1
|
Peng Q, Wang L, Zuo L, Gao S, Jiang X, Han Y, Lin J, Peng M, Wu N, Tang Y, Tian H, Zhou Y, Liao Q. HPV E6/E7: insights into their regulatory role and mechanism in signaling pathways in HPV-associated tumor. Cancer Gene Ther 2024; 31:9-17. [PMID: 38102462 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-023-00682-3] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a class of envelope-free double-stranded DNA virus. HPV infection has been strongly associated with the development of many malignancies, such as cervical, anal and oral cancers. The viral oncoproteins E6 and E7 perform central roles on HPV-induced carcinogenic processes. During tumor development, it usually goes along with the activation of abnormal signaling pathways. E6 and E7 induces changes in cell cycle, proliferation, invasion, metastasis and other biological behaviors by affecting downstream tumor-related signaling pathways, thus promoting malignant transformation of cells and ultimately leading to tumorigenesis and progression. Here, we summarized that E6 and E7 proteins promote HPV-associated tumorigenesis and development by regulating the activation of various tumor-related signaling pathways, for example, the Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/Akt, and NF-kB signaling pathway. We also discussed the importance of HPV-encoded E6 and E7 and their regulated tumor-related signaling pathways for the diagnosis and effective treatment of HPV-associated tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiu Peng
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
| | - Lujuan Wang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Tumor Models and Individualized Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Liang Zuo
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Shuichao Gao
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Xianjie Jiang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Yaqian Han
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Jinguan Lin
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Mingjing Peng
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Nayiyuan Wu
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Yanyan Tang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Hao Tian
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
| | - Yujuan Zhou
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
- University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China.
- Public Service Platform of Tumor organoids Technology, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
| | - Qianjin Liao
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
- University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China.
- Public Service Platform of Tumor organoids Technology, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bertagnin C, Messa L, Pavan M, Celegato M, Sturlese M, Mercorelli B, Moro S, Loregian A. A small molecule targeting the interaction between human papillomavirus E7 oncoprotein and cellular phosphatase PTPN14 exerts antitumoral activity in cervical cancer cells. Cancer Lett 2023; 571:216331. [PMID: 37532093 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Human papillomavirus (HPV)-induced cancers still represent a major health issue for worldwide population and lack specific therapeutic regimens. Despite substantial advancements in anti-HPV vaccination, the incidence of HPV-related cancers remains high, thus there is an urgent need for specific anti-HPV drugs. The HPV E7 oncoprotein is a major driver of carcinogenesis that acts by inducing the degradation of several host factors. A target is represented by the cellular phosphatase PTPN14 and its E7-mediated degradation was shown to be crucial in HPV oncogenesis. Here, by exploiting the crystal structure of E7 bound to PTPN14, we performed an in silico screening of small-molecule compounds targeting the C-terminal CR3 domain of E7 involved in the interaction with PTPN14. We discovered a compound able to inhibit the E7/PTPN14 interaction in vitro and to rescue PTPN14 levels in cells, leading to a reduction in viability, proliferation, migration, and cancer-stem cell potential of HPV-positive cervical cancer cells. Mechanistically, as a consequence of PTPN14 rescue, treatment of cancer cells with this compound altered the Yes-associated protein (YAP) nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling and downstream signaling. Notably, this compound was active against cervical cancer cells transformed by different high-risk (HR)-HPV genotypes indicating a potential broad-spectrum activity. Overall, our study reports the first-in-class inhibitor of E7/PTPN14 interaction and provides the proof-of-principle that pharmacological inhibition of this interaction by small-molecule compounds could be a feasible therapeutic strategy for the development of novel antitumoral drugs specific for HPV-associated cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Bertagnin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Messa
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Matteo Pavan
- Molecular Modeling Section (MMS), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Marta Celegato
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Mattia Sturlese
- Molecular Modeling Section (MMS), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Moro
- Molecular Modeling Section (MMS), Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Arianna Loregian
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Piccolo S, Panciera T, Contessotto P, Cordenonsi M. YAP/TAZ as master regulators in cancer: modulation, function and therapeutic approaches. NATURE CANCER 2023; 4:9-26. [PMID: 36564601 PMCID: PMC7614914 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-022-00473-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Our understanding of the function of the transcriptional regulators YAP and TAZ (YAP/TAZ) in cancer is advancing. In this Review, we provide an update on recent progress in YAP/TAZ biology, their regulation by Hippo signaling and mechanotransduction and highlight open questions. YAP/TAZ signaling is an addiction shared by multiple tumor types and their microenvironments, providing many malignant attributes. As such, it represents an important vulnerability that may offer a broad window of therapeutic efficacy, and here we give an overview of the current treatment strategies and pioneering clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Piccolo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
- IFOM-ETS, the AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy.
| | - Tito Panciera
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ando T, Okamoto K, Shintani T, Yanamoto S, Miyauchi M, Gutkind JS, Kajiya M. Integrating Genetic Alterations and the Hippo Pathway in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma for Future Precision Medicine. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12101544. [PMID: 36294681 PMCID: PMC9604790 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12101544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic alterations and dysregulation of signaling pathways are indispensable for the initiation and progression of cancer. Understanding the genetic, molecular, and signaling diversities in cancer patients has driven a dynamic change in cancer therapy. Patients can select a suitable molecularly targeted therapy or immune checkpoint inhibitor based on the driver gene alterations determined by sequencing of cancer tissue. This “precision medicine” approach requires detailed elucidation of the mechanisms connecting genetic alterations of driver genes and aberrant downstream signaling pathways. The regulatory mechanisms of the Hippo pathway and Yes-associated protein/transcriptional co-activator with PDZ binding motif (YAP/TAZ) that have central roles in cancer cell proliferation are not fully understood, reflecting their recent discovery. Nevertheless, emerging evidence has shown that various genetic alterations dysregulate the Hippo pathway and hyperactivate YAP/TAZ in cancers, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Here, we summarize the latest evidence linking genetic alterations and the Hippo pathway in HNSCC, with the aim of contributing to the continued development of precision medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Toshinori Ando
- Center of Oral Clinical Examination, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-82-257-5727
| | - Kento Okamoto
- Department of Oral Oncology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Shintani
- Center of Oral Clinical Examination, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Souichi Yanamoto
- Department of Oral Oncology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
| | - Mutsumi Miyauchi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathobiology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
| | - J. Silvio Gutkind
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Mikihito Kajiya
- Center of Oral Clinical Examination, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Celegato M, Messa L, Bertagnin C, Mercorelli B, Loregian A. Targeted Disruption of E6/p53 Binding Exerts Broad Activity and Synergism with Paclitaxel and Topotecan against HPV-Transformed Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 14:cancers14010193. [PMID: 35008354 PMCID: PMC8750593 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The identification of new specific anti-human papillomavirus (HPV) drugs is highly needed, as HPV-induced cancers still represent a significant medical issue. The aim of this study was to analyze in more detail the therapeutic potential of a compound, Cpd12, that acts by blocking the binding between HPV E6 oncoprotein and cellular tumor suppressor p53. We demonstrated that by blocking such an interaction, driven by highly conserved residues among oncogenic HPVs, Cpd12 exhibits broad activity against cervical cancer cell lines infected by different HPV genotypes and HPV-positive head-and-neck cancer cells. Interestingly, Cpd12 also showed the ability to inhibit cancer cell migration and to increase the activity of chemotherapeutic drugs such as taxanes and topoisomerase inhibitors. These findings improve the knowledge about the in vitro efficacy of Cpd12, paving the way to preclinical studies to develop new therapeutic strategies against HPV-induced tumors. Abstract High-risk human papillomaviruses (HR-HPV) are the etiological agents of almost all cervical cancer cases and a high percentage of head-and-neck malignancies. Although HPV vaccination can reduce cancer incidence, its coverage significantly differs among countries, and, therefore, in the next decades HPV-related tumors will not likely be eradicated worldwide. Thus, the need of specific treatments persists, since no anti-HPV drug is yet available. We recently discovered a small molecule (Cpd12) able to inhibit the E6-mediated degradation of p53 through the disruption of E6/p53 binding in HPV16- and HPV18-positive cervical cancer cells. By employing several biochemical and cellular assays, here we show that Cpd12 is also active against cervical cancer cells transformed by other HR-HPV strains, such as HPV68 and HPV45, and against a HPV16-transformed head-and-neck cancer cell line, suggesting the possibility to employ Cpd12 as a targeted drug against a broad range of HPV-induced cancers. In these cancer cell lines, the antitumoral mechanism of action of Cpd12 involves p53-dependent cell cycle arrest, a senescent response, and inhibition of cancer cell migration. Finally, we show that Cpd12 can strongly synergize with taxanes and topoisomerase inhibitors, encouraging the evaluation of Cpd12 in preclinical studies for the targeted treatment of HPV-related carcinomas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Celegato
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (M.C.); (L.M.); (C.B.); (B.M.)
| | - Lorenzo Messa
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (M.C.); (L.M.); (C.B.); (B.M.)
| | - Chiara Bertagnin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (M.C.); (L.M.); (C.B.); (B.M.)
| | - Beatrice Mercorelli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (M.C.); (L.M.); (C.B.); (B.M.)
| | - Arianna Loregian
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (M.C.); (L.M.); (C.B.); (B.M.)
- Clinical Microbiology and Virology Unit, Padua University Hospital, 35121 Padua, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0498272363
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
INTRODUCTION High-risk HPV infections are related to several epithelial cancers. Despite the availability of prophylactic vaccines, HPV infections are still responsible for about 5% of all human malignancies worldwide. While therapeutic vaccines are ongoing clinical trials, genotoxic agents and surgical interventions represent current clinical treatments, with no specific anti-HPV drugs yet available in the clinics. AREAS COVERED We offer a comprehensive report of small molecules in preclinical studies proposed as potential anticancer agents against HPV-driven tumors. Given the importance of HPV oncoproteins for cancer maintenance, particularly E6 and E7, we present a classification of both non-targeted and targeted agents, with a further subdivision of the latter into two categories according to their either direct or indirect activity against viral protein functions. EXPERT OPINION Prophylactic vaccines can prevent the insurgence of HPV-related cancers, but have no effect against pre-existing infections. Moreover, their high cost, genotype-restricted effect and the growing worldwide distrust for vaccines make the availability of a specific drug an unmet medical need. Different viral early proteins emerge as ideal candidates for drug development. We highlight the most promising strategies and address future challenges in this field to herald the prospect of a specific therapeutic regimen against HPV-related cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Messa
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, 35121, Italy
| | - Arianna Loregian
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, 35121, Italy.,Clinical Microbiology and Virology Unit, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| |
Collapse
|