1
|
Santagata S, Rea G, Castaldo D, Napolitano M, Capiluongo A, D'Alterio C, Trotta AM, Ieranò C, Portella L, Di Maro S, Tatangelo F, Albino V, Guarino R, Cutolo C, Izzo F, Scala S. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumor microenvironment is more suppressive than colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRLM) tumor microenvironment. Hepatol Int 2024; 18:568-581. [PMID: 37142825 PMCID: PMC11014815 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-023-10537-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE While HCC is an inflammation-associated cancer, CRLM develops on permissive healthy liver microenvironment. To evaluate the immune aspects of these two different environments, peripheral blood-(PB), peritumoral-(PT) and tumoral tissues-(TT) from HCC and CRLM patients were evaluated. METHODS 40 HCC and 34 CRLM were enrolled and freshly TT, PT and PB were collected at the surgery. PB-, PT- and TT-derived CD4+CD25+ Tregs, M/PMN-MDSC and PB-derived CD4+CD25- T-effector cells (Teffs) were isolated and characterized. Tregs' function was also evaluated in the presence of the CXCR4 inhibitor, peptide-R29, AMD3100 or anti-PD1. RNA was extracted from PB/PT/TT tissues and tested for FOXP3, CXCL12, CXCR4, CCL5, IL-15, CXCL5, Arg-1, N-cad, Vim, CXCL8, TGFβ and VEGF-A expression. RESULTS In HCC/CRLM-PB, higher number of functional Tregs, CD4+CD25hiFOXP3+ was detected, although PB-HCC Tregs exert a more suppressive function as compared to CRLM Tregs. In HCC/CRLM-TT, Tregs were highly represented with activated/ENTPD-1+Tregs prevalent in HCC. As compared to CRLM, HCC overexpressed CXCR4 and N-cadherin/vimentin in a contest rich in arginase and CCL5. Monocytic MDSCs were highly represented in HCC/CRLM, while high polymorphonuclear MDSCs were detected only in HCC. Interestingly, the function of CXCR4-PB-Tregs was impaired in HCC/CRLM by the CXCR4 inhibitor R29. CONCLUSION In HCC and CRLM, peripheral blood, peritumoral and tumoral tissues Tregs are highly represented and functional. Nevertheless, HCC displays a more immunosuppressive TME due to Tregs, MDSCs, intrinsic tumor features (CXCR4, CCL5, arginase) and the contest in which it develops. As CXCR4 is overexpressed in HCC/CRLM tumor/TME cells, CXCR4 inhibitors may be considered for double hit therapy in liver cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Santagata
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione "G. Pascale", Via Semmola, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Rea
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione "G. Pascale", Via Semmola, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Daniela Castaldo
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione "G. Pascale", Via Semmola, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Napolitano
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione "G. Pascale", Via Semmola, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Capiluongo
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione "G. Pascale", Via Semmola, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Crescenzo D'Alterio
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione "G. Pascale", Via Semmola, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Trotta
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione "G. Pascale", Via Semmola, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Caterina Ieranò
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione "G. Pascale", Via Semmola, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Portella
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione "G. Pascale", Via Semmola, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Salvatore Di Maro
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Via Vivaldi 43, 81100, Caserta, Italy
| | - Fabiana Tatangelo
- Pathology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione "G. Pascale", Via Semmola, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Vittorio Albino
- Divisions of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione "G. Pascale", Via Semmola, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Rita Guarino
- Divisions of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione "G. Pascale", Via Semmola, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Carmen Cutolo
- Divisions of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione "G. Pascale", Via Semmola, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Izzo
- Divisions of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione "G. Pascale", Via Semmola, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Scala
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione "G. Pascale", Via Semmola, 80131, Naples, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hassanzadeh L, Erfani M, Jokar S, Shariatpanahi M. Design of a New 99mTc-radiolabeled Cyclo-peptide as Promising Molecular Imaging Agent of CXCR 4 Receptor: Molecular Docking, Synthesis, Radiolabeling, and Biological Evaluation. Curr Radiopharm 2024; 17:77-90. [PMID: 37921191 DOI: 10.2174/0118744710249305231017073022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION C-X-C Chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) is often overexpressed or overactivated in different types and stages of cancer disease. Therefore, it is considered a promising target for imaging and early detection of primary tumors and metastasis. In the present research, a new cyclo-peptide radiolabelled with 99mTc, 99mTc-Cyclo [D-Phe-D-Tyr-Lys (HYNIC)- D-Arg-2-Nal-Gly-Lys(iPr)], was designed based on the parental LY251029 peptide, as a potential in vivo imaging agent of CXCR4-expressing tumors. METHODS The radioligand was successfully prepared using the method of Fmoc solid-phase peptide synthesis and was evaluated in biological assessment. Molecular docking findings revealed high affinity (binding energy of -9.7 kcal/mol) and effective interaction of Cyclo [D-Phe- D-Tyr-Lys (HYNIC)-D-Arg-2-Nal-Gly-Lys(iPr)] in the binding pocket of CXCR4 receptor (PDB code: 3OE0) as well. RESULT The synthesized peptide and its purity were assessed by both reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and mass spectroscopy. High stability (95%, n = 3) in human serum and favorable affinity (Kd = 28.70 ± 13.56 nM and Bmax = 1.896 ± 0.123 fmol/mg protein) in the B16-F10 cell line resulted. Biodistribution evaluation findings and planar image interpretation of mice both showed high affinity and selectivity of the radiotracer to the CXCR4 receptors. CONCLUSION Therefore, the findings indicate this designed radioligand could be used as a potential SPECT imaging agent in highly proliferated CXCR4 receptor tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leila Hassanzadeh
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Rajaie Cardiovascular, Medical & Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Imaging Technology, Molecular Imaging, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mostafa Erfani
- Radiation Application Research School, Nuclear Science and Technology Research Institute, (NSTRI), P.O. Box: 14395-836, Tehran, Iran
| | - Safura Jokar
- Department of Nuclear Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marjan Shariatpanahi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hjazi A, Nasir F, Noor R, Alsalamy A, Zabibah RS, Romero-Parra RM, Ullah MI, Mustafa YF, Qasim MT, Akram SV. The pathological role of C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) in colorectal cancer (CRC) progression; special focus on molecular mechanisms and possible therapeutics. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 248:154616. [PMID: 37379710 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is comprised of transformed cells and non-malignant cells including cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF), endothelial vasculature cells, and tumor-infiltrating cells. These nonmalignant cells, as well as soluble factors (e.g., cytokines), and the extracellular matrix (ECM), form the tumor microenvironment (TME). In general, the cancer cells and their surrounding TME can crosstalk by direct cell-to-cell contact and via soluble factors, such as cytokines (e.g., chemokines). TME not only promotes cancer progression through growth-promoting cytokines but also provides resistance to chemotherapy. Understanding the mechanisms of tumor growth and progression and the roles of chemokines in CRC will likely suggest new therapeutic targets. In this line, a plethora of reports has evidenced the critical role of chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4)/C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12 or SDF-1) axis in CRC pathogenesis. In the current review, we take a glimpse into the role of the CXCR4/CXCL12 axis in CRC growth, metastasis, angiogenesis, drug resistance, and immune escape. Also, a summary of recent reports concerning targeting CXCR4/CXCL12 axis for CRC management and therapy has been delivered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Hjazi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Rabia Noor
- Amna Inayat Medical College, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ali Alsalamy
- College of Medical Technique, Imam Ja'afar Al-Sadiq University, Al-Muthanna 66002, Iraq
| | - Rahman S Zabibah
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, College of Medical Technology, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq
| | | | - Muhammad Ikram Ullah
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Sakaka 75471, Aljouf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yasser Fakri Mustafa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Mosul, Mosul 41001, Iraq
| | - Maytham T Qasim
- Department of Anesthesia, College of Health and Medical Technololgy, Al-Ayen University, Thi-Qar, Iraq
| | - Shaik Vaseem Akram
- Uttaranchal Institute of Technology, Division of Research & Innovation, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun 248007, India
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Weich A, Serfling SE, Schlötelburg W, Higuchi T, Hartrampf PE, Schirbel A, Heinrich M, Buck AK, Rowe SP, Kosmala A, Werner RA. Impact of CXCR4-Directed PET/CT on Staging and Proposed Oncologic Management in Patients With Digestive System Tumors. Clin Nucl Med 2023; 48:586-593. [PMID: 37167408 DOI: 10.1097/rlu.0000000000004674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To elucidate the influence of CXC motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4)-directed imaging on staging and proposed oncologic management in patients with digestive system tumors compared with guideline-appropriate imaging (GAI). METHODS From our PET/CT database, we retrospectively identified 37 patients with advanced digestive system tumors, which had been scheduled for CXCR4-targeted [ 68 Ga]Ga-pentixafor PET/CT for potential theranostic considerations. In all subjects, concurrent GAI was also available. Patients were afflicted with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (21/37 [56.8%]), pancreatic duct adenocarcinoma (6/37 [16.2%]), cholangiocarcinoma (5/37 [13.5%]), hepatocellular carcinoma (4/37 [10.8%]), and colorectal carcinoma (1/37 [2.7%]). Staging results and impact on proposed oncologic management by a board-certified gastroenterologist were compared between GAI and [ 68 Ga]Ga-pentixafor PET/CT. RESULTS Relative to GAI, CXCR4-directed PET/CT resulted in staging changes in 14 of 37 patients (37.8%). Upstaging was seen in 1 of 14 patients (7.1%), whereas downstaging was recorded in the remaining 13 of 14 patients (92.9%). Among those, staging changes would not have triggered any changes in oncological management in 4 of 14 (28.6%). For the remaining 10 of 14 patients (71.4%), however, findings on [ 68 Ga]Ga-pentixafor PET/CT would have impacted subsequent clinical algorithm, including the necessity for further diagnostic steps or failure to initiate antitumor therapy. CONCLUSION [ 68 Ga]Ga-pentixafor PET/CT missed tumor lesions in 13 patients with digestive system tumors, which would have led to inappropriate downstaging and clinical treatment of 10 patients. As such, our results do not support a more widespread use of [ 68 Ga]Ga-pentixafor PET/CT for clinical staging in those tumor entities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Wiebke Schlötelburg
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Philipp E Hartrampf
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Schirbel
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Andreas K Buck
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Steven P Rowe
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, The Russell H Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Baltimore, MD
| | - Aleksander Kosmala
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rozenberg JM, Buzdin AA, Mohammad T, Rakitina OA, Didych DA, Pleshkan VV, Alekseenko IV. Molecules promoting circulating clusters of cancer cells suggest novel therapeutic targets for treatment of metastatic cancers. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1099921. [PMID: 37006265 PMCID: PMC10050392 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1099921] [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: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment of metastatic disease remains among the most challenging tasks in oncology. One of the early events that predicts a poor prognosis and precedes the development of metastasis is the occurrence of clusters of cancer cells in the blood flow. Moreover, the presence of heterogeneous clusters of cancerous and noncancerous cells in the circulation is even more dangerous. Review of pathological mechanisms and biological molecules directly involved in the formation and pathogenesis of the heterotypic circulating tumor cell (CTC) clusters revealed their common properties, which include increased adhesiveness, combined epithelial-mesenchymal phenotype, CTC-white blood cell interaction, and polyploidy. Several molecules involved in the heterotypic CTC interactions and their metastatic properties, including IL6R, CXCR4 and EPCAM, are targets of approved or experimental anticancer drugs. Accordingly, analysis of patient survival data from the published literature and public datasets revealed that the expression of several molecules affecting the formation of CTC clusters predicts patient survival in multiple cancer types. Thus, targeting of molecules involved in CTC heterotypic interactions might be a valuable strategy for the treatment of metastatic cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julian M. Rozenberg
- Laboratory of Translational Bioinformatics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Anton A. Buzdin
- Laboratory of Translational Bioinformatics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
- PathoBiology Group, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC), Brussels, Belgium
- Group for Genomic Analysis of Cell Signaling, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Laboratory for Clinical Genomic Bioinformatics, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
- *Correspondence: Anton Buzdin,
| | - Tharaa Mohammad
- Laboratory of Translational Bioinformatics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Olga A. Rakitina
- Gene Immunooncotherapy Group, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry A. Didych
- Laboratory of human genes structure and functions, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Victor V. Pleshkan
- Gene Immunooncotherapy Group, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Gene oncotherapy sector, Institute of Molecular Genetics of National Research Centre (Kurchatov Institute), Moscow, Russia
| | - Irina V. Alekseenko
- Gene Immunooncotherapy Group, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Gene oncotherapy sector, Institute of Molecular Genetics of National Research Centre (Kurchatov Institute), Moscow, Russia
- Laboratory of Epigenetics, Institute of Oncogynecology and Mammology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov, Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Benčurová K, Friske J, Anderla M, Mayrhofer M, Wanek T, Nics L, Egger G, Helbich TH, Hacker M, Haug A, Mitterhauser M, Balber T. CAM-Xenograft Model Provides Preclinical Evidence for the Applicability of [ 68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor in CRC Imaging. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14225549. [PMID: 36428644 PMCID: PMC9688097 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225549] [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: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Increased expression of CXCR4 has been associated with liver metastasis, disease progression, and shortened survival. Using in vitro cell binding studies and the in ovo model, we aimed to investigate the potential of [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor, a radiotracer specifically targeting human CXCR4, for CRC imaging. Specific membrane binding and internalisation of [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor was shown for HT29 cells, but not for HCT116 cells. Accordingly, [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor accumulated specifically in CAM-xenografts derived from HT29 cells, but not in HCT116 xenografts, as determined by µPET/MRI. The CAM-grown xenografts were histologically characterised, demonstrating vascularisation of the graft, preserved expression of human CXCR4, and viability of the tumour cells within the grafts. In vivo viability was further confirmed by µPET/MRI measurements using 2-[18F]FDG as a surrogate for glucose metabolism. [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor µPET/MRI scans showed distinct radiotracer accumulation in the chick embryonal heart, liver, and kidneys, whereas 2-[18F]FDG uptake was predominantly found in the kidneys and joints of the chick embryos. Our findings suggest that [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor is an interesting novel radiotracer for CRC imaging that is worth further investigation. Moreover, this study further supports the suitability of the CAM-xenograft model for the initial preclinical evaluation of targeted radiopharmaceuticals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katarína Benčurová
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute Applied Diagnostics, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Joachim Friske
- Division of Molecular and Structural Preclinical Imaging, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Maximilian Anderla
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute Applied Diagnostics, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Department for Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Manuela Mayrhofer
- School of Medical Engineering and Applied Social Sciences, University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, 4020 Linz, Austria
- QIMP Team, Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Wanek
- Division of Molecular and Structural Preclinical Imaging, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Lukas Nics
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerda Egger
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute Applied Diagnostics, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas H. Helbich
- Division of Molecular and Structural Preclinical Imaging, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Marcus Hacker
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Haug
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory Applied Metabolomics, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Markus Mitterhauser
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute Applied Diagnostics, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Department for Inorganic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Correspondence:
| | - Theresa Balber
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute Applied Diagnostics, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Dissecting the Mechanism of Action of Spiperone-A Candidate for Drug Repurposing for Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030776. [PMID: 35159043 PMCID: PMC8834219 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030776] [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: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Despite advances in primary and adjuvant treatments, approximately 50% of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients still die from recurrence and metastatic disease. Thus, alternative and more effective therapeutic approaches are expected to be developed. Drug repurposing is increasing interest in cancer therapy, as it represents a cheaper and faster alternative strategy to de novo drug synthesis. Psychiatric medications are promising as a new generation of antitumor drugs. Here, we demonstrate that spiperone—a licensed drug for the treatment of schizophrenia—induces apoptosis in CRC cells. Our data reveal that spiperone’s cytotoxicity in CRC cells is mediated by phospholipase C activation, intracellular calcium homeostasis dysregulation, and irreversible endoplasmic reticulum stress induction, resulting in lipid metabolism alteration and Golgi apparatus damage. By identifying new targetable pathways in CRC cells, our findings represent a promising starting point for the design of novel therapeutic strategies for CRC. Abstract Approximately 50% of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients still die from recurrence and metastatic disease, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic strategies. Drug repurposing is attracting increasing attention because, compared to traditional de novo drug discovery processes, it may reduce drug development periods and costs. Epidemiological and preclinical evidence support the antitumor activity of antipsychotic drugs. Herein, we dissect the mechanism of action of the typical antipsychotic spiperone in CRC. Spiperone can reduce the clonogenic potential of stem-like CRC cells (CRC-SCs) and induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, in both differentiated and CRC-SCs, at clinically relevant concentrations whose toxicity is negligible for non-neoplastic cells. Analysis of intracellular Ca2+ kinetics upon spiperone treatment revealed a massive phospholipase C (PLC)-dependent endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ release, resulting in ER Ca2+ homeostasis disruption. RNA sequencing revealed unfolded protein response (UPR) activation, ER stress, and induction of apoptosis, along with IRE1-dependent decay of mRNA (RIDD) activation. Lipidomic analysis showed a significant alteration of lipid profile and, in particular, of sphingolipids. Damage to the Golgi apparatus was also observed. Our data suggest that spiperone can represent an effective drug in the treatment of CRC, and that ER stress induction, along with lipid metabolism alteration, represents effective druggable pathways in CRC.
Collapse
|