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Di Giorgio C, Bellini R, Lupia A, Massa C, Urbani G, Bordoni M, Marchianò S, Rosselli R, De Gregorio R, Rapacciuolo P, Sepe V, Morretta E, Monti MC, Moraca F, Cari L, Ullah KRS, Natalizi N, Graziosi L, Distrutti E, Biagioli M, Catalanotti B, Donini A, Zampella A, Fiorucci S. The leukemia inhibitory factor regulates fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 transcription in gastric cancer. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2024; 47:695-710. [PMID: 37945798 PMCID: PMC11090936 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-023-00893-8] [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] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The gastric adenocarcinoma (GC) represents the third cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, and available therapeutic options remain sub-optimal. The Fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) are oncogenic transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptors. FGFR inhibitors have been approved for the treatment of various cancers and a STAT3-dependent regulation of FGFR4 has been documented in the H.pylori infected intestinal GC. Therefore, the modulation of FGFR4 might be useful for the treatment of GC. METHODS To investigate wich factors could modulate FGFR4 signalling in GC, we employed RNA-seq analysis on GC patients biopsies, human patients derived organoids (PDOs) and cancer cell lines. RESULTS We report that FGFR4 expression/function is regulated by the leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) an IL-6 related oncogenic cytokine, in JAK1/STAT3 dependent manner. The transcriptomic analysis revealed a direct correlation between the expression of LIFR and FGFR4 in the tissue of an exploratory cohort of 31 GC and confirmed these findings by two external validation cohorts of GC. A LIFR inhibitor (LIR-201) abrogates STAT3 phosphorylation induced by LIF as well as recruitment of pSTAT3 to the promoter of FGFR4. Furthermore, inhibition of FGFR4 by roblitinib or siRNA abrogates STAT3 phosphorylation and oncogentic effects of LIF in GC cells, indicating that FGFR4 is a downstream target of LIF/LIFR complex. Treating cells with LIR-201 abrogates oncogenic potential of FGF19, the physiological ligand of FGFR4. CONCLUSIONS Together these data unreveal a previously unregnized regulatory mechanism of FGFR4 by LIF/LIFR and demonstrate that LIF and FGF19 converge on the regulation of oncogenic STAT3 in GC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rachele Bellini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Antonio Lupia
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Net4Science Srl, University "Magna Græcia", Campus Salvatore Venuta, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Carmen Massa
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Ginevra Urbani
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Martina Bordoni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Silvia Marchianò
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Rosa De Gregorio
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Valentina Sepe
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Elva Morretta
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | | | - Federica Moraca
- Net4Science Srl, University "Magna Græcia", Campus Salvatore Venuta, Viale Europa, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Cari
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Michele Biagioli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Bruno Catalanotti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Annibale Donini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Angela Zampella
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Stefano Fiorucci
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy.
- Department Surgical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Perugia Medical School, Perugia, Italy.
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FGF/FGFR-Dependent Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Anti-Cancer Drug Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225796. [PMID: 34830951 PMCID: PMC8616288 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Deregulation of the FGF/FGFR axis is associated with many types of cancer and contributes to the development of chemoresistance, limiting the effectiveness of current treatment strategies. There are several mechanisms involved in this phenomenon, including cross-talks with other signaling pathways, avoidance of apoptosis, stimulation of angiogenesis, and initiation of EMT. Here, we provide an overview of current research and approaches focusing on targeting components of the FGFR/FGF signaling module to overcome drug resistance during anti-cancer therapy. Abstract Increased expression of both FGF proteins and their receptors observed in many cancers is often associated with the development of chemoresistance, limiting the effectiveness of currently used anti-cancer therapies. Malfunctioning of the FGF/FGFR axis in cancer cells generates a number of molecular mechanisms that may affect the sensitivity of tumors to the applied drugs. Of key importance is the deregulation of cell signaling, which can lead to increased cell proliferation, survival, and motility, and ultimately to malignancy. Signaling pathways activated by FGFRs inhibit apoptosis, reducing the cytotoxic effect of some anti-cancer drugs. FGFRs-dependent signaling may also initiate angiogenesis and EMT, which facilitates metastasis and also correlates with drug resistance. Therefore, treatment strategies based on FGF/FGFR inhibition (using receptor inhibitors, ligand traps, monoclonal antibodies, or microRNAs) appear to be extremely promising. However, this approach may lead to further development of resistance through acquisition of specific mutations, metabolism switching, and molecular cross-talks. This review brings together information on the mechanisms underlying the involvement of the FGF/FGFR axis in the generation of drug resistance in cancer and highlights the need for further research to overcome this serious problem with novel therapeutic strategies.
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Kim JH, Jeong SY, Jang HJ, Park ST, Kim HS. FGFR4 Gly388Arg Polymorphism Reveals a Poor Prognosis, Especially in Asian Cancer Patients: A Meta-Analysis. Front Oncol 2021; 11:762528. [PMID: 34737965 PMCID: PMC8560792 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.762528] [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: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The fibroblast growth factor-4 receptor (FGFR4) is a member of receptor tyrosine kinase. The FGFR4 Gly388Arg polymorphism in the transmembrane domain of the receptor has been shown to increase genetic susceptibility to cancers. However, its prognostic impact in cancer patients still remains controversial. Herein, we performed this meta-analysis to evaluate the clinicopathological and prognostic impacts of the FGFR4 Gly388Arg polymorphism in patients with cancer. We carried out a computerized extensive search using PubMed, Medline, and Ovid Medline databases up to July 2021. From 44 studies, 11,574 patients were included in the current meta-analysis. Regardless of the genetic models, there was no significant correlation of the FGFR4 Gly388Arg polymorphism with disease stage 3/4. In the homozygous model (Arg/Arg vs. Gly/Gly), the Arg/Arg genotype tended to show higher rate of lymph node metastasis compared with the Gly/Gly genotype (odds ratio = 1.21, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.99-1.49, p = 0.06). Compared to patients with the Arg/Gly or Arg/Arg genotype, those with the Gly/Gly genotype had significantly better overall survival (hazard ratios (HR) = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.05-1.35, p = 0.006) and disease-free survival (HR = 1.25, 95% CI: 1.03-1.53, p = 0.02). In conclusion, this meta-analysis showed that the FGFR4 Gly388Arg polymorphism was significantly associated with worse prognosis in cancer patients. Our results suggest that this polymorphism may be a valuable genetic marker to identify patients at higher risk of recurrence or mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Han Kim
- Division of Hemato-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kangnam Sacred-Heart Hospital, Hallym University Medical Center, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Soo Young Jeong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kangnam Sacred-Heart Hospital, Hallym University Medical Center, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyun Joo Jang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Dongtan Sacred-Heart Hospital, Hallym University Medical Center, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Hwasung, South Korea
| | - Sung Taek Park
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kangnam Sacred-Heart Hospital, Hallym University Medical Center, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyeong Su Kim
- Division of Hemato-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kangnam Sacred-Heart Hospital, Hallym University Medical Center, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Seoul, South Korea
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Takashima T, Taniyama D, Sakamoto N, Yasumoto M, Asai R, Hattori T, Honma R, Thang PQ, Ukai S, Maruyama R, Harada K, Kuraoka K, Tanabe K, Sasaki AT, Ohdan H, Morii E, Murai J, Yasui W. Schlafen 11 predicts response to platinum-based chemotherapy in gastric cancers. Br J Cancer 2021; 125:65-77. [PMID: 33785877 PMCID: PMC8257722 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-021-01364-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although unresectable or recurrent gastric cancers (GC) are frequently treated with platinum-based chemotherapy, response to treatment remains unpredictable. Because Schlafen 11 (SLFN11) is recently identified as a critical determinant of platinum sensitivity, we investigated the potential clinical utility of SLFN11 in the treatment of GC. METHODS We analysed the correlation between SLFN11 expression and overall survival in 169 GC patients by our established immunohistochemical approach. The impact of SLFN11 expression on the response to platinum and transition of SLFN11 expression upon long-term treatment with platinum were examined using GC cell lines and organoids. RESULTS GC patients with high-SLFN11 expression exhibited significantly better survival than those with low-SLFN11 expression, and the significance increased when we selected patients treated with platinum-based chemotherapy. Knockout of SLFN11 and reactivation of SLFN11 in GC cells conferred resistance and sensitivity to platinum, respectively. In GC cells and organoids, long-term treatment with oxaliplatin suppressed SLFN11 expression while imparting drug resistance. The acquired resistance to oxaliplatin was reversed by reactivation of SLFN11 with epigenetic modifying drugs. CONCLUSIONS This is the first report revealing definitive clinical implications of SLFN11 in the treatment of GC patients and providing novel strategies for the drug selection based on SLFN11 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsuyoshi Takashima
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
- Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Daiki Taniyama
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Naoya Sakamoto
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.
| | - Maika Yasumoto
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Ryuichi Asai
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Takuya Hattori
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Ririno Honma
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Pham Quoc Thang
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Shoichi Ukai
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Ryota Maruyama
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kenji Harada
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kazuya Kuraoka
- Institute for Clinical Research, National Hospital Organization, Kure Medical Center and Chugoku Cancer Center, Hiroshima, Japan
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, National Hospital Organization, Kure Medical Center and Chugoku Cancer Center, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Tanabe
- Department of Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Atsuo T Sasaki
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Hideki Ohdan
- Department of Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Eiichi Morii
- Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Junko Murai
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, Tsuruoka, Yamagata, Japan.
| | - Wataru Yasui
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
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