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Marstrand-Daucé L, Lorenzo D, Chassac A, Nicole P, Couvelard A, Haumaitre C. Acinar-to-Ductal Metaplasia (ADM): On the Road to Pancreatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia (PanIN) and Pancreatic Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9946. [PMID: 37373094 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24129946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult pancreatic acinar cells show high plasticity allowing them to change in their differentiation commitment. Pancreatic acinar-to-ductal metaplasia (ADM) is a cellular process in which the differentiated pancreatic acinar cells transform into duct-like cells. This process can occur as a result of cellular injury or inflammation in the pancreas. While ADM is a reversible process allowing pancreatic acinar regeneration, persistent inflammation or injury can lead to the development of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN), which is a common precancerous lesion that precedes pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Several factors can contribute to the development of ADM and PanIN, including environmental factors such as obesity, chronic inflammation and genetic mutations. ADM is driven by extrinsic and intrinsic signaling. Here, we review the current knowledge on the cellular and molecular biology of ADM. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying ADM is critical for the development of new therapeutic strategies for pancreatitis and PDAC. Identifying the intermediate states and key molecules that regulate ADM initiation, maintenance and progression may help the development of novel preventive strategies for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Marstrand-Daucé
- INSERM UMR1149, Inflammation Research Center (CRI), Université Paris Cité, 75018 Paris, France
| | - Diane Lorenzo
- INSERM UMR1149, Inflammation Research Center (CRI), Université Paris Cité, 75018 Paris, France
| | - Anaïs Chassac
- INSERM UMR1149, Inflammation Research Center (CRI), Université Paris Cité, 75018 Paris, France
- Department of Pathology, Bichat Hospital, Université Paris Cité, 75018 Paris, France
| | - Pascal Nicole
- INSERM UMR1149, Inflammation Research Center (CRI), Université Paris Cité, 75018 Paris, France
| | - Anne Couvelard
- INSERM UMR1149, Inflammation Research Center (CRI), Université Paris Cité, 75018 Paris, France
- Department of Pathology, Bichat Hospital, Université Paris Cité, 75018 Paris, France
| | - Cécile Haumaitre
- INSERM UMR1149, Inflammation Research Center (CRI), Université Paris Cité, 75018 Paris, France
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Zhang Z, Zhang H, Liao X, Tsai HI. KRAS mutation: The booster of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma transformation and progression. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1147676. [PMID: 37152291 PMCID: PMC10157181 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1147676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common type of pancreatic cancer. It has a poor response to conventional therapy and has an extremely poor 5-year survival rate. PDAC is driven by multiple oncogene mutations, with the highest mutation frequency being observed in KRAS. The KRAS protein, which binds to GTP, has phosphokinase activity, which further activates downstream effectors. KRAS mutation contributes to cancer cell proliferation, metabolic reprogramming, immune escape, and therapy resistance in PDAC, acting as a critical driver of the disease. Thus, KRAS mutation is positively associated with poorer prognosis in pancreatic cancer patients. This review focus on the KRAS mutation patterns in PDAC, and further emphases its role in signal transduction, metabolic reprogramming, therapy resistance and prognosis, hoping to provide KRAS target therapy strategies for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zining Zhang
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Heng Zhang
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xiang Liao
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- *Correspondence: Xiang Liao, ; Hsiang-i Tsai,
| | - Hsiang-i Tsai
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- Department of Medical Imaging, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- *Correspondence: Xiang Liao, ; Hsiang-i Tsai,
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3
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Koltai T, Reshkin SJ, Carvalho TMA, Di Molfetta D, Greco MR, Alfarouk KO, Cardone RA. Resistance to Gemcitabine in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Physiopathologic and Pharmacologic Review. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:2486. [PMID: 35626089 PMCID: PMC9139729 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a very aggressive tumor with a poor prognosis and inadequate response to treatment. Many factors contribute to this therapeutic failure: lack of symptoms until the tumor reaches an advanced stage, leading to late diagnosis; early lymphatic and hematic spread; advanced age of patients; important development of a pro-tumoral and hyperfibrotic stroma; high genetic and metabolic heterogeneity; poor vascular supply; a highly acidic matrix; extreme hypoxia; and early development of resistance to the available therapeutic options. In most cases, the disease is silent for a long time, andwhen it does become symptomatic, it is too late for ablative surgery; this is one of the major reasons explaining the short survival associated with the disease. Even when surgery is possible, relapsesare frequent, andthe causes of this devastating picture are the low efficacy ofand early resistance to all known chemotherapeutic treatments. Thus, it is imperative to analyze the roots of this resistance in order to improve the benefits of therapy. PDAC chemoresistance is the final product of different, but to some extent, interconnected factors. Surgery, being the most adequate treatment for pancreatic cancer and the only one that in a few selected cases can achieve longer survival, is only possible in less than 20% of patients. Thus, the treatment burden relies on chemotherapy in mostcases. While the FOLFIRINOX scheme has a slightly longer overall survival, it also produces many more adverse eventsso that gemcitabine is still considered the first choice for treatment, especially in combination with other compounds/agents. This review discusses the multiple causes of gemcitabine resistance in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephan Joel Reshkin
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (T.M.A.C.); (D.D.M.); (M.R.G.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Tiago M. A. Carvalho
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (T.M.A.C.); (D.D.M.); (M.R.G.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Daria Di Molfetta
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (T.M.A.C.); (D.D.M.); (M.R.G.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Maria Raffaella Greco
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (T.M.A.C.); (D.D.M.); (M.R.G.); (R.A.C.)
| | - Khalid Omer Alfarouk
- Zamzam Research Center, Zamzam University College, Khartoum 11123, Sudan;
- Alfarouk Biomedical Research LLC, Temple Terrace, FL 33617, USA
| | - Rosa Angela Cardone
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, 70126 Bari, Italy; (T.M.A.C.); (D.D.M.); (M.R.G.); (R.A.C.)
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4
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Li S, Xie K. Ductal metaplasia in pancreas. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188698. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Abdel-Latif RT, Wadie W, Abdel-mottaleb Y, Abdallah DM, El-Maraghy NN, El-Abhar HS. Reposition of the anti-inflammatory drug diacerein in an in-vivo colorectal cancer model. Saudi Pharm J 2021; 30:72-90. [PMID: 35145347 PMCID: PMC8802128 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2021.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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MicroRNAs in Pancreatic Cancer and Chemoresistance. Pancreas 2021; 50:1334-1342. [PMID: 35041330 DOI: 10.1097/mpa.0000000000001934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the leading malignancies affecting human health, largely because of the development of resistance to chemotherapy/radiotherapy. There are many mechanisms that mediate the development of drug resistance, such as the transport of antineoplastic agents into cells, shifts in energy metabolism and environment, antineoplastic agent-induced DNA damage, and genetic mutations. MicroRNAs are short, noncoding RNAs that are 20 to 24 nucleotides in length and serve several biological functions. They bind to the 3'-untranslated regions of target genes and induce target degradation or translational inhibition. MicroRNAs can regulate several target genes and mediate PDAC chemotherapy/radiotherapy resistance. The detection of novel microRNAs would not only reveal the molecular mechanisms of PDAC and resistance to chemotherapy/radiotherapy but also provide new approaches to PDAC therapy. MicroRNAs are thus potential therapeutic targets for PDAC and might be essential in uncovering new mechanisms of the disease.
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Kalayarasan R, Narayanan S, Sahoo J, Mohan P. Impact of surgery for chronic pancreatitis on the risk of pancreatic cancer: Untying the Gordian knot. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:4371-4382. [PMID: 34366610 PMCID: PMC8316902 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i27.4371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is an aggressive tumor with poor long-term outcomes. Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is considered a risk factor for the development of pancreatic cancer (PC). Persistent pancreatic inflammation and activation of pancreatic stellate cells play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of CP-related PC by activating the oncogene pathway. While genetic mutations increase the possibility of recurrent and persistent pancreatic inflammation, they are not directly associated with the development of PC. Recent studies suggest that early surgical intervention for CP might have a protective role in the development of CP-related PC. Hence, the physician faces the clinical question of whether early surgical intervention should be recommended in patients with CP to prevent the development of PC. However, the varying relative risk of PC in different subsets of CP underlines the complex gene-environment interactions in the disease pathogenesis. Hence, it is essential to stratify the risk of PC in each individual patient. This review focuses on the complex relationship between CP and PC and the impact of surgical intervention on PC risk. The proposed risk stratification based on the genetic and environmental factors could guide future research and select patients for prophylactic surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raja Kalayarasan
- Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, JIPMER, Puducherry 605006, India
| | - Sankar Narayanan
- Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, JIPMER, Puducherry 605006, India
| | | | - Pazhanivel Mohan
- Department of Medical Gastroenterology, JIPMER, Puducherry 605006, India
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Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most aggressive and invasive type of pancreatic cancer (PCa) and is expected to be the second most common cause of cancer-associated deaths. The high mortality rate is due to the asymptomatic progression of the clinical features until the advanced stages of the disease and the limited effectiveness of the current therapeutics. Aberrant expression of several microRNAs (miRs/miRNAs) has been related to PDAC progression and thus they could be potential early diagnostic, prognostic, and/or therapeutic predictors for PDAC. miRs are small (18 to 24 nucleotides long) non-coding RNAs, which regulate the expression of key genes by targeting their 3′-untranslated mRNA region. Increased evidence has also suggested that the chemoresistance of PDAC cells is associated with metabolic alterations. Metabolic stress and the dysfunctionality of systems to compensate for the altered metabolic status of PDAC cells is the foundation for cellular damage. Current data have implicated multiple systems as hallmarks of PDAC development, such as glutamine redox imbalance, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Hence, both the aberrant expression of miRs and dysregulation in metabolism can have unfavorable effects in several biological processes, such as apoptosis, cell proliferation, growth, survival, stress response, angiogenesis, chemoresistance, invasion, and migration. Therefore, due to these dismal statistics, it is crucial to develop beneficial therapeutic strategies based on an improved understanding of the biology of both miRs and metabolic mediators. This review focuses on miR-mediated pathways and therapeutic resistance mechanisms in PDAC and evaluates the impact of metabolic alterations in the progression of PDAC.
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Halama N, Haberkorn U. The Unmet Needs of the Diagnosis, Staging, and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors. Semin Nucl Med 2020; 50:389-398. [PMID: 32768003 DOI: 10.1053/j.semnuclmed.2020.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
New scientific insights in cancer biology and immunobiology have changed the clinical practice of medical oncology in recent years. The molecular stratification of solid tumors has led to improved clinical outcomes and is a key part in the diagnostic workup. Beyond mutational spectra (like Rat sarcoma [RAS] mutations or tumor mutational burden), the investigation of the immunological microenvironment has attracted more efforts. Especially as immunotherapies have changed the standard treatment for some solid tumors dramatically and have become an important part of routine oncology, also for gastrointestinal tumors. Still only a subgroup of patients benefits from immunotherapy in gastrointestinal tumors with prominent examples from colorectal, pancreatic or gastric cancer. Not only microsatellite instability as a marker for response to immunotherapy has shown its utility, there plenty of other approaches currently being investigated to better stratify and understand the microenvironment. But these insights have not translated into clinical utility. Reasons for this are limited technical capabilities for stratification and for coping with heterogeneity of tumor cells and the microenvironment as such. So the situation for gastrointestinal tumors has shown mainly progress for a subgroup of immunotherapy-receptive tumors (eg, microsatellite instability), but advances for the remaining majority have been in the area of stratification and combinatorial therapies, including approaches without chemotherapy. Molecular stratification (eg, B-Rapidly Accelerated Fibrosarcoma [BRAF] V600E mutation in colorectal cancer or NRG1 fusions in Kirsten-rat sarcoma (KRAS) Wild-Type Pancreatic Cancer) has clearly improved the possibilities for directed therapies, but there is a plethora of clinical situations where further developments are needed to improve patient care. Finding these areas and identifying the technical approach to unravel the complexities is the next decisive step. Here the recent advances are summarized and an outlook on possible diagnostic and treatment options in areas of unmet need is given with the context of new molecular imaging possibilities and cutting edge advances in nuclear medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niels Halama
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Department of Translational Immunotherapy, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Germany; Helmholtz-Institute for Translational Oncology Mainz (HI-TRON Mainz), Germany; Department of Medical Oncology and Internal Medicine VI, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany; Institute for Immunology, University Hospital Heidelberg, University Heidelberg.
| | - Uwe Haberkorn
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany; Clinical Cooperation Unit Nuclear Medicine, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany
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10
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Hu ZI, Bendell JC, Bullock A, LoConte NK, Hatoum H, Ritch P, Hool H, Leach JW, Sanchez J, Sohal DPS, Strickler J, Patel R, Wang-Gillam A, Firdaus I, Yu KH, Kapoun AM, Holmgren E, Zhou L, Dupont J, Picozzi V, Sahai V, O'Reilly EM. A randomized phase II trial of nab-paclitaxel and gemcitabine with tarextumab or placebo in patients with untreated metastatic pancreatic cancer. Cancer Med 2019; 8:5148-5157. [PMID: 31347292 PMCID: PMC6718621 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.2425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Notch signaling dysregulation is implicated in the development of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Tarextumab is a fully human IgG2 antibody that inhibits Notch2/3 receptors. Patients and Methods Aphase 2, randomized, placebo‐controlled, multicenter trial evaluated the activity of tarextumab in combination with nab‐paclitaxel and gemcitabine in patients with metastatic PDAC. Patients were stratified based on ECOG performance score and Ca 19‐9 level and randomized 1:1 to nab‐paclitaxel, gemcitabine with either tarextumab or placebo. Based on preclinical and phase Ib results suggesting a positive correlation between Notch3 gene expression and tarextumab anti‐tumor activity, patients were also divided into subgroups of low, intermediate, and high Notch3 gene expression. Primary endpoint was overall survival (OS) in all and in patients with the three Notch3 gene expression subgroups (≥25th, ≥50% and ≥75% percentiles); secondary end points included progression‐free survival (PFS), 12‐month OS, overall response rate (ORR), and safety and biomarker investigation. Results Median OS was 6.4 months in the tarextumab group vs 7.9 months in the placebo group (HR = 1.34 [95% CI = 0.95, 1.89], P = .0985). No difference observed in OS in the Notch3 gene expression subgroups. PFS in the tarextumab‐treated group (3.7 months) was significantly shorter compared with the placebo group (5.5 months) (hazard ratio was 1.43 [95% CI = 1.01, 2.01]; P = .04). Grade 3 diarrhea and thrombocytopenia were more common in the tarextumab group. Conclusions The addition of tarextumab to nab‐paclitaxel and gemcitabine did not improve OS, PFS, or ORR in first‐line metastatic PDAC, and PFS was specifically statistically worse in the tarextumab‐treated patients. Clinical trial registry no NCT01647828.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zishuo Ian Hu
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Johanna C Bendell
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute/Tennessee Oncology, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Andrea Bullock
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Hassan Hatoum
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Paul Ritch
- Froedtert Hospital and Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Hugo Hool
- Torrance Memorial Physician Network, Redondo Beach, California
| | | | - James Sanchez
- Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada, Henderson, Nevada
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Kenneth H Yu
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.,David M. Rubenstein Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, New York, New York.,Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Ann M Kapoun
- Oncomed Pharmaceuticals Inc, Redwood City, California
| | - Eric Holmgren
- Oncomed Pharmaceuticals Inc, Redwood City, California
| | - Lei Zhou
- Oncomed Pharmaceuticals Inc, Redwood City, California
| | - Jakob Dupont
- Oncomed Pharmaceuticals Inc, Redwood City, California
| | | | | | - Eileen M O'Reilly
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.,David M. Rubenstein Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, New York, New York.,Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
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Kurtanich T, Roos N, Wang G, Yang J, Wang A, Chung EJ. Pancreatic Cancer Gene Therapy Delivered by Nanoparticles. SLAS Technol 2018; 24:151-160. [PMID: 30395768 DOI: 10.1177/2472630318811108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal forms of cancer and has proven to be difficult to treat through conventional methods, including surgery and chemotherapy. Gene therapy serves as a potential novel treatment to interfere with genes that make this cancer so aggressive, but free nucleic acids have low cell uptake due to their negative charge and are unstable in circulation. Nanoparticles can serve as an effective carrier for a wide variety of gene therapies for pancreatic cancer as they can improve the circulation time, decrease the recognition by the immune system, and be functionalized to target specific surface proteins. In this review, we focus on therapeutic strategies using nanoparticles as carriers of small interfering RNA (siRNA), microRNA (miRNA), and gene augmentation (DNA) therapies in the context of pancreatic cancer. Lastly, we discuss the future outlook of nanoparticle-based therapies, including challenges in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevin Kurtanich
- 1 Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nicole Roos
- 1 Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Guanmeng Wang
- 1 Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jesse Yang
- 1 Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Alan Wang
- 1 Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Eun Ji Chung
- 1 Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,2 Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USC.,3 Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,4 Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,5 Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,6 Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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12
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Ghurburrun E, Borbath I, Lemaigre FP, Jacquemin P. Liver and Pancreas: Do Similar Embryonic Development and Tissue Organization Lead to Similar Mechanisms of Tumorigenesis? Gene Expr 2018; 18:149-155. [PMID: 29580319 PMCID: PMC6190115 DOI: 10.3727/105221618x15216414278706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The liver and pancreas are closely associated organs that share a common embryological origin. They display amphicrine properties and have similar exocrine organization with parenchymal cells, namely, hepatocytes and acinar cells, secreting bile and pancreatic juice into the duodenum via a converging network of bile ducts and pancreatic ducts. Here we compare and highlight the similarities of molecular mechanisms leading to liver and pancreatic cancer development. We suggest that unraveling tumor development in an organ may provide insight into our understanding of carcinogenesis in the other organ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsa Ghurburrun
- *Université catholique de Louvain, de Duve Institute, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ivan Borbath
- †Université catholique de Louvain, Department of Hepato-Gastro-Enterology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Patrick Jacquemin
- *Université catholique de Louvain, de Duve Institute, Brussels, Belgium
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Pu W, Luo Y, Bai R, Guo A, Zhou K, Zhang Y, Miao L, Rüegg C, Hottiger MO, Gao X, Sun L. Baicalein inhibits acinar‐to‐ductal metaplasia of pancreatic acinal cell AR42J via improving the inflammatory microenvironment. J Cell Physiol 2018; 233:5747-5755. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Revised: 10/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wei‐Ling Pu
- Institute of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
| | - Ying‐Ying Luo
- Institute of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
| | - Ru‐Yu Bai
- Institute of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
| | - Ao‐Wei Guo
- Institute of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
| | - Kun Zhou
- Institute of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Chinese medicine PharmacologyTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of EducationTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
- Key Research Laboratory of Prescription Compatibility among ComponentsTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
| | - Yun‐Sha Zhang
- School of Integrative MedicineTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
- Pathology Unit, Faculty of Sciences, Department of MedicineUniversity of FribourgFribourgSwitzerland
| | - Lin Miao
- Institute of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Chinese medicine PharmacologyTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of EducationTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
- Key Research Laboratory of Prescription Compatibility among ComponentsTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
- Department of Molecular Mechanisms of DiseaseUniversity of Zurich‐IrchelZurichSwitzerland
| | - Curzio Rüegg
- Pathology Unit, Faculty of Sciences, Department of MedicineUniversity of FribourgFribourgSwitzerland
| | - Micheal O. Hottiger
- Department of Molecular Mechanisms of DiseaseUniversity of Zurich‐IrchelZurichSwitzerland
| | - Xiu‐Mei Gao
- Institute of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Chinese medicine PharmacologyTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of EducationTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
- Key Research Laboratory of Prescription Compatibility among ComponentsTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
| | - Li‐Kang Sun
- Institute of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Chinese medicine PharmacologyTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of EducationTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
- Key Research Laboratory of Prescription Compatibility among ComponentsTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
- School of Integrative MedicineTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
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14
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Krah NM, Murtaugh LC. Differentiation and Inflammation: 'Best Enemies' in Gastrointestinal Carcinogenesis. Trends Cancer 2018. [PMID: 28630946 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2016.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
While recent studies demonstrate that cancer can arise from mutant stem cells, this hypothesis does not explain why tissues without defined stem cell populations are susceptible to inflammation-driven tumorigenesis. We propose that chronic inflammatory diseases, such as colitis and pancreatitis, predispose to gastrointestinal (GI) adenocarcinoma by reprogramming differentiated cells. Focusing on colon and pancreas, we discuss recently discovered connections between inflammation and loss of cell differentiation, and propose that dysregulation of cell fate may be a novel rate-limiting step of tumorigenesis. We review studies identifying differentiation mechanisms that limit tumor initiation and that, upon reactivation, can prevent or revert the cancer cell transformed phenotype. Together, these findings suggest that differentiation-targeted treatments hold promise as a therapeutic strategy in GI cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan M Krah
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - L Charles Murtaugh
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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15
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Khan MAA, Azim S, Zubair H, Bhardwaj A, Patel GK, Khushman M, Singh S, Singh AP. Molecular Drivers of Pancreatic Cancer Pathogenesis: Looking Inward to Move Forward. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18040779. [PMID: 28383487 PMCID: PMC5412363 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18040779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Revised: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) continues to rank among the most lethal cancers. The consistent increase in incidence and mortality has made it the seventh leading cause of cancer-associated deaths globally and the third in the United States. The biggest challenge in combating PC is our insufficient understanding of the molecular mechanism(s) underlying its complex biology. Studies during the last several years have helped identify several putative factors and events, both genetic and epigenetic, as well as some deregulated signaling pathways, with implications in PC onset and progression. In this review article, we make an effort to summarize our current understanding of molecular and cellular events involved in the pathogenesis of pancreatic malignancy. Specifically, we provide up-to-date information on the genetic and epigenetic changes that occur during the initiation and progression of PC and their functional involvement in the pathogenic processes. We also discuss the impact of the tumor microenvironment on the molecular landscape of PC and its role in aggressive disease progression. It is envisioned that a better understanding of these molecular factors and the mechanisms of their actions can help unravel novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and can also be exploited for future targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Aslam Aslam Khan
- Department of Oncologic Sciences, Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36604, USA.
| | - Shafquat Azim
- Department of Oncologic Sciences, Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36604, USA.
| | - Haseeb Zubair
- Department of Oncologic Sciences, Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36604, USA.
| | - Arun Bhardwaj
- Department of Oncologic Sciences, Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36604, USA.
| | - Girijesh Kumar Patel
- Department of Oncologic Sciences, Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36604, USA.
| | - Moh'd Khushman
- Departments of Interdisciplinary Clinical Oncology, Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36604, USA.
| | - Seema Singh
- Department of Oncologic Sciences, Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36604, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36604, USA.
| | - Ajay Pratap Singh
- Department of Oncologic Sciences, Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36604, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36604, USA.
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16
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Ottaiano A, Capozzi M, De Divitiis C, De Stefano A, Botti G, Avallone A, Tafuto S. Gemcitabine mono-therapy versus gemcitabine plus targeted therapy in advanced pancreatic cancer: a meta-analysis of randomized phase III trials. Acta Oncol 2017; 56:377-383. [PMID: 28256961 DOI: 10.1080/0284186x.2017.1288922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prognosis of advanced pancreatic cancer is dismal and the novel targeted therapies, albeit successfully used to treat many advanced tumors, have shown modest results. We performed a meta-analysis in order to quantify the effect size on survival of adding targeted therapy to single agent gemcitabine. METHODS Randomized phase III trials comparing gemcitabine mono-therapy versus gemcitabine plus a targeted agent in first-line treatment of advanced pancreatic cancer designed on survival as primary outcome were selected. Search was done through Medline and the registry of the NIH. Keywords used for searching were 'pancreas', 'pancreatic', 'gemcitabine'. Study quality was assessed with MERGE criteria. Findings were depicted in classical Forest plots. Publication bias was evaluated by the construction of funnel plot. RESULTS Nine studies met the meta-analysis inclusion criteria including 4564 patients. The target therapies were: erlotinib, cetuximab, rigosertib, elpamotide, bevacizumab, aflibercept, axitinib, masitinib and ganitumab. There was no statistically significant heterogeneity among the nine trials (p = 0.77). The hazard ratio (HR) of the pooled analysis was 0.998 (CI 95%: 0.932-1.068). Subgroup meta-analysis was also performed in anti-EGFR and anti-angiogenesis trials: the pooled HR were 0.94 (CI 95%: 0.705-1.175) and 1.055 (CI 95%: 0.913-1.197), respectively. CONCLUSIONS The present meta-analysis does not show significant improvements in survival for targeted drugs in advanced pancreatic cancer. The possible reason of these results could be linked to the biology of pancreatic cancer as well as to the absence of predictive factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Ottaiano
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli “G. Pascale” IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Naples, Italy
| | - Monica Capozzi
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli “G. Pascale” IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara De Divitiis
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli “G. Pascale” IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Naples, Italy
| | - Alfonso De Stefano
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli “G. Pascale” IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Naples, Italy
| | - Gerardo Botti
- Pathology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli “G. Pascale” IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Avallone
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli “G. Pascale” IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Naples, Italy
| | - Salvatore Tafuto
- Department of Abdominal Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Napoli “G. Pascale” IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Naples, Italy
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17
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Donahue TR, Dawson DW. Leveraging Mechanisms Governing Pancreatic Tumorigenesis To Reduce Pancreatic Cancer Mortality. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2016; 27:770-781. [PMID: 27461042 PMCID: PMC5075262 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2016.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Revised: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is a devastating malignancy with limited and modest clinical treatments. High-throughput technologies and accurate disease models now provide a comprehensive picture of the diverse molecular signaling pathways and cellular processes governing PDA tumorigenesis. Central among these is oncogenic KRAS, a mediator of cellular plasticity, metabolic reprogramming, and inflammatory and paracrine signaling required for tumor development and maintenance. Biological aggressiveness is further conferred by a highly fibrotic and immunosuppressive PDA microenvironment that also acts as a barrier to effective drug delivery. The regulation of these mechanisms and their implications for early cancer detection, chemoprevention and therapy are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy R Donahue
- Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - David W Dawson
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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18
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Vorvis C, Koutsioumpa M, Iliopoulos D. Developments in miRNA gene signaling pathways in pancreatic cancer. Future Oncol 2016; 12:1135-50. [PMID: 26984178 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2015-0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a devastating malignancy that ranks as the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Dismal prognosis is mainly attributable to limited knowledge of the molecular pathogenesis of the disease. miRNAs have been found to be deregulated in pancreatic cancer, affecting several steps of initiation and aggressiveness of the disease by regulating important signaling pathways, such as the KRAS and Notch pathways. Moreover, the effect of miRNAs on regulating cell cycle events and expression of transcription factors has gained a lot of attention. Recent studies have highlighted the application of miRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic tools. The current review focuses on latest advances with respect to the roles of miRNAs in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma associated signaling pathways and miRNA-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Vorvis
- Center for Systems Biomedicine, Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Marina Koutsioumpa
- Center for Systems Biomedicine, Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Dimitrios Iliopoulos
- Center for Systems Biomedicine, Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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19
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Dandawate P, Padhye S, Ahmad A, Sarkar FH. Novel strategies targeting cancer stem cells through phytochemicals and their analogs. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2015; 3:165-82. [PMID: 24076568 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-012-0079-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are cells that exist within a tumor with a capacity of self-renewal and an ability to differentiate, giving rise to heterogeneous populations of cancer cells. These cells are increasingly being implicated in resistance to conventional therapeutics and have also been implicated in tumor recurrence. Several cellular signaling pathways including Notch, Wnt, phosphoinositide-3-kinase-Akt-mammalian target of rapamycin pathways, and known markers such as CD44, CD133, CD166, ALDH, etc. have been associated with CSCs. Here, we have reviewed our current understanding of self-renewal pathways and factors that help in the survival of CSCs with special emphasis on those that have been documented to be modulated by well characterized natural agents such as curcumin, sulforaphane, resveratrol, genistein, and epigallocatechin gallate. With the inclusion of a novel derivative of curcumin, CDF, we showcase how natural agents can be effectively modified to increase their efficacy, particularly against CSCs. We hope that this article will generate interest among researchers for further mechanistic and clinical studies exploiting the cancer preventive and therapeutic role of nutraceuticals by targeted elimination of CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasad Dandawate
- ISTRA, Department of Chemistry, Abeda Inamdar Senior College, University of Pune, Pune 411001, India
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20
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Kong B, Wang W, Esposito I, Friess H, Michalski CW, Kleeff J. Increased expression of Nodal correlates with reduced patient survival in pancreatic cancer. Pancreatology 2015; 15:156-61. [PMID: 25708930 DOI: 10.1016/j.pan.2015.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2014] [Revised: 01/12/2015] [Accepted: 02/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nodal (nodal growth differentiation factor) and its inhibitor Lefty (left right determination factor), which are ligands of the TGF (transforming growth factor) β superfamily, are responsible for the determination of left-right asymmetry in vertebrates. Nodal/Lefty signaling has been suggested to play a role in the development of metastatic melanoma and breast cancer. However, it remains unclear whether this pathway is also involved in human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). METHODS Pancreatic cancer patient specimens with clinical data (n = 54) were used to investigate the clinical significance of Nodal-Lefty signaling. A set of in vitro assays were carried out in a human pancreatic cancer cell line (Colo-357) to assess the functional relevance of Nodal-Lefty signaling. RESULTS Nodal was absent in the human normal pancreas, while Lefty was present in islet cells. Though Nodal and Lefty expression were found in cancer cells at various expression levels, the cancer-associated tubular complexes were particularly positive for Lefty. Survival analysis revealed that high expression of Nodal correlated with reduced patient survival (median survival 17.8 vs 33.0 months, p = 0.013). Cultured pancreatic cancer cell lines expressed Nodal and Lefty at different levels. In vitro functional assays revealed that treatment with human recombinant Nodal inhibited cell growth and increased invasion of Colo-357 pancreatic cancer cells whereas no effect was found upon treatment with recombinant Lefty. CONCLUSION Nodal-Lefty signaling might be involved in the pathogenesis of PDAC as Nodal expression marks a subtype of PDAC with unfavorable prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Kong
- Department of Surgery, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Weibin Wang
- Department of Surgery, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany; Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Irene Esposito
- Institute of Pathology, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Helmut Friess
- Department of Surgery, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Jörg Kleeff
- Department of Surgery, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany.
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21
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Reiner DJ. Ras effector switching as a developmental strategy. Small GTPases 2014; 2:109-112. [PMID: 21776412 DOI: 10.4161/sgtp.2.2.15775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2011] [Accepted: 04/06/2011] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Organisms pattern and specify cell fates with remarkably high fidelity and robustness, and cancer may be considered in part to be a disease of fate specification gone awry. During C. elegans vulval development an initial EGF signal prompts Ras to activate its canonical effector pathway, Raf-MEK-ERK, to induce a primary cell, which subsequently signals its 2 neighbors via Notch to develop as secondary cells. We have shown that Ras signaling through an alternate effector pathway, RalGEF-Ral, antagonizes Ras-Raf pro-primary signaling. Ras-RalGEF-Ral instead promotes secondary fate in support of Notch. We validated a previous model that EGF can also contribute to secondary fate, and argue that Ras-RalGEF-Ral mediates this EGF pro-secondary activity. Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK signaling was previously shown to be extinguished from secondary cells by secondary-specific expression of MAP kinase phosphatase, and we found that Ral expression is transcriptionally restricted to secondary cells. Thus during vulval development Ras switches effectors from Raf to RalGEF to promote divergent and mutually antagonistic cell fates, perhaps mirroring divergent effector usage in Ras-dependent tumors with differential pharmacological responsiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Reiner
- Department of Pharmacology and Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center; University of North Carolina; Chapel Hill, NC USA
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22
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Abstract
Pancreatitis is caused by inflammatory injury to the exocrine pancreas, from which both humans and animal models appear to recover via regeneration of digestive enzyme-producing acinar cells. This regenerative process involves transient phases of inflammation, metaplasia, and redifferentiation, driven by cell-cell interactions between acinar cells, leukocytes, and resident fibroblasts. The NFκB signaling pathway is a critical determinant of pancreatic inflammation and metaplasia, whereas a number of developmental signals and transcription factors are devoted to promoting acinar redifferentiation after injury. Imbalances between these proinflammatory and prodifferentiation pathways contribute to chronic pancreatitis, characterized by persistent inflammation, fibrosis, and acinar dedifferentiation. Loss of acinar cell differentiation also drives pancreatic cancer initiation, providing a mechanistic link between pancreatitis and cancer risk. Unraveling the molecular bases of exocrine regeneration may identify new therapeutic targets for treatment and prevention of both of these deadly diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Charles Murtaugh
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112;
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23
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De Jesus-Acosta A, Laheru D, Maitra A, Arcaroli J, Rudek MA, Dasari A, Blatchford PJ, Quackenbush K, Messersmith W. A phase II study of the gamma secretase inhibitor RO4929097 in patients with previously treated metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Invest New Drugs 2014; 32:739-45. [PMID: 24668033 PMCID: PMC4292847 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-014-0083-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2014] [Accepted: 02/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The notch pathway is overexpressed in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. RO4929097, an oral inhibitor of the γ-secretase enzyme has been safely given as a single agent in patients with advanced solid tumors. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of RO4929097 in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDA). METHODS A two-stage, single-arm Phase II trial was conducted in patients with previously treated metastatic PDA. RO4929097 was administered at a dose of 20 mg daily on days 1-3, 8-10 and 15-17 of 21-day cycles. The primary endpoint was survival at 6 months. Secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), response rate, toxicities, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analyses. RESULTS Eighteen patients were recruited, 17 in the first stage and one in the 2nd stage. It was decided to stop further enrollment after RO4929097 was discontinued by the sponsor and was no longer a development candidate. Three (25 %) of 12 evaluable patients achieved stable disease. The 6-month survival rate was 27.8 % (95 % CI 9.7-53.5). The median OS was 4.1 months (95 % CI 2.7-5.8 months) and median progression-free survival was 1.5 months (95 % CI 1.3-1.6 months). Pharmacokinetic properties of RO4929097 in patients (n = 5) with PDA was similar to that previously reported in other patient populations. There was a trend towards a decrease in HeyL (p = 0.08) gene expression in three patients following study drug administration. CONCLUSIONS RO4929097 was well-tolerated in patients with previously treated PDA. Development of RO4929097 has been discontinued, but development of other notch-targeting agents in pancreatic cancer is continuing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana De Jesus-Acosta
- Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1650 Orleans St. CRB1-4M08, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA,
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24
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Hou W, Liu J, Chen P, Wang H, Ye BC, Qiang F. Mutation analysis of key genes in RAS/RAF and PI3K/PTEN pathways in Chinese patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2014; 8:1249-1254. [PMID: 25120700 PMCID: PMC4114707 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2014.2253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2013] [Accepted: 04/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The RAS/RAF and PI3K/PTEN signaling pathways play central roles in hepatocarcinogenesis. KRAS, NRAS, HRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA, PIK3R1 and PTEN are key cancer-related genes in the RAS/RAF and PI3K/PTEN signaling pathways. Genetic alterations in these genes often lead to the dysregulation of the two cascades. Little is known regarding the frequency of hotspot mutations in these critical components among Chinese patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In the current study, 57 somatic hotspot mutations in 36 HCCs samples collected from Chinese patients using direct DNA sequencing method were examined. Two cases of KRAS somatic mutations (KRAS codon 61; Gln to His) were identified among 36 HCCs (5.6%). However, no mutations were found in the NRAS, HRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA, PIK3R1 and PTEN genes. These findings indicated that point mutations in the KRAS gene, but not mutations in NRAS, HRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA, PIK3R1 and PTEN genes, at a somatic level contribute to the abnormal activation of the RAS/RAF and PI3K/PTEN pathways in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenmin Hou
- Laboratory of Biosystems and Microanalysis, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, P.R. China ; Key Laboratory of Food Safety Research, Institute for Nutritional Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, P.R. China
| | - Jibin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Food Safety Research, Institute for Nutritional Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, P.R. China ; Tumor Institute, Nantong Tumor Hospital, Nantong, Jiangsu 226000, P.R. China
| | - Peizhan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Food Safety Research, Institute for Nutritional Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, P.R. China
| | - Hui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Food Safety Research, Institute for Nutritional Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, P.R. China
| | - Bang-Ce Ye
- Laboratory of Biosystems and Microanalysis, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, P.R. China
| | - Fulin Qiang
- Tumor Institute, Nantong Tumor Hospital, Nantong, Jiangsu 226000, P.R. China
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25
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Morris JP, Greer R, Russ HA, von Figura G, Kim GE, Busch A, Lee J, Hertel KJ, Kim S, Mcmanus M, Hebrok M. Dicer regulates differentiation and viability during mouse pancreatic cancer initiation. PLoS One 2014; 9:e95486. [PMID: 24788257 PMCID: PMC4006805 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0095486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2014] [Accepted: 03/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
miRNA levels are altered in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA), the most common and lethal pancreatic malignancy, and intact miRNA processing is essential for lineage specification during pancreatic development. However, the role of miRNA processing in PDA has not been explored. Here we study the role of miRNA biogenesis in PDA development by deleting the miRNA processing enzyme Dicer in a PDA mouse model driven by oncogenic Kras. We find that loss of Dicer accelerates Kras driven acinar dedifferentiation and acinar to ductal metaplasia (ADM), a process that has been shown to precede and promote the specification of PDA precursors. However, unconstrained ADM also displays high levels of apoptosis. Dicer loss does not accelerate development of Kras driven PDA precursors or PDA, but surprisingly, we observe that mouse PDA can develop without Dicer, although at the expense of proliferative capacity. Our data suggest that intact miRNA processing is involved in both constraining pro-tumorigenic changes in pancreatic differentiation as well as maintaining viability during PDA initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P. Morris
- Diabetes Center, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Renee Greer
- Diabetes Center, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Holger A. Russ
- Diabetes Center, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Guido von Figura
- Diabetes Center, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Grace E. Kim
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Anke Busch
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Jonghyeob Lee
- Department of Developmental Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Klemens J. Hertel
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Seung Kim
- Department of Developmental Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Michael Mcmanus
- Diabetes Center, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Matthias Hebrok
- Diabetes Center, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Xiao Z, Luo G, Liu C, Wu C, Liu L, Liu Z, Ni Q, Long J, Yu X. Molecular mechanism underlying lymphatic metastasis in pancreatic cancer. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:925845. [PMID: 24587996 PMCID: PMC3919106 DOI: 10.1155/2014/925845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2013] [Accepted: 11/10/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
As the most challenging human malignancies, pancreatic cancer is characterized by its insidious symptoms, low rate of surgical resection, high risk of local invasion, metastasis and recurrence, and overall dismal prognosis. Lymphatic metastasis, above all, is recognized as an early adverse event in progression of pancreatic cancer and has been described to be an independent poor prognostic factor. It should be noted that the occurrence of lymphatic metastasis is not a casual or stochastic but an ineluctable and designed event. Increasing evidences suggest that metastasis-initiating cells (MICs) and the microenvironments may act as a double-reed style in this crime. However, the exact mechanisms on how they function synergistically for this dismal clinical course remain largely elusive. Therefore, a better understanding of its molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in pancreatic lymphatic metastasis is urgently required. In this review, we will summarize the latest advances on lymphatic metastasis in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwen Xiao
- Department of Pancreatic and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, No. 270, Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Guopei Luo
- Department of Pancreatic and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, No. 270, Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Chen Liu
- Department of Pancreatic and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, No. 270, Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Chuntao Wu
- Department of Pancreatic and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, No. 270, Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Liang Liu
- Department of Pancreatic and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, No. 270, Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zuqiang Liu
- Department of Pancreatic and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, No. 270, Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Quanxing Ni
- Department of Pancreatic and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, No. 270, Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jiang Long
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, No. 270, Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xianjun Yu
- Department of Pancreatic and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, No. 270, Dong'An Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200032, China
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Quan M, Wang P, Cui J, Gao Y, Xie K. The roles of FOXM1 in pancreatic stem cells and carcinogenesis. Mol Cancer 2013; 12:159. [PMID: 24325450 PMCID: PMC3924162 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-12-159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2013] [Accepted: 11/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has one of the poorest prognoses among all cancers. Over the past several decades, investigators have made great advances in the research of PDAC pathogenesis. Importantly, identification of pancreatic cancer stem cells (PCSCs) in pancreatic cancer cases has increased our understanding of PDAC biology and therapy. PCSCs are responsible for pancreatic tumorigenesis and tumor progression via a number of mechanisms, including extensive proliferation, self-renewal, high tumorigenic ability, high propensity for invasiveness and metastasis, and resistance to conventional treatment. Furthermore, emerging evidence suggests that PCSCs are involved in the malignant transformation of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia. The molecular mechanisms that control PCSCs are related to alterations of various signaling pathways, for instance, Hedgehog, Notch, Wnt, B-cell-specific Moloney murine leukemia virus insertion site 1, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT, and Nodal/Activin. Also, authors have reported that the proliferation-specific transcriptional factor Forkhead box protein M1 is involved in PCSC self-renewal and proliferation. In this review, we describe the current knowledge about the signaling pathways related to PCSCs and the early stages of PDAC development, highlighting the pivotal roles of Forkhead box protein M1 in PCSCs and their impacts on the development and progression of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Keping Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Abstract
The past several decades have seen great effort devoted to mimicking the key features of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in animals and have produced 2 robust models of this deadly cancer. Carcinogen-treated Syrian hamsters develop PDAC with genetic lesions, which reproduce those of human, including activation of the Kras oncogene, and early studies in this species validated nongenetic risk factors for PDAC including pancreatitis, obesity, and diabetes. More recently, PDAC research has been invigorated by the development of genetically engineered mouse models based on tissue-specific Kras activation and deletion of tumor suppressor genes. Surprisingly, mouse PDAC appears to arise from exocrine acinar rather than ductal cells, via a process of phenotypic reprogramming that is accelerated by inflammation. Studies in both models have uncovered molecular mechanisms by which inflammation promotes and sustains PDAC and identified targets for chemoprevention to suppress PDAC in high-risk individuals. The mouse model, in particular, has also been instrumental in developing new approaches to early detection as well as treatment of advanced disease. Together, animal models enable diverse approaches to basic and preclinical research on pancreatic cancer, the results of which will accelerate progress against this currently intractable cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Charles Murtaugh
- 1Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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Takebe N, Nguyen D, Yang SX. Targeting notch signaling pathway in cancer: clinical development advances and challenges. Pharmacol Ther 2013; 141:140-9. [PMID: 24076266 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2013.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 304] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2013] [Accepted: 09/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Notch signaling plays an important role in development and cell fate determination, and it is deregulated in human hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. This review includes a brief introduction of the relevant pathophysiology of Notch signaling pathway and primarily focuses on the clinical development of promising agents that either obstruct Notch receptor cleavages such as γ-secretase inhibitors (GSIs) or interfere with the Notch ligand-receptor interaction by monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Antitumor activity by GSIs and mAbs administered as single agent in early phases of clinical trials has been observed in advanced or metastatic thyroid cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, intracranial tumors, sarcoma or desmoid tumors, colorectal cancer with neuroendocrine features, melanoma and ovarian cancer. A number of mechanism-based adverse events particularly gastrointestinal toxicities emerged and mitigation strategies are developed after testing multiple GSIs and Notch targeting mAbs. We also discuss pharmacodynamic biomarkers in conjunction with methods of assessment of the molecular target inhibition validation. Biomarkers of efficacy or benefit may be of importance for a successful development of this class of drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoko Takebe
- Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States.
| | - Dat Nguyen
- National Clinical Target Validation Laboratory, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Sherry X Yang
- National Clinical Target Validation Laboratory, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States.
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30
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Zhao M, Tang SN, Marsh JL, Shankar S, Srivastava RK. Ellagic acid inhibits human pancreatic cancer growth in Balb c nude mice. Cancer Lett 2013; 337:210-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2013.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2013] [Revised: 04/23/2013] [Accepted: 05/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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31
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[New insights into the origin of pancreatic cancer. Role of atypical flat lesions in pancreatic carcinogenesis]. DER PATHOLOGE 2013; 33 Suppl 2:189-93. [PMID: 23011021 DOI: 10.1007/s00292-012-1673-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The identification and characterization of precursor lesions is fundamental to develop screening programs for early diagnosis and treatment, aiming at reducing cancer-related mortality. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive disease that becomes clinical apparent only in advanced stages. In order to enable screening procedures for early detection of PDAC, an exact characterization of precursor lesions is of utmost importance. Pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasias (PanIN) are the most frequent and best characterized precursors of PDAC and are lesions with a ductal phenotype thus indicating a ductal cell origin of PDAC. However, evidence from genetically engineered mouse models suggests that tubular complexes (TC) originating through a process of acinar-ductal metaplasia (ADM) form atypical flat lesions (AFL) that may represent an alternative pathway of pancreatic carcinogenesis. Based on a thorough morphological and genetic analysis of murine TC, AFL and PanIN and their human counterparts, a new dual model of pancreatic carcinogenesis is proposed taking into account the role of AFL as possible new precursors of PDAC.
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32
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Criscimanna A, Duan LJ, Rhodes JA, Fendrich V, Wickline E, Hartman DJ, Monga SPS, Lotze MT, Gittes GK, Fong GH, Esni F. PanIN-specific regulation of Wnt signaling by HIF2α during early pancreatic tumorigenesis. Cancer Res 2013; 73:4781-90. [PMID: 23749643 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-13-0566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Hypoxia promotes angiogenesis, proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of pancreatic cancer. Essentially, all studies of the hypoxia pathway in pancreatic cancer research to date have focused on fully malignant tumors or cancer cell lines, but the potential role of hypoxia inducible factors (HIF) in the progression of premalignant lesions has not been critically examined. Here, we show that HIF2α is expressed early in pancreatic lesions both in human and in a mouse model of pancreatic cancer. HIF2α is a potent oncogenic stimulus, but its role in Kras-induced pancreatic neoplasia has not been discerned. We used the Ptf1aCre transgene to activate Kras(G12D) and delete Hif2α solely within the pancreas. Surprisingly, loss of Hif2α in this model led to markedly higher, rather than reduced, number of low-grade pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (mPanIN) lesions. These lesions, however, failed to progress to high-grade mPanINs, and displayed exclusive loss of β-catenin and SMAD4. The relationship among HIF2α, β-catenin, and Smad4 was further confirmed in vitro, where silencing of Hif2α resulted in reduced β-catenin and Smad4 transcript levels. Thus, with oncogenic Ras expressed in the pancreas, HIF2α modulates Wnt-signaling during mPanIN progression by maintaining appropriate levels of both Smad4 and β-catenin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Criscimanna
- Department of Surgery, John G. Rangos Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, One Children's Hospital Drive, Rangos Floor 6, Room 6119, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
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33
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Yabuuchi S, Pai SG, Campbell NR, de Wilde RF, De Oliveira E, Korangath P, Streppel MM, Rasheed ZA, Hidalgo M, Maitra A, Rajeshkumar NV. Notch signaling pathway targeted therapy suppresses tumor progression and metastatic spread in pancreatic cancer. Cancer Lett 2013; 335:41-51. [PMID: 23402814 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2013.01.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2012] [Revised: 01/24/2013] [Accepted: 01/26/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) remains a lethal human malignancy with historically limited success in treatment. The role of aberrant Notch signaling, which requires the constitutive activation of γ-secretase, in the initiation and progression of PDA is well defined and inhibitors of this pathway are currently in clinical trials. Here we investigated the in vivo therapeutic effect of PF-03084014, a selective γ-secretase inhibitor, alone and in combination with gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer xenografts. PF-03084014 treatment inhibited the cleavage of nuclear Notch 1 intracellular domain and Notch targets Hes-1 and Hey-1. Gemcitabine treatment showed good response but not capable of inducing tumor regressions and targeting the tumor-resident cancer stem cells (CD24(+)CD44(+) and ALDH(+) tumor cells). A combination of PF-03084014 and gemcitabine treatment resulted tumor regression in 3 of 4 subcutaneously implanted xenograft models. PF-03084014, and in combination with gemcitabine reduced putative cancer stem cells, indicating that PF-03084014 target the especially dangerous and resilient cancer stem cells within pancreatic tumors. Tumor re-growth curves plotted after drug treatments demonstrated that the effect of the combination therapy was sustainable than that of gemcitabine. Notably, in a highly aggressive orthotopic model, PF-03084014 and gemcitabine combination was effective in inducing apoptosis, inhibition of tumor cell proliferation and angiogenesis, resulting in the attenuation of primary tumor growth as well as controlling metastatic dissemination, compared to gemcitabine treatment. In summary, our preclinical data suggest that PF-03084014 has greater anti-tumor activity in combination with gemcitabine in PDA and provides rationale for further investigation of this combination in PDA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinichi Yabuuchi
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Kabashima-Niibe A, Higuchi H, Takaishi H, Masugi Y, Matsuzaki Y, Mabuchi Y, Funakoshi S, Adachi M, Hamamoto Y, Kawachi S, Aiura K, Kitagawa Y, Sakamoto M, Hibi T. Mesenchymal stem cells regulate epithelial-mesenchymal transition and tumor progression of pancreatic cancer cells. Cancer Sci 2013; 104:157-64. [PMID: 23121112 DOI: 10.1111/cas.12059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2012] [Revised: 10/16/2012] [Accepted: 10/23/2012] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts contribute to cancer progression that is caused by epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Recently, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were found to be the major candidate involved in the development of tumor-promoting cancer stroma. Here we report that α-smooth muscle actin-positive myofibroblast-like cells originating from MSCs contribute to inducing EMT in side population cells of pancreatic cancer. More importantly, MSC-derived myofibroblasts function to maintain tumor-initiating stem cell-like characteristics, including augmenting expression levels of various stemness-associated genes, enhancing sphere- forming activity, promoting tumor formation in a mouse xenograft model, and showing resistance to anticancer drugs. Furthermore, both γ-secretase inhibitor and siRNA directed against Jagged-1 attenuated MSC-associated E-cadherin suppression and sphere formation in pancreatic cancer side population cells. Thus, our results suggest that MSC-derived myofibroblasts play important roles in regulating EMT and tumor-initiating stem cell-like properties of pancreatic cancer cells through an intermediating Notch signal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayano Kabashima-Niibe
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Morales M, Cabrera MÁ, Maeso MDC, Ferrer-López N. Use of panitumumab in the treatment of acinar cell carcinoma of the pancreas: A case report. Oncol Lett 2012; 5:969-971. [PMID: 23426888 PMCID: PMC3576192 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2012.1083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2012] [Accepted: 10/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Two cases of stage IV acinar carcinoma of the pancreas are presented. The two patients were treated with several lines of chemotherapies active against colon cancer. At last-line, both patients received panitumumab monotherapy. We describe the tumour response to the different therapies. Our findings demonstrate that panitumumab produces objective responses when used as third-line treatment in the therapy of patients with acinar cell carcinoma of the pancreas. Thus, we propose the consideration of the use of panitumumab in early lines of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Morales
- Service of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Nuestra Señora de Candelaria, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands 38010, Spain
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36
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Kopp JL, von Figura G, Mayes E, Liu FF, Dubois CL, Morris JP, Pan FC, Akiyama H, Wright CVE, Jensen K, Hebrok M, Sander M. Identification of Sox9-dependent acinar-to-ductal reprogramming as the principal mechanism for initiation of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Cancer Cell 2012; 22. [PMID: 23201164 PMCID: PMC3568632 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2012.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 510] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Tumors are largely classified by histologic appearance, yet morphologic features do not necessarily predict cellular origin. To determine the origin of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA), we labeled and traced pancreatic cell populations after induction of a PDA-initiating Kras mutation. Our studies reveal that ductal and stem-like centroacinar cells are surprisingly refractory to oncogenic transformation, whereas acinar cells readily form PDA precursor lesions with ductal features. We show that formation of acinar-derived premalignant lesions depends on ectopic induction of the ductal gene Sox9. Moreover, when concomitantly expressed with oncogenic Kras, Sox9 accelerates formation of premalignant lesions. These results provide insight into the cellular origin of PDA and suggest that its precursors arise via induction of a duct-like state in acinar cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janel L. Kopp
- Departments of Pediatrics and Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0695
| | - Guido von Figura
- Diabetes Center, Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Erin Mayes
- Departments of Pediatrics and Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0695
| | - Fen-Fen Liu
- Departments of Pediatrics and Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0695
| | - Claire L. Dubois
- Departments of Pediatrics and Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0695
| | - John P. Morris
- Diabetes Center, Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Fong Cheng Pan
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232-8240
| | - Haruhiko Akiyama
- Department of Orthopedics, Kyoto University, 54 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | | | - Kristin Jensen
- Department of Pathology, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System and Stanford University Hospital, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Matthias Hebrok
- Diabetes Center, Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143
- Corresponding authors: , Telephone: (858) 246-0843, Fax: (858) 246-1579. , Telephone: (415) 514-0820, Fax: (415) 564-5813
| | - Maike Sander
- Departments of Pediatrics and Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0695
- Corresponding authors: , Telephone: (858) 246-0843, Fax: (858) 246-1579. , Telephone: (415) 514-0820, Fax: (415) 564-5813
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Alcohol abuse is one of the most common factors associated with acute and chronic pancreatitis. Although it is evident that alcohol abuse can have an important role in the development of pancreatitis, it does not seem that alcohol abuse alone is responsible for this disease. We investigated the involvement of ethanol in the impairment of pancreatic repair after induction of pancreatitis. METHODS A biologically relevant mouse model of alcoholic pancreatitis, combining long-term ethanol consumption and coxsackievirus infection, was used to investigate the effects of ethanol on pancreatic regeneration. Tissues were harvested and analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunoblot. RESULTS These studies demonstrate that long-term ethanol consumption impairs the structural repair of the exocrine pancreas. This is accompanied by a delay in the restitution of lipase expression. In addition, impaired expression of the critical pancreatic transcription factors, PDX1 and PTF1, and the mediator of Notch signaling, HES1, was observed. CONCLUSIONS Long-term ethanol consumption impairs the structural repair and functional restitution of the pancreas after severe injury. These impairments may, in part, be explained by the impaired expression of factors important in the development and maintenance of the exocrine pancreas. Impaired pancreatic regeneration may have a role in the pathogenesis of alcoholic pancreatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marc Scheer
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68105
| | - Mallory Suhr
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68105
| | - Dahn L. Clemens
- Nebraska and Western Iowa Veterans Administration Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68105,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68105,Corresponding Author: Dahn L. Clemens, PhD., Associate Professor Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha Nebraska 68198-8098, (402) 995-3738,
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38
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Involvement of inflammatory factors in pancreatic carcinogenesis and preventive effects of anti-inflammatory agents. Semin Immunopathol 2012; 35:203-27. [PMID: 22955327 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-012-0340-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2012] [Accepted: 08/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Chronic inflammation is known to be a risk for many cancers, including pancreatic cancer. Heavy alcohol drinking and cigarette smoking are major causes of pancreatitis, and epidemiological studies have shown that smoking and chronic pancreatitis are risk factors for pancreatic cancer. Meanwhile, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) are elevated in pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer tissues in humans and in animal models. Selective inhibitors of iNOS and COX-2 suppress pancreatic cancer development in a chemical carcinogenesis model of hamsters treated with N-nitrosobis(2-oxopropyl)amine (BOP). In addition, hyperlipidemia, obesity, and type II diabetes are also suggested to be associated with chronic inflammation in the pancreas and involved in pancreatic cancer development. We have shown that a high-fat diet increased pancreatic cancer development in BOP-treated hamsters, along with aggravation of hyperlipidemia, severe fatty infiltration, and increased expression of adipokines and inflammatory factors in the pancreas. Of note, fatty pancreas has been observed in obese and/or diabetic cases in humans. Preventive effects of anti-hyperlipidemic/anti-diabetic agents on pancreatic cancer have also been shown in humans and animals. Taking this evidence into consideration, modulation of inflammatory factors by anti-inflammatory agents will provide useful data for prevention of pancreatic cancer.
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Fukuda A, Morris JP, Hebrok M. Bmi1 is required for regeneration of the exocrine pancreas in mice. Gastroenterology 2012; 143:821-831.e2. [PMID: 22609312 PMCID: PMC3485080 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2012.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2011] [Revised: 04/12/2012] [Accepted: 05/09/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Bmi1 is a member of the Polycomb protein family and represses transcription by modifying chromatin organization at specific promoters. Bmi1 is implicated in the control of stem cell self-renewal and has been shown to regulate cell proliferation, tissue homeostasis, and differentiation. Bmi1 is present in a subpopulation of self-renewing pancreatic acinar cells and is expressed in response to pancreatic damage. We investigated the role of Bmi1 in regeneration of exocrine pancreas. METHODS Acute pancreatitis was induced in Bmi1(-/-) mice with cerulein; pancreatic cell regeneration, differentiation, and apoptosis were assessed. Cultured Bmi1(-/-) and wild-type primary acini were analyzed in vitro to determine acinar-specific consequences of Bmi1 deletion. To investigate cell autonomous versus non-cell autonomous roles for Bmi1 in vivo, pancreatitis was induced in Bmi1(-/-) mice reconstituted with a wild-type hematopoietic system. RESULTS Bmi1 expression was up-regulated in the exocrine pancreas during regeneration after cerulein-induced pancreatitis. Exocrine regeneration was impaired following administration of cerulein to Bmi1(-/-) mice. Pancreata of Bmi1(-/-) mice were hypoplastic, and the exocrine pancreas was replaced with ductal metaplasia that had increased apoptosis and decreased cell proliferation compared with that of wild-type mice. Expression of Cdkn2a and p53-dependent apoptotic genes was markedly up-regulated in Bmi1(-/-) pancreas compared with wild-type mice after injury. Furthermore, after transplantation of bone marrow from wild-type to Bmi1(-/-) mice, the chimeric mice had intermediate levels of pancreatic hypoplasia and significant but incomplete rescue of impaired exocrine regeneration after cerulein injury. CONCLUSIONS Bmi1 contributes to regeneration of the exocrine pancreas after cerulein-induced injury through cell autonomous mechanisms, in part by regulating Cdkn2a expression, and non-cell autonomous mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihisa Fukuda
- Diabetes Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - John P. Morris
- Diabetes Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Matthias Hebrok
- Diabetes Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California.
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40
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Taylor JR, Lehmann BD, Chappell WH, Abrams SL, Steelman LS, McCubrey JA. Cooperative effects of Akt-1 and Raf-1 on the induction of cellular senescence in doxorubicin or tamoxifen treated breast cancer cells. Oncotarget 2012; 2:610-26. [PMID: 21881167 PMCID: PMC3248208 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Escape from cellular senescence induction is a potent mechanism for chemoresistance. Cellular senescence can be induced in breast cancer cell lines by the removal of estrogen signaling with tamoxifen or by the accumulation of DNA damage induced by the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin. Long term culturing of the hormone-sensitive breast cancer cell line MCF-7 in doxorubicin (MCF-7/DoxR) reduced the ability of doxorubicin, but not tamoxifen, to induce senescence. Two pathways that are often upregulated in chemo- and hormonal-resistance are the PI3K/PTEN/Akt/mTOR and Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathways. To determine if active Akt-1 and Raf-1 can influence drug-induced senescence, we stably introduced activated ΔAkt-1(CA) and ΔRaf-1(CA) into drug-sensitive and doxorubicin-resistant cells. Expression of a constitutively-active Raf-1 construct resulted in higher baseline senescence, indicating these cells possessed the ability to undergo oncogene-induced-senescence. Constitutive activation of the Akt pathway significantly decreased drug-induced senescence in response to doxorubicin but not tamoxifen in MCF-7 cells. However, constitutive Akt-1 activation in drug-resistant cells containing high levels of active ERK completely escaped cellular senescence induced by doxorubicin and tamoxifen. These results indicate that up regulation of the Ras/PI3K/PTEN/Akt/mTOR pathway in the presence of elevated Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK signaling together can contribute to drug-resistance by diminishing cell senescence in response to chemotherapy. Understanding how breast cancers containing certain oncogenic mutations escape cell senescence in response to chemotherapy and hormonal based therapies may provide insights into the design of more effective drug combinations for the treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackson R Taylor
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University Greenville, NC 27858 USA
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41
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Keefe MD, Wang H, De La O JP, Khan A, Firpo MA, Murtaugh LC. β-catenin is selectively required for the expansion and regeneration of mature pancreatic acinar cells in mice. Dis Model Mech 2012; 5:503-14. [PMID: 22266944 PMCID: PMC3380713 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.007799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The size of the pancreas is determined by intrinsic factors, such as the number of progenitor cells, and by extrinsic signals that control the fate and proliferation of those progenitors. Both the exocrine and endocrine compartments of the pancreas undergo dramatic expansion after birth and are capable of at least partial regeneration following injury. Whether the expansion of these lineages relies on similar mechanisms is unknown. Although we have shown that the Wnt signaling component β-catenin is selectively required in mouse embryos for the generation of exocrine acinar cells, this protein has been ascribed various functions in the postnatal pancreas, including proliferation and regeneration of islet as well as acinar cells. To address whether β-catenin remains important for the maintenance and expansion of mature acinar cells, we have established a system to follow the behavior and fate of β-catenin-deficient cells during postnatal growth and regeneration in mice. We find that β-catenin is continuously required for the establishment and maintenance of acinar cell mass, extending from embryonic specification through juvenile and adult self-renewal and regeneration. This requirement is not shared with islet cells, which proliferate and function normally in the absence of β-catenin. These results make distinct predictions for the relative role of Wnt–β-catenin signaling in the etiology of human endocrine and exocrine disease. We suggest that loss of Wnt–β-catenin activity is unlikely to drive islet dysfunction, as occurs in type 2 diabetes, but that β-catenin is likely to promote human acinar cell proliferation following injury, and might therefore contribute to the resolution of acute or chronic pancreatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Keefe
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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42
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Blagosklonny MV. Molecular damage in cancer: an argument for mTOR-driven aging. Aging (Albany NY) 2011; 3:1130-41. [PMID: 22246147 PMCID: PMC3273893 DOI: 10.18632/aging.100422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2011] [Accepted: 12/31/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Despite common belief, accumulation of molecular damage does not play a key role in aging. Still, cancer (an age-related disease) is initiated by molecular damage. Cancer and aging share a lot in common including the activation of the TOR pathway. But the role of molecular damage distinguishes cancer and aging. Furthermore, an analysis of the role of both damage and aging in cancer argues against "a decline, caused by accumulation of molecular damage" as a cause of aging. I also discuss how random molecular damage, via rounds of multiplication and selection, brings about non-random hallmarks of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail V Blagosklonny
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA.
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43
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Balic A, Dorado J, Alonso-Gómez M, Heeschen C. Stem cells as the root of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Exp Cell Res 2011; 318:691-704. [PMID: 22119145 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2011.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2011] [Revised: 11/05/2011] [Accepted: 11/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that stem cells play a crucial role not only in the generation and maintenance of different tissues, but also in the development and progression of malignancies. For the many solid cancers, it has now been shown that they harbor a distinct subpopulation of cancer cells that bear stem cell features and therefore, these cells are termed cancer stem cells (CSC) or tumor-propagating cells. CSC are exclusively tumorigenic and essential drivers for tumor progression and metastasis. Moreover, it has been shown that pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma does not only contain one homogeneous population of CSC rather than diverse subpopulations that may have evolved during tumor progression. One of these populations is called migrating CSC and can be characterized by CXCR4 co-expression. Only these cells are capable of evading the primary tumor and traveling to distant sites such as the liver as the preferred site of metastatic spread. Clinically even more important, however, is the observation that CSC are highly resistant to chemo- and radiotherapy resulting in their relative enrichment during treatment and rapid relapse of disease. Many laboratories are now working on the further in-depth characterization of these cells, which may eventually allow for the identification of their Achilles heal and lead to novel treatment modalities for fighting this deadly disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anamaria Balic
- Clinical Research Programme, Stem Cells & Cancer Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
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Abstract
KRAS is a potent oncogene and is mutated in about 30% of all human cancers. However, the biological context of KRAS-dependent oncogenesis is poorly understood. Genetically engineered mouse models of cancer provide invaluable tools to study the oncogenic process, and insights from KRAS-driven models have significantly increased our understanding of the genetic, cellular, and tissue contexts in which KRAS is competent for oncogenesis. Moreover, variation among tumors arising in mouse models can provide insight into the mechanisms underlying response or resistance to therapy in KRAS-dependent cancers. Hence, it is essential that models of KRAS-driven cancers accurately reflect the genetics of human tumors and recapitulate the complex tumor-stromal intercommunication that is manifest in human cancers. Here, we highlight the progress made in modeling KRAS-dependent cancers and the impact that these models have had on our understanding of cancer biology. In particular, the development of models that recapitulate the complex biology of human cancers enables translational insights into mechanisms of therapeutic intervention in KRAS-dependent cancers.
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Shin-Kang S, Ramsauer VP, Lightner J, Chakraborty K, Stone W, Campbell S, Reddy SAG, Krishnan K. Tocotrienols inhibit AKT and ERK activation and suppress pancreatic cancer cell proliferation by suppressing the ErbB2 pathway. Free Radic Biol Med 2011; 51:1164-74. [PMID: 21723941 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2011.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2011] [Revised: 05/18/2011] [Accepted: 06/05/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Tocotrienols are members of the vitamin E family but, unlike tocopherols, possess an unsaturated isoprenoid side chain that confers superior anti-cancer properties. The ability of tocotrienols to selectively inhibit the HMG-CoA reductase pathway through posttranslational degradation and to suppress the activity of transcription factor NF-κB could be the basis for some of these properties. Our studies indicate that γ- and δ-tocotrienols have potent antiproliferative activity in pancreatic cancer cells (Panc-28, MIA PaCa-2, Panc-1, and BxPC-3). Indeed both tocotrienols induced cell death (>50%) by the MTT cell viability assay in all four pancreatic cancer cell lines. We also examined the effects of the tocotrienols on the AKT and the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathways by Western blotting analysis. γ- and δ-tocotrienol treatment of cells reduced the activation of ERK MAP kinase and that of its downstream mediator RSK (ribosomal protein S6 kinase) in addition to suppressing the activation of protein kinase AKT. Suppression of activation of AKT by γ-tocotrienol led to downregulation of p-GSK-3β and upregulation accompanied by nuclear translocation of Foxo3. These effects were mediated by the downregulation of Her2/ErbB2 at the messenger level. Tocotrienols but not tocopherols were able to induce the observed effects. Our results suggest that the tocotrienol isoforms of vitamin E can induce apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells through the suppression of vital cell survival and proliferative signaling pathways such as those mediated by the PI3-kinase/AKT and ERK/MAP kinases via downregulation of Her2/ErbB2 expression. The molecular components for this mechanism are not completely elucidated and need further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonyo Shin-Kang
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, JamesH. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA
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Steelman LS, Chappell WH, Abrams SL, Kempf RC, Long J, Laidler P, Mijatovic S, Maksimovic-Ivanic D, Stivala F, Mazzarino MC, Donia M, Fagone P, Malaponte G, Nicoletti F, Libra M, Milella M, Tafuri A, Bonati A, Bäsecke J, Cocco L, Evangelisti C, Martelli AM, Montalto G, Cervello M, McCubrey JA. Roles of the Raf/MEK/ERK and PI3K/PTEN/Akt/mTOR pathways in controlling growth and sensitivity to therapy-implications for cancer and aging. Aging (Albany NY) 2011; 3:192-222. [PMID: 21422497 PMCID: PMC3091517 DOI: 10.18632/aging.100296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 457] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulated signaling through the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK and PI3K/PTEN/Akt/mTOR pathways is often the result of genetic alterations in critical components in these pathways or upstream activators. Unrestricted cellular proliferation and decreased sensitivity to apoptotic-inducing agents are typically associated with activation of these pro-survival pathways. This review discusses the functions these pathways have in normal and neoplastic tissue growth and how they contribute to resistance to apoptotic stimuli. Crosstalk and commonly identified mutations that occur within these pathways that contribute to abnormal activation and cancer growth will also be addressed. Finally the recently described roles of these pathways in cancer stem cells, cellular senescence and aging will be evaluated. Controlling the expression of these pathways could ameliorate human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda S Steelman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
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Activated K-ras and INK4a/Arf deficiency cooperate during the development of pancreatic cancer by activation of Notch and NF-κB signaling pathways. PLoS One 2011; 6:e20537. [PMID: 21673986 PMCID: PMC3108612 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0020537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2011] [Accepted: 05/02/2011] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, suggesting that novel strategies for the prevention and treatment of PDAC are urgently needed. K-ras mutations are observed in >90% of pancreatic cancer, suggesting its role in the initiation and early developmental stages of PDAC. In order to gain mechanistic insight as to the role of mutated K-ras, several mouse models have been developed by targeting a conditionally mutated K-rasG12D for recapitulating PDAC. A significant co-operativity has been shown in tumor development and metastasis in a compound mouse model with activated K-ras and Ink4a/Arf deficiency. However, the molecular mechanism(s) by which K-ras and Ink4a/Arf deficiency contribute to PDAC has not been fully elucidated. Methodology/Principal Findings To assess the molecular mechanism(s) that are involved in the development of PDAC in the compound transgenic mice with activated K-ras and Ink4a/Arf deficiency, we used multiple methods, such as Real-time RT-PCR, western blotting assay, immunohistochemistry, MTT assay, invasion, EMSA and ELISA. We found that the deletion of Ink4a/Arf in K-rasG12D expressing mice leads to PDAC, which is in part mediated through the activation of Notch and NF-κB signaling pathways. Moreover, we found down-regulation of miR-200 family, which could also play important roles in tumor development and progression of PDAC in the compound transgenic mice. Conclusions/Significance Our results suggest that the activation of Notch and NF-κB together with the loss of miR-200 family is mechanistically linked with the development and progression of PDAC in the compound K-rasG12D and Ink4a/Arf deficient transgenic mice.
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Kashikar ND, Zhang W, Massion PP, Gonzalez AL, Datta PK. Role of STRAP in regulating GSK3β function and Notch3 stabilization. Cell Cycle 2011; 10:1639-54. [PMID: 21502811 DOI: 10.4161/cc.10.10.15630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) can regulate a broad range of cellular processes in a variety of cell types and tissues through its ability to phosphorylate its substrates in a cell- and time-specific manner. Although it is known that Axin and presenilin help to recruit β-catenin/Smad3 and tau protein to GSK3β, respectively, it is not clear how many of the other GSK3β substrates are recruited to it. Here, we have established the binding of GSK3β with a novel scaffold protein, STRAP, through its WD40 domains. In a new finding, we have observed that STRAP, GSK3β and Axin form a ternary complex together. We show for the first time that intracellular fragment of Notch3 (ICN3) binds with GSK3β through the ankyrin repeat domain. This binding between STRAP and GSK3β is reduced by small-molecule inhibitors of GSK3β. Further studies revealed that STRAP also binds ICN3 through the ankyrin repeat region, and this binding is enhanced in a proteasomal inhibition-dependent manner. In vivo ubiquitination studies indicate that STRAP reduces ubiquitination of ICN3, suggesting a role of STRAP in stabilizing ICN3. This is supported by the fact that STRAP and Notch3 are co-upregulated and co-localized in 59% of non-small cell lung cancers, as observed in an immunohistochemical staining of tissue microarrays. These results provide a potential mechanism by which STRAP regulates GSK3β function and Notch3 stabilization and further support the oncogenic functions of STRAP.
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Ranganathan P, Weaver KL, Capobianco AJ. Notch signalling in solid tumours: a little bit of everything but not all the time. Nat Rev Cancer 2011; 11:338-51. [PMID: 21508972 DOI: 10.1038/nrc3035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 607] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of Notch in Drosophila melanogaster nearly a century ago opened the door to an ever-widening understanding of cellular processes that are controlled or influenced by Notch signalling. As would be expected with such a pleiotropic pathway, the deregulation of Notch signalling leads to several pathological conditions, including cancer. A role for Notch is well established in haematological malignancies, and more recent studies have provided evidence for the importance of Notch activity in solid tumours. As it is thought to act as an oncogene in some cancers but as a tumour suppressor in others, the role of Notch in solid tumours seems to be highly context dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prathibha Ranganathan
- Department of Surgery and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, FL 33136, USA
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50
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Fukuda A, Wang SC, Morris JP, Folias AE, Liou A, Kim GE, Akira S, Boucher KM, Firpo MA, Mulvihill SJ, Hebrok M. Stat3 and MMP7 contribute to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma initiation and progression. Cancer Cell 2011; 19:441-55. [PMID: 21481787 PMCID: PMC3075548 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2011.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 406] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2010] [Revised: 12/10/2010] [Accepted: 03/01/2011] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pancreatitis is a well-known risk factor for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) development in humans, and inflammation promotes PDA initiation and progression in mouse models of the disease. However, the mechanistic link between inflammatory damage and PDA initiation is unclear. Using a Kras-driven mouse model of PDA, we establish that the inflammatory mediator Stat3 is a critical component of spontaneous and pancreatitis-accelerated PDA precursor formation and supports cell proliferation, metaplasia-associated inflammation, and MMP7 expression during neoplastic development. Furthermore, we show that Stat3 signaling enforces MMP7 expression in PDA cells and that MMP7 deletion limits tumor size and metastasis in mice. Finally, we demonstrate that serum MMP7 level in human patients with PDA correlated with metastatic disease and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akihisa Fukuda
- Diabetes Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Sam C. Wang
- Diabetes Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - John P. Morris
- Diabetes Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Alexandra E. Folias
- Diabetes Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Angela Liou
- Diabetes Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Grace E. Kim
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Shizuo Akira
- Laboratory of Host Defense, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kenneth M. Boucher
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84115, USA
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84115, USA
| | - Matthew A. Firpo
- Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84115, USA
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84115, USA
| | - Sean J. Mulvihill
- Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84115, USA
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84115, USA
| | - Matthias Hebrok
- Diabetes Center, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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