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Nussinov R, Jang H. The value of protein allostery in rational anticancer drug design: an update. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024:1-15. [PMID: 39068599 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2384467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Allosteric drugs are advantageous. However, they still face hurdles, including identification of allosteric sites that will effectively alter the active site. Current strategies largely focus on identifying pockets away from the active sites into which the allosteric ligand will dock and do not account for exactly how the active site is altered. Favorable allosteric inhibitors dock into sites that are nearby the active sites and follow nature, mimicking diverse allosteric regulation strategies. AREAS COVERED The following article underscores the immense significance of allostery in drug design, describes current allosteric strategies, and especially offers a direction going forward. The article concludes with the authors' expert perspectives on the subject. EXPERT OPINION To select a productive venue in allosteric inhibitor development, we should learn from nature. Currently, useful strategies follow this route. Consider, for example, the mechanisms exploited in relieving autoinhibition and in harnessing allosteric degraders. Mimicking compensatory, or rescue mutations may also fall into such a thesis, as can molecular glues that capture features of scaffolding proteins. Capturing nature and creatively tailoring its mimicry can continue to innovate allosteric drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Nussinov
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Cancer Innovation Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, USA
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Cancer Innovation Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, USA
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2
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Qian Y, Zhou S, Li J, Ma M, Chen H, Cao Y, Zhang Y, Sun C, Li K, Liu Y, Dai S, Ao M, Fang M, Wu Z, Li M. Discovery of 4-((3,4-dichlorophenyl)amino)-2-methylquinolin-6-ol derivatives as EGFR and HDAC dual inhibitors. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 960:176114. [PMID: 37863412 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176114] [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: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
In patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the standard therapy consists of selective tyrosine kinase inhibitors that target epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR). Nonetheless, their clinical utility is primarily limited by the development of resistance to drugs. HDAC inhibitors have been shown in studies to reduce the level of EGFR that is expressed and downregulate the EGFR-induced phosphorylation of AKT and ERK. Therefore, dual inhibitors of EGFR and HDAC provide a potential approach as combination treatment synergistically inhibited the growth of NSCLC. Herein, we examined the EGFR inhibition effect of twenty compounds which designed and synthesized by us previously. Among them, compounds 12c and 12d exhibited powerful antiproliferative activity against the NCI-H1975 cell line with IC50 values of 0.48 ± 0.07 and 0.35 ± 0.02 μM, correspondingly. In cell-free kinase assays, both 12c and 12d demonstrated target-specific EGFR inhibition against wild type (EGFRwt). Furthermore, the expression of EGFR and phosphorylation of the EGF-induced pathways were significantly suppressed under the treatment of 12c and 12d. Besides, both histones H3 and H4 exhibited increased levels of acetylation following 12c and 12d treatment. The animal experiments shown that 12d could prevent the growth of tumor, inhibited the expression of EGFR and the phosphorylation levels of p70 S6K, AKT and p38 MAPK in vivo, and did not cause organ damage to the mice during the experiment. Overall, the results illustrated that compound 12c and 12d could serve as effective EGFR and HDAC dual inhibitors in NSCLC cells. Our work offers an alternative strategy for NSCLC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Qian
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330006, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Siyu Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Jiayi Li
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Mingyuan Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Huanwen Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Yin Cao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Yuxiang Zhang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Chaoyu Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Kang Li
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Yizhao Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Shutong Dai
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Mingtao Ao
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine of South Hubei Province, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei, 437100, China.
| | - Meijuan Fang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China.
| | - Zhen Wu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research and State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China.
| | - Mingdong Li
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330006, China.
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Khozooei S, Veerappan S, Toulany M. YB-1 activating cascades as potential targets in KRAS-mutated tumors. Strahlenther Onkol 2023; 199:1110-1127. [PMID: 37268766 DOI: 10.1007/s00066-023-02092-8] [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] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Y‑box binding protein‑1 (YB-1) is a multifunctional protein that is highly expressed in human solid tumors of various entities. Several cellular processes, e.g. cell cycle progression, cancer stemness and DNA damage signaling that are involved in the response to chemoradiotherapy (CRT) are tightly governed by YB‑1. KRAS gene with about 30% mutations in all cancers, is considered the most commonly mutated oncogene in human cancers. Accumulating evidence indicates that oncogenic KRAS mediates CRT resistance. AKT and p90 ribosomal S6 kinase are downstream of KRAS and are the major kinases that stimulate YB‑1 phosphorylation. Thus, there is a close link between the KRAS mutation status and YB‑1 activity. In this review paper, we highlight the importance of the KRAS/YB‑1 cascade in the response of KRAS-mutated solid tumors to CRT. Likewise, the opportunities to interfere with this pathway to improve CRT outcome are discussed in light of the current literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shayan Khozooei
- Division of Radiobiology and Molecular Environmental Research, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Soundaram Veerappan
- Division of Radiobiology and Molecular Environmental Research, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Mahmoud Toulany
- Division of Radiobiology and Molecular Environmental Research, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.
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Szymczyk J, Czyrek A, Otlewski J, Zakrzewska M. FGF1 Protects MCF-7 Cells against Taltobulin through Both the MEKs/ERKs and PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1856. [PMID: 37509496 PMCID: PMC10376943 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11071856] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a widespread and complex disease characterized by abnormal signaling pathways that promote tumor growth and progression. Despite significant medical advances and the development of increasingly effective therapies for breast cancer, drug resistance and reduced sensitivity to prior therapies remain persistent challenges. Dysregulation of growth factors such as FGFs and EGF and their receptors is a contributing factor to reduced response to treatment, promoting cell survival and proliferation, metastasis, EMT or increased expression of ABC transporters. Our study demonstrates a protective role for FGF1 in MCF-7 breast cancer cells against taltobulin-induced cytotoxicity, mediated by activation of its receptors and compares its activity to EGF, another growth factor involved in breast cancer development and progression. The mechanisms of action of these two proteins are different: FGF1 exerts its effects through the activation of both ERKs and AKT, whereas EGF acts only through ERKs. FGF1 action in the presence of the drug promotes cell viability, reduces apoptosis and increases cell migration. Although EGF and its receptors have received more attention in breast cancer research to date, our findings highlight the key role played by FGFs and their receptors in promoting drug resistance to tubulin polymerization inhibitors in FGFR-positive tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Szymczyk
- Department of Protein Engineering, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Czyrek
- Department of Protein Biotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Otlewski
- Department of Protein Engineering, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Zakrzewska
- Department of Protein Engineering, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383 Wroclaw, Poland
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Liu S, Sun D, Butler R, Rawlins EL. RTK signalling promotes epithelial columnar cell shape and apical junction maintenance in human lung progenitor cells. Development 2023; 150:dev201284. [PMID: 37260147 PMCID: PMC10281517 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201284] [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: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Multipotent epithelial progenitor cells can be expanded from human embryonic lungs as organoids and maintained in a self-renewing state using a defined medium. The organoid cells are columnar, resembling the cell morphology of the developing lung tip epithelium in vivo. Cell shape dynamics and fate are tightly coordinated during development. We therefore used the organoid system to identify signalling pathways that maintain the columnar shape of human lung tip progenitors. We found that EGF, FGF7 and FGF10 have distinct functions in lung tip progenitors. FGF7 activates MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signalling, and is sufficient to promote columnar cell shape in primary tip progenitors. Inhibitor experiments show that MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signalling are key downstream pathways, regulating cell proliferation, columnar cell shape and cell junctions. We identified integrin signalling as a key pathway downstream of MAPK/ERK in the tip progenitors; disrupting integrin alters polarity, cell adhesion and tight junction assembly. By contrast, stimulation with FGF10 or EGF alone is not sufficient to maintain organoid columnar cell shape. This study employs organoids to provide insight into the cellular mechanisms regulating human lung development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyu Liu
- Wellcome Trust/CRUK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Dawei Sun
- Wellcome Trust/CRUK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Richard Butler
- Wellcome Trust/CRUK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK
| | - Emma L. Rawlins
- Wellcome Trust/CRUK Gurdon Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
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Sirico M, D’Angelo A, Gianni C, Casadei C, Merloni F, De Giorgi U. Current State and Future Challenges for PI3K Inhibitors in Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:703. [PMID: 36765661 PMCID: PMC9913212 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (PKB/AKT)-mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) axis is a key signal transduction system that links oncogenes and multiple receptor classes which are involved in many essential cellular functions. Aberrant PI3K signalling is one of the most commonly mutated pathways in cancer. Consequently, more than 40 compounds targeting key components of this signalling network have been tested in clinical trials among various types of cancer. As the oncogenic activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway often occurs alongside mutations in other signalling networks, combination therapy should be considered. In this review, we highlight recent advances in the knowledge of the PI3K pathway and discuss the current state and future challenges of targeting this pathway in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Sirico
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy
| | - Alberto D’Angelo
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
- Department of Oncology, Royal United Hospital, Bath BA1 3NG, UK
| | - Caterina Gianni
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy
| | - Chiara Casadei
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy
| | - Filippo Merloni
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy
| | - Ugo De Giorgi
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy
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Toulany M. Targeting K-Ras-mediated DNA damage response in radiation oncology: Current status, challenges and future perspectives. Clin Transl Radiat Oncol 2022; 38:6-14. [PMID: 36313934 PMCID: PMC9596599 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctro.2022.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 60% of cancer patients receive curative or palliative radiation. Despite the significant role of radiotherapy (RT) as a curative approach for many solid tumors, tumor recurrence occurs, partially because of intrinsic radioresistance. Accumulating evidence indicates that the success of RT is hampered by activation of the DNA damage response (DDR). The intensity of DDR signaling is affected by multiple parameters, e.g., loss-of-function mutations in tumor suppressor genes, gain-of-function mutations in protooncogenes as well as radiation-induced alterations in signal-transduction pathways. Therefore, the response to irradiation differs in tumors of different types, which makes the individualization of RT as a rational but challenging goal. One contributor to tumor cell radiation survival is signaling through the Ras pathway. Three RAS genes encode 4 Ras isoforms: K-Ras4A, K-Ras4B, H-Ras, and N-Ras. RAS family members are found to be mutated in approximately 19% of human cancers. Mutations in RAS lead to constitutive activation of the gene product and activation of multiple Ras-dependent signal-transduction cascades. Preclinical studies have shown that the expression of mutant KRAS affects DDR and increases cell survival after irradiation. Approximately 70% of RAS mutations occur in KRAS. Thus, applying targeted therapies directly against K-Ras as well as K-Ras upstream activators and downstream effectors might be a tumor-specific approach to overcome K-Ras-mediated RT resistance. In this review, the role of K-Ras in the activation of DDR signaling will be summarized. Recent progress in targeting DDR in KRAS-mutated tumors in combination with radiochemotherapy will be discussed.
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Sudhanva MS, Hariharasudhan G, Jun S, Seo G, Kamalakannan R, Kim HH, Lee JH. MicroRNA-145 Impairs Classical Non-Homologous End-Joining in Response to Ionizing Radiation-Induced DNA Double-Strand Breaks via Targeting DNA-PKcs. Cells 2022; 11:1509. [DOI: https:/doi.org/10.3390/cells11091509 academic] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/18/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are one of the most lethal types of DNA damage due to the fact that unrepaired or mis-repaired DSBs lead to genomic instability or chromosomal aberrations, thereby causing cell death or tumorigenesis. The classical non-homologous end-joining pathway (c-NHEJ) is the major repair mechanism for rejoining DSBs, and the catalytic subunit of DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PKcs) is a critical factor in this pathway; however, regulation of DNA-PKcs expression remains unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that miR-145 directly suppresses DNA-PKcs by binding to the 3′-UTR and inhibiting translation, thereby causing an accumulation of DNA damage, impairing c-NHEJ, and rendering cells hypersensitive to ionizing radiation (IR). Of note, miR-145-mediated suppression of DNA damage repair and enhanced IR sensitivity were both reversed by either inhibiting miR-145 or overexpressing DNA-PKcs. In addition, we show that the levels of Akt1 phosphorylation in cancer cells are correlated with miR-145 suppression and DNA-PKcs upregulation. Furthermore, the overexpression of miR-145 in Akt1-suppressed cells inhibited c-NHEJ by downregulating DNA-PKcs. These results reveal a novel miRNA-mediated regulation of DNA repair and identify miR-145 as an important regulator of c-NHEJ.
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MicroRNA-145 Impairs Classical Non-Homologous End-Joining in Response to Ionizing Radiation-Induced DNA Double-Strand Breaks via Targeting DNA-PKcs. Cells 2022; 11:cells11091509. [PMID: 35563814 PMCID: PMC9102532 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are one of the most lethal types of DNA damage due to the fact that unrepaired or mis-repaired DSBs lead to genomic instability or chromosomal aberrations, thereby causing cell death or tumorigenesis. The classical non-homologous end-joining pathway (c-NHEJ) is the major repair mechanism for rejoining DSBs, and the catalytic subunit of DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PKcs) is a critical factor in this pathway; however, regulation of DNA-PKcs expression remains unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that miR-145 directly suppresses DNA-PKcs by binding to the 3′-UTR and inhibiting translation, thereby causing an accumulation of DNA damage, impairing c-NHEJ, and rendering cells hypersensitive to ionizing radiation (IR). Of note, miR-145-mediated suppression of DNA damage repair and enhanced IR sensitivity were both reversed by either inhibiting miR-145 or overexpressing DNA-PKcs. In addition, we show that the levels of Akt1 phosphorylation in cancer cells are correlated with miR-145 suppression and DNA-PKcs upregulation. Furthermore, the overexpression of miR-145 in Akt1-suppressed cells inhibited c-NHEJ by downregulating DNA-PKcs. These results reveal a novel miRNA-mediated regulation of DNA repair and identify miR-145 as an important regulator of c-NHEJ.
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Jermnak U, Supsavhad W, Kunakornsawat S, Jaroensong T, Watcharasit P, Visitnonthachai D, Pairor S, Phaochoosak N. Anti-cancer potentials of Gynura procumbens leaves extract against two canine mammary cancer cell lines. Vet Med Sci 2022; 8:69-84. [PMID: 34882994 PMCID: PMC8788980 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.684] [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] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The anti-cancer effects of Gynura procumbens leaves extract (GPE) have been reported in various human cancers. However, the anti-cancer effects and molecular mechanisms of this extract on canine mammary cancer (CMC) have not yet been elucidated. OBJECTIVES The main goal of this study was to investigate the anti-cancer properties of GPE against two CMC cell lines (CHMp-13a and CHMp-5b). METHODS The GP leaves were extracted with 80% ethanol. Anti-cancer potentials of GPE on CHMp-13a and CHMp-5b cancer cell lines using dimethyl-2-thiazolyl-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT), wound healing, transwell migration, and caspase 3/7 activity assays were evaluated. The mRNA expression levels of two oncogenes: epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and twist family bHLH transcription factor 1 (TWIST) and one tumour suppressor gene: phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) in these cell lines were determined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). In addition, The EGFR and PTEN protein levels as well as protein kinase B (AKT) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation levels expression were also evaluated by western blot analysis. RESULTS The results showed that GPE caused a significant concentration- and time-dependent reduction in cell proliferation of both CHMp-13a and CHMp-5b cells, detected by MTT assays. This extract also significantly suppressed cancer cell migration in both cell lines, tested by wound healing and transwell migration assays. Additionally, the increase in caspase 3/7 activity observed in both CMC cell treated with GPE suggests that GPE induced caspase 3/7 dependent apoptosis. Moreover, GPE significantly decreased EGFR mRNA and protein expression levels compared to control in both cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION These findings emphasized that GPE has an in vitro anti-cancer activity against CMC by inhibiting EGFR signalling pathway. Thus, GPE may serve as an alternative therapy in CMC with high EGFR expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usuma Jermnak
- Department of PharmacologyFaculty of Veterinary MedicineKasetsart UniversityBangkokThailand
| | - Wachiraphan Supsavhad
- Department of PathologyFaculty of Veterinary MedicineKasetsart UniversityBangkokThailand
| | - Sunee Kunakornsawat
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical SciencesFaculty of Veterinary MedicineKasetsart UniversityBangkokThailand
| | - Tassanee Jaroensong
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical SciencesFaculty of Veterinary MedicineKasetsart UniversityBangkokThailand
| | | | | | - Selapoom Pairor
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical SciencesFaculty of Veterinary MedicineKasetsart UniversityBangkokThailand
| | - Napasorn Phaochoosak
- Department of PharmacologyFaculty of Veterinary MedicineKasetsart UniversityBangkokThailand
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11
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He Y, Sun MM, Zhang GG, Yang J, Chen KS, Xu WW, Li B. Targeting PI3K/Akt signal transduction for cancer therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:425. [PMID: 34916492 PMCID: PMC8677728 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00828-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 374] [Impact Index Per Article: 124.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway plays a crucial role in various cellular processes and is aberrantly activated in cancers, contributing to the occurrence and progression of tumors. Examining the upstream and downstream nodes of this pathway could allow full elucidation of its function. Based on accumulating evidence, strategies targeting major components of the pathway might provide new insights for cancer drug discovery. Researchers have explored the use of some inhibitors targeting this pathway to block survival pathways. However, because oncogenic PI3K pathway activation occurs through various mechanisms, the clinical efficacies of these inhibitors are limited. Moreover, pathway activation is accompanied by the development of therapeutic resistance. Therefore, strategies involving pathway inhibitors and other cancer treatments in combination might solve the therapeutic dilemma. In this review, we discuss the roles of the PI3K/Akt pathway in various cancer phenotypes, review the current statuses of different PI3K/Akt inhibitors, and introduce combination therapies consisting of signaling inhibitors and conventional cancer therapies. The information presented herein suggests that cascading inhibitors of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, either alone or in combination with other therapies, are the most effective treatment strategy for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan He
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Miao Miao Sun
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Key Laboratory of Tumor Pathology, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guo Geng Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kui Sheng Chen
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Key Laboratory of Tumor Pathology, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Wen Wen Xu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Bin Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
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12
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Wu Q, Liu TY, Hu BC, Li X, Wu YT, Sun XT, Jiang XW, Wang S, Qin XC, Ding HW, Zhao QC. CK-3, A Novel Methsulfonyl Pyridine Derivative, Suppresses Hepatocellular Carcinoma Proliferation and Invasion by Blocking the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK/ERK Pathways. Front Oncol 2021; 11:717626. [PMID: 34395292 PMCID: PMC8355706 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.717626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive tumor with a poor prognosis that highly expresses phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK). The PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK/ERK signaling pathways play a crucial role in HCC tumor formation, cell cycle, apoptosis and survival. However, no effective targeted therapies against these pathways is available, mainly due to the extensive and complex negative feedback loops between them. Here we used CK-3, a dual blocker of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK/ERK pathways, against HCC cell lines to verify its anti-tumor activity in vitro. CK-3 exhibited cytotoxic activity against HCC, as demonstrated with MTT and colony formation assays. The anti-metastatic potential of CK-3 was demonstrated with wound healing and cell invasion assays. The ability of CK-3 to block both the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK/ERK pathways was also confirmed. CK-3 induced the apoptosis of Hep3B cells, while Bel7402 cells died via mitotic catastrophe (MC). Oral administration of CK-3 also inhibited the subcutaneous growth of BEL7402 cells in nude mice. Simultaneous PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK/ERK pathway inhibition with CK-3 may be superior to single pathway monotherapies by inhibiting their feedback-regulation, and represents a potential treatment for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China.,Department of Life Science and Biochemistry, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Tian-Yi Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China.,Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Bai-Chun Hu
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Pharmacy, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China.,Department of Life Science and Biochemistry, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yu-Ting Wu
- Department of Life Science and Biochemistry, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiao-Tong Sun
- Department of Life Science and Biochemistry, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiao-Wen Jiang
- Department of Life Science and Biochemistry, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shu Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China.,Department of Life Science and Biochemistry, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiao-Chun Qin
- Department of Life Science and Biochemistry, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Huai-Wei Ding
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qing-Chun Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China.,Department of Life Science and Biochemistry, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
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13
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Chen K, Shang Z, Dai AL, Dai PL. Novel PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway inhibitors plus radiotherapy: Strategy for non-small cell lung cancer with mutant RAS gene. Life Sci 2020; 255:117816. [PMID: 32454155 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.117816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with RAS -mutant gene has been the most difficult obstacle to overcome. Over 25% of muted lung adenocarcinomas have RAS mutation. The prognosis of NSCLC patients with RAS-mutant genes is always poor because there is no effective drug to suppress RAS-mutant genes. NSCLC patients with RAS-mutant usually develop resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, which in some cases leads to a 5-10% survival rate for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). As little clinical symptom of NSCLC was presented at its early stages, thus it always brings in disappointing treatment outcome. Currently, NSCLC presents the highest morbidity and mortality all over the world. The combination of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibitors with radiotherapy is a novel strategy to improve radiosensitivity and therapeutic outcome of NSCLC with a RAS-mutant gene. There have been many preclinical studies and clinical trials on the effect of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibitors combined with radiotherapy in NSCLC with a RAS-mutant gene have been reported in the past years. This review provides current knowledge of the combination of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway inhibitors with radiotherapy, which prove to be a significant improvement for the treatment of NSCLC patients with RAS mutations and will benefit NSCLC patients with RAS mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Chen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Zhongjun Shang
- Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Tumor Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650118, China
| | - Ai-Lin Dai
- Kunming Medical University Haiyuan School, Kunming 650100, China; Maternal and Child Health and Family Planning Service Center of Wenshan state, 663000, China
| | - Pei-Ling Dai
- Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Tumor Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming 650118, China; Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650100, China.
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14
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Bjeije H, Soltani BM, Behmanesh M, Zali MR. YWHAE long non-coding RNA competes with miR-323a-3p and miR-532-5p through activating K-Ras/Erk1/2 and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways in HCT116 cells. Hum Mol Genet 2020; 28:3219-3231. [PMID: 31238337 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddz146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2019] [Revised: 05/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
YWHAE gene product belongs to the 14-3-3 protein family that mediates signal transduction in plants and mammals. Protein-coding and non-coding RNA (lncRNA) transcripts have been reported for this gene in human. Here, we aimed to functionally characterize YWHAE-encoded lncRNA in colorectal cancer-originated cells. RNA-seq analysis showed that YWHAE gene is upregulated in colorectal cancer specimens. Additionally, bioinformatics analysis suggested that YWHAE lncRNA sponges miR-323a-3p and miR-532-5p that were predicted to target K-Ras 3'UTR sequence. Overexpression of YWHAE lncRNA resulted in upregulation of K-Ras gene expression, while overexpression of both miR-323a-3p and miR-532-5p had an inverse effect, detected by RT-qPCR. Consistently, western blot analysis confirmed that YWHAE lncRNA overexpression upregulated K-Ras/Erk1/2 and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways, while miR-323a-3p and miR-532-5p overexpression suppressed both pathways in HCT116 cells. Furthermore, dual luciferase assay validated the direct interaction of miR-323a-3p and miR-532-5p with K-Ras 3'UTR sequence and supported the sponging effect of YWHAE lncRNA over both miRNAs. These results suggested YWHAE lncRNA as an oncogene that exerts its effect through sponging miR-323a-3p and miR-532-5p and in turn, upregulates K-Ras/Erk1/2 and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. Consistently, flow cytometry analysis, MTT assay and measuring cyclin D1 gene expression, confirmed the cell cycle stimulatory effect of YWHAE lncRNA, while miR-323a-3p and miR-532-5p showed an inhibitory effect on cell cycle progression. Finally, wound-healing assay supported the cell migratory effect of YWHAE lncRNA in HCT116 cells. This study identified a novel mechanism involving YWHAE-encoded lncRNA, miR-323a-3p and miR-532-5p in regulating HCT116 cell survival and suggested a potential therapeutic avenue for colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Bjeije
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahram Mohammad Soltani
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Behmanesh
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Zali
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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15
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Li XX, Zheng X, Liu Z, Xu Q, Tang H, Feng J, Yang S, Vong CT, Gao H, Wang Y. Cryptotanshinone from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen) inhibited inflammatory responses via TLR4/MyD88 signaling pathway. Chin Med 2020; 15:20. [PMID: 32158495 PMCID: PMC7053069 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-020-00303-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cryptotanshinone (CPT), as a major component of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen), displays many pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory effects. However, the exact cellular and molecular mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory activities of CPT remain to be elucidated. The present study was aimed to clarify its mechanisms on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses in mouse macrophages, RAW264.7 cells. Methods In the current study, the anti-inflammatory properties of CPT were evaluated using LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cell model. MTT assay was used to determine the viability of RAW264.7 cells. The anti-inflammatory effects of CPT were measured based on the detection of nitric oxide (NO) production (Griess and flow cytometry assay), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) release (ELISA). Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) enzyme expressions were also determined by western blotting. Besides, by using flow cytometry, we also evaluated the effect of CPT on LPS-induced calcium influx. Finally, the underlying anti-inflammatory mechanisms of CPT were investigated using western blotting to assess the protein levels of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT, nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathways. Results Our data showed that CPT inhibited LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine release like IL-6, and TNF-α, as well as NO production. It displayed a significant inhibitory effect on the protein expressions such as iNOS, COX-2, NF-κB pathway like inhibitor of kappa B kinase (IKK)α/β, inhibitor of kappa B (IκB)-α and NF-κB/p65, PI3K/AKT pathway like PI3K and AKT, and MAPK pathway like c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)1/2, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2, and p38, in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. Moreover, the immunofluorescence results indicated that CPT suppressed NF-κB/p65 translocation from the cytoplasm into the nucleus. Further investigations showed that CPT treatment increased NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expressions together with its upstream mediator, Nrf2. In addition, CPT inhibited LPS-induced toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and MyD88 expressions in RAW264.7 macrophages. Conclusions Collectively, we suggested that CPT exerted significant anti-inflammatory effects via modulating TLR4-MyD88/PI3K/Nrf2 and TLR4-MyD88/NF-κB/MAPK pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Xing Li
- 1College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530000 China.,Guangxi Engineering Technology Research Center of Advantage Chinese Patent Drug and Ethnic Drug Development, Nanning, 530020 China
| | - Xiaoting Zheng
- 3State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Room 1050, N22 Research Building, Macao, China
| | - Zhenjie Liu
- 1College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530000 China.,Guangxi Engineering Technology Research Center of Advantage Chinese Patent Drug and Ethnic Drug Development, Nanning, 530020 China
| | - Qiongming Xu
- 1College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530000 China.,4College of Pharmaceutical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123 China
| | - Hongzhen Tang
- 1College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530000 China.,Guangxi Engineering Technology Research Center of Advantage Chinese Patent Drug and Ethnic Drug Development, Nanning, 530020 China
| | - Jianfang Feng
- 1College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530000 China.,Guangxi Engineering Technology Research Center of Advantage Chinese Patent Drug and Ethnic Drug Development, Nanning, 530020 China
| | - Shilin Yang
- 1College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530000 China.,Guangxi Engineering Technology Research Center of Advantage Chinese Patent Drug and Ethnic Drug Development, Nanning, 530020 China
| | - Chi Teng Vong
- 3State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Room 1050, N22 Research Building, Macao, China
| | - Hongwei Gao
- 1College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530000 China.,Guangxi Engineering Technology Research Center of Advantage Chinese Patent Drug and Ethnic Drug Development, Nanning, 530020 China
| | - Yitao Wang
- 3State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Room 1050, N22 Research Building, Macao, China
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16
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Zamora-Olivares D, Kaoud TS, Zeng L, Pridgen JR, Zhuang DL, Ekpo YE, Nye JR, Telles M, Anslyn EV, Dalby KN. Quantification of ERK Kinase Activity in Biological Samples Using Differential Sensing. ACS Chem Biol 2020; 15:83-92. [PMID: 31775004 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.9b00580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The understanding of complex biological systems requires an ability to evaluate interacting networks of genes, proteins, and cellular reactions. Enabling technologies that support the rapid quantification of these networks will facilitate the development of biological models and help to identify treatment targets and to assess treatment plans. The biochemical process of protein phosphorylation, which underlies almost all aspects of cell signaling, is typically evaluated by immunoblotting procedures (Western blot) or more recently proteomics procedures, which provide qualitative estimates of the concentration of proteins and their modifications in cells. However, protein modifications are difficult to correlate with activity, and while immunoblotting and proteomics approaches have the potential to be quantitative, they require a complex series of steps that diminish reproducibility. Here, a complementary approach is presented that allows for the rapid quantification of a protein kinase activity in cell lysates and tumor samples. Using the activity of cellular ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) as a test case, an array sensing approach that utilizes a library of differential peptide-based biosensors and chemometric tools was used to rapidly quantify nanograms of active ERK in micrograms of unfractionated cell lysates and tumor extracts. This approach has the potential both for high-throughput and for quantifying the activities of multiple protein kinases in a single biological sample. The critical advantages of this differential sensing approach over others are that it removes the need for the addition of exogenous inhibitors to suppress the activities of major off-target kinases and allows us to quantitate the amount of active kinase in tested samples rather than measuring the changes in its activity upon induction or inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Zamora-Olivares
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
- Texas Institute for Discovery Education in Science and Freshman Research Initiative, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Tamer S. Kaoud
- Division of Chemical Biology & Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
- Medicinal Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia 61519, Egypt
| | - Lingyu Zeng
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430072, China
| | - Jacey R. Pridgen
- Division of Chemical Biology & Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Deborah L. Zhuang
- Texas Institute for Discovery Education in Science and Freshman Research Initiative, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Yakndara E. Ekpo
- Texas Institute for Discovery Education in Science and Freshman Research Initiative, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Jessica R. Nye
- Texas Institute for Discovery Education in Science and Freshman Research Initiative, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Mitchell Telles
- Texas Institute for Discovery Education in Science and Freshman Research Initiative, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Eric V. Anslyn
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Kevin N. Dalby
- Division of Chemical Biology & Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
- Department of Oncology, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
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17
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Wu HZ, Xiao JQ, Xiao SS, Cheng Y. KRAS: A Promising Therapeutic Target for Cancer Treatment. Curr Top Med Chem 2019; 19:2081-2097. [PMID: 31486755 DOI: 10.2174/1568026619666190905164144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Kirsten rat sarcoma 2 viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) is the most commonly mutated oncogene in human cancer. The developments of many cancers depend on sustained expression and signaling of KRAS, which makes KRAS a high-priority therapeutic target. Scientists have not successfully developed drugs that target KRAS, although efforts have been made last three decades. In this review, we highlight the emerging experimental strategies of impairing KRAS membrane localization and the direct targeting of KRAS. We also conclude the combinatorial therapies and RNA interference technology for the treatment of KRAS mutant cancers. Moreover, the virtual screening approach to discover novel KRAS inhibitors and synthetic lethality interactors of KRAS are discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Zhou Wu
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Jia-Qi Xiao
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Song-Shu Xiao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Yan Cheng
- Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
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18
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PTPRS drives adaptive resistance to MEK/ERK inhibitors through SRC. Oncotarget 2019; 10:6768-6780. [PMID: 31827720 PMCID: PMC6887575 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
PTPRS is the most commonly mutated receptor tyrosine phosphatase in colorectal cancer (CRC). PTPRS has been shown to directly affect ERK and regulate its activation and nuclear localization. Here we identify that PTPRS may play a significant role in developing adaptive resistance to MEK/ERK inhibitors (MEKi/ERKi) through SRC activation. Moreover, we demonstrate a new clinical approach to averting adaptive resistance through the use of the SRC inhibitor, dasatinib. Our data suggest the potential for dasatinib to enhance the efficacy of MEKi and ERKi by preventing adaptive resistance pathways operating through SRC.
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19
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Liu J, Hong J, Ahn KS, Go J, Han H, Park J, Kim D, Park H, Koh Y, Shin DY, Yoon SS. ERK-dependent IL-6 positive feedback loop mediates resistance against a combined treatment using danusertib and BKM120 in Burkitt lymphoma cell lines. Leuk Lymphoma 2019; 60:2532-2540. [DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2019.1594211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Liu
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Junshik Hong
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Junhyeok Go
- PDXen Biosystems Co, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Heejoo Han
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihyun Park
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongchan Kim
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyejoo Park
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngil Koh
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Yeop Shin
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Soo Yoon
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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20
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Toulany M. Targeting DNA Double-Strand Break Repair Pathways to Improve Radiotherapy Response. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10010025. [PMID: 30621219 PMCID: PMC6356315 DOI: 10.3390/genes10010025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
More than half of cancer patients receive radiotherapy as a part of their cancer treatment. DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are considered as the most lethal form of DNA damage and a primary cause of cell death and are induced by ionizing radiation (IR) during radiotherapy. Many malignant cells carry multiple genetic and epigenetic aberrations that may interfere with essential DSB repair pathways. Additionally, exposure to IR induces the activation of a multicomponent signal transduction network known as DNA damage response (DDR). DDR initiates cell cycle checkpoints and induces DSB repair in the nucleus by non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) or homologous recombination (HR). The canonical DSB repair pathways function in both normal and tumor cells. Thus, normal-tissue toxicity may limit the targeting of the components of these two pathways as a therapeutic approach in combination with radiotherapy. The DSB repair pathways are also stimulated through cytoplasmic signaling pathways. These signaling cascades are often upregulated in tumor cells harboring mutations or the overexpression of certain cellular oncogenes, e.g., receptor tyrosine kinases, PIK3CA and RAS. Targeting such cytoplasmic signaling pathways seems to be a more specific approach to blocking DSB repair in tumor cells. In this review, a brief overview of cytoplasmic signaling pathways that have been reported to stimulate DSB repair is provided. The state of the art of targeting these pathways will be discussed. A greater understanding of the underlying signaling pathways involved in DSB repair may provide valuable insights that will help to design new strategies to improve treatment outcomes in combination with radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Toulany
- Division of Radiobiology and Molecular Environmental Research, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Tuebingen, Roentgenweg 11, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
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21
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Li W, Wang Y, Tan S, Rao Q, Zhu T, Huang G, Li Z, Liu G. Overexpression of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and HER-2 in Bladder Carcinoma and Its Association with Patients' Clinical Features. Med Sci Monit 2018; 24:7178-7185. [PMID: 30296252 PMCID: PMC6190725 DOI: 10.12659/msm.911640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to determine the expression of EGFR/HER-2 and investigate their association with patients' clinical features in bladder transitional cell carcinoma (BTCC). MATERIAL AND METHODS Immunohistochemistry was utilized in our study to explore the expression of EGFR/HER-2 of 56 human bladder cancer samples and 10 normal bladder samples. RESULTS EGFR and HER-2 expressions were both significantly higher in bladder transitional cell carcinoma (BTCC) than that in non-cancer bladder samples; the EGFR positivity rate was 55.4% among BTCC samples and 37.5% for HER-2a. A statistically significant correlation was also present between the increasing EGFR or HER-2 expression levels and the clinical stages, pathologic grades, and tumor recurrence. The expression level of EGFR increased along with higher clinical stages and pathologic grades of BTCC, and the obviously increased expression of HER-2 was statistically associated with clinical stages and tumor recurrence. In addition, the expression level of HER-2 increased along with the higher clinical stage of BTCC. EGFR expression and HER-2 levels were positively associated in BTCC samples. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that high EGFR and HER-2 expressions are dramatically increased in the BTCC tissues and are closely related to the clinical stages, pathologic grades, and tumor recurrence. Therefore, the evaluation of EGFR and HER-2 expression in BTCC may contribute to identifying patients who are at increased risk of disease progression and recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Department of Surgery, The Second Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China (mainland)
| | - Youquan Wang
- Department of Surgery, The Second Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China (mainland)
| | - Shubo Tan
- Department of Surgery, The Second Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China (mainland)
| | - Qishuo Rao
- Department of Surgery, The Second Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China (mainland)
| | - Tian Zhu
- Department of Surgery, The Second Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China (mainland)
| | - Guo Huang
- Department of Surgery, The Second Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China (mainland)
| | - Zhuo Li
- Department of Urology, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China (mainland)
| | - Guowen Liu
- Department of Surgery, The Second Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China (mainland)
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22
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Demiroglu-Zergeroglu A, Ayvali N, Turhal G, Ceylan H, Nacak Baytas S. Investigation of potent anticarcinogenic activity of 1, 3-diarylpyrazole acrylamide derivatives in vitro. J Pharm Pharmacol 2018; 70:1619-1629. [PMID: 30198567 DOI: 10.1111/jphp.13012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Pyrazole derivatives are pharmacologically powerful agents pointing at new horizons in the development of anticancer therapies. In this study, anticarcinogenic potential of a series of pyrazole-acrylamide derivatives has been investigated in mesothelial, malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer cell lines. METHODS The effect of compounds on the viability of cells and the distribution of cell cycle were examined through MTS assay and PI staining, respectively. Apoptosis was evaluated via caspase-3 enzymatic assay and AO/EB staining. Proteins involved in proliferation, survival and apoptosis were analysed by immunoblotting. KEY FINDINGS Twelve compounds of 21 (4a-4v) reduced the viability of cells but, only the subset of five (4f, 4i, 4j, 4k and 4v) induced the caspase-3 activity. Among five, only one compound (4k) significantly suppressed phosphorylation and expression of ERK1/2 and AKT proteins in 24 h. Exposing cancer cells to successive concentrations of 4k gave rise to dose- and time-dependent G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS 4k has revealed its potent antiproliferative activity by decreasing viability and inhibiting proliferation and survival signals of cancer cells. Moreover, 4k has exposed cytostatic and apoptotic effect especially, on cancer cells. Therefore, it may be necessary to examine the biological actions of 4k in vivo as well.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nurettin Ayvali
- Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Gebze Technical University, Gebze/Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Gulseren Turhal
- Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Gebze Technical University, Gebze/Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Hurmuz Ceylan
- Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Gebze Technical University, Gebze/Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Sultan Nacak Baytas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
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23
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Wang T, Cheng J, Wang S, Wang X, Jiang H, Yang Y, Wang Y, Zhang C, Liang W, Feng H. α-Lipoic acid attenuates oxidative stress and neurotoxicity via the ERK/Akt-dependent pathway in the mutant hSOD1 related Drosophila model and the NSC34 cell line of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Brain Res Bull 2018; 140:299-310. [PMID: 29842900 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2018.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a degenerative disease with a progressive loss of motor neurons in the central nervous system (CNS). However, there are unsolved problems with the therapies for this disease. α-Lipoic acid (LA) is a natural, universal antioxidant capable of scavenging hydroxyl radicals as well as regenerating a series of antioxidant enzymes that has been widely used in clinical settings. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and neuroprotective effects of LA in ALS cell and Drosophila models with mutant G85R and G93A hSOD1 genes. The biological effects of LA and the protein levels of several antioxidant factors were examined, as were those of phospho-Akt and phospho-ERK. Furthermore, specific inhibitors of the PI3K/Akt and MEK/ERK signaling pathways were used to analyze their effects on LA-induced antioxidant expression in vivo and in vitro. Evidences showed that the mutant hSOD1 resulted in the increased oxidative stress, abnormal antioxidant signaling and pathological behaviors in motor performance and survival compared with non-mutant hSOD1 models, treatment with LA improved motor activity and survival in transgenic flies, prevented NSC34 cells from mutant hSOD1 or H2O2 induced decreased antioxidant enzymes as well as increased ROS levels. In addition, LA regulated the expression levels of antioxidant proteins in a dose- and periodical time-dependent manner, which might be mediated by ERK/Akt pathway activation and independent from the mutant hSOD1 gene. Our observations suggest that LA exerts strong and positive antioxidant and neuroprotective effects through the activation of the ERK-Akt pathway in hSOD1 ALS models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianhang Wang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, PR China
| | - Jiling Cheng
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, PR China
| | - Shuyu Wang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, PR China
| | - Xudong Wang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, PR China
| | - Hongquan Jiang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, PR China
| | - Yueqing Yang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, PR China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, PR China
| | - Chunting Zhang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, PR China
| | - Weiwei Liang
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, PR China
| | - Honglin Feng
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, PR China.
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24
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Djuzenova CS, Fiedler V, Katzer A, Michel K, Deckert S, Zimmermann H, Sukhorukov VL, Flentje M. Dual PI3K- and mTOR-inhibitor PI-103 can either enhance or reduce the radiosensitizing effect of the Hsp90 inhibitor NVP-AUY922 in tumor cells: The role of drug-irradiation schedule. Oncotarget 2018; 7:38191-38209. [PMID: 27224913 PMCID: PMC5122382 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 05/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibition of Hsp90 can increase the radiosensitivity of tumor cells. However, inhibition of Hsp90 alone induces the anti-apoptotic Hsp70 and thereby decreases radiosensitivity. Therefore, preventing Hsp70 induction can be a promising strategy for radiosensitization. PI-103, an inhibitor of PI3K and mTOR, has previously been shown to suppress the up-regulation of Hsp70. Here, we explore the impact of combining PI-103 with the Hsp90 inhibitor NVP-AUY922 in irradiated glioblastoma and colon carcinoma cells. We analyzed the cellular response to drug-irradiation treatments by colony-forming assay, expression of several marker proteins, cell cycle progression and induction/repair of DNA damage. Although PI-103, given 24 h prior to irradiation, slightly suppressed the NVP-AUY922-mediated up-regulation of Hsp70, it did not cause radiosensitization and even diminished the radiosensitizing effect of NVP-AUY922. This result can be explained by the activation of PI3K and ERK pathways along with G1-arrest at the time of irradiation. In sharp contrast, PI-103 not only exerted a radiosensitizing effect but also strongly enhanced the radiosensitization by NVP-AUY922 when both inhibitors were added 3 h before irradiation and kept in culture for 24 h. Possible reasons for the observed radiosensitization under this drug-irradiation schedule may be a down-regulation of PI3K and ERK pathways during or directly after irradiation, increased residual DNA damage and strong G2/M arrest 24 h thereafter. We conclude that duration of drug treatment before irradiation plays a key role in the concomitant targeting of PI3K/mTOR and Hsp90 in tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cholpon S Djuzenova
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Vanessa Fiedler
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Astrid Katzer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Konstanze Michel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Deckert
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Heiko Zimmermann
- Fraunhofer-Institut für Biomedizinische Technik, St. Ingbert and Lehrstuhl für Molekulare und Zelluläre Biotechnologie/Nanotechnologie, Universität des Saarlandes, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Vladimir L Sukhorukov
- Department of Biotechnology and Biophysics, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Michael Flentje
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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25
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Toulany M, Iida M, Keinath S, Iyi FF, Mueck K, Fehrenbacher B, Mansour WY, Schaller M, Wheeler DL, Rodemann HP. Dual targeting of PI3K and MEK enhances the radiation response of K-RAS mutated non-small cell lung cancer. Oncotarget 2018; 7:43746-43761. [PMID: 27248324 PMCID: PMC5190057 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the significant contribution of radiotherapy to non-small lung cancer (NSCLC), radioresistance still occurs. One of the major radioresistance mechanisms is the hyperactivation of the PI3K/Akt pathway in which Akt facilitates the repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) through the stimulation of DNA-PKcs. We investigated if targeting PI3K would be a potential approach for enhancing the radiosensitivity of K-RAS mutated (K-RASmut) NSCLC cell lines A549 and H460. Short-term (1-2 h) pre-treatment of cells with the PI3K inhibitor PI-103 (1 μM) inhibited Akt/DNA-PKcs activity, blocked DSBs repair and induced radiosensitivity, while long-term (24 h) pre-treatment did not. Lack of an effect after 24 h of PI-103 pre-treatment was due to reactivation of K-Ras/MEK/ERK-dependent Akt. However, long-term treatment with the combination of PI-103 and MEK inhibitor PD98059 completely blocked reactivation of Akt and impaired DSBs repair through non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) leading to radiosensitization. The effect of PI3K inhibition on Akt signaling was also tested in A549 mouse xenografts. P-Akt and P-DNA-PKcs were inhibited 30 min post-irradiation in xenografts, which were pretreated by PI-103 30 min before irradiation. However, Akt was reactivated 30 min post-irradiation in tumors, which were pre-treated for 3 h with PI-103 before irradiation. After a 24 h pretreatment with PI-103, a significant reactivation of Akt was achieved 24 h after irradiation. Thus, due to MEK/ERK-dependent reactivation of Akt, targeting PI3K alone is not a suitable approach for radiosensitizing K-RASmut NSCLC cells, indicating that dual targeting of PI3K and MEK is an efficient approach to improve radiotherapy outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Toulany
- Division of Radiobiology and Molecular Environmental Research, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Mari Iida
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Wisconsin Institute for Medical Research, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Simone Keinath
- Division of Radiobiology and Molecular Environmental Research, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Firdevs F Iyi
- Division of Radiobiology and Molecular Environmental Research, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Katharina Mueck
- Division of Radiobiology and Molecular Environmental Research, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | | | - Wael Y Mansour
- Tumor Biology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.,Laboratory of Radiobiology and Experimental Radiooncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin Schaller
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Deric L Wheeler
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Wisconsin Institute for Medical Research, Madison, WI, USA
| | - H Peter Rodemann
- Division of Radiobiology and Molecular Environmental Research, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
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26
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Solberg NT, Waaler J, Lund K, Mygland L, Olsen PA, Krauss S. TANKYRASE Inhibition Enhances the Antiproliferative Effect of PI3K and EGFR Inhibition, Mutually Affecting β-CATENIN and AKT Signaling in Colorectal Cancer. Mol Cancer Res 2017; 16:543-553. [DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-17-0362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Revised: 09/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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27
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Mueck K, Rebholz S, Harati MD, Rodemann HP, Toulany M. Akt1 Stimulates Homologous Recombination Repair of DNA Double-Strand Breaks in a Rad51-Dependent Manner. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:E2473. [PMID: 29156644 PMCID: PMC5713439 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18112473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Revised: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Akt1 is known to promote non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ)-mediated DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair by stimulation of DNA-PKcs. In the present study, we investigated the effect of Akt1 on homologous recombination (HR)-dependent repair of radiation-induced DSBs in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells A549 and H460. Akt1-knockdown (Akt1-KD) significantly reduced Rad51 protein level, Rad51 foci formation and its colocalization with γH2AX foci after irradiation. Moreover, Akt1-KD decreased clonogenicity after treatment with Mitomycin C and HR repair, as tested by an HR-reporter assay. Double knockdown of Akt1 and Rad51 did not lead to a further decrease in HR compared to the single knockdown of Rad51. Consequently, Akt1-KD significantly increased the number of residual DSBs after irradiation partially independent of the kinase activity of DNA-PKcs. Likewise, the number of residual BRCA1 foci, indicating unsuccessful HR events, also significantly increased in the irradiated cells after Akt1-KD. Together, the results of the study indicate that Akt1 seems to be a regulatory component in the HR repair of DSBs in a Rad51-dependent manner. Thus, based on this novel role of Akt1 in HR and the previously described role of Akt1 in NHEJ, we propose that targeting Akt1 could be an effective approach to selectively improve the killing of tumor cells by DSB-inducing cytotoxic agents, such as ionizing radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Mueck
- Division of Radiobiology and Molecular Environmental Research, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner site Tuebingen, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Simone Rebholz
- Division of Radiobiology and Molecular Environmental Research, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner site Tuebingen, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Mozhgan Dehghan Harati
- Division of Radiobiology and Molecular Environmental Research, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner site Tuebingen, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - H Peter Rodemann
- Division of Radiobiology and Molecular Environmental Research, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner site Tuebingen, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Mahmoud Toulany
- Division of Radiobiology and Molecular Environmental Research, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner site Tuebingen, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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28
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Akt1 and Akt3 but not Akt2 through interaction with DNA-PKcs stimulate proliferation and post-irradiation cell survival of K-RAS-mutated cancer cells. Cell Death Discov 2017; 3:17072. [PMID: 29090098 PMCID: PMC5661268 DOI: 10.1038/cddiscovery.2017.72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Akt1 through the C-terminal domain interacts with the DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) and stimulates the repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in K-RAS-mutated (K-RASmut) cells. We investigated the interactions of distinct domain(s) of DNA-PKcs in binding to full-length Akt1. Similarly, we analyzed potential interactions of DNA-PKcs with Akt2 and Akt3. Finally the effect of Akt isoforms in cell proliferation and tumor growth was tested. We demonstrated that Akt1 preferentially binds to the N-terminal domain of DNA-PKcs using pull-down studies with distinct eGFP-tagged DNA-PKcs fragments that were expressed by plasmids in combination with mCherry-tagged full-length Akt isoforms. These binding studies also indicated an interaction with the intermediate and C-terminal domains of DNA-PKcs. In contrast, Akt3 interacted with all four DNA-PKcs fragments without a marked preference for any specific domain. Notably, we could not see binding of Akt2 to any of the tested DNA-PKcs fragments. In subsequent studies, we demonstrated that Akt inhibition interferes with binding of Akt1 to the N-terminal domain of DNA-PKcs. This indicated a correlation between Akt1 activity and the Akt1/DNA-PKcs complex formation. Finally, knockdown studies revealed that the depletion of endogenous Akt1 and Akt3, but not Akt2, inhibit clonogenic activity and repair of ionizing radiation (IR)-induced DNA DSBs, leading to radiosensitization. Furthermore, in a xenograft study the expression of shAkt1 or shAkt3, but not shAkt2 in K-RASmut breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 showed major tumor growth delay. Together, these data indicate that Akt1 and Akt3, but not Akt2, physically interact with DNA-PKcs, thus stimulating the repair of DSBs and therefore protecting K-RASmut cells against IR. Likewise, interaction of Akt isoforms with DNA-PKcs could be crucial for their role in regulating tumor growth.
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29
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Yang Y, Sun Y, Guo X, Zhong C, Li Z. Hyperoside inhibited the migration and invasion of lung cancer cells through the upregulation of PI3K/AKT and p38 MAPK pathways. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2017; 10:9382-9390. [PMID: 31966810 PMCID: PMC6965916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the most common human malignancies. Malignant tumor is characterized by the Invasion and metastasis of tumor. Based on previous research, human A549 cells could be induced to apoptosis by Hyperoside (Hyp). The aim of the present study was to investigate whether low concentrations of Hyp (1-10 μM) could inhibit the invasion and migration of lung cancer cells through regulation of phosphoinositide-3-kinase/serine threonine kinase (PI3K/AKT) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) pathways.CCK8 assay was performed to identify the cell viability after human A549 cells treated with Hyp (1, 2 and 5 μM) 12, 24 and 48 h. Hyp (1, 2 and 5 μM) significantly suppressed the invasion and migration of A549 cells in a dose-dependant manner. Phosphorylation of AKT and P38 protein level were measured by western blot. By RT-PCR and western blot analysis, non-metastatic gene23-H1 (nm23-H1), metastasis-associated gene 1 (MTA1), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinases-2/9 (MMP-2/9) expression was estimated. The results showed that the level of nm23-H1, MTA1, TIMP-2 and MMP-2/9 expression were all regulated dramatically in Hyp groups compared with the control group. The p-ATK and p-P38 were descended notably. These results suggested that Hyp significantly suppressed the invasion and migration of A549 cells by mediating the AKT/PI3K and p38 MAPK pathways and regulated the expressions of invasion and migration related genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Chest Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Yifeng Sun
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Chest Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Xufeng Guo
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Chest Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Chenxi Zhong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Chest Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Zhigang Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Chest Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai 200030, China
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30
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Karki P, Hong P, Johnson J, Pajarillo E, Son DS, Aschner M, Lee EY. Arundic Acid Increases Expression and Function of Astrocytic Glutamate Transporter EAAT1 Via the ERK, Akt, and NF-κB Pathways. Mol Neurobiol 2017; 55:5031-5046. [PMID: 28812276 PMCID: PMC5964991 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-017-0709-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, but excessive synaptic glutamate must be removed to prevent excitotoxic injury and death. Two astrocytic glutamate transporters, excitatory amino acid transporter (EAAT) 1 and 2, play a major role in eliminating excess glutamate from the synapse. Dysregulation of EAAT1 contributes to the pathogenesis of multiple neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), ataxia, traumatic brain injuries, and glaucoma. In the present study, we investigated the effect of arundic acid on EAAT1 to determine its efficacy in enhancing the expression and function of EAAT1, and its possible mechanisms of action. The studies were carried out in human astrocyte H4 cells as well as in human primary astrocytes. Our findings show that arundic acid upregulated EAAT1 expression at the transcriptional level by activating nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB). Arundic acid increased astrocytic EAAT1 promoter activity, messenger RNA (mRNA)/protein levels, and glutamate uptake, while pharmacological inhibition of NF-κB or mutation on NF-κB binding sites in the EAAT1 promoter region abrogated these effects. Arundic acid increased NF-κB reporter activity and induced NF-κB nuclear translocation as well as its bindings to the EAAT1 promoter. Furthermore, arundic acid activated the Akt and ERK signaling pathways to enhance EAAT1 mRNA/protein levels. Finally, arundic acid attenuated manganese-induced decrease in EAAT1 expression by inhibiting expression of the transcription factor Ying Yang 1 (YY1). These results demonstrate that arundic acid increases the expression and function of EAAT1 via the Akt, ERK, and NF-κB signaling pathways, and reverses Mn-induced EAAT1 repression by inhibiting the Mn-induced YY1 activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratap Karki
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL, 32307, USA
| | - Peter Hong
- Department of Physiology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, 37208, USA
| | - James Johnson
- Department of Physiology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, 37208, USA
| | - Edward Pajarillo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL, 32307, USA
| | - Deok-Soo Son
- Department of Physiology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, 37208, USA
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Eunsook Y Lee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL, 32307, USA.
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31
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Goda JS, Pachpor T, Basu T, Chopra S, Gota V. Targeting the AKT pathway: Repositioning HIV protease inhibitors as radiosensitizers. Indian J Med Res 2017; 143:145-59. [PMID: 27121513 PMCID: PMC4859124 DOI: 10.4103/0971-5916.180201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular resistance in tumour cells to different therapeutic approaches has been a limiting factor in the curative treatment of cancer. Resistance to therapeutic radiation is a common phenomenon which significantly reduces treatment options and impacts survival. One of the mechanisms of acquiring resistance to ionizing radiation is the overexpression or activation of various oncogenes like the EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor), RAS (rat sarcoma) oncogene or loss of PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homologue) which in turn activates the phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3-K)/AKT pathway responsible for radiation resistance in various tumours. Blocking the pathway enhances the radiation response both in vitro and in vivo. Due to the differential activation of this pathway (constitutively activated in tumour cells and not in the normal host cells), it is an excellent candidate target for molecular targeted therapy to enhance radiation sensitivity. In this regard, HIV protease inhibitors (HPIs) known to interfere with PI3-K/AKT signaling in tumour cells, have been shown to sensitize various tumour cells to radiation both in vitro and in vivo. As a result, HPIs are now being investigated as possible radiosensitizers along with various chemotherapeutic drugs. This review describes the mechanisms by which PI3-K/AKT pathway causes radioresistance and the role of HIV protease inhibitors especially nelfinavir as a potential candidate drug to target the AKT pathway for overcoming radioresistance and its use in various clinical trials for different malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayant S Goda
- Department of Radiation Oncology; Clinical Biology Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Advance Centre for Treatment Research & Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Center, Navi Mumbai, India
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32
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Cernaj IE. Simultaneous dual targeting of Par-4 and G6PD: a promising new approach in cancer therapy? Quintessence of a literature review on survival requirements of tumor cells. Cancer Cell Int 2016; 16:87. [PMID: 27872579 PMCID: PMC5111342 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-016-0363-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this hypothesis is to propose a new approach in targeted therapy of cancer: The simultaneous, dual targeting of two single molecules, Par-4 and G6PD, rather than inhibition of full-length signaling pathways. RATIONALE Targeted inhibition of especially two survival signaling pathways (PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK/ERK) is frequently tried, however, a major breakthrough has not yet been reported. Inhibition of complete pathways naturally goes along with a variety of dose-limiting side effects thus contributing to poor efficacy of the administered drugs. This essay offers a synopsis of relevant studies to support the above mentioned idea-targeting of two single molecules which either are crucial for tumor growth and cancer-cell-survival: on one side, Par-4-activation selectively triggers apoptosis of tumor cells thus reversing their characteristic feature-immortality. On the other side inhibition of G6PD breaks the energy supply of tumor cells, weakens their defence against oxidative stress and thereby enhances the sensitivity of tumor cells to oxidative agents (e.g. chemotherapy). Advantage of the proposed dual Par-4/G6PD-therapy is good tolerability and-especially when administered along with conventional therapy-less frequent emergence of resistance.
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33
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Lu YX, Chen DL, Wang DS, Chen LZ, Mo HY, Sheng H, Bai L, Wu QN, Yu HE, Xie D, Yun JP, Zeng ZL, Wang F, Ju HQ, Xu RH. Melatonin enhances sensitivity to fluorouracil in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma through inhibition of Erk and Akt pathway. Cell Death Dis 2016; 7:e2432. [PMID: 27787516 PMCID: PMC5133993 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2016.330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2016] [Revised: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the sixth most common cause of cancer-associated death in the world and novel therapeutic alternatives are urgently warranted. In this study, we investigated the anti-tumour activity and underlying mechanisms of melatonin, an indoleamine compound secreted by the pineal gland as well as naturally occurring plant products, in ESCC cells and revealed that melatonin inhibited proliferation, migration, invasion and induced mitochondria-dependent apoptosis of ESCC cells in vitro and suppressed tumour growth in the subcutaneous mice model in vivo. Furthermore, after treatment with melatonin, the expressions of pMEK, pErk, pGSK3β and pAkt were significantly suppressed. In contrast, treatment of the conventional chemotherapeutic drug fluorouracil (5-Fu) resulted in activation of Erk and Akt, which could be reversed by co-treatment with melatonin. Importantly, melatonin effectively enhanced cytotoxicity of 5-Fu to ESCC in vitro and in vivo. Together, these results suggested that inhibition of Erk and Akt pathway by melatonin have an important role in sensitization of ESCC cells to 5-Fu. Combined 5-Fu and melatonin treatment may be appreciated as a useful approach for ESCC therapy that warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Xin Lu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Dong-Liang Chen
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - De-Shen Wang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Le-Zong Chen
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Hai-Yu Mo
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Hui Sheng
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Long Bai
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Qi-Nian Wu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Hong-En Yu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Dan Xie
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Jing-Ping Yun
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China.,Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Zhao-Lei Zeng
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Huai-Qiang Ju
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Rui-Hua Xu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
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34
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Lu YX, Chen DL, Wang DS, Chen LZ, Mo HY, Sheng H, Bai L, Wu QN, Yu HE, Xie D, Yun JP, Zeng ZL, Wang F, Ju HQ, Xu RH. Melatonin enhances sensitivity to fluorouracil in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma through inhibition of Erk and Akt pathway. Cell Death Dis 2016. [PMID: 27787516 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2016.330.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the sixth most common cause of cancer-associated death in the world and novel therapeutic alternatives are urgently warranted. In this study, we investigated the anti-tumour activity and underlying mechanisms of melatonin, an indoleamine compound secreted by the pineal gland as well as naturally occurring plant products, in ESCC cells and revealed that melatonin inhibited proliferation, migration, invasion and induced mitochondria-dependent apoptosis of ESCC cells in vitro and suppressed tumour growth in the subcutaneous mice model in vivo. Furthermore, after treatment with melatonin, the expressions of pMEK, pErk, pGSK3β and pAkt were significantly suppressed. In contrast, treatment of the conventional chemotherapeutic drug fluorouracil (5-Fu) resulted in activation of Erk and Akt, which could be reversed by co-treatment with melatonin. Importantly, melatonin effectively enhanced cytotoxicity of 5-Fu to ESCC in vitro and in vivo. Together, these results suggested that inhibition of Erk and Akt pathway by melatonin have an important role in sensitization of ESCC cells to 5-Fu. Combined 5-Fu and melatonin treatment may be appreciated as a useful approach for ESCC therapy that warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Xin Lu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Dong-Liang Chen
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - De-Shen Wang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Le-Zong Chen
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Hai-Yu Mo
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Hui Sheng
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Long Bai
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Qi-Nian Wu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Hong-En Yu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Dan Xie
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Jing-Ping Yun
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China.,Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Zhao-Lei Zeng
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Huai-Qiang Ju
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Rui-Hua Xu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou 510060, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou 510060, China
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35
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Fernandes J. Oncogenes: The Passport for Viral Oncolysis Through PKR Inhibition. BIOMARKERS IN CANCER 2016; 8:101-10. [PMID: 27486347 PMCID: PMC4966488 DOI: 10.4137/bic.s33378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Revised: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The transforming properties of oncogenes are derived from gain-of-function mutations, shifting cell signaling from highly regulated homeostatic to an uncontrolled oncogenic state, with the contribution of the inactivating mutations in tumor suppressor genes P53 and RB, leading to tumor resistance to conventional and target-directed therapy. On the other hand, this scenario fulfills two requirements for oncolytic virus infection in tumor cells: inactivation of tumor suppressors and presence of oncoproteins, also the requirements to engage malignancy. Several of these oncogenes have a negative impact on the main interferon antiviral defense, the double-stranded RNA-activated protein kinase (PKR), which helps viruses to spontaneously target tumor cells instead of normal cells. This review is focused on the negative impact of overexpression of oncogenes on conventional and targeted therapy and their positive impact on viral oncolysis due to their ability to inhibit PKR-induced translation blockage, allowing virion release and cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janaina Fernandes
- NUMPEX-BIO, Campus Xerém, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.; Institute for Translational Research on Health and Environment in the Amazon Region-INPeTAm, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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36
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Jones NM, Rowe MR, Shepherd PR, McConnell MJ. Targeted inhibition of dominant PI3-kinase catalytic isoforms increase expression of stem cell genes in glioblastoma cancer stem cell models. Int J Oncol 2016; 49:207-16. [PMID: 27176780 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2016.3510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSC) exhibit therapy resistance and drive self-renewal of the tumour, making cancer stem cells an important target for therapy. The PI3K signalling pathway has been the focus of considerable research effort, including in glioblastoma (GBM), a cancer that is notoriously resistant to conventional therapy. Different isoforms of the catalytic sub-unit have been associated with proliferation, migration and differentiation in stem cells and cancer stem cells. Blocking these processes in CSC would improve patient outcome. We examined the effect of isoform specific PI3K inhibitors in two models of GBM CSC, an established GBM stem cell line 08/04 and a neurosphere formation model. We identified the dominant catalytic PI3K isoform for each model, and inhibition of the dominant isoform blocked AKT phosphorylation, as did pan-PI3K/mTOR inhibition. Analysis of SOX2, OCT4 and MSI1 expression revealed that inhibition of the dominant p110 subunit increased expression of cancer stem cell genes, while pan-PI3K/mTOR inhibition caused a similar, though not identical, increase in cancer stem cell gene expression. This suggested that PI3K inhibition enhanced, rather than blocked, CSC activity. Careful analysis of the response to specific isoform inhibition will be necessary before specific subunit inhibitors can be successfully deployed against GBM CSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M Jones
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Matthew R Rowe
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Peter R Shepherd
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Melanie J McConnell
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
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37
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Holler M, Grottke A, Mueck K, Manes J, Jücker M, Rodemann HP, Toulany M. Dual Targeting of Akt and mTORC1 Impairs Repair of DNA Double-Strand Breaks and Increases Radiation Sensitivity of Human Tumor Cells. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0154745. [PMID: 27137757 PMCID: PMC4854483 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0154745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin-complex 1 (mTORC1) induces activation of Akt. Because Akt activity mediates the repair of ionizing radiation-induced DNA double-strand breaks (DNA-DSBs) and consequently the radioresistance of solid tumors, we investigated whether dual targeting of mTORC1 and Akt impairs DNA-DSB repair and induces radiosensitization. Combining mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin with ionizing radiation in human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells (H661, H460, SK-MES-1, HTB-182, A549) and in the breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 resulted in radiosensitization of H661 and H460 cells (responders), whereas only a very slight effect was observed in A549 cells, and no effect was observed in SK-MES-1, HTB-182 or MDA-MB-231 cells (non-responders). In responder cells, rapamycin treatment did not activate Akt1 phosphorylation, whereas in non-responders, rapamycin mediated PI3K-dependent Akt activity. Molecular targeting of Akt by Akt inhibitor MK2206 or knockdown of Akt1 led to a rapamycin-induced radiosensitization of non-responder cells. Compared to the single targeting of Akt, the dual targeting of mTORC1 and Akt1 markedly enhanced the frequency of residual DNA-DSBs by inhibiting the non-homologous end joining repair pathway and increased radiation sensitivity. Together, lack of radiosensitization induced by rapamycin was associated with rapamycin-mediated Akt1 activation. Thus, dual targeting of mTORC1 and Akt1 inhibits repair of DNA-DSB leading to radiosensitization of solid tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Holler
- Division of Radiobiology and Molecular Environmental Research, Department of Radiation Oncology, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Roentgenweg 11, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Astrid Grottke
- Institute of Biochemistry and Signal Transduction, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Mueck
- Division of Radiobiology and Molecular Environmental Research, Department of Radiation Oncology, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Roentgenweg 11, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Julia Manes
- Division of Radiobiology and Molecular Environmental Research, Department of Radiation Oncology, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Roentgenweg 11, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Manfred Jücker
- Institute of Biochemistry and Signal Transduction, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - H. Peter Rodemann
- Division of Radiobiology and Molecular Environmental Research, Department of Radiation Oncology, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Roentgenweg 11, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Mahmoud Toulany
- Division of Radiobiology and Molecular Environmental Research, Department of Radiation Oncology, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Roentgenweg 11, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
- * E-mail:
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38
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Wu S, Wang S, Zheng S, Verhaak R, Koul D, Yung WKA. MSK1-Mediated β-Catenin Phosphorylation Confers Resistance to PI3K/mTOR Inhibitors in Glioblastoma. Mol Cancer Ther 2016; 15:1656-68. [PMID: 27196759 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-15-0857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 04/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) represents a compelling disease for kinase inhibitor therapy because most of these tumors harbor genetic alterations that result in aberrant activation of growth factor-signaling pathways. The PI3K/mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is dysregulated in over 50% of human GBM but remains a challenging clinical target. Inhibitors against PI3K/mTOR mediators have limited clinical efficacy as single agents. We investigated potential bypass mechanisms to PI3K/mTOR inhibition using gene expression profiling before and after PI3K inhibitor treatment by Affymetrix microarrays. Mitogen- and stress-activated protein kinase 1 (MSK1) was markedly induced after PI3K/mTOR inhibitor treatment and disruption of MSK1 by specific shRNAs attenuated resistance to PI3K/mTOR inhibitors in glioma-initiating cells (GIC). Further investigation showed that MSK1 phosphorylates β-catenin and regulates its nuclear translocation and transcriptional activity. The depletion of β-catenin potentiated PI3K/mTOR inhibitor-induced cytotoxicity and the inhibition of MSK1 synergized with PI3K/mTOR inhibitors to extend survival in an intracranial animal model and decreased phosphorylation of β-catenin at Ser(552) These observations suggest that MSK1/β-catenin signaling serves as an escape survival signal upon PI3K/mTOR inhibition and provides a strong rationale for the combined use of PI3K/mTOR and MSK1/β-catenin inhibition to induce lethal growth inhibition in human GBM. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(7); 1656-68. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaofang Wu
- Brain Tumor Center, Department of Neuro-Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Shuzhen Wang
- Brain Tumor Center, Department of Neuro-Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Siyuan Zheng
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Roel Verhaak
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Dimpy Koul
- Brain Tumor Center, Department of Neuro-Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
| | - W K Alfred Yung
- Brain Tumor Center, Department of Neuro-Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
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39
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Toren P, Kim S, Johnson F, Zoubeidi A. Combined AKT and MEK Pathway Blockade in Pre-Clinical Models of Enzalutamide-Resistant Prostate Cancer. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0152861. [PMID: 27046225 PMCID: PMC4821639 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0152861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2015] [Accepted: 03/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite recent improvements in patient outcomes using newer androgen receptor (AR) pathway inhibitors, treatment resistance in castrate resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) continues to remain a clinical problem. Co-targeting alternate resistance pathways are of significant interest to treat CRPC and delay the onset of resistance. Both the AKT and MEK signaling pathways become activated as prostate cancer develops resistance to AR-targeted therapies. This pre-clinical study explores co-targeting these pathways in AR-positive prostate cancer models. Using various in vitro models of prostate cancer disease states including androgen dependent (LNCaP), CRPC (V16D and 22RV1) and ENZ-resistant prostate cancer (MR49C and MR49F), we evaluate the relevance of targeting both AKT and MEK pathways. Our data reveal that AKT inhibition induces apoptosis and inhibits cell growth in PTEN null cell lines independently of their sensitivity to hormone therapy; however, AKT inhibition had no effect on the PTEN positive 22RV1 cell line. Interestingly, we found that MEK inhibition had greater effect on 22RV1 cells compared to LNCaP, V16D or ENZ-resistant cells MR49C and MR49F cells. In vitro, combination AKT and MEK blockade had evidence of synergy observed in some cell lines and assays, but this was not consistent across all results. In vivo, the combination of AKT and MEK inhibition resulted in more consistent tumor growth inhibition of MR49F xenografts and longer disease specific survival compared to AKT inhibitor monotherapy. As in our in vitro study, 22RV1 xenografts were more resistant to AKT inhibition while they were more sensitive to MEK inhibition. Our results suggest that targeting AKT and MEK in combination may be a valuable strategy in prostate cancer when both pathways are activated and further support the importance of characterizing the dominant oncogenic pathway in each patient's tumor in order to select optimal therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Toren
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Soojin Kim
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Fraser Johnson
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Amina Zoubeidi
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Department of Urologic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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40
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Tantai JC, Zhang Y, Zhao H. Heterophyllin B inhibits the adhesion and invasion of ECA-109 human esophageal carcinoma cells by targeting PI3K/AKT/β-catenin signaling. Mol Med Rep 2015; 13:1097-104. [PMID: 26647768 PMCID: PMC4732845 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2015.4659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2014] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to measure the effect of heterophyllin B (HB) on the adhesion and invasion of ECA-109 human esophageal carcinoma cells, and examine the possible mechanism involved. A Cell Counting kit 8 assay was performed to determine the cell viability. Cell adhesion and invasion were determined following treatment of the ECA-109 cells with HB (0, 10, 25 and 50 µM) for 24 h. The levels of phosphorylated (p-)ATK and p-phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), and the protein levels of β-catenin were measured using western blot analysis. The mRNA and protein expression levels of E-cadherin, vimentin, snail, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)2 and MMP9 were detected using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses, respectively. HB (10, 25 and 50 µM) significantly suppressed the adhesion and invasion of the ECA-109 human esophageal carcinoma cells in a dose-dependant manner. The expression levels of p-ATK, p-PI3K and β-catenin were markedly decreased. The expression of E-cadherin was promoted, whereas the expression levels of snail, vimentin, MMP 2 and MMP 9 were decreased significantly in the ECA-109 cells treated with HB. In addition, HB inhibited the adhesion and invasion induced by PI3K activating peptide in the ECA-109 cells, and the protein expression levels were also adjusted. These results suggested that HB effectively suppressed the adhesion and invasion of the human esophageal carcinoma cells by mediating the PI3K/AKT/β-catenin pathways and regulating the expression levels of adhesion- and invasion-associated genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Cheng Tantai
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, P.R. China
| | - Yao Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200001, P.R. China
| | - Heng Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, P.R. China
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41
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Yu S, Cai X, Wu C, Wu L, Wang Y, Liu Y, Yu Z, Qin S, Ma F, Thiery JP, Chen L. Adhesion glycoprotein CD44 functions as an upstream regulator of a network connecting ERK, AKT and Hippo-YAP pathways in cancer progression. Oncotarget 2015; 6:2951-65. [PMID: 25605020 PMCID: PMC4413630 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2014] [Accepted: 12/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeted therapies are considered to be the future of cancer treatment. However, the mechanism through which intracellular signaling pathways coordinate to modulate oncogenesis remains to be elucidated. In this study, we describe a novel crosstalk among ERK, AKT and Hippo-YAP pathways, with CD44 as an upstream regulator. High cell density leads to activation of ERK and AKT but inactivation of YAP in cancer cells. CD44 modulates cell proliferation and cell cycle but not apoptosis. The expression and activity of cell cycle genes were cooperatively regulated by ERK, AKT and Hippo-YAP signaling pathways through CD44-mediated mechanisms. In addition, CD44 depletion abrogates cancer stem cell properties of tumor initiating cells. Taken together, we described a paradigm where CD44 functions as an upstream regulator sensing the extracellular environment to modulate ERK, AKT and Hippo-YAP pathways which cooperatively control downstream gene expression to modulate cell contact inhibition of proliferation, cell cycle progression and maintenance of tumor initiating cells. Our current study provides valuable information to design targeted therapeutic strategies in cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyi Yu
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Ministry of Education, Institute of Life Science, Southeast University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Xiuxiu Cai
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Ministry of Education, Institute of Life Science, Southeast University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Chenxi Wu
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Ministry of Education, Institute of Life Science, Southeast University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Lele Wu
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Ministry of Education, Institute of Life Science, Southeast University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Yuzhi Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Ministry of Education, Institute of Life Science, Southeast University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Yan Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Ministry of Education, Institute of Life Science, Southeast University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Zhenghong Yu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Sheng Qin
- Laboratory for Comparative Genomics and Bioinformatics & Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fei Ma
- Laboratory for Comparative Genomics and Bioinformatics & Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jean Paul Thiery
- Cancer Science Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR, Singapore.,Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Liming Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Ministry of Education, Institute of Life Science, Southeast University, Nanjing, P.R. China
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42
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Cash H, Shah S, Moore E, Caruso A, Uppaluri R, Van Waes C, Allen C. mTOR and MEK1/2 inhibition differentially modulate tumor growth and the immune microenvironment in syngeneic models of oral cavity cancer. Oncotarget 2015; 6:36400-17. [PMID: 26506415 PMCID: PMC4742185 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2015] [Accepted: 10/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the effects of mTOR and MEK1/2 inhibition on tumor growth and the tumor microenvironment in immunogenic and poorly immunogenic models of murine oral cancer. In vitro, rapamycin and PD901 inhibited signaling through expected downstream targets, but only PD901 reduced viability and altered function of MOC cells. Following transplantation of MOC cells into immune-competent mice, effects on both cancer and infiltrating immune cells were characterized following rapamycin and/or PD901 treatment for 21 days. In vivo, both rapamycin and PD901 inhibition reduced primary growth of established MOC tumors on treatment. Following withdrawal of PD901, rapid rebound of tumor growth limited survival, whereas durable tumor control was observed following rapamycin treatment in immunogenic MOC1 tumors despite more robust inhibition of oncogenic signaling by PD901. Characterization of the immune microenvironment revealed diminished infiltration and activation of antigen-specific CD8+ T-cells and other immune cells following PD901 but not rapamycin in immunogenic tumors. Subsequent in vitro T-cell assays validated robust inhibition of T-cell expansion and activation following MEK inhibition compared to mTOR inhibition. CD8 cell depletion abrogated rapamycin-induced primary tumor growth inhibition in MOC1 mice. These data have critical implications in the design of combination targeted and immune therapies in oral cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harrison Cash
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institutes of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sujay Shah
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institutes of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ellen Moore
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institutes of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Andria Caruso
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ravindra Uppaluri
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Carter Van Waes
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institutes of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Clint Allen
- Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institutes of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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43
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Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt signaling as a key mediator of tumor cell responsiveness to radiation. Semin Cancer Biol 2015; 35:180-90. [PMID: 26192967 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2015.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Revised: 07/09/2015] [Accepted: 07/13/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway is a key cascade downstream of several protein kinases, especially membrane-bound receptor tyrosine kinases, including epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family members. Hyperactivation of the PI3K/Akt pathway is correlated with tumor development, progression, poor prognosis, and resistance to cancer therapies, such as radiotherapy, in human solid tumors. Akt/PKB (Protein Kinase B) members are the major kinases that act downstream of PI3K, and these are involved in a variety of cellular functions, including growth, proliferation, glucose metabolism, invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, and survival. Accumulating evidence indicates that activated Akt is one of the major predictive markers for solid tumor responsiveness to chemo/radiotherapy. DNA double-strand breaks (DNA-DSB), are the prime cause of cell death induced by ionizing radiation. Preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that constitutive activation of Akt and stress-induced activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway accelerate the repair of DNA-DSB and, consequently, lead to therapy resistance. Analyzing dysregulations of Akt, such as point mutations, gene amplification or overexpression, which results in the constitutive activation of Akt, might be of special importance in the context of radiotherapy outcomes. Such studies, as well as studies of the mechanism(s) by which activated Akt1 regulates repair of DNA-DSB, might help to identify combinations using the appropriate molecular targeting strategies with conventional radiotherapy to overcome radioresistance in solid tumors. In this review, we discuss the dysregulation of the components of upstream regulators of Akt as well as specific modifications of Akt isoforms that enhance Akt activity. Likewise, the mechanisms by which Akt interferes with repair of DNA after exposure to ionizing radiation, will be reviewed. Finally, the current status of Akt targeting in combination with radiotherapy will be discussed.
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Goc A, Sabbineni H, Abdalla M, Somanath PR. p70 S6-kinase mediates the cooperation between Akt1 and Mek1 pathways in fibroblast-mediated extracellular matrix remodeling. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2015; 1853:1626-35. [PMID: 25843685 PMCID: PMC4428983 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2015.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2015] [Revised: 03/24/2015] [Accepted: 03/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated both synergistic and opposing effects of Akt and Mek1/2 in various cell functions and disease states. Furthermore, Akt has been reported to inhibit and activate cRaf/Mek pathway, suggesting that their mutual interaction and cooperation may be cell type, stimuli and/or context specific. While PI3-kinase/Akt and cRaf/Mek pathways have been implicated in the regulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, mutual interactions between these two pathways and their specific contributions to the events leading to ECM synthesis and assembly is not clear. We investigated the specific role of Akt1 and Mek1 in ECM synthesis and assembly by NIH 3T3 fibroblasts and how these effects were reconciled to mediate overall ECM remodeling. Our study identified that cooperation between Akt1 and Mek1 is necessary to mediate ECM synthesis. Whereas Akt1 activation resulted in Mek1 activation as evidenced by increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation, Mek1 inhibition using U0126 or DN-Mek1 resulted in enhanced Akt1 phosphorylation. Interestingly, both Akt1 and Mek1 activities were needed for the synthesis and assembly of ECM. The effect of Akt1 and Mek1 on ECM synthesis was reconciled through the activation of p70 S6-kinase via phosphorylation at T421/S424 and S411, respectively. Furthermore, Akt1 and Mek1 cooperated in mediating ECM assembly via activation of integrin β1. Together, we show for the first time that Akt1 and Mek1 pathways cooperate in the regulation of ECM remodeling by the fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Goc
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Harika Sabbineni
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Maha Abdalla
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Payaningal R Somanath
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, USA; Department of Medicine and Vascular Biology Center, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA, USA.
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Novel cancer chemotherapy hits by molecular topology: dual Akt and Beta-catenin inhibitors. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0124244. [PMID: 25910265 PMCID: PMC4409212 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0124244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 02/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose Colorectal and prostate cancers are two of the most common types and cause of a high rate of deaths worldwide. Therefore, any strategy to stop or at least slacken the development and progression of malignant cells is an important therapeutic choice. The aim of the present work is the identification of novel cancer chemotherapy agents. Nowadays, many different drug discovery approaches are available, but this paper focuses on Molecular Topology, which has already demonstrated its extraordinary efficacy in this field, particularly in the identification of new hit and lead compounds against cancer. This methodology uses the graph theoretical formalism to numerically characterize molecular structures through the so called topological indices. Once obtained a specific framework, it allows the construction of complex mathematical models that can be used to predict physical, chemical or biological properties of compounds. In addition, Molecular Topology is highly efficient in selecting and designing new hit and lead drugs. According to the aforementioned, Molecular Topology has been applied here for the construction of specific Akt/mTOR and β-catenin inhibition mathematical models in order to identify and select novel antitumor agents. Experimental Approach Based on the results obtained by the selected mathematical models, six novel potential inhibitors of the Akt/mTOR and β-catenin pathways were identified. These compounds were then tested in vitro to confirm their biological activity. Conclusion and Implications Five of the selected compounds, CAS n° 256378-54-8 (Inhibitor n°1), 663203-38-1 (Inhibitor n°2), 247079-73-8 (Inhibitor n°3), 689769-86-6 (Inhibitor n°4) and 431925-096 (Inhibitor n°6) gave positive responses and resulted to be active for Akt/mTOR and/or β-catenin inhibition. This study confirms once again the Molecular Topology’s reliability and efficacy to find out novel drugs in the field of cancer.
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Li J, Lai Y, Cao Y, Du T, Zeng L, Wang G, Chen X, Chen J, Yu Y, Zhang S, Zhang Y, Huang H, Guo Z. SHARPIN overexpression induces tumorigenesis in human prostate cancer LNCaP, DU145 and PC-3 cells via NF-κB/ERK/Akt signaling pathway. Med Oncol 2015; 32:444. [DOI: 10.1007/s12032-014-0444-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2014] [Accepted: 12/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Wang HY, Yang SL, Liang HF, Li CH. HBx protein promotes oval cell proliferation by up-regulation of cyclin D1 via activation of the MEK/ERK and PI3K/Akt pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:3507-18. [PMID: 24577313 PMCID: PMC3975350 DOI: 10.3390/ijms15033507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2013] [Revised: 02/18/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence has shown that hepatic oval cells, also named liver progenitor cells, play an important role in the process of liver regeneration in various liver diseases. Oval cell proliferation has been reported in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and chronic liver disease. Studies have found expression of HBV surface and core antigens in oval cells in the livers of patients with HCC, suggesting that HBV infection of oval cells could be a mechanism of human hepatocarcinogenesis. In addition, there is evidence of multiplication of HBV in oval cell culture. However, little research has been performed to explore the role of HBV-encoded proteins in the proliferation of hepatic oval cells. Previously, we successfully transfected the HBV x (HBx) gene, one of the four genes in the HBV genome, into a rat LE/6 oval cell line. In this study, we tested whether or not the transfected HBx gene could affect oval cell proliferation in vitro. Our results show that overexpression of HBx promotes the proliferation of oval cells and increases cyclin D1 expression, assessed at both the mRNA and protein levels. We also found that HBx activated the PI-3K/Akt and MEK/ERK1/2 pathways in HBx-transfected oval cells. Furthermore, the HBx-induced increases in cyclin D1 expression and oval cell proliferation were completely abolished by treatment with either MEK inhibitor PD184352 or PI-3K inhibitor LY294002. These results demonstrated that HBx has the ability to promote oval cell proliferation in vitro, and its stimulatory effects on cell proliferation and expression of cyclin D1 depend on the activation of the MEK/ERK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways in cultured oval cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng-Yi Wang
- Department of Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China.
| | - Sheng-Li Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Liyuan Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong Science and Technology University, Wuhan 430077, China.
| | - Hui-Fang Liang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong Science and Technology University, Wuhan 430030, China.
| | - Chang-Hai Li
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong Science and Technology University, Wuhan 430030, China.
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Abstract
It is historically well known that signaling by the PI3K-AKT and MEK1/2-ERK1/2 pathways in a cell type-dependent fashion can collaborate to maintain cell viability. (1)(-) (3) Signaling pathways can also crosstalk with each other wherein one pathway can signal to either enhance or suppress signaling by another. (4) Signaling by the ERK1/2 pathway can also stimulate release of growth factors which can feed back onto tumor cells to re-energize signaling pathways. (5) The studies described by Toulany et al. add to this knowledge base by examining the relationship between PI3K-AKT and MEK1/2-ERK1/2 pathway signaling, EGF receptor signaling, K-RAS function, and tumor cell survival. (6.)
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Dent
- Department of Biochemistry; Massey Cancer Center; Virginia Commonwealth University; Richmond, VA USA
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