Fascin Inhibitors Decrease Cell Migration and Adhesion While Increase Overall Survival of Mice Bearing Bladder Cancers

Comparative Analysis of Breast Cancer Metabolomes Highlights Fascin's Central Role in Regulating Key Pathways Related to Disease Progression

Omics technologies provide useful tools for the identification of novel biomarkers in many diseases, including breast cancer, which is the most diagnosed cancer in women worldwide. We and others have reported a central role for the actin-bundling protein (fascin) in regulating breast cancer disease progression at different levels. However, whether fascin expression promotes metabolic molecules that could predict disease progression has not been fully elucidated. Here, fascin expression was manipulated via knockdown (fascinKD+NORF) and rescue (fascinKD+FORF) in the naturally fascin-positive (fascinpos+NORF) MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Whether fascin dysregulates metabolic profiles that are associated with disease progression was assessed using untargeted metabolomics analyses via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Overall, 12,226 metabolic features were detected in the tested cell pellets. Fascinpos+NORF cell pellets showed 2510 and 3804 significantly dysregulated metabolites compared to their fascinKD+NORF counterparts. Fascin rescue (fascinKD+FORF) revealed 2710 significantly dysregulated cellular metabolites compared to fascinKD+NORF counterparts. A total of 101 overlapped cellular metabolites between fascinKD+FORF and fascinpos+NORF were significantly dysregulated in the fascinKD+NORF cells. Analysis of the significantly dysregulated metabolites by fascin expression revealed their involvement in the metabolism of sphingolipid, phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis, and pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis, which are critical pathways for breast cancer progression. Our findings of fascin-mediated alteration of metabolic pathways could be used as putative poor prognostic biomarkers and highlight other underlying mechanisms of fascin contribution to breast cancer progression.

Recent advances in hematopoietic cell kinase in cancer progression: Mechanisms and inhibitors

Hematopoietic cell kinase (Hck), a non-receptor tyrosine kinase belonging to the Src kinase family, is intricately linked to the pathogenesis of numerous human diseases, with a particularly pronounced association with cancer. Hck not only directly impacts the proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of cancer cells but also interacts with JAK/STAT, MEK/ERK, PI3K/AKT, CXCL12/CXCR4, and other pathways. Hck also influences the tumor microenvironment to facilitate the onset and progression of cancer. This paper delves into the functional role and regulatory mechanisms of Hck in various solid tumors. Additionally, it explores the implications of Hck in hematological malignancies. The review culminates with a summary of the current research status of Hck inhibitors, the majority of which are in the pre-clinical phase of investigation. Notably, these inhibitors are predominantly utilized in the therapeutic management of leukemia, with their combinatorial potential indicating promising avenues for future research. In conclusion, this review underscores the significance of the mechanism of Hck in solid tumors. This insight is crucial for comprehending the current research trends regarding Hck: targeted therapy against Hck shows great promise in both diagnosis and treatment of malignant tumors. Further investigation into the role of Hck in cancer, coupled with the development of specific inhibitors, has the potential to revolutionize approaches to cancer treatment.

KAT8/SIRT7-mediated Fascin-K41 acetylation/deacetylation regulates tumor metastasis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

Fascin actin-bundling protein 1 (Fascin) is highly expressed in a variety of cancers, including esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), working as an important oncogenic protein and promoting the migration and invasion of cancer cells by bundling F-actin to facilitate the formation of filopodia and invadopodia. However, it is not clear how exactly the function of Fascin is regulated by acetylation in cancer cells. Here, in ESCC cells, the histone acetyltransferase KAT8 catalyzed Fascin lysine 41 (K41) acetylation, to inhibit Fascin-mediated F-actin bundling and the formation of filopodia and invadopodia. Furthermore, NAD-dependent protein deacetylase sirtuin (SIRT) 7-mediated deacetylation of Fascin-K41 enhances the formation of filopodia and invadopodia, which promotes the migration and invasion of ESCC cells. Clinically, the analysis of cancer and adjacent tissue samples from patients with ESCC showed that Fascin-K41 acetylation was lower in the cancer tissue of patients with lymph node metastasis than in that of patients without lymph node metastasis, and low levels of Fascin-K41 acetylation were associated with a poorer prognosis in patients with ESCC. Importantly, K41 acetylation significantly blocked NP-G2-044, one of the Fascin inhibitors currently being clinically evaluated, suggesting that NP-G2-044 may be more suitable for patients with low levels of Fascin-K41 acetylation, but not suitable for patients with high levels of Fascin-K41 acetylation. © 2024 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Effects of imipramine on cancer patients over-expressing Fascin1; description of the HITCLIF clinical trial

Background

Tumor invasion and metastasis are responsible for the majority of cancer-related deaths. The identification of molecules involved in these processes is crucial to design effective treatments that can halt the progression of cancer. To spread and metastasize, tumor cells must restructure their cytoskeleton and emit protrusions. A key molecule in this process of creating these invading structures is Fascin1, the main protein involved in the formation of actin cytoskeleton bundles and a consistent marker of bad prognosis in several types of cancer. Recent studies have shown that imipramine, an FDA- and EMA-approved antidepressant, can block Fascin1and prevent the formation of actin bundles, making it a promising candidate for the treatment of Fascin1-expressing cancers. As a result, a clinical trial will be conducted to assess the efficacy of imipramine being the first experimental clinical study selecting patients based on Fascin1 expression.

Methods

The HITCLIF trial is a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized and non-commercial phase II clinical trial conducted in parallel groups to evaluate the effectiveness of the tricyclic antidepressant imipramine as anti-invasive agent in the treatment of localized colon, rectal and triple negative breast cancer patients with overexpression of Fascin1. Eligible patients will be randomly assigned, in a 1:1 ratio, to receive imipramine or placebo. Patients will be stratified into 2 groups according to whether administration of imipramine is concomitant with neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimen. Group A will receive imipramine alone without neoadjuvant chemotherapy, while Group B will receive imipramine treatment along with the standard neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimen. The primary endpoint of the trial is the grade of alteration in the prognostic histopathological features at invasive margins (tumor budding, cytoplasmic pseudo-fragments, tumor growth pattern, and peritumoral lymphocytic infiltration).

Discussion

Fascin1 is an interesting therapeutical target as it plays a causative role in the invasion and metastasis of cancer cells. Moreover, its expression is virtually absent in normal epithelia but highly expressed in cancer with bad prognosis. In silico, in vitro and in vivo studies by our group have demonstrated that the antidepressant imipramine has Fascin1-dependant anti-invasive and anti-metastatic effects in colorectal cancer cells. Now we are recruiting patients in a clinical trial based on Fascin1 over-expression in which administration of imipramine will be carried out during the period between the diagnosis biopsy and surgical resection to explore the drug effects on tumor invasive front.

Clinical trial registration

https:///www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/trial/2021-001328-17/ES, identifier 2021-001328-17.

Targeting FSCN1 with an oral small-molecule inhibitor for treating ocular neovascularization

BACKGROUND

Ocular neovascularization is a leading cause of blindness and visual impairment. While intravitreal anti-VEGF agents can be effective, they do have several drawbacks, such as endophthalmitis and drug resistance. Additional studies are necessary to explore alternative therapeutic targets.

METHODS

Bioinformatics analysis and quantitative RT-PCR were used to detect and verify the FSCN1 expression levels in oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) and laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) mice model. Transwell, wound scratching, tube formation, three-dimensional bead sprouting assay, rhodamine-phalloidin staining, Isolectin B4 staining and immunofluorescent staining were conducted to detect the role of FSCN1 and its oral inhibitor NP-G2-044 in vivo and vitro. HPLC-MS/MS analysis, cell apoptosis assay, MTT assay, H&E and tunnel staining, visual electrophysiology testing, visual cliff test and light/dark transition test were conducted to assess the pharmacokinetic and security of NP-G2-044 in vivo and vitro. Co-Immunoprecipitation, qRT-PCR and western blot were conducted to reveal the mechanism of FSCN1 and NP-G2-044 mediated pathological ocular neovascularization.

RESULTS

We discovered that Fascin homologue 1 (FSCN1) is vital for angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo, and that it is highly expressed in oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) and laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV). We found that NP-G2-044, a small-molecule inhibitor of FSCN1 with oral activity, can impede the sprouting, migration, and filopodia formation of cultured endothelial cells. Oral NP-G2-044 can effectively and safely curb the development of OIR and CNV, and increase efficacy while overcoming anti-VEGF resistance in combination with intravitreal aflibercept (Eylea) injection.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, FSCN1 inhibition could serve as a promising therapeutic approach to block ocular neovascularization.

Lactate-mediated Fascin protrusions promote cell adhesion and migration in cervical cancer

Background: Lactate is associated with the poor prognosis of many human malignancies. Cervical cancer, one of main causes of women mortality worldwide, is aggressive and absent of effective pharmacological treatment, and its underlying mechanisms of progression remain elusive. Methods: The regulation of β-catenin to fascin protrusion formation upon acidic lactate (Lactic acid [LA]) stimulation was evaluated through in β-catenin or fascin deficiency cell line models by immunofluorescence assays, and subcellular fractionation. The effect of β-catenin and fascin relocation by LA and its antagonist were evaluated by immunohistochemistry assay in patient tissues and mouse tumor xenograft model. Trypsin digestion, Transwell assay, cell proliferation in vitro was performed to explore the role of LA in the cell growth, adhesion and migration. Results: Low concentration of LA significantly promotes cytoskeleton remodeling via `protrusion formation to increase cell adhesion and migration. Mechanistically, upon LA stimulation, β-catenin diffuses from the cytoplasmic membrane into the nucleus, which in turn induces fascin nuclear-cytoplasm redistribution to the protrusion compartment. Moreover, the antagonist of LA sufficiently blocks the LA-mediated β-catenin nuclear import, fascin nuclear export, and the growth and invasion of cervical cancer cells in vitro and in vivo using a murine xenograft model. Conclusions: This study uncovers β-catenin-fascin axis as a key signal in response to extracellular lactate and indicates that antagonist of LA may serve as a potential clinical intervention for cancer development.

The Role of Fascin-1 in Human Urologic Cancers: A Promising Biomarker or Therapeutic Target?

Human cancer statistics show that an increased incidence of urologic cancers such as bladder cancer, prostate cancer, and renal cell carcinoma. Due to the lack of early markers and effective therapeutic targets, their prognosis is poor. Fascin-1 is an actin-binding protein, which functions in the formation of cell protrusions by cross-linking with actin filaments. Studies have found that fascin-1 expression is elevated in most human cancers and is related to outcomes such as neoplasm metastasis, reduced survival, and increased aggressiveness. Fascin-1 has been considered as a potential therapeutic target for urologic cancers, but there is no comprehensive review to evaluate these studies. This review aimed to provide an enhanced literature review, outline, and summarize the mechanism of fascin-1 in urologic cancers and discuss the therapeutic potential of fascin-1 and the possibility of its use as a potential marker. We also focused on the correlation between the overexpression of fascin-1 and clinicopathological parameters. Mechanistically, fascin-1 is regulated by several regulators and signaling pathways (such as long noncoding RNA, microRNA, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and extracellular regulated protein kinases). The overexpression of fascin-1 is related to clinicopathologic parameters such as pathological stage, bone or lymph node metastasis, and reduced disease-free survival. Several fascin-1 inhibitors (G2, NP-G2-044) have been evaluated in vitro and in preclinical models. The study proved the promising potential of fascin-1 as a newly developing biomarker and a potential therapeutic target that needs further investigation. The data also highlight the inadequacy of fascin-1 to serve as a novel biomarker for prostate cancer.

Development and validation of an LC-MS/MS method for the quantification of fascin proteins in human serum

Background: Fascin is an actin-bundling protein that has been linked to tumor cell migration, invasion, metastasis, disease progression and mortality, thus serving as a novel cancer biomarker. Bioanalytical methods to measure fascin in biological matrices are sparsely reported, while accurate quantitation of fascin levels may lend support for fascin as a promising therapeutic target. Method: An LC-MS/MS-based method involving protein precipitation, enzymatic digestion and solid phase extraction was developed and validated for the quantitation of fascin in human serum. Linearity over a calibration range of 5-500 ng/ml with a LLOQ of 5 ng/ml, great accuracy and precision, excellent parallelism as well as high extraction recovery were achieved. Conclusion: This method provides a valuable tool for anticancer drug development and cancer treatment.

The role of fascin-1 in the pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of respiratory related cancers

Human cancer statistics report that respiratory related cancers such as lung, laryngeal, oral and nasopharyngeal cancers account for a large proportion of tumors, and tumor metastasis remains the major reason for patient death. The metastasis of tumor cells requires actin cytoskeleton remodeling, in which fascin-1 plays an important role. Fascin-1 can cross-link F-actin microfilaments into bundles and form finger-like cell protrusions. Some studies have shown that fascin-1 is overexpressed in human tumors and is associated with tumor growth, migration and invasion. The role of fascin-1 in respiratory related cancers is not very clear. The main purpose of this study was to provide an updated literature review on the role of fascin-1 in the pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of respiratory related cancers. These studies suggested that fascin-1 can serve as an emerging biomarker and potential therapeutic target, and has attracted widespread attention.

Inhibitors of the Actin-Bundling Protein Fascin-1 Developed for Tumor Therapy Attenuate the T-Cell Stimulatory Properties of Dendritic Cells

Simple Summary

Expression of the actin-bundling protein Fascin-1 (Fscn1) is largely restricted to neuronal cells and to activated dendritic cells (DCs). DCs are important inducers of (antitumor) immune responses. In tumor cells, de novo expression of Fscn-1 correlates with their invasive and metastatic activities. Pharmacological Fscn1 inhibitors, which are currently under clinical trials for tumor therapy, were demonstrated to counteract tumor metastasis. Within this study, we were interested in better understanding the effects of Fscn1 inhibitors on DCs and discovered that two distinct Fascin-1 inhibitors affect the immune-phenotype and T-cell stimulatory activity of DCs. Our results suggest that systemic application of Fscn1 inhibitors for tumor therapy may also modulate antitumor immune responses.

Abstract

Background: Stimulated dendritic cells (DCs), which constitute the most potent population of antigen-presenting cells (APCs), express the actin-bundling protein Fascin-1 (Fscn1). In tumor cells, de novo expression of Fscn1 correlates with their invasive and metastatic properties. Therefore, Fscn1 inhibitors have been developed to serve as antitumor agents. In this study, we were interested in better understanding the impact of Fscn1 inhibitors on DCs. Methods: In parallel settings, murine spleen cells and bone-marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs) were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide in the presence of Fscn1 inhibitors (NP-G2-044 and BDP-13176). An analysis of surface expression of costimulatory and coinhibitory receptors, as well as cytokine production, was performed by flow cytometry. Cytoskeletal alterations were assessed by confocal microscopy. The effects on the interactions of BMDCs with antigen-specific T cells were monitored by time lapse microscopy. The T-cell stimulatory and polarizing capacity of BMDCs were measured in proliferation assays and cytokine studies. Results: Administration of Fscn1 inhibitors diminished Fscn1 expression and the formation of dendritic processes by stimulated BMDCs and elevated CD273 (PD-L2) expression. Fscn1 inhibition attenuated the interaction of DCs with antigen-specific T cells and concomitant T-cell proliferation. Conclusions: Systemic administration of Fscn1 inhibitors for tumor therapy may also modulate DC-induced antitumor immune responses.

Identification and validation of an immune-related gene pairs signature for three urologic cancers

Reliable biomarkers are needed to recognize urologic cancer patients at high risk for recurrence. In this study, we built a novel immune-related gene pairs signature to simultaneously predict recurrence for three urologic cancers. We gathered 14 publicly available gene expression profiles including bladder, prostate and kidney cancer. A total of 2,700 samples were classified into the training set (n = 1,622) and validation set (n = 1,078). The 25 immune-related gene pairs signature consisting of 41 unique genes was developed by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis and Cox regression model. The signature stratified patients into high- and low-risk groups with significantly different relapse-free survival in the meta-training set and its subpopulations, and was an independent prognostic factor of urologic cancers. This signature showed a robust ability in the meta-validation and multiple independent validation cohorts. Immune and inflammatory response, chemotaxis and cytokine activity were enriched with genes relevant to the signature. A significantly higher infiltration level of M1 macrophages was found in the high-risk group versus the low-risk group. In conclusion, our signature is a promising prognostic biomarker for predicting relapse-free survival in patients with urologic cancer.