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Lui K, Huang Y, Sheikh MS, Cheung KK, Tam WY, Sun KT, Cheng KM, Ng WWM, Loh AWK. The oncogenic potential of Rab-like protein 1A (RBEL1A) GTPase: The first review of RBEL1A research with future research directions and challenges. J Cancer 2023; 14:3214-3226. [PMID: 37928422 PMCID: PMC10622986 DOI: 10.7150/jca.84267] [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: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Research on Rab-like protein 1A (RBEL1A) in the past two decades highlighted the oncogenic properties of this gene. Despite the emerging evidence, its importance in cancer biology was underrated. This is the first RBEL1A critical review covering its discovery, biochemistry, physiological functions, and clinical insights. RBEL1A expression at the appropriate levels appears essential in normal cells and tissues to maintain chromosomal stability; however, its overexpression is linked to tumorigenesis. Furthermore, the upstream and downstream targets of the RBEL1A signaling pathways will be discussed. Mechanistically, RBEL1A promotes cell proliferation signals by enhancing the Erk1/2, Akt, c-Myc, and CDK pathways while blunting the apoptotic signals via inhibitions on p53, Rb, and caspase pathways. More importantly, this review covers the clinical relevance of RBEL1A in the cancer field, such as drug resistance and poor overall survival rate. Also, this review points out the bottle-necks of the RBEL1A research and its future research directions. It is becoming clear that RBEL1A could potentially serve as a valuable target of anticancer therapy. Genetic and pharmacological researches are expected to facilitate the identification and development of RBEL1A inhibitors as cancer therapeutics in the future, which could undoubtedly improve the management of human malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki Lui
- School of Nursing and Health Studies, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Hong Kong
| | - Ying Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - M. Saeed Sheikh
- Department of Pharmacology, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Kwok-Kuen Cheung
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
| | - Wing Yip Tam
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Keng-Ting Sun
- Division of Medical Sciences & Graduate Entry Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Ka Ming Cheng
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
| | | | - Anthony Wai-Keung Loh
- Division of Science, Engineering and Health Studies (SEHS), College of Professional and Continuing Education, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
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Jiang Z, Zhang W, Liu C, Xia L, Wang S, Wang Y, Shao K, Han B. Facilitation of Cell Cycle and Cellular Migration of Rat Schwann Cells by O-Carboxymethyl Chitosan to Support Peripheral Nerve Regeneration. Macromol Biosci 2023; 23:e2300025. [PMID: 37282815 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202300025] [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: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
O-carboxymethyl chitosan (CM-chitosan), holds high potential as a valuable biomaterial for nerve guidance conduits (NGCs). However, the lack of explicit bioactivity on neurocytes and poor duration that does not match nerve repair limit the restorative effects. Herein, CM-chitosan-based NGC is designed to induce the reconstruction of damaged peripheral nerves without addition of other activation factors. CM-chitosan possesses excellent performance in vitro for nerve tissue engineering, such as increasing the organization of filamentous actin and the expression of phospho-Akt, and facilitating the cell cycle and migration of Schwann cells. Moreover, CM-chitosan exhibits increased longevity upon cross-linking (C-CM-chitosan) with 1, 4-Butanediol diglycidyl ether, and C-CM-chitosan fibers possess appropriate biocompatibility. In order to imitate the structure of peripheral nerves, multichannel bioactive NGCs are prepared from lumen fillers of oriented C-CM-chitosan fibers and outer warp-knitted chitosan pipeline. Implantation of the C-CM-chitosan NGCs to rats with 10-mm defects of peripheral nerves effectively improve nerve function reconstruction by increasing the sciatic functional index, decreasing the latent periods of heat tingling, enhancing the gastrocnemius muscle, and promoting nerve axon recovery, showing regenerative efficacy similar to that of autograft. The results lay a theoretical foundation for improving the potential high-value applications of CM-chitosan-based bioactive materials in nerve tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwen Jiang
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, P. R. China
| | - Wei Zhang
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, P. R. China
| | - Chenqi Liu
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, P. R. China
| | - Lixin Xia
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, P. R. China
| | - Shuo Wang
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, P. R. China
| | - Yanting Wang
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, P. R. China
| | - Kai Shao
- Department of Central Laboratory, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266035, P. R. China
| | - Baoqin Han
- College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, P. R. China
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Voigt E, Quelle DE. FOXM1, MEK, and CDK4/6: New Targets for Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13596. [PMID: 37686402 PMCID: PMC10487994 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713596] [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: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are deadly sarcomas, which desperately need effective therapies. Half of all MPNSTs arise in patients with neurofibromatosis type I (NF1), a common inherited disease. NF1 patients can develop benign lesions called plexiform neurofibromas (PNFs), often in adolescence, and over time, some PNFs, but not all, will transform into MPNSTs. A deeper understanding of the molecular and genetic alterations driving PNF-MPNST transformation will guide development of more targeted and effective treatments for these patients. This review focuses on an oncogenic transcription factor, FOXM1, which is a powerful oncogene in other cancers but little studied in MPNSTs. Elevated expression of FOXM1 was seen in patient MPNSTs and correlated with poor survival, but otherwise, its role in the disease is unknown. We discuss what is known about FOXM1 in MPNSTs relative to other cancers and how FOXM1 may be regulated by and/or regulate the most commonly altered players in MPNSTs, particularly in the MEK and CDK4/6 kinase pathways. We conclude by considering FOXM1, MEK, and CDK4/6 as new, clinically relevant targets for MPNST therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Voigt
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA;
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Dawn E. Quelle
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA;
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Pathology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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Kohlmeyer JL, Lingo JJ, Kaemmer CA, Scherer A, Warrier A, Voigt E, Garay JAR, McGivney GR, Brockman QR, Tang A, Calizo A, Pollard K, Zhang X, Hirbe AC, Pratilas CA, Leidinger M, Breheny P, Chimenti MS, Sieren JC, Monga V, Tanas MR, Meyerholz DK, Darbro BW, Dodd RD, Quelle DE. CDK4/6-MEK Inhibition in MPNSTs Causes Plasma Cell Infiltration, Sensitization to PD-L1 Blockade, and Tumor Regression. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:3484-3497. [PMID: 37410426 PMCID: PMC10528807 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-0749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) are lethal, Ras-driven sarcomas that lack effective therapies. We investigated effects of targeting cyclin-dependent kinases 4 and 6 (CDK4/6), MEK, and/or programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in preclinical MPNST models. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Patient-matched MPNSTs and precursor lesions were examined by FISH, RNA sequencing, IHC, and Connectivity-Map analyses. Antitumor activity of CDK4/6 and MEK inhibitors was measured in MPNST cell lines, patient-derived xenografts (PDX), and de novo mouse MPNSTs, with the latter used to determine anti-PD-L1 response. RESULTS Patient tumor analyses identified CDK4/6 and MEK as actionable targets for MPNST therapy. Low-dose combinations of CDK4/6 and MEK inhibitors synergistically reactivated the retinoblastoma (RB1) tumor suppressor, induced cell death, and decreased clonogenic survival of MPNST cells. In immune-deficient mice, dual CDK4/6-MEK inhibition slowed tumor growth in 4 of 5 MPNST PDXs. In immunocompetent mice, combination therapy of de novo MPNSTs caused tumor regression, delayed resistant tumor outgrowth, and improved survival relative to monotherapies. Drug-sensitive tumors that regressed contained plasma cells and increased cytotoxic T cells, whereas drug-resistant tumors adopted an immunosuppressive microenvironment with elevated MHC II-low macrophages and increased tumor cell PD-L1 expression. Excitingly, CDK4/6-MEK inhibition sensitized MPNSTs to anti-PD-L1 immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) with some mice showing complete tumor regression. CONCLUSIONS CDK4/6-MEK inhibition induces a novel plasma cell-associated immune response and extended antitumor activity in MPNSTs, which dramatically enhances anti-PD-L1 therapy. These preclinical findings provide strong rationale for clinical translation of CDK4/6-MEK-ICB targeted therapies in MPNST as they may yield sustained antitumor responses and improved patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan L Kohlmeyer
- Molecular Medicine Graduate Program, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Joshua J Lingo
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Courtney A Kaemmer
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Amanda Scherer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Akshaya Warrier
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Ellen Voigt
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | | | - Gavin R McGivney
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Qierra R Brockman
- Molecular Medicine Graduate Program, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Amy Tang
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Cell Biology, Leroy T. Canoles Jr. Cancer Center, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, Virginia
| | - Ana Calizo
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Kai Pollard
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Xiaochun Zhang
- Division of Medical Oncology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Angela C Hirbe
- Division of Medical Oncology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Christine A Pratilas
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Mariah Leidinger
- Department of Pathology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Patrick Breheny
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Michael S Chimenti
- Iowa Institute of Human Genetics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Jessica C. Sieren
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Department of Radiation, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Varun Monga
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Munir R Tanas
- Molecular Medicine Graduate Program, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Department of Pathology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - David K Meyerholz
- Department of Pathology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Benjamin W Darbro
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Department of Pediatrics, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Rebecca D Dodd
- Molecular Medicine Graduate Program, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Dawn E Quelle
- Molecular Medicine Graduate Program, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
- Department of Pathology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
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