1
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Anobile DP, Niso M, Puerta A, Fraga Rodrigues SM, Abatematteo FS, Avan A, Abate C, Riganti C, Giovannetti E. New Pharmacological Strategies against Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: The Multifunctional Thiosemicarbazone FA4. Molecules 2022; 27:1682. [PMID: 35268783 PMCID: PMC8911630 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27051682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
A new sigma-2 (σ2) receptor ligand (FA4) was efficiently synthesized and evaluated for cytotoxic, proapoptotic, and antimigratory activity on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) primary cell cultures, which restrained the aggressive and chemoresistant behavior of PDAC. This compound showed relevant antiproliferative activity with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values ranging from 0.701 to 0.825 μM. The cytotoxic activity was associated with induction of apoptosis, resulting in apoptotic indexes higher than those observed after exposure to a clinically relevant concentration of the gemcitabine, the first-line drug used against PDAC. Interestingly, FA4 was also able to significantly inhibit the migration rate of both PDAC-1 and PDAC-2 cells in the scratch wound-healing assay. In conclusion, our results support further studies to improve the library of thiosemicarbazones targeting the σ-2 receptor for a deeper understanding of the relationship between the biological activity of these compounds and the development of more efficient anticancer compounds against PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario P. Anobile
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Via Santena 5/bis, 10026 Torino, Italy;
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.P.); (S.M.F.R.)
| | - Mauro Niso
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari ALDO MORO, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy; (M.N.); (F.S.A.)
| | - Adrian Puerta
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.P.); (S.M.F.R.)
- BioLab, Instituto Universitario de Bio-Orgánica “Antonio González” (IUBO-AG), Universidad de La Laguna, c/Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez 2, 38206 La Laguna, Spain
| | - Stephanie M. Fraga Rodrigues
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.P.); (S.M.F.R.)
| | - Francesca S. Abatematteo
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari ALDO MORO, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy; (M.N.); (F.S.A.)
| | - Amir Avan
- Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Science, Mashhad 91886-17871, Iran;
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Science, Mashhad 91886-17871, Iran
| | - Carmen Abate
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari ALDO MORO, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy; (M.N.); (F.S.A.)
| | - Chiara Riganti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.P.); (S.M.F.R.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center of Molecular Biotechnology, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.P.); (S.M.F.R.)
- Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, Via Ferruccio Giovannini 13, 56017 San Giuliano Terme, Italy
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2
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A New Oxadiazole-Based Topsentin Derivative Modulates Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 1 Expression and Exerts Cytotoxic Effects on Pancreatic Cancer Cells. Molecules 2021; 27:molecules27010019. [PMID: 35011251 PMCID: PMC8746667 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27010019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal form of cancer characterized by drug resistance, urging new therapeutic strategies. In recent years, protein kinases have emerged as promising pharmacological targets for the treatment of several solid and hematological tumors. Interestingly, cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) is overexpressed in PDAC tissues and has been correlated to the aggressive nature of these tumors because of its key role in cell cycle progression and resistance to the induction of apoptosis. For these reasons, CDK1 is one of the main causes of chemoresistance, representing a promising pharmacological target. In this study, we report the synthesis of new 1,2,4-oxadiazole compounds and evaluate their ability to inhibit the cell growth of PATU-T, Hs766T, and HPAF-II cell lines and a primary PDAC cell culture (PDAC3). Compound 6b was the most active compound, with IC50 values ranging from 5.7 to 10.7 µM. Molecular docking of 6b into the active site of CDK1 showed the ability of the compound to interact effectively with the adenosine triphosphate binding pocket. Therefore, we assessed its ability to induce apoptosis (which increased 1.5- and 2-fold in PATU-T and PDAC3 cells, respectively) and to inhibit CDK1 expression, which was reduced to 45% in Hs766T. Lastly, compound 6b passed the ADME prediction, showing good pharmacokinetic parameters. These data demonstrate that 6b displays cytotoxic activity, induces apoptosis, and targets CDK1, supporting further studies for the development of similar compounds against PDAC.
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3
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Muller IB, Meijers S, Kampstra P, van Dijk S, van Elswijk M, Lin M, Wojtuszkiewicz AM, Jansen G, de Jonge R, Cloos J. Computational comparison of common event-based differential splicing tools: practical considerations for laboratory researchers. BMC Bioinformatics 2021; 22:347. [PMID: 34174808 PMCID: PMC8236165 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-021-04263-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Computational tools analyzing RNA-sequencing data have boosted alternative splicing research by identifying and assessing differentially spliced genes. However, common alternative splicing analysis tools differ substantially in their statistical analyses and general performance. This report compares the computational performance (CPU utilization and RAM usage) of three event-level splicing tools; rMATS, MISO, and SUPPA2. Additionally, concordance between tool outputs was investigated. RESULTS Log-linear relations were found between job times and dataset size in all splicing tools and all virtual machine (VM) configurations. MISO had the highest job times for all analyses, irrespective of VM size, while MISO analyses also exceeded maximum CPU utilization on all VM sizes. rMATS and SUPPA2 load averages were relatively low in both size and replicate comparisons, not nearing maximum CPU utilization in the VM simulating the lowest computational power (D2 VM). RAM usage in rMATS and SUPPA2 did not exceed 20% of maximum RAM in both size and replicate comparisons while MISO reached maximum RAM usage in D2 VM analyses for input size. Correlation coefficients of differential splicing analyses showed high correlation (β > 80%) between different tool outputs with the exception of comparisons of retained intron (RI) events between rMATS/MISO and rMATS/SUPPA2 (β < 60%). CONCLUSIONS Prior to RNA-seq analyses, users should consider job time, amount of replicates and splice event type of interest to determine the optimal alternative splicing tool. In general, rMATS is superior to both MISO and SUPPA2 in computational performance. Analysis outputs show high concordance between tools, with the exception of RI events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ittai B Muller
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Amsterdam UMC - location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | - Marry Lin
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Amsterdam UMC - location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anna M Wojtuszkiewicz
- Department of Hematology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Rm CCA 4.24, Amsterdam UMC - location VUmc, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gerrit Jansen
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and immunology Center, Amsterdam UMC - location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Robert de Jonge
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Amsterdam UMC - location VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jacqueline Cloos
- Department of Hematology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Rm CCA 4.24, Amsterdam UMC - location VUmc, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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4
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Dynamic Evaluation of Circulating miRNA Profile in EGFR-Mutated NSCLC Patients Treated with EGFR-TKIs. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061520. [PMID: 34208765 PMCID: PMC8235748 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Resistance to EGFR-TKIs constitutes a major challenge for the management of EGFR-mutated NSCLC, and recent evidence suggests that deregulation of specific microRNAs (miRNAs) may influence resistance to targeted agents. In this retrospective study, we explored the role of specific plasmatic miRNAs (miR-21, miR-27a and miR-181a) as a surrogate for predicting EGFR-TKI performance in EGFR-mutated NSCLC patients. Methods: Plasma samples of 39 advanced EGFR-mutated NSCLC patients treated with EGFR-TKIs were collected at different points in time and miRNA levels were assessed by RT-PCR. Results: Higher basal values of miR-21 were reported in patients who achieved a partial/complete response (PR/CR) compared to those with stability/progression of disease (SD/PD) (p = 0.011). Along the same line, patients who experienced a clinical benefit lasting at least six months displayed higher basal levels of circulating miR-21 (p = 0.039). However, dynamic evaluation of miRNA values after two months from the start of EGFR-TKI treatment showed that patients who experienced SD had an increase in miR-21 levels (Fold Change [FC] = 2.6) compared to patients achieving PR/CR (p = 0.029). The same tendency was observed for miR-27a (FC = 3.1) and miR-181a (FC = 2.0), although without reaching statistical significance. Remarkably, preclinical studies showed an increase in miR-21 levels in NSCLC cells that became resistant after exposure to EGFR-TKIs. Conclusions: Our study provides interesting insights on the role of circulating miRNAs, in particular miR-21, and their dynamic change over time in predicting EGFR-TKI response in EGFR-mutated NSCLC.
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El Hassouni B, Franczak M, Capula M, Vonk CM, Gomez VM, Smolenski RT, Granchi C, Peters GJ, Minutolo F, Giovannetti E. Lactate dehydrogenase A inhibition by small molecular entities: steps in the right direction. Oncoscience 2020; 7:76-80. [PMID: 33195739 PMCID: PMC7640902 DOI: 10.18632/oncoscience.519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Direct targeting of energy metabolism to defeat cancer is not a recent strategy. Although quite a few drugs use cellular metabolism for their antitumor effect, no direct inhibitors of energy metabolism have been approved by the FDA. Currently, several inhibitors of lactate dehydrogenase A (LDH-A), a key player in glycolysis, are in development. Earlier, we demonstrated the efficacy of N-hydroxyindole-based LDH-A inhibitors in different cancer types. In this study we describe the efficacy of NHI-Glc-2, which is designed to dual target cancer cells, by exploiting a simultaneous enhanced glucose uptake by overexpressed glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) and by inhibition of LDH-A. NHI-Glc-2 inhibits LDH-A enzyme activity, PANC-1 cell growth and disrupts spheroid integrity, with an overall effect that is more pronounced when combined with gemcitabine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Btissame El Hassouni
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marika Franczak
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | | | - Christian M Vonk
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Valentina M Gomez
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | | | - Godefridus J Peters
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | | | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, Pisa, Italy
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6
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Sciarrillo R, Wojtuszkiewicz A, Kooi IE, Leon LG, Sonneveld E, Kuiper RP, Jansen G, Giovannetti E, Kaspers GJ, Cloos J. Glucocorticoid Resistant Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Samples Display Altered Splicing Profile and Vulnerability to Spliceosome Modulation. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12030723. [PMID: 32204435 PMCID: PMC7140081 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12030723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoid (GC) resistance is a crucial determinant of inferior response to chemotherapy in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL); however, molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are poorly understood. Deregulated splicing is a common feature of many cancers, which impacts drug response and constitutes an attractive therapeutic target. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to characterize global splicing profiles associated with GC resistance and determine whether splicing modulation could serve as a novel therapeutic option for GC-resistant patients. To this end, 38 primary ALL samples were profiled using RNA-seq-based differential splicing analysis. The impact of splicing modulators was investigated in GC-resistant leukemia cell lines and primary leukemic specimens. Our findings revealed, for the first time, markedly distinct splicing landscapes in ALL samples of B-cell precursor (BCP)-ALL and T-ALL lineages. Differential splicing events associated with GC resistance were involved in RNA processing, a direct response to GCs, survival signaling, apoptosis, cell cycle regulation and energy metabolism. Furthermore, our analyses showed that GC-resistant ALL cell lines and primary samples are sensitive to splicing modulation, alone and in combination with GC. Together, these findings suggest that aberrant splicing is associated with GC resistance and splicing modulators deserve further interest as a novel treatment option for GC-resistant patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocco Sciarrillo
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Departments of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Anna Wojtuszkiewicz
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Departments of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Correspondence:
| | - Irsan E. Kooi
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Department of Clinical Genetics, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Leticia G. Leon
- Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Department of Immunology, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Edwin Sonneveld
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Roland P. Kuiper
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Gerrit Jansen
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Immunology and Rheumatology Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, AIRC Start-Up Unit, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, 56017 San Giuliano Terme (Pisa), Italy
| | - Gertjan J.L. Kaspers
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Emma’s Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Pediatric Oncology, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jacqueline Cloos
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Hematology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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7
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Tanaka I, Chakraborty A, Saulnier O, Benoit-Pilven C, Vacher S, Labiod D, Lam EWF, Bièche I, Delattre O, Pouzoulet F, Auboeuf D, Vagner S, Dutertre M. ZRANB2 and SYF2-mediated splicing programs converging on ECT2 are involved in breast cancer cell resistance to doxorubicin. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:2676-2693. [PMID: 31943118 PMCID: PMC7049692 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz1213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Besides analyses of specific alternative splicing (AS) variants, little is known about AS regulatory pathways and programs involved in anticancer drug resistance. Doxorubicin is widely used in breast cancer chemotherapy. Here, we identified 1723 AS events and 41 splicing factors regulated in a breast cancer cell model of acquired resistance to doxorubicin. An RNAi screen on splicing factors identified the little studied ZRANB2 and SYF2, whose depletion partially reversed doxorubicin resistance. By RNAi and RNA-seq in resistant cells, we found that the AS programs controlled by ZRANB2 and SYF2 were enriched in resistance-associated AS events, and converged on the ECT2 splice variant including exon 5 (ECT2-Ex5+). Both ZRANB2 and SYF2 were found associated with ECT2 pre-messenger RNA, and ECT2-Ex5+ isoform depletion reduced doxorubicin resistance. Following doxorubicin treatment, resistant cells accumulated in S phase, which partially depended on ZRANB2, SYF2 and the ECT2-Ex5+ isoform. Finally, doxorubicin combination with an oligonucleotide inhibiting ECT2-Ex5 inclusion reduced doxorubicin-resistant tumor growth in mouse xenografts, and high ECT2-Ex5 inclusion levels were associated with bad prognosis in breast cancer treated with chemotherapy. Altogether, our data identify AS programs controlled by ZRANB2 and SYF2 and converging on ECT2, that participate to breast cancer cell resistance to doxorubicin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Tanaka
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR 3348, F-91405 Orsay, France
- Paris Sud University, Paris-Saclay University, CNRS UMR 3348, F-91405 Orsay, France
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer
| | - Alina Chakraborty
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR 3348, F-91405 Orsay, France
- Paris Sud University, Paris-Saclay University, CNRS UMR 3348, F-91405 Orsay, France
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer
| | - Olivier Saulnier
- Institut Curie Research Center, SIREDO Oncology Center, Paris-Sciences-Lettres Research University, INSERM U830, Laboratory of Biology and Genetics of Cancers, Paris, France; Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, France
| | | | - Sophie Vacher
- Unité de Pharmacogénomique, Service de génétique, Institut Curie, Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Dalila Labiod
- Paris Sud University, Paris-Saclay University, CNRS UMR 3348, F-91405 Orsay, France
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Translational Research Department, Experimental Radiotherapy Platform, Orsay, France
| | | | - Ivan Bièche
- Unité de Pharmacogénomique, Service de génétique, Institut Curie, Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Delattre
- Institut Curie Research Center, SIREDO Oncology Center, Paris-Sciences-Lettres Research University, INSERM U830, Laboratory of Biology and Genetics of Cancers, Paris, France; Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, France
| | - Frédéric Pouzoulet
- Paris Sud University, Paris-Saclay University, CNRS UMR 3348, F-91405 Orsay, France
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Translational Research Department, Experimental Radiotherapy Platform, Orsay, France
| | - Didier Auboeuf
- CNRS UMR 5239, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Stéphan Vagner
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR 3348, F-91405 Orsay, France
- Paris Sud University, Paris-Saclay University, CNRS UMR 3348, F-91405 Orsay, France
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer
| | - Martin Dutertre
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR 3348, F-91405 Orsay, France
- Paris Sud University, Paris-Saclay University, CNRS UMR 3348, F-91405 Orsay, France
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer
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8
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Van Der Steen N, Keller K, Dekker H, Porcelli L, Honeywell RJ, Van Meerloo J, Musters RJP, Kathmann I, Frampton AE, Liu DSK, Ruijtenbeek R, Rolfo C, Pauwels P, Giovannetti E, Peters GJ. Crizotinib sensitizes the erlotinib resistant HCC827GR5 cell line by influencing lysosomal function. J Cell Physiol 2020; 235:8085-8097. [PMID: 31960422 PMCID: PMC7540474 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In non-small cell lung cancer, sensitizing mutations in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) or cMET amplification serve as good biomarkers for targeted therapies against EGFR or cMET, respectively. Here we aimed to determine how this different genetic background would affect the interaction between the EGFR-inhibitor erlotinib and the cMET-inhibitor crizotinib. To unravel the mechanism of synergy we investigated the effect of the drugs on various parameters, including cell cycle arrest, migration, protein phosphorylation, kinase activity, the expression of drug efflux pumps, intracellular drug concentrations, and live-cell microscopy. We observed additive effects in EBC-1, H1975, and HCC827, and a strong synergism in the HCC827GR5 cell line. This cell line is a clone of the HCC827 cells that harbor an EGFR exon 19 deletion and has been made resistant to the EGFR-inhibitor gefitinib, resulting in cMET amplification. Remarkably, the intracellular concentration of crizotinib was significantly higher in HCC827GR5 compared to the parental HCC827 cell line. Furthermore, live-cell microscopy with a pH-sensitive probe showed a differential reaction of the pH in the cytoplasm and the lysosomes after drug treatment in the HCC827GR5 in comparison with the HCC827 cells. This change in pH could influence the process of lysosomal sequestration of drugs. These results led us to the conclusion that lysosomal sequestration is involved in the strong synergistic reaction of the HCC827GR5 cell line to crizotinib-erlotinib combination. This finding warrants future clinical studies to evaluate whether genetic background and lysosomal sequestration could guide tailored therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nele Van Der Steen
- Center for Oncological Research, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Pathology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium.,Laboratory of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam Universities Medical Centers, VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kaylee Keller
- Laboratory of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam Universities Medical Centers, VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henk Dekker
- Laboratory of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam Universities Medical Centers, VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Letizia Porcelli
- Experimental Pharmacology Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Bari, Italy
| | - Richard J Honeywell
- Laboratory of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam Universities Medical Centers, VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Johan Van Meerloo
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - René J P Musters
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ietje Kathmann
- Laboratory of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam Universities Medical Centers, VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Adam E Frampton
- Division of Cancer, Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel S K Liu
- Division of Cancer, Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rob Ruijtenbeek
- Pamgene International BV, PamGene, 's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
| | - Christian Rolfo
- Center for Oncological Research, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Phase I-Early Clinical Trials Unit, Oncology Department, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Patrick Pauwels
- Center for Oncological Research, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Pathology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Laboratory of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam Universities Medical Centers, VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Cancer Pharmacology Lab, AIRC Start-Up Unit, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, Pisa, Italy
| | - Godefridus J Peters
- Laboratory of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam Universities Medical Centers, VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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9
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Cascioferro S, Li Petri G, Parrino B, El Hassouni B, Carbone D, Arizza V, Perricone U, Padova A, Funel N, Peters GJ, Cirrincione G, Giovannetti E, Diana P. 3-(6-Phenylimidazo [2,1- b][1,3,4]thiadiazol-2-yl)-1 H-Indole Derivatives as New Anticancer Agents in the Treatment of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Molecules 2020; 25:E329. [PMID: 31947550 PMCID: PMC7024338 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25020329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A new series of imidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4]thiadiazole derivatives was efficiently synthesized and screened for their in vitro antiproliferative activity on a panel of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells, including SUIT-2, Capan-1 and Panc-1. Compounds 9c and 9l, showed relevant in vitro antiproliferative activity on all three pre-clinical models with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) ranging from 5.11 to 10.8 µM, while the compounds 9e and 9n were active in at least one cell line. In addition, compound 9c significantly inhibited the migration rate of SUIT-2 and Capan-1 cells in the scratch wound-healing assay. In conclusion, our results will support further studies to increase the library of imidazo [2,1-b][1,3,4] thiadiazole derivatives for deeper understanding of the relationship between biological activity of the compounds and their structures in the development of new antitumor compounds against pancreatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Cascioferro
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy; (S.C.); (G.L.P.); (B.P.); (D.C.); (V.A.); (G.C.)
| | - Giovanna Li Petri
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy; (S.C.); (G.L.P.); (B.P.); (D.C.); (V.A.); (G.C.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, DeBoelelaan 1117, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (B.E.H.); (G.J.P.)
| | - Barbara Parrino
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy; (S.C.); (G.L.P.); (B.P.); (D.C.); (V.A.); (G.C.)
| | - Btissame El Hassouni
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, DeBoelelaan 1117, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (B.E.H.); (G.J.P.)
| | - Daniela Carbone
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy; (S.C.); (G.L.P.); (B.P.); (D.C.); (V.A.); (G.C.)
| | - Vincenzo Arizza
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy; (S.C.); (G.L.P.); (B.P.); (D.C.); (V.A.); (G.C.)
| | - Ugo Perricone
- Fondazione RI.MED, Via Bandiera 11, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (U.P.); (A.P.)
| | - Alessandro Padova
- Fondazione RI.MED, Via Bandiera 11, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (U.P.); (A.P.)
| | - Niccola Funel
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, via Ferruccio Giovannini 13, 56017 San Giuliano Terme, Pisa, Italy;
| | - Godefridus J. Peters
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, DeBoelelaan 1117, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (B.E.H.); (G.J.P.)
| | - Girolamo Cirrincione
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy; (S.C.); (G.L.P.); (B.P.); (D.C.); (V.A.); (G.C.)
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, VU University Medical Center, Cancer Center Amsterdam, DeBoelelaan 1117, 1081HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (B.E.H.); (G.J.P.)
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, via Ferruccio Giovannini 13, 56017 San Giuliano Terme, Pisa, Italy;
| | - Patrizia Diana
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche Chimiche e Farmaceutiche (STEBICEF), Università degli Studi di Palermo, Via Archirafi 32, 90123 Palermo, Italy; (S.C.); (G.L.P.); (B.P.); (D.C.); (V.A.); (G.C.)
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10
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Le Large TYS, El Hassouni B, Funel N, Kok B, Piersma SR, Pham TV, Olive KP, Kazemier G, van Laarhoven HWM, Jimenez CR, Bijlsma MF, Giovannetti E. Proteomic analysis of gemcitabine-resistant pancreatic cancer cells reveals that microtubule-associated protein 2 upregulation associates with taxane treatment. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2019; 11:1758835919841233. [PMID: 31205498 PMCID: PMC6535709 DOI: 10.1177/1758835919841233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Chemoresistance hampers the treatment of patients suffering from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Here we aimed to evaluate the (phospho)proteome of gemcitabine-sensitive and gemcitabine-resistant PDAC cells to identify novel therapeutic targets and predictive biomarkers. Methods: The oncogenic capabilities of gemcitabine-sensitive and resistant PDAC cells were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Cultured cells were analyzed by label-free proteomics. Differential proteins and phosphopeptides were evaluated by gene ontology and for their predictive or prognostic biomarker potential with immunohistochemistry of tissue microarrays. Results: Gemcitabine-resistant cells had increased potential to induce xenograft tumours (p value < 0.001). Differential analyses showed that proteins associated with gemcitabine resistance are correlated with microtubule regulation. Indeed, gemcitabine-resistant cells displayed an increased sensitivity for paclitaxel in vitro (p < 0.001) and nab-paclitaxel had a strong anti-tumour efficacy in vivo. Microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) was found to be highly upregulated (p = 0.002, fold change = 10) and phosphorylated in these resistant cells. Expression of MAP2 was correlated with a poorer overall survival in patients treated with gemcitabine in the palliative (p = 0.037) and adjuvant setting (p = 0.014). Conclusions: These data show an explanation as to why the combination of gemcitabine with nab-paclitaxel is effective in PDAC patients. The identified gemcitabine-resistance marker, MAP2, emerged as a novel prognostic marker in PDAC patients treated with gemcitabine and warrants further clinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa Ya Sung Le Large
- Surgery, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, NetherlandsLEXOR, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, NetherlandsCancer Pharmacology Lab, AIRC-Start-Up, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Btissame El Hassouni
- Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Niccola Funel
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, AIRC-Start-Up, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Bart Kok
- Surgery, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sander R Piersma
- Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Thang V Pham
- Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Kenneth P Olive
- Departments of Medicine and Pathology and Cell Biology, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Geert Kazemier
- Surgery, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Hanneke W M van Laarhoven
- Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Connie R Jimenez
- Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Maarten F Bijlsma
- LEXOR, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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11
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Firuzi O, Che PP, El Hassouni B, Buijs M, Coppola S, Löhr M, Funel N, Heuchel R, Carnevale I, Schmidt T, Mantini G, Avan A, Saso L, Peters GJ, Giovannetti E. Role of c-MET Inhibitors in Overcoming Drug Resistance in Spheroid Models of Primary Human Pancreatic Cancer and Stellate Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E638. [PMID: 31072019 PMCID: PMC6562408 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11050638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) are a key component of tumor microenvironment in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and contribute to drug resistance. c-MET receptor tyrosine kinase activation plays an important role in tumorigenesis in different cancers including PDAC. In this study, effects of PSC conditioned medium (PCM) on c-MET phosphorylation (by immunocytochemistry enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)) and drug response (by sulforhodamine B assay) were investigated in five primary PDAC cells. In novel 3D-spheroid co-cultures of cyan fluorescence protein (CFP)-firefly luciferase (Fluc)-expressing primary human PDAC cells and green fluorescence protein (GFP)-expressing immortalized PSCs, PDAC cell growth and chemosensitivity were examined by luciferase assay, while spheroids' architecture was evaluated by confocal microscopy. The highest phospho-c-MET expression was detected in PDAC5 and its subclone sorted for "stage specific embryonic antigen-4" (PDAC5 (SSEA4)). PCM of cells pre-incubated with PDAC conditioned medium, containing increased hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) levels, made PDAC cells significantly more resistant to gemcitabine, but not to c-MET inhibitors. Hetero-spheroids containing both PSCs and PDAC5 (SSEA4) cells were more resistant to gemcitabine compared to PDAC5 (SSEA4) homo-spheroids. However, c-MET inhibitors (tivantinib, PHA-665752 and crizotinib) were equally effective in both spheroid models. Experiments with primary human PSCs confirmed the main findings. In conclusion, we developed spheroid models to evaluate PSC-PDAC reciprocal interaction, unraveling c-MET inhibition as an important therapeutic option against drug resistant PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omidreza Firuzi
- Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, 71348-14336 Shiraz, Iran.
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Pei Pei Che
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Btissame El Hassouni
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Mark Buijs
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Stefano Coppola
- Physics of Life Processes, Huygens-Kamerlingh Onnes Laboratory, Leiden University, 2333 CA, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Matthias Löhr
- Division of Surgery, CLINTEC, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Niccola Funel
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, AIRC Start Up Unit, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Rainer Heuchel
- Division of Surgery, CLINTEC, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Ilaria Carnevale
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, AIRC Start Up Unit, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Thomas Schmidt
- Physics of Life Processes, Huygens-Kamerlingh Onnes Laboratory, Leiden University, 2333 CA, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Giulia Mantini
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Amir Avan
- Metabolic syndrome Research center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, 91778-99191 Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Luciano Saso
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Vittorio Erspamer", Sapienza University, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Godefridus J Peters
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, VU University Medical Center (VUmc), 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, AIRC Start Up Unit, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
- Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, 56017, Pisa, Italy.
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12
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Splicing modulation as novel therapeutic strategy against diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. EBioMedicine 2018; 39:215-225. [PMID: 30581150 PMCID: PMC6355829 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2018.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Therapeutic options for diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (DMPM) are limited to surgery and locoregional chemotherapy. Despite improvements in survival rates, patients eventually succumb to disease progression. We investigated splicing deregulation both as molecular prognostic factor and potential novel target in DMPM, while we tested modulators of SF3b complex for antitumor activity. Methods Tissue-microarrays of 64 DMPM specimens were subjected to immunohistochemical assessment of SF3B1 expression and correlation to clinical outcome. Two primary cell cultures were used for gene expression profiling and in vitro screening of SF3b modulators. Drug-induced splicing alterations affecting downstream cellular pathways were detected through RNA sequencing. Ultimately, we established bioluminescent orthotopic mouse models to test the efficacy of splicing modulation in vivo. Results Spliceosomal genes are differentially upregulated in DMPM cells compared to normal tissues and high expression of SF3B1 correlated with poor clinical outcome in univariate and multivariate analysis. SF3b modulators (Pladienolide-B, E7107, Meayamycin-B) showed potent cytotoxic activity in vitro with IC50 values in the low nanomolar range. Differential splicing analysis of Pladienolide-B-treated cells revealed abundant alterations of transcripts involved in cell cycle, apoptosis and other oncogenic pathways. This was validated by RT-PCR and functional assays. E7107 demonstrated remarkable in vivo antitumor efficacy, with significant improvement of survival rates compared to vehicle-treated controls. Conclusions SF3B1 emerged as a novel potential prognostic factor in DMPM. Splicing modulators markedly impair cancer cell viability, resulting also in potent antitumor activity in vivo. Our data designate splicing as a promising therapeutic target in DMPM.
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