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Jin X, Wang Y, Chen J, Niu M, Yang Y, Zhang Q, Bao G. Novel dual-targeting inhibitors of NSD2 and HDAC2 for the treatment of liver cancer: structure-based virtual screening, molecular dynamics simulation, and in vitro and in vivo biological activity evaluations. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2024; 39:2289355. [PMID: 38059332 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2023.2289355] [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: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer exhibits a high degree of heterogeneity and involves intricate mechanisms. Recent research has revealed the significant role of histone lysine methylation and acetylation in the epigenetic regulation of liver cancer development. In this study, five inhibitors capable of targeting both histone lysine methyltransferase nuclear receptor-binding SET domain 2 (NSD2) and histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) were identified using a structure-based virtual screening approach. Notably, DT-NH-1 displayed a potent inhibition of NSD2 (IC50 = 0.08 ± 0.03 μM) and HDAC2 (IC50 = 5.24 ± 0.87 nM). DT-NH-1 also demonstrated a strong anti-proliferative activity against various liver cancer cell lines, particularly HepG2 cells, and exhibited a high level of biological safety. In an experimental xenograft model involving HepG2 cells, DT-NH-1 showed a significant reduction in tumour growth. Consequently, these findings indicate that DT-NH-1 will be a promising lead compound for the treatment of liver cancer with epigenetic dual-target inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Jin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yuting Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Miaomiao Niu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Qiaoxuan Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guangyu Bao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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2
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Hu HH, Wang SQ, Shang HL, Lv HF, Chen BB, Gao SG, Chen XB. Roles and inhibitors of FAK in cancer: current advances and future directions. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1274209. [PMID: 38410129 PMCID: PMC10895298 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1274209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase that exhibits high expression in various tumors and is associated with a poor prognosis. FAK activation promotes tumor growth, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis via both kinase-dependent and kinase-independent pathways. Moreover, FAK is crucial for sustaining the tumor microenvironment. The inhibition of FAK impedes tumorigenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance in cancer. Therefore, developing targeted inhibitors against FAK presents a promising therapeutic strategy. To date, numerous FAK inhibitors, including IN10018, defactinib, GSK2256098, conteltinib, and APG-2449, have been developed, which have demonstrated positive anti-tumor effects in preclinical studies and are undergoing clinical trials for several types of tumors. Moreover, many novel FAK inhibitors are currently in preclinical studies to advance targeted therapy for tumors with aberrantly activated FAK. The benefits of FAK degraders, especially in terms of their scaffold function, are increasingly evident, holding promising potential for future clinical exploration and breakthroughs. This review aims to clarify FAK's role in cancer, offering a comprehensive overview of the current status and future prospects of FAK-targeted therapy and combination approaches. The goal is to provide valuable insights for advancing anti-cancer treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Hui Hu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Henan Engineering Research Center of Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Zhengzhou Key Laboratory for Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Sai-Qi Wang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Henan Engineering Research Center of Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Zhengzhou Key Laboratory for Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Zhengzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hai-Li Shang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Henan Engineering Research Center of Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Zhengzhou Key Laboratory for Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hui-Fang Lv
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Henan Engineering Research Center of Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Zhengzhou Key Laboratory for Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Bei-Bei Chen
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Henan Engineering Research Center of Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Zhengzhou Key Laboratory for Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Zhengzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - She-Gan Gao
- Henan Key Laboratory of Microbiome and Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Henan Key Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics, Cancer Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Xiao-Bing Chen
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Henan Engineering Research Center of Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Zhengzhou Key Laboratory for Precision Therapy of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Zhengzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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3
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Screening assays for tyrosine kinase inhibitors:A review. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2022; 223:115166. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2022.115166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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4
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Wu X, Wang J, Liang Q, Tong R, Huang J, Yang X, Xu Y, Wang W, Sun M, Shi J. Recent progress on FAK inhibitors with dual targeting capabilities for cancer treatment. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 151:113116. [PMID: 35598365 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK, also known as PTK2) is a tyrosine kinase that regulates integrin and growth factor signaling pathways and is involved in the migration, proliferation and survival of cancer cells. FAK is a promising target for cancer treatment. Many small molecule FAK inhibitors have been identified and proven in both preclinical and clinical studies to be effective inhibitors of tumor growth and metastasis. There are many signaling pathways, such as those involving FAK, Src, AKT, MAPK, PI3K, and EGFR/HER-2, that provide survival signals in cancer cells. Dual inhibitors that simultaneously block FAK and another factor can significantly improve efficacy and overcome some of the shortcomings of single-target inhibitors, including drug resistance. In this review, the antitumor mechanisms and research status of dual inhibitors of FAK and other targets, such as Pyk2, IGF-IR, ALK, VEGFR-3, JAK2, EGFR, S6K1, and HDAC2, are summarized, providing new ideas for the development of effective FAK dual-target preparations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianbo Wu
- School of Sports Medicine and Health, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou 550002, China
| | - Qi Liang
- College of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610031, China
| | - Rongsheng Tong
- Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
| | - Jianli Huang
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou 550002, China
| | - Xinwei Yang
- School of Sports Medicine and Health, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yihua Xu
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, China
| | - Wenjing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Minghan Sun
- Central of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Jianyou Shi
- Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China.
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5
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Roviello G, Catalano M, Iannone LF, Marano L, Brugia M, Rossi G, Aprile G, Antonuzzo L. Current status and future perspectives in HER2 positive advanced gastric cancer. Clin Transl Oncol 2022; 24:981-996. [PMID: 35091998 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-021-02760-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignancy worldwide with a prognosis less than 1 year in unresectable or metastatic disease. HER2 expression is the main biomarker to lead the addition of trastuzumab to first line systemic chemotherapy improving the overall survival in advanced HER2-positivegastric adenocarcinoma. The inevitable development of resistance to trastuzumab remains a great problem inasmuch several treatment strategies that have proven effective in breast cancer failed to show clinical benefit in advanced gastric cancer. In this review, we summarize the available data on the mechanisms underlying primary and secondary resistance toHER2-targeted therapy and current challenges in the treatment of HER2-positive advanced gastric cancer refractory to trastuzumab. Further, we describe the prognostic value of new non-invasive screening techniques, the current development of novel agents such us HER2 antibody-drug conjugates and bispecific antibodies, and the strategies with antitumor activity on going.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Roviello
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy.
| | - M Catalano
- School of Human Health Sciences, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - L F Iannone
- Department of Health Science, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - L Marano
- Department of Medical, Surgical and NeuroSciences, Section of Surgery, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - M Brugia
- Clinical Oncology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - G Rossi
- Clinical Oncology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - G Aprile
- Department of Oncology, San Bortolo General Hospital, AULSS8 Berica, Vicenza, Italy
| | - L Antonuzzo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134, Florence, Italy.,Medical Oncology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, 50134, Florence, Italy
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6
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Michael E, Polydorides S, Archontis G. Computational Design of Peptides with Improved Recognition of the Focal Adhesion Kinase FAT Domain. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2405:383-402. [PMID: 35298823 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1855-4_18] [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] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
We describe a two-stage computational protein design (CPD) methodology for the design of peptides binding to the FAT domain of the protein focal adhesion kinase. The first stage involves high-throughput CPD calculations with the Proteus software. The energies of the folded state are described by a physics-based energy function and of the unfolded peptides by a knowledge-based model that reproduces aminoacid compositions consistent with a helicity scale. The obtained sequences are filtered in terms of the affinity and the stability of the complex. In the second stage, design sequences are further evaluated by all-atom molecular dynamics simulations and binding free energy calculations with a molecular mechanics/implicit solvent free energy function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Michael
- Department of Physics, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
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7
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Roviello G, Aprile G, D'Angelo A, Iannone LF, Roviello F, Polom K, Mini E, Catalano M. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) in advanced gastric cancer: where do we stand? Gastric Cancer 2021; 24:765-779. [PMID: 33742317 DOI: 10.1007/s10120-021-01182-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignancy worldwide. In unresectable or metastatic disease, the prognosis is poor and in generally less than a year. HER2 expression remains an important biomarker to lead the addition of trastuzumab to first-line systemic chemotherapy in unresectable or metastatic gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma. To date, a major issue is represented by resistance to trastuzumab developed during treatment, considering the not improved outcomes in this molecular subtype of gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma to other HER2 target strategies. In this review, we summarize the available data on the mechanisms underlying primary and secondary resistance to HER2-targeted therapy and current challenges in the treatment of HER2-positive advanced gastric cancer refractory to trastuzumab. Furthermore, we describe the prognostic value of new non-invasive screening methods, under development novel agents (e.g., HER2 antibody-drug conjugates and bispecific antibodies) and strategies with antitumor activity in early studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giandomenico Roviello
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Aprile
- Department of Oncology, San Bortolo General Hospital, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Alberto D'Angelo
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK
| | | | - Franco Roviello
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neuro Sciences, Section of Surgery, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Karol Polom
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neuro Sciences, Section of Surgery, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.,Department of Surgical Oncology, Gdansk Medical University, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Enrico Mini
- Department of Health Sciences, Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Martina Catalano
- School of Human Health Sciences, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
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8
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Andrade MJ, Van Lonkhuyzen DR, Upton Z, Satyamoorthy K. RPA facilitates rescue of keratinocytes from UVB radiation damage through insulin-like growth factor-I signalling. J Cell Sci 2021; 134:jcs255786. [PMID: 34137442 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.255786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
UVBR-induced photolesions in genomic DNA of keratinocytes impair cellular functions and potentially determine the cell fate post-irradiation. The ability of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) to rescue epidermal keratinocytes after photodamage via apoptosis prevention and photolesion removal was recently demonstrated using in vitro two-dimensional and three-dimensional skin models. Given the limited knowledge of specific signalling cascades contributing to post-UVBR IGF-I effects, we used inhibitors to investigate the impact of blockade of various signalling mediators on IGF-I photoprotection. IGF-I treatment, in the presence of signalling inhibitors, particularly TDRL-505, which targets replication protein A (RPA), impaired activation of IGF-1R downstream signalling, diminished cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer removal, arrested growth, reduced cell survival and increased apoptosis. Further, the transient partial knockdown of RPA was found to abrogate IGF-I-mediated responses in keratinocytes, ultimately affecting photoprotection and, thereby, establishing that RPA is required for IGF-I function. Our findings thus elucidate the importance of RPA in linking the damage response activation, cell cycle regulation, repair and survival pathways, separately initiated by IGF-I upon UVBR-induced damage. This information is potentially imperative for the development of effective sunburn and photodamage repair strategies. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melisa J Andrade
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka 576104, India
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4059, Australia
| | - Derek R Van Lonkhuyzen
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4059, Australia
| | - Zee Upton
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland 4059, Australia
- Skin Research Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore138648
| | - Kapaettu Satyamoorthy
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka 576104, India
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9
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Lehman CE, Spencer A, Hall S, Shaw JJP, Wulfkuhle J, Petricoin EF, Bekiranov S, Jameson MJ, Gioeli D. IGF1R and Src inhibition induce synergistic cytotoxicity in HNSCC through inhibition of FAK. Sci Rep 2021; 11:10826. [PMID: 34031486 PMCID: PMC8144381 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90289-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer is the sixth most common cancer worldwide with a 5-year survival of only 65%. Targeting compensatory signaling pathways may improve therapeutic responses and combat resistance. Utilizing reverse phase protein arrays (RPPA) to assess the proteome and explore mechanisms of synergistic growth inhibition in HNSCC cell lines treated with IGF1R and Src inhibitors, BMS754807 and dasatinib, respectively, we identified focal adhesion signaling as a critical node. Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) and Paxillin phosphorylation were decreased as early as 15 min after treatment, and treatment with a FAK inhibitor, PF-562,271, was sufficient to decrease viability in vitro. Treatment of 3D spheroids demonstrated robust cytotoxicity suggesting that the combination of BMS754807 and dasatinib is effective in multiple experimental models. Furthermore, treatment with BMS754807 and dasatinib significantly decreased cell motility, migration, and invasion in multiple HNSCC cell lines. Most strikingly, treatment with BMS754807 and dasatinib, or a FAK inhibitor alone, significantly increased cleaved-PARP in human ex-vivo HNSCC patient tissues demonstrating a potential clinical utility for targeting FAK or the combined targeting of the IGF1R with Src. This ex-vivo result further confirms FAK as a vital signaling node of this combinatorial treatment and demonstrates therapeutic potential for targeting FAK in HNSCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine E Lehman
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Adam Spencer
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Sarah Hall
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Jeremy J P Shaw
- Department of Experimental Pathology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Julia Wulfkuhle
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Emanuel F Petricoin
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, Manassas, VA, USA
| | - Stefan Bekiranov
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Mark J Jameson
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- UVA Cancer Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Daniel Gioeli
- Department of Microbiology Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA.
- UVA Cancer Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
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10
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Antoniades I, Kyriakou M, Charalambous A, Kalalidou K, Christodoulou A, Christoforou M, Skourides PA. FAK displacement from focal adhesions: a promising strategy to target processes implicated in cancer progression and metastasis. Cell Commun Signal 2021; 19:3. [PMID: 33413438 PMCID: PMC7791867 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-020-00671-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase that is overexpressed or activated in several advanced-stage solid cancers. It is known to play both kinase-dependent and -independent roles in promoting tumor progression and metastasis. Numerous inhibitors, targeting either the enzymatic or scaffolding activities of FAK have been generated, with varying degree of success. Here, we describe a novel approach to site-specifically target both kinase-dependent and -independent FAK functions at focal adhesions (FAs), the primary sites at which the kinase exerts its activity. METHODS We took advantage of the well-characterized interactions between the paxillin LD motifs and the FAK FAT domain and generated a polypeptide (LD2-LD3-LD4) expected to compete with interactions with paxillin. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments were performed to examine the interaction between the LD2-LD3-LD4 polypeptide and FAK. The effects of LD2-LD3-LD4 in the localization and functions of FAK, as well as FA composition, were evaluated using quantitative immunofluorescence, cell fractionation, FA isolation and Western Blot analysis. Live cell imaging, as well as 2-D migration and cell invasion assays were used to examine the effects on FA turnover and tumor cell migration and invasion. RESULTS Expression of the LD2-LD3-LD4 polypeptide prevents FAK localization at FAs, in a controlled and dose-dependent manner, by competing with endogenous paxillin for FAK binding. Importantly, the LD2-LD3-LD4 peptide did not otherwise affect FA composition or integrin activation. LD2-LD3-LD4 inhibited FAK-dependent downstream integrin signaling and, unlike existing inhibitors, also blocked FAK's scaffolding functions. We further show that LD2-LD3-LD4 expression markedly reduces FA turnover and inhibits tumor cell migration and invasion. Finally, we show that dimers of a single motif, linked through a flexible linker of the proper size, are sufficient for the displacement of FAK from FAs and for inhibition of tumor cell migration. This work raises the possibility of using a synthetic peptide as an antimetastatic agent, given that effective displacement of FAK from FAs only requires dimers of a single LD motif linked by a short flexible linker. CONCLUSION In conclusion, these results suggest that FAK displacement from FAs is a promising new strategy to target critical processes implicated in cancer progression and metastasis. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioanna Antoniades
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, P.O. Box 20537, 2109 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Maria Kyriakou
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, P.O. Box 20537, 2109 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Anna Charalambous
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, P.O. Box 20537, 2109 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Katerina Kalalidou
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, P.O. Box 20537, 2109 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Andri Christodoulou
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, P.O. Box 20537, 2109 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Maria Christoforou
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, P.O. Box 20537, 2109 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Paris A. Skourides
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, P.O. Box 20537, 2109 Nicosia, Cyprus
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11
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FAK Signaling in Rhabdomyosarcoma. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228422. [PMID: 33182556 PMCID: PMC7697003 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma of children and adolescents. The fusion-positive (FP)-RMS variant expressing chimeric oncoproteins such as PAX3-FOXO1 and PAX7-FOXO1 is at high risk. The fusion negative subgroup, FN-RMS, has a good prognosis when non-metastatic. Despite a multimodal therapeutic approach, FP-RMS and metastatic FN-RMS often show a dismal prognosis with 5-year survival of less than 30%. Therefore, novel targets need to be discovered to develop therapies that halt tumor progression, reducing long-term side effects in young patients. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase that regulates focal contacts at the cellular edges. It plays a role in cell motility, survival, and proliferation in response to integrin and growth factor receptors’ activation. FAK is often dysregulated in cancer, being upregulated and/or overactivated in several adult and pediatric tumor types. In RMS, both in vitro and preclinical studies point to a role of FAK in tumor cell motility/invasion and proliferation, which is inhibited by FAK inhibitors. In this review, we summarize the data on FAK expression and modulation in RMS. Moreover, we give an overview of the approaches to inhibit FAK in both preclinical and clinical cancer settings.
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12
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Michael E, Polydorides S, Promponas VJ, Skourides P, Archontis G. Recognition of LD motifs by the focal adhesion targeting domains of focal adhesion kinase and proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2-beta: Insights from molecular dynamics simulations. Proteins 2020; 89:29-52. [PMID: 32776636 DOI: 10.1002/prot.25992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and the proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2-beta (PYK2) are implicated in cancer progression and metastasis and represent promising biomarkers and targets for cancer therapy. FAK and PYK2 are recruited to focal adhesions (FAs) via interactions between their FA targeting (FAT) domains and conserved segments (LD motifs) on the proteins Paxillin, Leupaxin, and Hic-5. A promising new approach for the inhibition of FAK and PYK2 targets interactions of the FAK domains with proteins that promote localization at FAs. Advances toward this goal include the development of surface plasmon resonance, heteronuclear single quantum coherence nuclear magnetic resonance (HSQC-NMR) and fluorescence polarization assays for the identification of fragments or compounds interfering with the FAK-Paxillin interaction. We have recently validated this strategy, showing that Paxillin mimicking polypeptides with 2 to 3 LD motifs displace FAK from FAs and block kinase-dependent and independent functions of FAK, including downstream integrin signaling and FA localization of the protein p130Cas. In the present work we study by all-atom molecular dynamics simulations the recognition of peptides with the Paxillin and Leupaxin LD motifs by the FAK-FAT and PYK2-FAT domains. Our simulations and free-energy analysis interpret experimental data on binding of Paxillin and Leupaxin LD motifs at FAK-FAT and PYK2-FAT binding sites, and assess the roles of consensus LD regions and flanking residues. Our results can assist in the design of effective inhibitory peptides of the FAK-FAT: Paxillin and PYK2-FAT:Leupaxin complexes and the construction of pharmacophore models for the discovery of potential small-molecule inhibitors of the FAK-FAT and PYK2-FAT focal adhesion based functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Michael
- Department of Physics, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | - Vasilis J Promponas
- Bioinformatics Research Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Paris Skourides
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Lorusso G, Rüegg C, Kuonen F. Targeting the Extra-Cellular Matrix-Tumor Cell Crosstalk for Anti-Cancer Therapy: Emerging Alternatives to Integrin Inhibitors. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1231. [PMID: 32793493 PMCID: PMC7387567 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex network composed of a multitude of different macromolecules. ECM components typically provide a supportive structure to the tissue and engender positional information and crosstalk with neighboring cells in a dynamic reciprocal manner, thereby regulating tissue development and homeostasis. During tumor progression, tumor cells commonly modify and hijack the surrounding ECM to sustain anchorage-dependent growth and survival, guide migration, store pro-tumorigenic cell-derived molecules and present them to enhance receptor activation. Thereby, ECM potentially supports tumor progression at various steps from initiation, to local growth, invasion, and systemic dissemination and ECM-tumor cells interactions have long been considered promising targets for cancer therapy. Integrins represent key surface receptors for the tumor cell to sense and interact with the ECM. Yet, attempts to therapeutically impinge on these interactions using integrin inhibitors have failed to deliver anticipated results, and integrin inhibitors are still missing in the emerging arsenal of drugs for targeted therapies. This paradox situation should urge the field to reconsider the role of integrins in cancer and their targeting, but also to envisage alternative strategies. Here, we review the therapeutic targets implicated in tumor cell adhesion to the ECM, whose inhibitors are currently in clinical trials and may offer alternatives to integrin inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Girieca Lorusso
- Experimental and Translational Oncology, Department of Oncology Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Curzio Rüegg
- Experimental and Translational Oncology, Department of Oncology Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - François Kuonen
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Hôpital de Beaumont, Lausanne University Hospital Center, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Rieger L, O'Shea S, Godsmark G, Stanicka J, Kelly G, O'Connor R. IGF-1 receptor activity in the Golgi of migratory cancer cells depends on adhesion-dependent phosphorylation of Tyr 1250 and Tyr 1251. Sci Signal 2020; 13:13/633/eaba3176. [PMID: 32457113 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aba3176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Although insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) signaling promotes tumor growth and cancer progression, therapies that target the IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) have shown poor clinical efficacy. To address IGF-1R activity in cancer cells and how it differs from that of the closely related insulin receptor (IR), we focused on two tyrosines in the IGF-1R C-terminal tail that are not present in the IR and are essential for IGF-1-mediated cancer cell survival, migration, and tumorigenic growth. We found that Tyr1250 and Tyr1251 (Tyr1250/1251) were autophosphorylated in a cell adhesion-dependent manner. To investigate the consequences of this phosphorylation, we generated phosphomimetic Y1250E/Y1251E (EE) and nonphosphorylatable Y1250F/Y1251F (FF) mutant forms of IGF-1R. Although fully competent in kinase activity and signaling, the EE mutant was more rapidly internalized and degraded than either the wild-type or FF receptor. IGF-1 promoted the accumulation of wild-type and EE IGF-1R within the Golgi apparatus, whereas the FF mutant remained at the plasma membrane. Golgi-associated IGF-1R signaling was a feature of migratory cancer cells, and Golgi disruption impaired IGF-1-induced signaling and cell migration. Upon the formation of new cell adhesions, IGF-1R transiently relocalized to the plasma membrane from the Golgi. Thus, phosphorylation at Tyr1250/1251 promoted IGF-1R translocation to and signaling from the Golgi to support an aggressive cancer phenotype. This process distinguishes IGF-1R from IR signaling and could contribute to the poor clinical efficacy of antibodies that target IGF-1R on the cell surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Rieger
- Cell Biology Laboratory, School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, BioSciences Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Sandra O'Shea
- Cell Biology Laboratory, School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, BioSciences Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Grant Godsmark
- Cell Biology Laboratory, School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, BioSciences Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Joanna Stanicka
- Cell Biology Laboratory, School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, BioSciences Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Geraldine Kelly
- Cell Biology Laboratory, School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, BioSciences Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Rosemary O'Connor
- Cell Biology Laboratory, School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, BioSciences Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
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15
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Yan Y, Qin Q, Wu L, Jing X, Deng S, She Q. Insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor signaling regulates embryonic epicardial cell proliferation through focal adhesion kinase pathway. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2018; 50:976-983. [PMID: 30184089 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmy103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic epicardial cells (EPCs) can facilitate cardiomyocyte growth through secreting several essential growth factors, and participate in cardiac development through auto-differentiating into many cardiac cell lineages. Proper proliferation of EPCs is the precondition of these functions, so it is quite necessary to explore the mechanisms involving in EPC proliferation. In this study, we aimed to explore whether insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) signaling participated in regulating the proliferation of EPCs. Our results showed that the expressions of IGF1R and its ligands IGF1 and IGF2 can be clearly spotted on the epicardium layer from E11.5d to E17.5d. Inhibition of IGF1R signaling using picropodophyllin or NVP-AEW541 significantly decreased the proliferation activity and blocked the cell cycle progression of epicardial cells in vitro. On the contrary, activating IGF1R with recombinant IGF1 and IGF2 promoted epicardial cell proliferation and cell cycle. We also found that decreased expression and phosphorylation of FAK in IGF1R inhibitor-treated cells and use of FAK inhibitor Y15 could significantly inhibit the IGFs-induced EPC proliferation. In conclusion, our results suggest that IGF1R signaling plays an important role in regulating EPC proliferation, and this effect may be mediated by FAK pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuling Yan
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qin Qin
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ling Wu
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaodong Jing
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Songbai Deng
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiang She
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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16
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Targeting Focal Adhesion Kinase Using Inhibitors of Protein-Protein Interactions. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10090278. [PMID: 30134553 PMCID: PMC6162372 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10090278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a cytoplasmic non-receptor protein tyrosine kinase that is overexpressed and activated in many human cancers. FAK transmits signals to a wide range of targets through both kinase-dependant and independent mechanism thereby playing essential roles in cell survival, proliferation, migration and invasion. In the past years, small molecules that inhibit FAK kinase function have been developed and show reduced cancer progression and metastasis in several preclinical models. Clinical trials have been conducted and these molecules display limited adverse effect in patients. FAK contain multiple functional domains and thus exhibit both important scaffolding functions. In this review, we describe the major FAK interactions relevant in cancer signalling and discuss how such knowledge provide rational for the development of Protein-Protein Interactions (PPI) inhibitors.
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17
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The transcription factor RUNX2 regulates receptor tyrosine kinase expression in melanoma. Oncotarget 2018; 7:29689-707. [PMID: 27102439 PMCID: PMC5045426 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Receptor tyrosine kinases-based autocrine loops largely contribute to activate the MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways in melanoma. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in generating these autocrine loops are still largely unknown. In the present study, we examine the role of the transcription factor RUNX2 in the regulation of receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) expression in melanoma. We have demonstrated that RUNX2-deficient melanoma cells display a significant decrease in three receptor tyrosine kinases, EGFR, IGF-1R and PDGFRβ. In addition, we found co-expression of RUNX2 and another RTK, AXL, in both melanoma cells and melanoma patient samples. We observed a decrease in phosphoAKT2 (S474) and phosphoAKT (T308) levels when RUNX2 knock down resulted in significant RTK down regulation. Finally, we showed a dramatic up regulation of RUNX2 expression with concomitant up-regulation of EGFR, IGF-1R and AXL in melanoma cells resistant to the BRAF V600E inhibitor PLX4720. Taken together, our results strongly suggest that RUNX2 might be a key player in RTK-based autocrine loops and a mediator of resistance to BRAF V600E inhibitors involving RTK up regulation in melanoma.
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18
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Fang Y, Wang D, Xu X, Dava G, Liu J, Li X, Xue Q, Wang H, Zhang J, Zhang H. Preparation, in vitro and in vivo evaluation, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies of novel F-18 labeled tumor imaging agents targeting focal adhesion kinase (FAK). RSC Adv 2018; 8:10333-10345. [PMID: 35540451 PMCID: PMC9078890 DOI: 10.1039/c8ra00652k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronal micro-PET images of mice bearing S180 tumor at 30 min post-injection of [18F]2.
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19
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Fang Y, Wang D, Xu X, Liu J, Wu A, Li X, Xue Q, Wang H, Wang H, Zhang H. Synthesis, biological evaluation, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies of three novel F-18 labeled and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) targeted 5-bromo pyrimidines as radiotracers for tumor. Eur J Med Chem 2017; 127:493-508. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2017.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2016] [Revised: 01/08/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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20
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Wang J, Sinnberg T, Niessner H, Dölker R, Sauer B, Kempf WE, Meier F, Leslie N, Schittek B. PTEN regulates IGF-1R-mediated therapy resistance in melanoma. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2016; 28:572-89. [PMID: 26112748 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2014] [Accepted: 06/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Inhibition of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is a major advance in the treatment of metastatic melanoma. However, its therapeutic success is limited by the rapid emergence of drug resistance. The insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) is overexpressed in melanomas developing resistance toward the BRAF(V) (600) inhibitor vemurafenib. Here, we show that hyperactivation of BRAF enhances IGF-1R expression. In addition, the phosphatase activity of PTEN as well as heterocellular contact to stromal cells increases IGF-1R expression in melanoma cells and enhances resistance to vemurafenib. Interestingly, PTEN-negative melanoma cells escape IGF-1R blockade by decreased expression of the receptor, implicating that only in melanoma patients with PTEN-positive tumors treatment with IGF-1R inhibitors would be a suitable strategy to combat therapy resistance. Our data emphasize the crosstalk and therapeutic relevance of microenvironmental and tumor cell-autonomous mechanisms in regulating IGF-1R expression and by this sensitivity toward targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wang
- Division of Dermatooncology, Department of Dermatology, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tobias Sinnberg
- Division of Dermatooncology, Department of Dermatology, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Heike Niessner
- Division of Dermatooncology, Department of Dermatology, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Rebecca Dölker
- Division of Dermatooncology, Department of Dermatology, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Birgit Sauer
- Division of Dermatooncology, Department of Dermatology, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang E Kempf
- Division of Dermatooncology, Department of Dermatology, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Friedegund Meier
- Division of Dermatooncology, Department of Dermatology, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Birgit Schittek
- Division of Dermatooncology, Department of Dermatology, Eberhard-Karls-University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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21
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miR-425 inhibits melanoma metastasis through repression of PI3K-Akt pathway by targeting IGF-1. Biomed Pharmacother 2015; 75:51-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2015.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
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22
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Zhang J, He DH, Zajac-Kaye M, Hochwald SN. A small molecule FAK kinase inhibitor, GSK2256098, inhibits growth and survival of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells. Cell Cycle 2015; 13:3143-9. [PMID: 25486573 DOI: 10.4161/15384101.2014.949550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) hyperactivation is common in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). A small molecule, GSK2256098 (GlaxoSmithKline), has been developed to inhibit FAK activity through targeting the phosphorylation site of FAK, tyrosine (Y) 397. We sought to determine whether GSK2256098 inhibition of FAK Y397 phosphorylation attenuates PDAC-associated cell proliferation, motility and survival. Cultured PDAC cells were used as cellular models of GSK2256098-impaired abnormal growth. Western blot analysis, cell viability analysis, clonogenic survival, soft-agar and wound healing assays were performed. The responses of 6 PDAC cell lines in regards to FAK Y397 phosphorylation or activity to GSK2256098 treatments (0.1-10 μM) ranged from low (less than 20% inhibition) to high (more than 90% inhibition). The least and most sensitive cell lines (PANC-1 and L3.6P1) were selected for further analysis. GSK2256098 inhibition of FAK Y397 phosphorylation correlated with decreased levels of phosphorylated Akt and ERK in L3.6P1 cells. GSK2256098 decreased cell viability, anchorage-independent growth, and motility in a dose dependent manner. Current studies demonstrate that small molecule kinase inhibitors targeting FAK Y397 phosphorylation can inhibit PDAC cell growth. Assessments of FAK Y397 phosphorylation in biopsies may be used as a biomarker to select the subgroup of responsive patients and/or monitor the effects of GSK2256098 on FAK-modulated tumor growth during treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianliang Zhang
- a Department of Surgical Oncology ; Roswell Park Cancer Institute ; Elm and Carlton Streets ; Buffalo , NY USA
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23
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Kurenova E, Ucar D, Liao J, Yemma M, Gogate P, Bshara W, Sunar U, Seshadri M, Hochwald SN, Cance WG. A FAK scaffold inhibitor disrupts FAK and VEGFR-3 signaling and blocks melanoma growth by targeting both tumor and endothelial cells. Cell Cycle 2015; 13:2542-53. [PMID: 25486195 DOI: 10.4161/15384101.2015.941760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma has the highest mortality rate of all skin cancers and a major cause of treatment failure is drug resistance. Tumors heterogeneity requires novel therapeutic strategies and new drugs targeting multiple pathways. One of the new approaches is targeting the scaffolding function of tumor related proteins such as focal adhesion kinase (FAK). FAK is overexpressed in most solid tumors and is involved in multiple protein-protein interactions critical for tumor cell survival, tumor neovascularization, progression and metastasis. In this study, we investigated the anticancer activity of the FAK scaffold inhibitor C4, targeted to the FAK-VEGFR-3 complex, against melanomas. We compared C4 inhibitory effects in BRAF mutant vs BRAF wild type melanomas. C4 effectively caused melanoma tumor regression in vivo, when administered alone and sensitized tumors to chemotherapy. The most dramatic effect of C4 was related to reduction of vasculature of both BRAF wild type and V600E mutant xenograft tumors. The in vivo effects of C4 were assessed in xenograft models using non-invasive multimodality imaging in conjunction with histologic and molecular biology methods. C4 inhibited cell viability, adhesion and motility of melanoma and endothelial cells, specifically blocked phosphorylation of VEGFR-3 and FAK and disrupted their complexes. Specificity of in vivo effects for C4 were confirmed by a decrease in tumor FAK and VEGFR-3 phosphorylation, reduction of vasculogenesis and reduced blood flow. Our collective observations provide evidence that a small molecule inhibitor targeted to the FAK protein-protein interaction site successfully inhibits melanoma growth through dual targeting of tumor and endothelial cells and is effective against both BRAF wild type and mutant melanomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Kurenova
- a Department of Surgical Oncology ; Roswell Park Cancer Institute ; Buffalo , NY USA
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24
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Palmieri G, Ombra M, Colombino M, Casula M, Sini M, Manca A, Paliogiannis P, Ascierto PA, Cossu A. Multiple Molecular Pathways in Melanomagenesis: Characterization of Therapeutic Targets. Front Oncol 2015; 5:183. [PMID: 26322273 PMCID: PMC4530319 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2015.00183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Accepted: 07/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular mechanisms involved in pathogenesis of malignant melanoma have been widely studied and novel therapeutic treatments developed in recent past years. Molecular targets for therapy have mostly been recognized in the RAS–RAF–MEK–ERK and PI3K–AKT signaling pathways; small-molecule inhibitors were drawn to specifically target key kinases. Unfortunately, these targeted drugs may display intrinsic or acquired resistance and various evidences suggest that inhibition of a single effector of the signal transduction cascades involved in melanoma pathogenesis may be ineffective in blocking the tumor growth. In this sense, a wider comprehension of the multiple molecular alterations accounting for either response or resistance to treatments with targeted inhibitors may be helpful in assessing, which is the most effective combination of such therapies. In the present review, we summarize the known molecular mechanisms underlying either intrinsic and acquired drug resistance either alternative roads to melanoma pathogenesis, which may become targets for innovative anticancer approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Palmieri
- Unità di Genetica dei Tumori, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche , Sassari , Italy
| | - MariaNeve Ombra
- Istituto di Scienze dell'Alimentazione, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche , Avellino , Italy
| | - Maria Colombino
- Unità di Genetica dei Tumori, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche , Sassari , Italy
| | - Milena Casula
- Unità di Genetica dei Tumori, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche , Sassari , Italy
| | - MariaCristina Sini
- Unità di Genetica dei Tumori, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche , Sassari , Italy
| | - Antonella Manca
- Unità di Genetica dei Tumori, Istituto di Chimica Biomolecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche , Sassari , Italy
| | - Panagiotis Paliogiannis
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche, Microchirurgiche e Mediche, Università di Sassari , Sassari , Italy
| | | | - Antonio Cossu
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche, Microchirurgiche e Mediche, Università di Sassari , Sassari , Italy
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Emerging roles of focal adhesion kinase in cancer. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:690690. [PMID: 25918719 PMCID: PMC4396139 DOI: 10.1155/2015/690690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a cytoplasmic nonreceptor tyrosine kinase that enables activation by growth factor receptors or integrins in various types of human cancers. The kinase-dependent and kinase-independent scaffolding functions of FAK modulate the authentic signaling and fundamental functions not only in cancer cells but also in tumor microenvironment to facilitate cancer progression and metastasis. The overexpression and activation of FAK are usually investigated in primary or metastatic cancers and correlated with the poor clinical outcome, highlighting FAK as a potential prognostic marker and anticancer target. Small molecule inhibitors targeting FAK kinase activity or FAK-scaffolding functions impair cancer development in preclinical or clinical trials. In this review, we give an overview for FAK signaling in cancer cells as well as tumor microenvironment that provides new strategies for the invention of cancer development and malignancy.
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26
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FAK signaling in human cancer as a target for therapeutics. Pharmacol Ther 2014; 146:132-49. [PMID: 25316657 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2014.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 295] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2014] [Accepted: 10/07/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a key regulator of growth factor receptor- and integrin-mediated signals, governing fundamental processes in normal and cancer cells through its kinase activity and scaffolding function. Increased FAK expression and activity occurs in primary and metastatic cancers of many tissue origins, and is often associated with poor clinical outcome, highlighting FAK as a potential determinant of tumor development and metastasis. Indeed, data from cell culture and animal models of cancer provide strong lines of evidence that FAK promotes malignancy by regulating tumorigenic and metastatic potential through highly-coordinated signaling networks that orchestrate a diverse range of cellular processes, such as cell survival, proliferation, migration, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis and regulation of cancer stem cell activities. Such an integral role in governing malignant characteristics indicates that FAK represents a potential target for cancer therapeutics. While pharmacologic targeting of FAK scaffold function is still at an early stage of development, a number of small molecule-based FAK tyrosine kinase inhibitors are currently undergoing pre-clinical and clinical testing. In particular, PF-00562271, VS-4718 and VS-6063 show promising clinical activities in patients with selected solid cancers. Clinical testing of rationally designed FAK-targeting agents with implementation of predictive response biomarkers, such as merlin deficiency for VS-4718 in mesothelioma, may help improve clinical outcome for cancer patients. In this article, we have reviewed the current knowledge regarding FAK signaling in human cancer, and recent developments in the generation and clinical application of FAK-targeting pharmacologic agents.
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Kurenova E, Liao J, He DH, Hunt D, Yemma M, Bshara W, Seshadri M, Cance WG. The FAK scaffold inhibitor C4 disrupts FAK-VEGFR-3 signaling and inhibits pancreatic cancer growth. Oncotarget 2014; 4:1632-46. [PMID: 24142503 PMCID: PMC3858551 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.1365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Even with successful surgical resection and perioperative chemotherapy and radiation, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) has a high incidence of recurrence. Tumor cell survival depends on activation of signaling pathways that suppress the apoptotic stimuli of invasion and metastasis. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a critical signaling molecule that has been implicated in tumor cell survival, invasion and metastasis. We have previously shown that FAK and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR-3) are overexpressed in cancer cells and physically interact to confer a significant survival advantage. We subsequently identified a novel small molecule inhibitor C4 that targeted the VEGFR-3-FAK site of interaction. In this study, we have shown that C4 disrupted the FAK-VEGFR-3 complexes in PDA cells. C4 treatment caused dose-dependent dephosphorylation and inactivation of the VEGFR-3 and FAK, reduction in cell viability and proliferation, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in PDA cells. C4 increased the sensitivity of tumor cells to gemcitabine chemotherapy in vitro that lead to apoptosis at nanomolar concentrations of both drugs. C4 reduced tumor growth in vivo in subcutaneous and orthotopic murine models of PDA. The drug alone at low dose, decreased tumor growth; however, concomitant administration with low dose of gemcitabine had significant synergistic effect and led to 70% tumor reduction. Combination of C4 with gemcitabine had a prolonged cytostatic effect on tumor growth after treatment withdrawal. Finally, we report an anecdotal case of stage IV pancreatic cancer treated with gemcitabine in combination with C4 that showed a significant clinical response in primary tumor and complete clinical response in liver metastasis over an eight month period. Taken together, these results demonstrate that targeting the scaffolding function of FAK with a small-molecule FAK-VEGFR-3 inhibitor can be an effective therapeutic strategy against PDA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Kurenova
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY
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Qin T, Fu Q, Pan YF, Liu CJ, Wang YZ, Hu MX, Tang Q, Zhang HW. Expressions of miR-22 and miR-135a in acute pancreatitis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 34:225-233. [PMID: 24710937 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-014-1263-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2013] [Revised: 01/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the expressions of miR-22 and miR-135a in rats with acute edematous pancreatitis (AEP) and their target genes in order to shed light on the involvement of miR-22 and miR-135a in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis (AP). The in vivo model of AEP was established by introperitoneal injection of L-arginine (150 mg/kg) in rats. The miRNA microarray analysis was used to detect the differential expression of miRNAs in pancreatic tissue in AEP and normal rats. The in vitro AEP model was established by inducing the rat pancreatic acinar cell line (AR42J) with 50 ng/mL recombinant rat TNF-α. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR was employed to detect the expression of miR-22 and miR-135a in AR42J cells. Lentiviruses carrying the miRNA mimic and anti-miRNA oligonucleotide (AMO) of miR-22 and miR-135a were transfected into the AR42J cells. The AR42J cells transfected with vehicle served as control. Western blotting was used to measure the expression of activated caspase3 and flow cytometry analysis to detect the apoptosis of AR42J cells. Targets of miR-22 and miR-135a were predicted by using TargetScan, miRanda, and TarBase. Luciferase reporter assay and quantitative real-time RT-PCR were performed to confirm whether ErbB3 and Ptk2 were the target gene of miR-22 and miR-135a, respectively. The results showed that the expression levels of miR-22 and miR-135a were obviously increased in AEP group compared with the control group in in-vivo and in-vitro models. The expression levels of miR-22 and miR-135a were elevated conspicuously and the expression levels of their target genes were reduced significantly in AR42J cells transfected with lentiviruses carrying the miRNA mimic. The apoptosis rate was much higher in the TNF-α-induced cells than in non-treated cells. The AR42J cells transfected with miRNA AMOs expressed lower level of miR-22 and miR-135a and had lower apoptosis rate, but the expression levels of ErbB3 and Ptk2 were increased obviously. It was concluded that the expression levels of miR-22 and miR-135a were elevated in AEP. Up-regulating the expression of miR-22 and miR-135a may promote the apoptosis of pancreatic acinar cells by repressing ErbB3 and Ptk2 expression in AEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Qin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, School of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - Qiang Fu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, School of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - Yan-Feng Pan
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, School of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - Chuan-Jiang Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, School of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - Yu-Zhu Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, School of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - Ming-Xing Hu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, School of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - Qiang Tang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, School of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - Hong-Wei Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, School of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China.
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Ucar DA, Magis AT, He DH, Lawrence NJ, Sebti SM, Kurenova E, Zajac-Kaye M, Zhang J, Hochwald SN. Inhibiting the interaction of cMET and IGF-1R with FAK effectively reduces growth of pancreatic cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2014; 13:595-602. [PMID: 23272972 DOI: 10.2174/1871520611313040009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2012] [Revised: 09/24/2012] [Accepted: 09/26/2012] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal diseases with no effective treatment. Previously, we have shown that FAK is overexpressed in pancreatic cancer and plays a key role in cancer cell survival and proliferation. FAK has been shown to interact with growth factor receptors including cMET and IGF-1R. As a novel therapeutic approach, we targeted the protein interaction of FAK with growth factor receptors to block tumor growth, alter signaling pathways and sensitize cells to chemotherapy. We have selected a small molecule compound (INT2-31) that decreases phosphorylation of AKT via disrupting interaction of FAK with cMET and IGF-1R. Our results demonstrate that interaction of a small molecule compound with FAK decreases phosphorylation of FAK Y397 while increasing FAK Y407 phosphorylation, without inhibiting the kinase activity of FAK and dramatically reduces downstream signaling to AKT. Our lead compound, INT2-31, demonstrates significant inhibition of tumor cell growth in two orthotopic models of pancreatic cancer. In addition, INT2-31 increases sensitivity to gemcitabine chemotherapy in a direct fresh biopsy xenograft model of pancreatic cancer growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deniz A Ucar
- Department of Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
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30
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Golubovskaya VM. Targeting FAK in human cancer: from finding to first clinical trials. Front Biosci (Landmark Ed) 2014; 19:687-706. [PMID: 24389213 DOI: 10.2741/4236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
It is twenty years since Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) was found to be overexpressed in many types of human cancer. FAK plays an important role in adhesion, spreading, motility, invasion, metastasis, survival, angiogenesis, and recently has been found to play an important role as well in epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), cancer stem cells and tumor microenvironment. FAK has kinase-dependent and kinase independent scaffolding, cytoplasmic and nuclear functions. Several years ago FAK was proposed as a potential therapeutic target; the first clinical trials were just reported, and they supported further studies of FAK as a promising therapeutic target. This review discusses the main functions of FAK in cancer, and specifically focuses on recent novel findings on the role of FAK in cancer stem cells, microenvironment, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, invasion, metastasis, and also highlight new approaches of targeting FAK and critically discuss challenges that lie ahead for its targeted therapeutics. The review provides a summary of translational approaches of FAK-targeted and combination therapies and outline perspectives and future directions of FAK research.
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Zhang J, Hochwald SN. The role of FAK in tumor metabolism and therapy. Pharmacol Ther 2013; 142:154-63. [PMID: 24333503 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2013.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Accepted: 11/08/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) plays a vital role in tumor cell proliferation, survival and migration. Altered metabolic pathways fuel rapid tumor growth by accelerating glucose, lipid and glutamine processing. Besides the mitogenic effects of FAK, evidence is accumulating supporting the association between hyper-activated FAK and aberrant metabolism in tumorigenesis. FAK can promote glucose consumption, lipogenesis, and glutamine dependency to promote cancer cell proliferation, motility, and survival. Clinical studies demonstrate that FAK-related alterations of tumor metabolism are associated with increased risk of developing solid tumors. Since FAK contributes to the malignant phenotype, small molecule inhibition of FAK-stimulated bioenergetic and biosynthetic processes can provide a novel approach for therapeutic intervention in tumor growth and invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianliang Zhang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263, United States
| | - Steven N Hochwald
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263, United States.
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Duperret EK, Ridky TW. Focal adhesion complex proteins in epidermis and squamous cell carcinoma. Cell Cycle 2013; 12:3272-85. [PMID: 24036537 DOI: 10.4161/cc.26385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesions (FAs) are large, integrin-containing, multi-protein assemblies spanning the plasma membrane that link the cellular cytoskeleton to surrounding extracellular matrix. They play critical roles in adhesion and cell signaling and are major regulators of epithelial homeostasis, tissue response to injury, and tumorigenesis. Most integrin subunits and their associated FA proteins are expressed in skin, and murine genetic models have provided insight into the functional roles of FAs in normal and neoplastic epidermis. Here, we discuss the roles of these proteins in normal epidermal proliferation, adhesion, wound healing, and cancer. While many downstream signaling mechanisms remain unclear, the critically important roles of FAs are highlighted by the development of therapeutics targeting FAs for human cancer.
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Berman AE, Leontieva OV, Natarajan V, McCubrey JA, Demidenko ZN, Nikiforov MA. Recent progress in genetics of aging, senescence and longevity: focusing on cancer-related genes. Oncotarget 2013; 3:1522-32. [PMID: 23455653 PMCID: PMC3681491 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
It is widely believed that aging results from the accumulation of molecular damage, including damage of DNA and mitochondria and accumulation of molecular garbage both inside and outside of the cell. Recently, this paradigm is being replaced by the “hyperfunction theory”, which postulates that aging is caused by activation of signal transduction pathways such as TOR (Target of Rapamycin). These pathways consist of different enzymes, mostly kinases, but also phosphatases, deacetylases, GTPases, and some other molecules that cause overactivation of normal cellular functions. Overactivation of these sensory signal transduction pathways can cause cellular senescence, age-related diseases, including cancer, and shorten life span. Here we review some of the numerous very recent publications on the role of signal transduction molecules in aging and age-related diseases. As was emphasized by the author of the “hyperfunction model”, many (or actually all) of them also play roles in cancer. So these “participants” in pro-aging signaling pathways are actually very well acquainted to cancer researchers. A cancer-related journal such as Oncotarget is the perfect place for publication of such experimental studies, reviews and perspectives, as it can bridge the gap between cancer and aging researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert E Berman
- V.N. Orekhovich Institute of Biomedical Chemistry RAMS, 10 Pogodinskaya Str., Moscow, Russia.
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Janku F, Huang HJ, Angelo LS, Kurzrock R. A kinase-independent biological activity for insulin growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) : implications for inhibition of the IGF-1R signal. Oncotarget 2013; 4:463-73. [PMID: 23531874 PMCID: PMC3717308 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2013] [Accepted: 03/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been demonstrated that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) can have kinase independent activity. EGFR kinase-independent function maintains intracellular glucose levels via sodium glucose transporter protein 1 (SGLT1) and supports cell survival. It is plausible that this phenomenon can apply to other receptor tyrosine kinases. We found that transfection of insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-1R) siRNA into HEK293 (human embryonic kidney) and MCF7 (metastatic breast cancer) cells result in decreased intracellular glucose levels, whereas treatment with an IGF-1R tyrosine kinase inhibitor OSI-906 did not affect intracellular glucose levels. In addition, IGF-1R interacted with SGLT1 in a manner similar to that previously reported with EGFR. The combination of IGF-1R siRNA and OSI-906 resulted in decreased viability of HEK293 and MCF7 cell lines compared to either agent alone. Collectively, these experiments suggest that IGF-1R, has kinase-independent biologic functions and provide a rationale for combining anti-IGF-1R antibodies or siRNA and IGF-1R small molecule inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Janku
- Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics (Phase I Clinical Trials Program), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
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A Comparison of B16 Melanoma Cells and 3T3 Fibroblasts Concerning Cell Viability and ROS Production in the Presence of Melatonin, Tested Over a Wide Range of Concentrations. Int J Mol Sci 2013; 14:3901-20. [PMID: 23434670 PMCID: PMC3588077 DOI: 10.3390/ijms14023901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2013] [Revised: 01/31/2013] [Accepted: 02/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Melatonin is a pleiotropic molecule with many cellular and systemic actions, including chronobiotic effects. Beneficial effects are widely documented concerning the treatment of neoplastic diseases in vivo as well as reductions in viability of cultured cells from melanoma, one of the most aggressive cancers in humans. However, studies of its effects on non-tumor cells in vitro have not focused on viability, except for experiments aiming to protect against oxidotoxicity or other toxicological insults. Furthermore, there is no agreement on the range of effective melatonin concentrations in vitro, and the mechanisms that reduce cell viability have remained unclear. Tumor cell-specific increases in the production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) may provide a possible explanation. Our aim was to analyze the potential inhibition of tumor (B16 melanoma 4A5) and non-tumor cell (3T3 Swiss albino) viability using a wide range of melatonin concentrations (10−11–10−2 M), and to determine whether intracellular ROS enhancement was involved in this process. In the absence of fetal bovine serum (FBS), low melatonin concentrations (10−9–10−5 M) reduced the proliferation of melanoma cells with no effect in fibroblasts, whereas, in the presence of FBS, they had no effect or even increased the proliferation of both fibroblast and melanoma cells. Melatonin concentrations in the upper millimolar range increased ROS levels and reduced the viability of both cell types, but more markedly so in non-tumor cells. Thus, low melatonin concentrations reduce proliferation in this specific melanoma cell line, whereas high concentrations affect the viability of both tumor (B16 4A5 melanoma) and non-tumor (3T3 fibroblasts) cells. Increased ROS levels in both lines indicate a role for ROS production in the reduction of cell viability at high—but not low—melatonin concentrations, although the mechanism of action still remains to be elucidated.
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