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Liu Y, Lu Y, Xing Y, Zhu W, Liu D, Ma X, Wang Y, Jia Y. PKP2 induced by YAP/TEAD4 promotes malignant progression of gastric cancer. Mol Carcinog 2024. [PMID: 38804704 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) exhibits significant heterogeneity and its prognosis remains dismal. Therefore, it is essential to investigate new approaches for diagnosing and treating GC. Desmosome proteins are crucial for the advancement and growth of cancer. Plakophilin-2 (PKP2), a member of the desmosome protein family, frequently exhibits aberrant expression and is strongly associated with many tumor types' progression. In this study, we found upregulation of PKP2 in GC. Further correlation analysis showed a notable association between increased PKP2 expression and both tumor stage and poor prognosis in individuals diagnosed with gastric adenocarcinoma. In addition, our research revealed that the Yes-associated protein1 (YAP1)/TEAD4 complex could stimulate the transcriptional expression of PKP2 in GC. Elevated PKP2 levels facilitate activation of the AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway, thereby promoting the malignant progression of GC. By constructing a mouse model, we ultimately validated the molecular mechanism and function of PKP2 in GC. Taken together, these discoveries suggest that PKP2, as a direct gene target of YAP/TEAD4 regulation, has the potential to be used as an indication of GC progression and prognosis. PKP2 is expected to be a promising therapeutic target for GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunyun Liu
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yi Lu
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yuanxin Xing
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Wenshuai Zhu
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Duanrui Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoli Ma
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yunshan Wang
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yanfei Jia
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
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Miyashita H, Kato S, Hong DS. KRAS G12C inhibitor combination therapies: current evidence and challenge. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1380584. [PMID: 38756650 PMCID: PMC11097198 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1380584] [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: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Although KRAS G12C inhibitors have proven that KRAS is a "druggable" target of cancer, KRAS G12C inhibitor monotherapies have demonstrated limited clinical efficacy due to primary and acquired resistance mechanisms. Multiple combinations of KRAS G12C inhibitors with other targeted therapies, such as RTK, SHP2, and MEK inhibitors, have been investigated in clinical trials to overcome the resistance. They have demonstrated promising efficacy especially by combining KRAS G12C and EGFR inhibitors for KRAS G12C-mutated colorectal cancer. Many clinical trials of combinations of KRAS G12C inhibitors with other targeted therapies, such as SOS1, ERK, CDK4/6, and wild-type RAS, are ongoing. Furthermore, preclinical data have suggested additional promising KRAS G12C combinations with YAP/TAZ-TEAD inhibitors, FAK inhibitors, and farnesyltransferase inhibitors. The combinations of KRAS G12C inhibitors with immunotherapies and chemotherapies have also been investigated, and the preliminary results were reported. More recently, KRAS-targeted therapies not limited to KRAS G12C are being developed, potentially broadening the treatment landscape of KRAS-mutated cancers. Rationally combining KRAS inhibitors with other therapeutics is likely to play a significant role in future treatment for KRAS-mutated solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirotaka Miyashita
- Hematology and Oncology, Dartmouth Cancer Center, Lebanon, NH, United States
| | - Shumei Kato
- Center for Personalized Cancer Therapy and Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego Moores Cancer Center, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - David S. Hong
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
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Kumar A, BharathwajChetty B, Manickasamy MK, Unnikrishnan J, Alqahtani MS, Abbas M, Almubarak HA, Sethi G, Kunnumakkara AB. Natural compounds targeting YAP/TAZ axis in cancer: Current state of art and challenges. Pharmacol Res 2024; 203:107167. [PMID: 38599470 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Cancer has become a burgeoning global healthcare concern marked by its exponential growth and significant economic ramifications. Though advancements in the treatment modalities have increased the overall survival and quality of life, there are no definite treatments for the advanced stages of this malady. Hence, understanding the diseases etiologies and the underlying molecular complexities, will usher in the development of innovative therapeutics. Recently, YAP/TAZ transcriptional regulation has been of immense interest due to their role in development, tissue homeostasis and oncogenic transformations. YAP/TAZ axis functions as coactivators within the Hippo signaling cascade, exerting pivotal influence on processes such as proliferation, regeneration, development, and tissue renewal. In cancer, YAP is overexpressed in multiple tumor types and is associated with cancer stem cell attributes, chemoresistance, and metastasis. Activation of YAP/TAZ mirrors the cellular "social" behavior, encompassing factors such as cell adhesion and the mechanical signals transmitted to the cell from tissue structure and the surrounding extracellular matrix. Therefore, it presents a significant vulnerability in the clogs of tumors that could provide a wide window of therapeutic effectiveness. Natural compounds have been utilized extensively as successful interventions in the management of diverse chronic illnesses, including cancer. Owing to their capacity to influence multiple genes and pathways, natural compounds exhibit significant potential either as adjuvant therapy or in combination with conventional treatment options. In this review, we delineate the signaling nexus of YAP/TAZ axis, and present natural compounds as an alternate strategy to target cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aviral Kumar
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, Assam 781039, India
| | - Bandari BharathwajChetty
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, Assam 781039, India
| | - Mukesh Kumar Manickasamy
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, Assam 781039, India
| | - Jyothsna Unnikrishnan
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, Assam 781039, India
| | - Mohammed S Alqahtani
- Radiological Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia; BioImaging Unit, Space Research Centre, Michael Atiyah Building, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, United Kingdom
| | - Mohamed Abbas
- Electrical Engineering Department, College of Engineering, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hassan Ali Almubarak
- Division of Radiology, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine and Surgery, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 16 Medical Drive, Singapore 117600, Singapore; NUS Center for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117699, Singapore.
| | - Ajaikumar B Kunnumakkara
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), Guwahati, Assam 781039, India.
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Li KQ, Bai X, Ke AT, Ding SQ, Zhang CD, Dai DQ. Ubiquitin-specific proteases: From biological functions to potential therapeutic applications in gastric cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116323. [PMID: 38401523 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116323] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Deubiquitination, a post-translational modification regulated by deubiquitinases, is essential for cancer initiation and progression. Ubiquitin-specific proteases (USPs) are essential elements of the deubiquitinase family, and are overexpressed in gastric cancer (GC). Through the regulation of several signaling pathways, such as Wnt/β-Catenin and nuclear factor-κB signaling, and the promotion of the expression of deubiquitination- and stabilization-associated proteins, USPs promote the proliferation, metastasis, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of GC. In addition, the expression of USPs is closely related to clinicopathological features, patient prognosis, and chemotherapy resistance. USPs therefore could be used as prognostic biomarkers. USP targeting small molecule inhibitors have demonstrated strong anticancer activity. However, they have not yet been tested in the clinic. This article provides an overview of the latest fundamental research on USPs in GC, aiming to enhance the understanding of how USPs contribute to GC progression, and identifying possible targets for GC treatment to improve patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Qiang Li
- Department of Surgical Oncology, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110032, China
| | - Xiao Bai
- Department of Surgical Oncology, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110032, China
| | - Ang-Ting Ke
- Department of Surgical Oncology, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110032, China
| | - Si-Qi Ding
- Department of Surgical Oncology, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110032, China
| | - Chun-Dong Zhang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110032, China
| | - Dong-Qiu Dai
- Department of Surgical Oncology, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110032, China; Cancer Center, the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province 110032, China.
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Kanai R, Norton E, Stern P, Hynes RO, Lamar JM. Identification of a Gene Signature That Predicts Dependence upon YAP/TAZ-TEAD. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:852. [PMID: 38473214 PMCID: PMC10930532 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16050852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Targeted therapies are effective cancer treatments when accompanied by accurate diagnostic tests that can help identify patients that will respond to those therapies. The YAP/TAZ-TEAD axis is activated and plays a causal role in several cancer types, and TEAD inhibitors are currently in early-phase clinical trials in cancer patients. However, a lack of a reliable way to identify tumors with YAP/TAZ-TEAD activation for most cancer types makes it difficult to determine which tumors will be susceptible to TEAD inhibitors. Here, we used a combination of RNA-seq and bioinformatic analysis of metastatic melanoma cells to develop a YAP/TAZ gene signature. We found that the genes in this signature are TEAD-dependent in several melanoma cell lines, and that their expression strongly correlates with YAP/TAZ activation in human melanomas. Using DepMap dependency data, we found that this YAP/TAZ signature was predictive of melanoma cell dependence upon YAP/TAZ or TEADs. Importantly, this was not limited to melanoma because this signature was also predictive when tested on a panel of over 1000 cancer cell lines representing numerous distinct cancer types. Our results suggest that YAP/TAZ gene signatures like ours may be effective tools to predict tumor cell dependence upon YAP/TAZ-TEAD, and thus potentially provide a means to identify patients likely to benefit from TEAD inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Kanai
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA; (R.K.); (E.N.)
| | - Emily Norton
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA; (R.K.); (E.N.)
| | - Patrick Stern
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA;
| | - Richard O. Hynes
- Department of Biology, Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA;
| | - John M. Lamar
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, USA; (R.K.); (E.N.)
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Xiong J, Xiao R, Zhao J, Zhao Q, Luo M, Li F, Zhang W, Wu M. Matrix stiffness affects tumor-associated macrophage functional polarization and its potential in tumor therapy. J Transl Med 2024; 22:85. [PMID: 38246995 PMCID: PMC10800063 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04810-3] [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: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays critical roles in cytoskeletal support, biomechanical transduction and biochemical signal transformation. Tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) function is regulated by matrix stiffness in solid tumors and is often associated with poor prognosis. ECM stiffness-induced mechanical cues can activate cell membrane mechanoreceptors and corresponding mechanotransducers in the cytoplasm, modulating the phenotype of TAMs. Currently, tuning TAM polarization through matrix stiffness-induced mechanical stimulation has received increasing attention, whereas its effect on TAM fate has rarely been summarized. A better understanding of the relationship between matrix stiffness and macrophage function will contribute to the development of new strategies for cancer therapy. In this review, we first introduced the overall relationship between macrophage polarization and matrix stiffness, analyzed the changes in mechanoreceptors and mechanotransducers mediated by matrix stiffness on macrophage function and tumor progression, and finally summarized the effects of targeting ECM stiffness on tumor prognosis to provide insight into this new field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqiang Xiong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Rourou Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Jiahui Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Qiuyan Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Manwen Luo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Wuhan, 430071, China.
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China.
| | - Meng Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430032, China.
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