signature, which showed the excellent performance in predicting prognosis and chemotherapy sensitivity of BLCA patients.
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Lapidot M, Saladi SV, Salgia R, Sattler M. Novel Therapeutic Targets and Immune Dysfunction in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:806570. [PMID: 35069219 PMCID: PMC8776703 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.806570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) have been disappointing, despite the apparent need for new therapeutic options for this rare and devastating cancer. Drug resistance is common and surgical intervention has brought benefits only to a subset of patients. MPM is a heterogenous disease with a surprisingly low mutation rate and recent sequencing efforts have confirmed alterations in a limited number of tumor suppressors that do not provide apparent insights into the molecular mechanisms that drive this malignancy. There is increasing evidence that epigenetic regulation leads to immune evasion and transformation in MPM. Further, the low efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors is consistent with a suppression of genes involved in the anti-tumor immune response. We review three promising emerging therapeutic targets (STAT3, KDM4A, heparanase) and highlight their potential effects on the immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moshe Lapidot
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel
| | - Srinivas Vinod Saladi
- Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Ravi Salgia
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Martin Sattler
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States
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Marei HE, Althani A, Afifi N, Hasan A, Caceci T, Pozzoli G, Morrione A, Giordano A, Cenciarelli C. p53 signaling in cancer progression and therapy. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:703. [PMID: 34952583 PMCID: PMC8709944 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-02396-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The p53 protein is a transcription factor known as the "guardian of the genome" because of its critical function in preserving genomic integrity. The TP53 gene is mutated in approximately half of all human malignancies, including those of the breast, colon, lung, liver, prostate, bladder, and skin. When DNA damage occurs, the TP53 gene on human chromosome 17 stops the cell cycle. If p53 protein is mutated, the cell cycle is unrestricted and the damaged DNA is replicated, resulting in uncontrolled cell proliferation and cancer tumours. Tumor-associated p53 mutations are usually associated with phenotypes distinct from those caused by the loss of the tumor-suppressing function exerted by wild-type p53protein. Many of these mutant p53 proteins have oncogenic characteristics, and therefore modulate the ability of cancer cells to proliferate, escape apoptosis, invade and metastasize. Because p53 deficiency is so common in human cancer, this protein is an excellent option for cancer treatment. In this review, we will discuss some of the molecular pathways by which mutant p53 proteins might perform their oncogenic activities, as well as prospective treatment methods based on restoring tumor suppressive p53 functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hany E Marei
- Department of Cytology and Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35116, Egypt.
| | - Asmaa Althani
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Anwarul Hasan
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Thomas Caceci
- Biomedical Sciences, Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Giacomo Pozzoli
- Pharmacology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Morrione
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine. Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine. Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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Tošić I, Frank DA. STAT3 as a mediator of oncogenic cellular metabolism: Pathogenic and therapeutic implications. Neoplasia 2021; 23:1167-1178. [PMID: 34731785 PMCID: PMC8569436 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2021.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The oncogenic transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is activated constitutively in a wide array of human cancers. It is an appealing molecular target for novel therapy as it directly regulates expression of genes involved in cell proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, chemoresistance and immune responsiveness. In addition to these well-established oncogenic roles, STAT3 has also been found to mediate a wide array of functions in modulating cellular behavior. The transcriptional function of STAT3 is canonically regulated through tyrosine phosphorylation. However, STAT3 phosphorylated at a single serine residue can allow incorporation of this protein into the inner mitochondrial membrane to support oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and maximize the utility of glucose sources. Conflictingly, its canonical transcriptional activity suppresses OXPHOS and favors aerobic glycolysis to promote oncogenic behavior. Apart from mediating the energy metabolism and controversial effects on ATP production, STAT3 signaling modulates lipid metabolism of cancer cells. By mediating fatty acid synthesis and beta oxidation, STAT3 promotes employment of available resources and supports survival in the conditions of metabolic stress. Thus, the functions of STAT3 extend beyond regulation of oncogenic genes expression to pleiotropic effects on a spectrum of essential cellular processes. In this review, we dissect the current knowledge on activity and mechanisms of STAT3 involvement in transcriptional regulation, mitochondrial function, energy production and lipid metabolism of malignant cells, and its implications to cancer pathogenesis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isidora Tošić
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - David A Frank
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Essential role of the histone lysine demethylase KDM4A in the biology of malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). Br J Cancer 2021; 125:582-592. [PMID: 34088988 PMCID: PMC8368004 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-021-01441-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a highly aggressive cancer with a dismal prognosis. There is increasing interest in targeting chromatin regulatory pathways in difficult-to-treat cancers. In preliminary studies, we found that KDM4A (lysine-specific histone demethylase 4) was overexpressed in MPM. METHODS KDM4A protein expression was determined by immunohistochemistry or immunoblotting. Functional inhibition of KDM4A by targeted knockdown and small molecule drugs was correlated to cell growth using cell lines and a xenograft mouse model. Gene expression profiling was performed to identify KDM4A-dependent signature pathways. RESULTS Levels of KDM4A were found to be significantly elevated in MPM patients compared to normal mesothelial tissue. Inhibiting the enzyme activity efficiently reduced cell growth in vitro and reduced tumour growth in vivo. KDM4A inhibitor-induced apoptosis was further enhanced by the BH3 mimetic navitoclax. KDM4A expression was associated with pathways involved in cell growth and DNA repair. Interestingly, inhibitors of the DNA damage and replication checkpoint regulators CHK1 (prexasertib) and WEE1 (adavosertib) within the DNA double-strand break repair pathway, cooperated in the inhibition of cell growth. CONCLUSIONS The results establish a novel and essential role for KDM4A in growth in preclinical models of MPM and identify potential therapeutic approaches to target KDM4A-dependent vulnerabilities.
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