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Cao Y. Lack of basic rationale in epithelial-mesenchymal transition and its related concepts. Cell Biosci 2024; 14:104. [PMID: 39164745 PMCID: PMC11334496 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-024-01282-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is defined as a cellular process during which epithelial cells acquire mesenchymal phenotypes and behavior following the downregulation of epithelial features. EMT and its reversed process, the mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET), and the special form of EMT, the endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), have been considered as mainstream concepts and general rules driving developmental and pathological processes, particularly cancer. However, discrepancies and disputes over EMT and EMT research have also grown over time. EMT is defined as transition between two cellular states, but it is unanimously agreed by EMT researchers that (1) neither the epithelial and mesenchymal states nor their regulatory networks have been clearly defined, (2) no EMT markers or factors can represent universally epithelial and mesenchymal states, and thus (3) EMT cannot be assessed on the basis of one or a few EMT markers. In contrast to definition and proposed roles of EMT, loss of epithelial feature does not cause mesenchymal phenotype, and EMT does not contribute to embryonic mesenchyme and neural crest formation, the key developmental events from which the EMT concept was derived. EMT and MET, represented by change in cell shapes or adhesiveness, or symbolized by EMT factors, are biased interpretation of the overall change in cellular property and regulatory networks during development and cancer progression. Moreover, EMT and MET are consequences rather than driving factors of developmental and pathological processes. The true meaning of EMT in some developmental and pathological processes, such as fibrosis, needs re-evaluation. EMT is believed to endow malignant features, such as migration, stemness, etc., to cancer cells. However, the core property of cancer (tumorigenic) cells is neural stemness, and the core EMT factors are components of the regulatory networks of neural stemness. Thus, EMT in cancer progression is misattribution of the roles of neural stemness to the unknown mesenchymal state. Similarly, neural crest EMT is misattribution of intrinsic property of neural crest cells to the unknown mesenchymal state. Lack of basic rationale in EMT and related concepts urges re-evaluation of their significance as general rules for understanding developmental and pathological processes, and re-evaluation of their significance in scientific research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Cao
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animals for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Medical School of Nanjing University, 12 Xuefu Road, Pukou High-Tech Zone, Nanjing, 210061, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Nanjing University, Shenzhen, China.
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2
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Chen M, Shen C, Chen Y, Chen Z, Zhou K, Chen Y, Li W, Zeng C, Qing Y, Wu D, Xu C, Tang T, Che Y, Qin X, Xu Z, Wang K, Leung K, Sau L, Deng X, Hu J, Wu Y, Chen J. Metformin synergizes with gilteritinib in treating FLT3-mutated leukemia via targeting PLK1 signaling. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101645. [PMID: 39019012 PMCID: PMC11293342 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) mutations, present in over 30% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cases and dominated by FLT3-internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD), are associated with poor outcomes in patients with AML. While tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs; e.g., gilteritinib) are effective, they face challenges such as drug resistance, relapse, and high costs. Here, we report that metformin, a cheap, safe, and widely used anti-diabetic agent, exhibits a striking synergistic effect with gilteritinib in treating FLT3-ITD AML. Metformin significantly sensitizes FLT3-ITD AML cells (including TKI-resistant ones) to gilteritinib. Metformin plus gilteritinib (low dose) dramatically suppresses leukemia progression and prolongs survival in FLT3-ITD AML mouse models. Mechanistically, the combinational treatment cooperatively suppresses polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) expression and phosphorylation of FLT3/STAT5/ERK/mTOR. Clinical analysis also shows improved survival rates in patients with FLT3-ITD AML taking metformin. Thus, the metformin/gilteritinib combination represents a promising and cost-effective treatment for patients with FLT3-mutated AML, particularly for those with low income/affordability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiling Chen
- Department of Hematology, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory on Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China; Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA; Center for RNA Biology and Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Chao Shen
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA; Center for RNA Biology and Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
| | - Yi Chen
- Department of Hematology, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory on Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China
| | - Zhenhua Chen
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA; Center for RNA Biology and Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Keren Zhou
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA
| | - Yuanzhong Chen
- Department of Hematology, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory on Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA; Center for RNA Biology and Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Chengwu Zeng
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA; Department of Hematology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510700, China
| | - Ying Qing
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA; Center for RNA Biology and Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Dong Wu
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA; Center for RNA Biology and Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA; Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Caiming Xu
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics and Experimental Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Biomedical Research Center, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA
| | - Tingting Tang
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA; Center for RNA Biology and Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Yuan Che
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA; Center for RNA Biology and Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Xi Qin
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA; Center for RNA Biology and Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Zhaoxu Xu
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA; Center for RNA Biology and Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Kitty Wang
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA; Center for RNA Biology and Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Keith Leung
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA; Center for RNA Biology and Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Lillian Sau
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA; Center for RNA Biology and Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Xiaolan Deng
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA; Center for RNA Biology and Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
| | - Jianda Hu
- Department of Hematology, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory on Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China; Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian 362000, China.
| | - Yong Wu
- Department of Hematology, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory on Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian 350001, China.
| | - Jianjun Chen
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA; Center for RNA Biology and Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
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3
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Liu Z, Zhang Y, Yu L, Zhang Z, Li G. A miR-361-5p/ ORC6/ PLK1 axis regulates prostate cancer progression. Exp Cell Res 2024; 440:114130. [PMID: 38885805 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2024.114130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most prevalent malignant tumor of the genitourinary system, and metastatic disease has a significant impact on the prognosis of PCa patients. As a result, knowing the processes of PCa development can help patients achieve better outcomes. Here, we investigated the expression and function of ORC6 in PCa. Our findings indicated that ORC6 was elevated in advanced PCa tissues. Patients with PCa who exhibited high levels of ORC6 had a poor prognosis. Following that, we investigated the function of ORC6 in PCa progression using a variety of functional experiments both in vivo and in vitro, and discovered that ORC6 knockdown inhibited PCa cell proliferation, growth, and migration. Furthermore, RNA-seq was employed to examine the molecular mechanism of PCa progression. The results revealed that ORC6 might promote the expression of PLK1, a serine/threonine kinase in PCa cells. We also discovered that ORC6 as a novel miR-361-5p substrate using database analysis, and miR-361-5p was found to lower ORC6 expression. Additionally, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and luciferase reporter tests revealed that the transcription factor E2F1 could regulate ORC6 expression in PCa cells. PLK1 overexpression or miR-361-5p inhibitor treatment effectively removed the inhibitory effects caused by ORC6 silencing. Notably, our data showed that therapeutically targeting the miR-361-5p/ORC6/PLK1 axis may be a viable therapy option for PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqi Liu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230000, China; Anhui Public Health Clinical Center, Hefei, 230000, China; Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230000, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230000, China; Department of Urology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Lin Yu
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Zhiqiang Zhang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230000, China
| | - Guangyuan Li
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230000, China; Anhui Public Health Clinical Center, Hefei, 230000, China.
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Aquino-Acevedo AN, Orengo-Orengo JA, Cruz-Robles ME, Saavedra HI. Mitotic kinases are emerging therapeutic targets against metastatic breast cancer. Cell Div 2024; 19:21. [PMID: 38886738 PMCID: PMC11184769 DOI: 10.1186/s13008-024-00125-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
This review aims to outline mitotic kinase inhibitors' roles as potential therapeutic targets and assess their suitability as a stand-alone clinical therapy or in combination with standard treatments for advanced-stage solid tumors, including triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Breast cancer poses a significant global health risk, with TNBC standing out as the most aggressive subtype. Comprehending the role of mitosis is crucial for understanding how TNBC advances from a solid tumor to metastasis. Chemotherapy is the primary treatment used to treat TNBC. Some types of chemotherapeutic agents target cells in mitosis, thus highlighting the need to comprehend the molecular mechanisms governing mitosis in cancer. This understanding is essential for devising targeted therapies to disrupt these mitotic processes, prevent or treat metastasis, and improve patient outcomes. Mitotic kinases like Aurora kinase A, Aurora Kinase B, never in mitosis gene A-related kinase 2, Threonine-Tyrosine kinase, and Polo-kinase 1 significantly impact cell cycle progression by contributing to chromosome separation and centrosome homeostasis. When these kinases go awry, they can trigger chromosome instability, increase cell proliferation, and activate different molecular pathways that culminate in a transition from epithelial to mesenchymal cells. Ongoing clinical trials investigate various mitotic kinase inhibitors as potential biological treatments against advanced solid tumors. While clinical trials against mitotic kinases have shown some promise in the clinic, more investigation is necessary, since they induce severe adverse effects, particularly affecting the hematopoietic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra N Aquino-Acevedo
- Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University-Ponce Research Institute, 388 Luis Salas Zona Industrial Reparada 2, P.O. Box 7004, Ponce, Puerto Rico, 00716-2347, USA
| | - Joel A Orengo-Orengo
- Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University-Ponce Research Institute, 388 Luis Salas Zona Industrial Reparada 2, P.O. Box 7004, Ponce, Puerto Rico, 00716-2347, USA
| | - Melanie E Cruz-Robles
- Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University-Ponce Research Institute, 388 Luis Salas Zona Industrial Reparada 2, P.O. Box 7004, Ponce, Puerto Rico, 00716-2347, USA
| | - Harold I Saavedra
- Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University-Ponce Research Institute, 388 Luis Salas Zona Industrial Reparada 2, P.O. Box 7004, Ponce, Puerto Rico, 00716-2347, USA.
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5
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Carceles-Cordon M, Orme JJ, Domingo-Domenech J, Rodriguez-Bravo V. The yin and yang of chromosomal instability in prostate cancer. Nat Rev Urol 2024; 21:357-372. [PMID: 38307951 PMCID: PMC11156566 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-023-00845-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Metastatic prostate cancer remains an incurable lethal disease. Studies indicate that prostate cancer accumulates genomic changes during disease progression and displays the highest levels of chromosomal instability (CIN) across all types of metastatic tumours. CIN, which refers to ongoing chromosomal DNA gain or loss during mitosis, and derived aneuploidy, are known to be associated with increased tumour heterogeneity, metastasis and therapy resistance in many tumour types. Paradoxically, high CIN levels are also proposed to be detrimental to tumour cell survival, suggesting that cancer cells must develop adaptive mechanisms to ensure their survival. In the context of prostate cancer, studies indicate that CIN has a key role in disease progression and might also offer a therapeutic vulnerability that can be pharmacologically targeted. Thus, a comprehensive evaluation of the causes and consequences of CIN in prostate cancer, its contribution to aggressive advanced disease and a better understanding of the acquired CIN tolerance mechanisms can translate into new tumour classifications, biomarker development and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jacob J Orme
- Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Josep Domingo-Domenech
- Department of Urology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
| | - Veronica Rodriguez-Bravo
- Department of Urology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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6
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Yin H, Tang Q, Xia H, Bi F. Targeting RAF dimers in RAS mutant tumors: From biology to clinic. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:1895-1923. [PMID: 38799634 PMCID: PMC11120325 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2024.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
RAS mutations occur in approximately 30% of tumors worldwide and have a poor prognosis due to limited therapies. Covalent targeting of KRAS G12C has achieved significant success in recent years, but there is still a lack of efficient therapeutic approaches for tumors with non-G12C KRAS mutations. A highly promising approach is to target the MAPK pathway downstream of RAS, with a particular focus on RAF kinases. First-generation RAF inhibitors have been authorized to treat BRAF mutant tumors for over a decade. However, their use in RAS-mutated tumors is not recommended due to the paradoxical ERK activation mainly caused by RAF dimerization. To address the issue of RAF dimerization, type II RAF inhibitors have emerged as leading candidates. Recent clinical studies have shown the initial effectiveness of these agents against RAS mutant tumors. Promisingly, type II RAF inhibitors in combination with MEK or ERK inhibitors have demonstrated impressive efficacy in RAS mutant tumors. This review aims to clarify the importance of RAF dimerization in cellular signaling and resistance to treatment in tumors with RAS mutations, as well as recent progress in therapeutic approaches to address the problem of RAF dimerization in RAS mutant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanhuan Yin
- Division of Abdominal Cancer, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center and Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Qiulin Tang
- Division of Abdominal Cancer, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center and Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Hongwei Xia
- Division of Abdominal Cancer, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center and Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Feng Bi
- Division of Abdominal Cancer, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center and Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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Li J, Ma R, Lv JL, Ren YS, Tan YJ, Wang HM, Wang ZE, Wang BS, Yu JN, Wang YL, Tian J, Zheng QS. Telocinobufagin, a PLK1 suppressor that inhibits tumor growth and metastasis by modulating CDC25c and CTCF in HNSCC cells. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 127:155440. [PMID: 38452691 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The high metastasis and mortality rates of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) urgently require new treatment targets and drugs. A steroidal component of ChanSu, telocinobufagin (TBG), was verified to have anti-cancer effects in various tumors, but its activity and mechanism in anti-HNSCC were still unknown. PURPOSE This study tried to demonstrate the anti-tumor effect of TBG on HNSCC and verify its potential mechanism. METHODS The effect of TBG on cell proliferation and metastasis were performed and the TBG changed genes were detected by RNA-seq analysis in HNSCC cells. The GSEA and PPI analysis were used to identify the pathways targeted for TBG-regulated genes. Meanwhile, the mechanism of TBG on anti-proliferative and anti-metastasis were investigated in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS The in vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed that TBG has favorable anti-tumor effects by induced G2/M phase arrest and suppressed metastasis in HNSCC cells. Further RNA-seq analysis demonstrated the genes regulated by TBG were enriched at the G2/M checkpoint and PLK1 signaling pathway. Then, the bioinformatic analysis of clinical data found that high expressed PLK1 were closely associated with poor overall survival in HNSCC patients. Furthermore, PLK1 directly and indirectly modulated G2/M phase and metastasis (by regulated CTCF) in HNSCC cells, simultaneously. TBG significantly inhibited the protein levels of PLK1 in both phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated forms and then, in one way, inactivated PLK1 failed to activate G2/M phase-related proteins (including CDK1, CDC25c, and cyclin B1). In another way, be inhibited PLK1 unable promote the nuclear translocation of CTCF and thus suppressed HNSC cell metastasis. In contrast, the anti-proliferative and anti-metastasis effects of TBG on HNSCC cell were vanished when cells high-expressed PLK1. CONCLUSION The present study verified that PLK1 mediated TBG induced anti-tumor effect by modulated G2/M phase and metastasis in HNSCC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Ru Ma
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Jun-Lin Lv
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Yu-Shan Ren
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China; Department of Immunology, Medicine & Pharmacy Research Center, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Yu-Jun Tan
- School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou 221116, China; State Key Laboratory of Generic Manufacture Technology of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Lunan Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd, Linyi, 276000, China
| | - Hao-Mai Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Zhui-En Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Bin-Sheng Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Jia-Ning Yu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China; Department of Thyroid & Breast Surgery, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Yu-Liang Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China.
| | - Jun Tian
- School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou 221116, China.
| | - Qiu-Sheng Zheng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China.
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Lim J, Hwang YS, Yoon HR, Yoo J, Yoon SR, Jung H, Cho HJ, Lee HG. PLK1 phosphorylates RhoGDI1 and promotes cancer cell migration and invasion. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:73. [PMID: 38355643 PMCID: PMC10865702 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03254-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rho guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitor 1 (RhoGDI1) plays an important role in diverse cellular processes by regulating Rho guanosine triphosphate (GTP)ases activity. RhoGDI1 phosphorylation regulates the spatiotemporal activation of Rho GTPases during cell migration. In this study, we identified polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) as a novel kinase of RhoGDI1 and investigated the molecular mechanism by which the interaction between RhoGDI1 and PLK1 regulates cancer cell migration. METHODS Immunoprecipitation, GST pull-down assay, and proximity ligation assay (PLA) were performed to analyze the interaction between RhoGDI1 and PLK1. In vitro kinase assay and immunoprecipitation were performed with Phospho-(Ser/Thr) antibody. We evaluated RhoA activation using RhoGTPases activity assay. Cell migration and invasion were analyzed by transwell assays. RESULTS GST pull-down assays and PLA showed that PLK1 directly interacted with RhoGDI1 in vitro and in vivo. Truncation mutagenesis revealed that aa 90-111 of RhoGDI1 are critical for interacting with PLK1. We also showed that PLK1 phosphorylated RhoGDI1 at Thr7 and Thr91, which induces cell motility. Overexpression of the GFP-tagged RhoGDI1 truncated mutant (aa 90-111) inhibited the interaction of PLK1 with RhoGDI1 and attenuated RhoA activation by PLK1. Furthermore, the overexpression of the RhoGDI1 truncated mutant reduced cancer cell migration and invasion in vitro and suppressed lung metastasis in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, we demonstrate that the phosphorylation of RhoGDI1 by PLK1 promotes cancer cell migration and invasion through RhoA activation. This study connects the interaction between PLK1 and RhoGDI1 to the promotion of cancer cell behavior associated with malignant progression, thereby providing opportunities for cancer therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeewon Lim
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomolecular Science, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Yo Sep Hwang
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyang Ran Yoon
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyun Yoo
- Division of Applied Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Suk Ran Yoon
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomolecular Science, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Haiyoung Jung
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomolecular Science, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Jun Cho
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Biomolecular Science, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hee Gu Lee
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Biomolecular Science, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea.
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Pan YR, Lai JCY, Huang WK, Peng PH, Jung SM, Lin SH, Chen CP, Wu CE, Hung TH, Yu AL, Wu KJ, Yeh CN. PLK1 and its substrate MISP facilitate intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma progression by promoting lymphatic invasion and impairing E-cadherin adherens junctions. Cancer Gene Ther 2024; 31:322-333. [PMID: 38057358 PMCID: PMC10874889 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-023-00705-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is a subtype of CCA and has a high mortality rate and a relatively poor prognosis. However, studies focusing on increased cell motility and loss of epithelial integrity during iCCA progression remain relatively scarce. We collected seven fresh tumor samples from four patients to perform RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and assay for transposase-accessible chromatin using sequencing (ATAC-seq) to determine the transcriptome profile and chromatin accessibility of iCCA. The increased expression of cell cycle regulators, including PLK1 and its substrate MISP, was identified. Ninety-one iCCA patients were used to validate the clinical significance of PLK1 and MISP. The upregulation of PLK1 and MISP was determined in iCCA tissues. Increased expression of PLK1 and MISP was significantly correlated with tumor number, N stage, and lymphatic invasion in an iCCA cohort. Knockdown of PLK1 or MISP reduced trans-lymphatic endothelial migration and wound healing and affected focal adhesions in vitro. In cell‒cell junctions, MISP localized to adherens junctions and suppressed E-cadherin dimerization. PLK1 disrupted adherens junctions in a myosin-dependent manner. Furthermore, PLK1 and MISP promoted cell proliferation in vitro and tumorigenesis in vivo. In iCCA, PLK1 and MISP promote aggressiveness by increasing lymphatic invasion, tumor growth, and motility through the repression of E-cadherin adherens junctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ru Pan
- Department of Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
| | - Joseph Chieh-Yu Lai
- Cancer Genome Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Kuan Huang
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Hua Peng
- Cancer Genome Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Ming Jung
- Department of Pathology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Hsuan Lin
- Department of Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
| | - Chiao-Ping Chen
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
| | - Chiao-En Wu
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
| | - Tsai-Hsien Hung
- Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
| | - Alice L Yu
- Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California in San Diego, San Diego, CA, 92103, USA
| | - Kou-Juey Wu
- Cancer Genome Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan.
| | - Chun-Nan Yeh
- Department of Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan.
- Cancer Genome Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan.
- School of Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan.
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10
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Yuki R, Kuwajima H, Ota R, Ikeda Y, Saito Y, Nakayama Y. Eph signal inhibition potentiates the growth-inhibitory effects of PLK1 inhibition toward cancer cells. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 963:176229. [PMID: 38072041 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Anti-mitotic drugs are clinically used as anti-cancer treatments. Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) is a promising target against cancer cell division due to its importance in the whole process of mitosis, and thus PLK1-targeting agents have been developed in the last few decades. Clinical trial studies show that several PLK1 inhibitors are generally well-tolerated. However, the response rates are limited; therefore, it is needed to improve the efficacy of those drugs. Here, we show that NVP-BHG712, an erythropoietin-producing human hepatocellular (Eph) signaling inhibitor, potentiates the growth-inhibitory effects of the PLK1 inhibitors BI2536 and BI6727 in cancer cells. This combination treatment strongly suppresses cancer spheroid formation. Moreover, the combination drastically arrests cells at mitosis by continuous activation of the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC), thereby inducing apoptosis. SAC activation caused by the combination of NVP-BHG712 and BI2536 is due to the inhibition of centrosome maturation and separation. Although the inactivation level of the PLK1 kinase is comparable between BI2536 treatment alone and combination treatment, the combination treatment strongly inactivates MAPK signaling in mitosis. Since inhibition of MAPK signaling potentiates the efficacy of BI2536 treatment, inactivation of PLK1 kinase and MAPK signaling contributes to the strong inhibition of centrosome separation. These results suggest that Eph signal inhibition potentiates the effect of PLK1 inhibition, leading to strong mitotic arrest via SAC activation and the subsequent reduction of cancer cell survival. The combination of PLK1 inhibition and Eph signal inhibition will provide a new effective strategy for targeting cancer cell division.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuzaburo Yuki
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Kyoto, 607-8414, Japan.
| | - Hiroki Kuwajima
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Kyoto, 607-8414, Japan
| | - Ryoko Ota
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Kyoto, 607-8414, Japan
| | - Yuki Ikeda
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Kyoto, 607-8414, Japan
| | - Youhei Saito
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Kyoto, 607-8414, Japan
| | - Yuji Nakayama
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Kyoto, 607-8414, Japan
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11
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Chhabra G, Singh CK, Ndiaye MA, Su S, Shirley CA, Ahmad N. Role of PLK1/NUMB/NOTCH in epithelial-mesenchymal transition in human melanoma. NPJ Precis Oncol 2024; 8:6. [PMID: 38184733 PMCID: PMC10771520 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-023-00493-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1), a serine/threonine kinase, is overexpressed in melanoma and its expression has been associated with poor disease prognosis. PLK1 has been shown to interact with NUMB, a NOTCH antagonist. However, the exact role of PLK1, NUMB, and NOTCH signaling in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in melanoma progression is unclear. In this study, Affymetrix microarray analysis was performed to determine differentially expressed genes following shRNA-mediated knockdown of PLK1 in human melanoma cells that showed significant modulations in EMT and metastasis-related genes. Using multiple PLK1-modulated melanoma cell lines, we found that PLK1 is involved in the regulation of cell migration, invasion, and EMT via its kinase activity and NOTCH activation. In vitro kinase assay and mass spectrometry analysis demonstrated a previously unknown PLK1 phosphorylation site (Ser413) on NUMB. Overexpression of non-phosphorylatable (S413A) and phosphomimetic (S413D) mutants of NUMB in melanoma cells implicated the involvement of NUMB-S413 phosphorylation in cell migration and invasion, which was independent of NOTCH activation. To determine the clinical relevance of these findings, immunohistochemistry was performed using melanoma tissue microarray, which indicated a strong positive correlation between PLK1 and N-cadherin, a protein required for successful EMT. These findings were supported by TCGA analysis, where expression of high PLK1 with low NUMB or high NOTCH or N-cadherin showed a significant decrease in survival of melanoma patients. Overall, these results suggest a potential role of PLK1 in EMT, migration, and invasion of melanoma cells. Our findings support the therapeutic targeting of PLK1, NUMB, and NOTCH for melanoma management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gagan Chhabra
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Chandra K Singh
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Mary A Ndiaye
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Shengqin Su
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Carl A Shirley
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Nihal Ahmad
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
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12
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Wang P, Laster K, Jia X, Dong Z, Liu K. Targeting CRAF kinase in anti-cancer therapy: progress and opportunities. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:208. [PMID: 38111008 PMCID: PMC10726672 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01903-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The RAS/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascade is commonly dysregulated in human malignancies by processes driven by RAS or RAF oncogenes. Among the members of the RAF kinase family, CRAF plays an important role in the RAS-MAPK signaling pathway, as well as in the progression of cancer. Recent research has provided evidence implicating the role of CRAF in the physiological regulation and the resistance to BRAF inhibitors through MAPK-dependent and MAPK-independent mechanisms. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of solely targeting CRAF kinase activity remains controversial. Moreover, the kinase-independent function of CRAF may be essential for lung cancers with KRAS mutations. It is imperative to develop strategies to enhance efficacy and minimize toxicity in tumors driven by RAS or RAF oncogenes. The review investigates CRAF alterations observed in cancers and unravels the distinct roles of CRAF in cancers propelled by diverse oncogenes. This review also seeks to summarize CRAF-interacting proteins and delineate CRAF's regulation across various cancer hallmarks. Additionally, we discuss recent advances in pan-RAF inhibitors and their combination with other therapeutic approaches to improve treatment outcomes and minimize adverse effects in patients with RAF/RAS-mutant tumors. By providing a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted role of CRAF in cancers and highlighting the latest developments in RAF inhibitor therapies, we endeavor to identify synergistic targets and elucidate resistance pathways, setting the stage for more robust and safer combination strategies for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penglei Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
- Tianjian Laboratory for Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Kyle Laster
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Xuechao Jia
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
- Tianjian Laboratory for Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Zigang Dong
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China.
- Tianjian Laboratory for Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450000, China.
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, AMS, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China.
| | - Kangdong Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China.
- Tianjian Laboratory for Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, 450000, China.
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, AMS, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China.
- Basic Medicine Sciences Research Center, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China.
- Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, Henan, China.
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13
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Schuhwerk H, Brabletz T. Mutual regulation of TGFβ-induced oncogenic EMT, cell cycle progression and the DDR. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 97:86-103. [PMID: 38029866 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
TGFβ signaling and the DNA damage response (DDR) are two cellular toolboxes with a strong impact on cancer biology. While TGFβ as a pleiotropic cytokine affects essentially all hallmarks of cancer, the multifunctional DDR mostly orchestrates cell cycle progression, DNA repair, chromatin remodeling and cell death. One oncogenic effect of TGFβ is the partial activation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), conferring invasiveness, cellular plasticity and resistance to various noxae. Several reports show that both individual networks as well as their interface affect chemo-/radiotherapies. However, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly resolved. EMT often correlates with TGFβ-induced slowing of proliferation, yet numerous studies demonstrate that particularly the co-activated EMT transcription factors counteract anti-proliferative signaling in a partially non-redundant manner. Collectively, evidence piled up over decades underscore a multifaceted, reciprocal inter-connection of TGFβ signaling / EMT with the DDR / cell cycle progression, which we will discuss here. Altogether, we conclude that full cell cycle arrest is barely compatible with the propagation of oncogenic EMT traits and further propose that 'EMT-linked DDR plasticity' is a crucial, yet intricate facet of malignancy, decisively affecting metastasis formation and therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harald Schuhwerk
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Thomas Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
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14
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Xu R, Lee YJ, Kim CH, Min GH, Kim YB, Park JW, Kim DH, Kim JH, Yim H. Invasive FoxM1 phosphorylated by PLK1 induces the polarization of tumor-associated macrophages to promote immune escape and metastasis, amplified by IFITM1. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:302. [PMID: 37968723 PMCID: PMC10652615 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02872-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the mechanism behind immune cell plasticity in cancer metastasis is crucial for identifying key regulators. Previously we found that mitotic factors regulate epithelial-mesenchymal transition, but how these factors convert to metastatic players in the tumor microenvironment (TME) is not fully understood. METHODS The clinical importance of mitotic factors was analyzed by heatmap analysis, a KM plot, and immunohistochemistry in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients. Immunoprecipitation, LC-MS/MS, kinase assay, and site-directed mutagenesis were performed for the interaction and phosphorylation. A tail-vein injection mouse model, Transwell-based 3D culture, microarray analysis, coculture with monocytes, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were used to elucidate the function of phosphorylated FoxM1 in metastasis of TME. RESULTS The phosphorylated FoxM1 at Ser25 by PLK1 acquires the reprogramming ability to stimulate the invasive traits in cancer and influence immune cell plasticity. This invasive form of p-FoxM1 upregulates the expression of IL1A/1B, VEGFA, and IL6 by direct activation, recruiting monocytes and promoting the polarization of M2d-like tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Upregulation of PD-L1 in LUAD having phosphomimetic FoxM1 facilitates immune evasion. In invasive LUAD with phosphomimetic FoxM1, IFITM1 is the most highly expressed through the activation of the STING-TBK1-IRF3 signaling, which enhances FoxM1-mediated signaling. Clinically, higher expression of FOXM1, PLK1, and IFITM1 is inversely correlated with the survival rate of advanced LUAD patients, providing a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of LUAD. CONCLUSION FoxM1-based therapy would be a potential therapeutic strategy for LUAD to reduce TAM polarization, immune escape, and metastasis, since FoxM1 functions as a genetic reprogramming factor reinforcing LUAD malignancy in the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Gyeonggi-Do, 15588, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Joo Lee
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Gyeonggi-Do, 15588, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Hyeon Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Gyeonggi-Do, 15588, Republic of Korea
| | - Ga-Hong Min
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Gyeonggi-Do, 15588, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeo-Bin Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Gyeonggi-Do, 15588, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Won Park
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Gyeonggi-Do, 15588, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Hoon Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Gyeonggi-Do, 15588, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hyun Kim
- Division of Intractable Diseases Research, Department of Chronic Diseases Convergence Research, Korea National Institute of Health, Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-Do, 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyungshin Yim
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Gyeonggi-Do, 15588, Republic of Korea.
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15
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Zhao X, Wang Z, Tang Z, Hu J, Zhou Y, Ge J, Dong J, Xu S. An anoikis-related gene signature for prediction of the prognosis in prostate cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1169425. [PMID: 37664042 PMCID: PMC10469923 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1169425] [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: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study presents a novel approach to predict postoperative biochemical recurrence (BCR) in prostate cancer (PCa) patients which involves constructing a signature based on anoikis-related genes (ARGs). Methods In this study, we utilised data from TCGA-PARD and GEO databases to identify specific ARGs in prostate cancer. We established a signature of these ARGs using Cox regression analysis and evaluated their clinical predictive efficacy and immune-related status through various methods such as Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, subject work characteristics analysis, and CIBERSORT method. Our findings suggest that these ARGs may have potential as biomarkers for prostate cancer prognosis and treatment. To investigate the biological pathways of genes associated with anoikis, we utilised GSVA, GO, and KEGG. The expression of ARGs was confirmed by the HPA database. Furthermore, we conducted PPI analysis to identify the core network of ARGs in PCa. Results Based on analysis of the TCGA database, a set of eight ARGs were identified as prognostic signature genes for prostate cancer. The reliability and validity of this signature were well verified in both the TCGA and GEO codifications. Using this signature, patients were classified into two groups based on their risk for developing BCR. There was a significant difference in BCR-free time between the high and low risk groups (P < 0.05).This signature serves as a dependable and unbiased prognostic factor for predicting biochemical recurrence (BCR) in prostate cancer (PCa) patients. It outperforms clinicopathological characteristics in terms of accuracy and reliability. PLK1 may play a potential regulatory role as a core gene in the development of prostate cancer. Conclusion This signature suggests the potential role of ARGs in the development and progression of PCa and can effectively predict the risk of BCR in PCa patients after surgery. It also provides a basis for further research into the mechanism of ARGs in PCa and for the clinical management of patients with PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Zhao
- Jinling School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Urology, Eastern Theater General Hospital of Medical School Of Nan Jing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zuheng Wang
- Jinling School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Urology, Eastern Theater General Hospital of Medical School Of Nan Jing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zilu Tang
- Jinling School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Urology, Eastern Theater General Hospital of Medical School Of Nan Jing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jun Hu
- Jinling School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Urology, Eastern Theater General Hospital of Medical School Of Nan Jing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yulin Zhou
- Department of Urology, Eastern Theater General Hospital of Medical School Of Nan Jing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jingping Ge
- Department of Urology, Eastern Theater General Hospital of Medical School Of Nan Jing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Dong
- Department of Urology, Eastern Theater General Hospital of Medical School Of Nan Jing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Song Xu
- Jinling School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Urology, Eastern Theater General Hospital of Medical School Of Nan Jing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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16
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Lu C, Zhang X, Schardey J, Wirth U, Heinrich K, Massiminio L, Cavestro GM, Neumann J, Bazhin AV, Werner J, Kühn F. Molecular characteristics of microsatellite stable early-onset colorectal cancer as predictors of prognosis and immunotherapeutic response. NPJ Precis Oncol 2023; 7:63. [PMID: 37393364 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-023-00414-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer (EO-CRC, in patients younger than 50) is increasing worldwide. The specific gene signatures in EO-CRC patients are largely unknown. Since EO-CRC with microsatellite instability is frequently associated with Lynch syndrome, we aimed to comprehensively characterize the tumor microenvironment (TME) and gene expression profiles of EO-CRC with microsatellite stable (MSS-EO-CRC). Here, we demonstrated that MSS-EO-CRC has a similar pattern of tumor-infiltrating immune cells, immunotherapeutic responses, consensus molecular subtypes, and prognosis as late-onset CRC with MSS (MSS-LO-CRC). 133 differential expressed genes were identified as unique gene signatures of MSS-EO-CRC. Moreover, we established a risk score, which was positively associated with PD-L1 expression and could reflect both the level of tumor-infiltrating immune cells and the prognosis of MSS-EO-CRC patients. Application of this score on the anti-PD-L1 treatment cohort demonstrated that the low-risk score group has significant therapeutic advantages and clinical benefits. In addition, candidate driver genes were identified in the different-sidedness of MSS-EO-CRC patients. Altogether, MSS-EO-CRC exhibits distinct molecular profiles that differ from MSS-LO-CRC even though they have a similar TME characterization and survival pattern. Our risk score appears to be robust enough to predict prognosis and immunotherapeutic response and therefore could help to optimize the treatment of MSS-EO-CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Lu
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Department of Colorectal Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention (Ministry of Education), The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for CANCER & Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaopeng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Gastrointestinal Cancer Center, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital of LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Josefine Schardey
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrich Wirth
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Kathrin Heinrich
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Luca Massiminio
- Experimental Gastroenterology Laboratory, Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Department, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Giulia Martina Cavestro
- Experimental Gastroenterology Laboratory, Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Department, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Jens Neumann
- Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Alexandr V Bazhin
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jens Werner
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Florian Kühn
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany.
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany.
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17
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Tripathi K, Maurya N, Goel A, Singhai A, Garg M. Immunohistochemical expressions of EMT markers in pan-RAS-pERK1/2-positive tumors improve diagnosis and prognosis assessment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer and muscle invasive bladder cancer patients. Mol Cell Biochem 2023; 478:1169-1190. [PMID: 36239855 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-022-04579-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Mutation or overexpression renders pan-RAS (rat sarcoma) proteins insensitive to inactivation. Activated pan-RAS communicates signal from the cell surface receptor to activate RAS-MAPK/ERK (RAS-mitogen-activated protein kinases/extracellular signal regulated kinases) signaling and orchestrates epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition-activating transcription factors (EMT-ATFs) reprogramming to induce EMT. Owing to limited studies available in bladder cancer, the present study is taken up to examine the expressions of the EMT-associated markers in pan-RAS-pERK1/2 (pan-RAS-phosphoERK1/2)-positive well-characterized cohort of forty-two non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) and forty-five muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) patients. Immunohistochemical staining was performed on paraffin embedded tissue sections to determine the immunolevels and cellular localization of marker proteins. Semi-quantitative expressions of pan-RAS, pERK1/2, and EMT markers (E-cadherin, Vimentin, N-cadherin, Snail, Slug Twist, and Zeb1) were statistically examined with clinicohistopathological profile of the patients using SPSS, version 20.0 software. The study documents the diagnostic relevance of immunohistochemical expressions of pan-RAS-pERK1/2/EMT-associated markers in order to stratify NMIBC and MIBC patients. Follow-up studies supported the role of altered EMT phenotype in pan-RAS-pERK1/2-activated positive tumors with disease aggressiveness. To the best of our knowledge, our study is the first concluding the impact of altered EMT phenotype via pan-RAS-pERK1/2 axis on the short survival outcome [short overall survival (OS) (p = 0.04), short progression-free survival (PFS) (p = 0.02) and short cancer-specific survival (CSS) (p = 0.03)] of muscle invasive bladder cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Tripathi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, 226007, India
| | - Niharika Maurya
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, 226007, India
| | - Apul Goel
- Department of Urology, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, 226003, India
| | - Atin Singhai
- Department of Pathology, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, 226003, India
| | - Minal Garg
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, 226007, India.
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18
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Ritter A, Kreis NN, Roth S, Friemel A, Safdar BK, Hoock SC, Wildner JM, Allert R, Louwen F, Solbach C, Yuan J. Cancer-educated mammary adipose tissue-derived stromal/stem cells in obesity and breast cancer: spatial regulation and function. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2023; 42:35. [PMID: 36710348 PMCID: PMC9885659 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02592-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and a common cause of cancer-related death in women. It is well recognized that obesity is associated with an enhanced risk of more aggressive breast cancer as well as reduced patient survival. Breast adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (bASCs) are crucial components of the tumor microenvironment. A key step initially involved in this process might be the de-differentiation of bASCs into tumor supporting phenotypes. METHODS In the present work, we isolated bASCs from adipose tissues adjacent to the tumor (aT bASCs) from lean- (ln-aT bASCs, BMI ≤ 25) and breast cancer patients with obesity (ob-aT bASCs, BMI ≥ 35), and analyzed their phenotypes with functional assays and RNA sequencing, compared to their counterparts isolated from adipose tissues distant from the tumor (dT bASCs). RESULTS We show that ln-aT bASCs are susceptible to be transformed into an inflammatory cancer-associated phenotype, whereas ob-aT bASCs are prone to be cancer-educated into a myofibroblastic phenotype. Both ln-aT- and ob-aT bASCs compromise their physiological differentiation capacity, and upregulate metastasis-promoting factors. While ln-aT bASCs stimulate proliferation, motility and chemoresistance by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition of low malignant breast cancer cells, ob-aT bASCs trigger more efficiently a cancer stem cell phenotype in highly malignant breast cancer cells. CONCLUSION Breast cancer-associated bASCs are able to foster malignancy of breast cancer cells by multiple mechanisms, especially, induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and activation of stemness-associated genes in breast cancer cells. Blocking the de-differentiation of bASCs in the tumor microenvironment could be a novel strategy to develop an effective intervention for breast cancer patients. SIGNIFICANCE This study provides mechanistic insights into how obesity affects the phenotype of bASCs in the TME. Moreover, it highlights the molecular changes inside breast cancer cells upon cell-cell interaction with cancer-educated bASCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Ritter
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Nina-Naomi Kreis
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Susanne Roth
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Alexandra Friemel
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Babek Kahn Safdar
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Samira Catharina Hoock
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Julia Maria Wildner
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Roman Allert
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Frank Louwen
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Christine Solbach
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Juping Yuan
- Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt, Germany
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19
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Patterson JC, Varkaris A, Croucher PJP, Ridinger M, Dalrymple S, Nouri M, Xie F, Varmeh S, Jonas O, Whitman MA, Chen S, Rashed S, Makusha L, Luo J, Isaacs JT, Erlander MG, Einstein DJ, Balk SP, Yaffe MB. Plk1 Inhibitors and Abiraterone Synergistically Disrupt Mitosis and Kill Cancer Cells of Disparate Origin Independently of Androgen Receptor Signaling. Cancer Res 2023; 83:219-238. [PMID: 36413141 PMCID: PMC9852064 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-22-1533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abiraterone is a standard treatment for metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) that slows disease progression by abrogating androgen synthesis and antagonizing the androgen receptor (AR). Here we report that inhibitors of the mitotic regulator polo-like kinase-1 (Plk1), including the clinically active third-generation Plk1 inhibitor onvansertib, synergizes with abiraterone in vitro and in vivo to kill a subset of cancer cells from a wide variety of tumor types in an androgen-independent manner. Gene-expression analysis identified an AR-independent synergy-specific gene set signature upregulated upon abiraterone treatment that is dominated by pathways related to mitosis and the mitotic spindle. Abiraterone treatment alone caused defects in mitotic spindle orientation, failure of complete chromosome condensation, and improper cell division independently of its effects on AR signaling. These effects, although mild following abiraterone monotherapy, resulted in profound sensitization to the antimitotic effects of Plk1 inhibition, leading to spindle assembly checkpoint-dependent mitotic cancer cell death and entosis. In a murine patient-derived xenograft model of abiraterone-resistant metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), combined onvansertib and abiraterone resulted in enhanced mitotic arrest and dramatic inhibition of tumor cell growth compared with either agent alone. Overall, this work establishes a mechanistic basis for the phase II clinical trial (NCT03414034) testing combined onvansertib and abiraterone in mCRPC patients and indicates this combination may have broad utility for cancer treatment. SIGNIFICANCE Abiraterone treatment induces mitotic defects that sensitize cancer cells to Plk1 inhibition, revealing an AR-independent mechanism for this synergistic combination that is applicable to a variety of cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse C. Patterson
- Center for Precision Cancer Medicine, David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Departments of Biology and Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Andreas Varkaris
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02114, USA,Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | | | | | - Susan Dalrymple
- Department of Urology, James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA,Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Mannan Nouri
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Fang Xie
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Shohreh Varmeh
- Center for Precision Cancer Medicine, David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Departments of Biology and Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Oliver Jonas
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Matthew A. Whitman
- Center for Precision Cancer Medicine, David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Departments of Biology and Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Sen Chen
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Saleh Rashed
- Center for Precision Cancer Medicine, David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Departments of Biology and Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Lovemore Makusha
- Center for Precision Cancer Medicine, David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Departments of Biology and Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jun Luo
- Department of Urology, James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA,Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - John T. Isaacs
- Department of Urology, James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA,Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | | | - David J. Einstein
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Steven P. Balk
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Michael B. Yaffe
- Center for Precision Cancer Medicine, David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Departments of Biology and Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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20
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Wang MW, Li Z, Chen LH, Wang N, Hu JM, Du J, Pang LJ, Qi Y. Polo-like kinase 1 as a potential therapeutic target and prognostic factor for various human malignancies: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Oncol 2022; 12:917366. [DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.917366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
ObjectiveThe overexpression of polo-like kinase 1 (PLK-1) has been found in a broad spectrum of human tumors, making it an attractive prognostic tumor biomarker. Nowadays, PLK-1 is considered a cancer therapeutic target with clinical therapeutic value. The aim of the present study was to systematically review the prognostic and therapeutic value of PLK-1 in different malignant neoplasms.MethodsA systematic literature search of the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI) databases was conducted between December 2018 and September 2022. In total, 41 published studies were screened, comprising 5,301 patients. We calculated the pooled odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95%CIs for the clinical parameters of patients included in these studies, as well as the pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and corresponding 95% CIs for 5-year overall survival (OS).ResultsOur analysis included 41 eligible studies, representing a total of 5,301 patients. The results showed that overexpression of PLK-1 was significantly associated with poor OS (HR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.18–2.08) and inferior 5-year disease-free survival/relapse-free survival ((HR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.47–2.44). The pooled analysis showed that PLK-1 overexpression was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis, histological grade, clinical stages (p < 0.001 respectively), and tumor grade (p < 0.001). In digestive system neoplasms, PLK-1 overexpression was significantly associated with histopathological classification, primary tumor grade, histological grade, and clinical stages (p = 0.002, p = 0.001, p < 0.0001, respectively). In breast cancer, PLK-1 was significantly associated with 5-year overall survival, histological grade, and lymph node metastasis (p < 0.001, p = 0.003, p < 0.001, respectively). In the female reproductive system, PLK-1 was significantly associated with clinical stage (p = 0.011). In the respiratory system, PLK-1 was significantly associated with clinical stage (p = 0.021).ConclusionOur analysis indicates that high PLK-1 expression is associated with aggressiveness and poor prognosis in malignant neoplasms. Therefore, PLK-1 may be a clinically valuable target for cancer treatment.
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21
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Kong L, Liang C, Li P, Zhang Y, Feng S, Zhang D, Yao R, Yang L, Hao Z, Zhang H, Tian X, Guo C, Du B, Dong J, Zhang Y. Myotubularin‐Related Protein14 Prevents Neointima Formation and Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation by Inhibiting Polo‐Like Kinase1. J Am Heart Assoc 2022; 11:e026174. [DOI: 10.1161/jaha.122.026174] [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: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background
Restenosis is one of the main bottlenecks in restricting the further development of cardiovascular interventional therapy. New signaling molecules involved in the progress have continuously been discovered; however, the specific molecular mechanisms remain unclear. MTMR14 (myotubularin‐related protein 14) is a novel phosphoinositide phosphatase that has a variety of biological functions and is involved in diverse biological processes. However, the role of MTMR14 in vascular biology remains unclear. Herein, we addressed the role of MTMR14 in neointima formation and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation after vessel injury.
Methods and Results
Vessel injury models were established using SMC‐specific conditional MTMR14‐knockout and ‐transgenic mice. Neointima formation was assessed by histopathological methods, and VSMC proliferation and migration were assessed using fluorescence ubiquitination‐based cell cycle indicator, transwell, and scratch wound assay. Neointima formation and the expression of MTMR14 was increased after injury. MTMR14 deficiency accelerated neointima formation and promoted VSMC proliferation after injury, whereas MTMR14 overexpression remarkably attenuated this process. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that MTMR14 suppressed the activation of PLK1 (polo‐like kinase 1) by interacting with it, which further leads to the inhibition of the activation of MEK/ERK/AKT (mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase/extracellular‐signal‐regulated kinase/protein kinase B), thereby inhibiting the proliferation of VSMC from the medial to the intima and thus preventing neointima formation.
Conclusions
MTMR14 prevents neointima formation and VSMC proliferation by inhibiting PLK1. Our findings reveal that MTMR14 serves as an inhibitor of VSMC proliferation and establish a link between MTMR14 and PLK1 in regulating VSMC proliferation. MTMR14 may become a novel potential therapeutic target in the treatment of restenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling‐Yao Kong
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou China
| | - Cui Liang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou China
| | - Peng‐Cheng Li
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou China
| | - Yi‐Wei Zhang
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine Southern Medical University Guangzhou China
| | - Sheng‐Dong Feng
- Department of Cardiology The 7th People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou Zhengzhou China
| | - Dian‐Hong Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou China
| | - Rui Yao
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou China
| | - Lu‐Lu Yang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou China
| | - Zheng‐Yang Hao
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery Union Hospital Wuhan China
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery Union Hospital Wuhan China
| | - Xiao‐Xu Tian
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou China
| | - Chen‐Ran Guo
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou China
| | - Bin‐Bin Du
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou China
| | - Jian‐Zeng Dong
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou China
- Department of Cardiology Beijing Anzhen Hospital Capital Medical University National Clinical Research Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases Beijing China
| | - Yan‐Zhou Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou University Zhengzhou China
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22
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Kong Y, Allison DB, Zhang Q, He D, Li Y, Mao F, Li C, Li Z, Zhang Y, Wang J, Wang C, Brainson CF, Liu X. The kinase PLK1 promotes the development of <i>Kras</i>/<i>Tp53</i>-mutant lung adenocarcinoma through transcriptional activation of the receptor RET. Sci Signal 2022; 15:eabj4009. [PMID: 36194647 PMCID: PMC9737055 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.abj4009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Increased abundance of polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) is observed in various tumor types, particularly in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Here, we found that PLK1 accelerated the progression of LUAD through a mechanism that was independent of its role in mediating mitotic cell division. Analysis of human tumor databases revealed that increased PLK1 abundance in LUAD correlated with mutations in KRAS and p53, with tumor stage, and with reduced survival in patients. In a mouse model of KRAS<sup>G12D</sup>-driven, p53-deficient LUAD, PLK1 overexpression increased tumor burden, decreased tumor cell differentiation, and reduced animal survival. PLK1 overexpression in cultured cells and mice indirectly increased the expression of the gene encoding the receptor tyrosine kinase RET by phosphorylating the transcription factor TTF-1. Signaling by RET and mutant KRAS in these tumors converged to activate the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Pharmacological inhibition of the MAPK pathway kinase MEK combined with inhibition of either RET or PLK1 markedly suppressed tumor growth. Our findings show that PLK1 can amplify MAPK signaling and reveal a potential target for stemming progression in lung cancers with high PLK1 abundance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Kong
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, 40536, USA,Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
| | - Derek B. Allison
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
| | - Qiongsi Zhang
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, 40536, USA,Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
| | - Daheng He
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
| | - Yuntong Li
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
| | - Fengyi Mao
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, 40536, USA,Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
| | - Chaohao Li
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, 40536, USA,Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
| | - Zhiguo Li
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, 40536, USA,Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
| | - Yanquan Zhang
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, 40536, USA,Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
| | - Jianlin Wang
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, 40536, USA,Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
| | - Chi Wang
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
| | - Christine F. Brainson
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, 40536, USA,Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
| | - Xiaoqi Liu
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, 40536, USA,Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA,Corresponding author.
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23
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Liu B, Meng LB, Su JZ, Fan B, Zhao SB, Wang HY, Li T, Wang TY, Zhang AL, Ni XC. PLK1 as one novel target for the poor prognosis of bladder cancer: An observational study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e30723. [PMID: 36181054 PMCID: PMC9524886 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000030723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer (BC) is one of the most common male malignant tumors and the most common urological tumor. However, the molecular mechanism and role of PLK1 on bladder cancer were unclear. Therefore, the study aims to explore the potential part of the overall survival of bladder cancer through bioinformatics analysis. GSE121711 and GSE130598, from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The GEO2R screened differently expressed genes, and DAVID and Metascape were used for functional annotation. The cytoHubba made hub genes identification and expression. A total of 50 BC participants were recruited. After surgery, 50 BC tumor samples from BC patients and 50 adjacent standard bladder tissue samples were obtained. The RT-qPCR assay was performed to verify the expression of hub genes. The Kaplan-Meier Plotter analyzed the effect of hub gene expression for overall survival of BC. The compulsory module of Molecular Complex Detection tool analysis was shown, which included CDK1, TTK, AURKB, MELK, PLK1, and BUB1. And the six hub genes were up-regulated in the BC compared with the normal tissues. The relative expression levels of CDK1, TTK, AURKB, MELK, PLK1, and BUB1 were significantly higher in BC samples compared with the regular kidney tissue groups. The result demonstrated that CDK1, TTK, AURKB, MELK, PLK1, and BUB1 might be considered biomarkers for BC. Overall survival analysis showed that BC patients with high expression level of PLK1 had poorer overall survival times than those with low expression level (P < .05). The expression levels of CDK1, TTK, AURKB, MELK, and BUB1 was not related to the overall survival of BC patients (P > .05). The PLK1 gene might provide new ideas and evidence for bladder cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Liu
- Department of Urinary Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, P. R. China
| | - Ling-Bing Meng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jian-Zhi Su
- Department of Urinary Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, P. R. China
| | - Bo Fan
- Department of Urinary Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, P. R. China
| | - Shi-Bin Zhao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, P. R. China
| | - Hao-Yuan Wang
- Department of Urinary Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, P. R. China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Urinary Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, P. R. China
| | - Tian-Yi Wang
- Department of Urinary Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, P. R. China
| | - Ai-Li Zhang
- Department of Urinary Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, P. R. China
- *Correspondence: Ai-Li Zhang, Department of Urinary Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, No. 12 Jiankang Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province 050000, P. R. China (e-mail: )
| | - Xiao-Chen Ni
- Department of Urinary Surgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, P. R. China
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Human Blood Serum Inhibits Ductal Carcinoma Cells BT474 Growth and Modulates Effect of HER2 Inhibition. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081914. [PMID: 36009461 PMCID: PMC9405390 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Trastuzumab, a HER2-targeted antibody, is widely used for targeted therapy of HER2-positive breast cancer (BC) patients; yet, not all of them respond to this treatment. We investigated here whether trastuzumab activity on the growth of HER2-overexpressing BT474 cells may interfere with human peripheral blood endogenous factors. Among 33 individual BC patient blood samples supplemented to the media, BT474 sensitivity to trastuzumab varied up to 14 times. In the absence of trastuzumab, human peripheral blood serum samples could inhibit growth of BT474, and this effect varied ~10 times for 50 individual samples. In turn, the epidermal growth factor (EGF) suppressed the trastuzumab effect on BT474 cell growth. Trastuzumab treatment increased the proportion of BT474 cells in the G0/G1 phases of cell cycle, while simultaneous addition of EGF decreased it, yet not to the control level. We used RNA sequencing profiling of gene expression to elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in EGF- and human-sera-mediated attenuation of the trastuzumab effect on BT474 cell growth. Bioinformatic analysis of the molecular profiles suggested that trastuzumab acts similarly to the inhibition of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling axis, and the mechanism of EGF suppression of trastuzumab activity may be associated with parallel activation of PKC and transcriptional factors ETV1-ETV5.
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Zhang J, Zhang L, Wang J, Ouyang L, Wang Y. Polo-like Kinase 1 Inhibitors in Human Cancer Therapy: Development and Therapeutic Potential. J Med Chem 2022; 65:10133-10160. [PMID: 35878418 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) plays an important role in a variety of cellular functions, including the regulation of mitosis, DNA replication, autophagy, and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). PLK1 overexpression is often associated with cell proliferation and poor prognosis in cancer patients, making it a promising antitumor target. To date, at least 10 PLK1 inhibitors (PLK1i) have been entered into clinical trials, among which the typical kinase domain (KD) inhibitor BI 6727 (volasertib) was granted "breakthrough therapy designation" by the FDA in 2013. Unfortunately, many other KD inhibitors showed poor specificity, resulting in dose-limiting toxicity, which has greatly impeded their development. Researchers recently discovered many PLK1i with higher selectivity, stronger potency, and better absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination (ADME) characteristics. In this review, we emphasize the structure-activity relationships (SARs) of PLK1i, providing insights into new drugs targeting PLK1 for antitumor clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jifa Zhang
- Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Lele Zhang
- Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiaxing Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis 38163, Tennessee, United States
| | - Liang Ouyang
- Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuxi Wang
- Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
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Chiappa M, Petrella S, Damia G, Broggini M, Guffanti F, Ricci F. Present and Future Perspective on PLK1 Inhibition in Cancer Treatment. Front Oncol 2022; 12:903016. [PMID: 35719948 PMCID: PMC9201472 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.903016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) is the principle member of the well conserved serine/threonine kinase family. PLK1 has a key role in the progression of mitosis and recent evidence suggest its important involvement in regulating the G2/M checkpoint, in DNA damage and replication stress response, and in cell death pathways. PLK1 expression is tightly spatially and temporally regulated to ensure its nuclear activation at the late S-phase, until the peak of expression at the G2/M-phase. Recently, new roles of PLK1 have been reported in literature on its implication in the regulation of inflammation and immunological responses. All these biological processes are altered in tumors and, considering that PLK1 is often found overexpressed in several tumor types, its targeting has emerged as a promising anti-cancer therapeutic strategy. In this review, we will summarize the evidence suggesting the role of PLK1 in response to DNA damage, including DNA repair, cell cycle progression, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, cell death pathways and cancer-related immunity. An update of PLK1 inhibitors currently investigated in preclinical and clinical studies, in monotherapy and in combination with existing chemotherapeutic drugs and targeted therapies will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Chiappa
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri-IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Serena Petrella
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri-IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanna Damia
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri-IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Broggini
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri-IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Guffanti
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri-IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Ricci
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri-IRCCS, Milan, Italy
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Kim CH, Kim DE, Kim DH, Min GH, Park JW, Kim YB, Sung CK, Yim H. Mitotic protein kinase-driven crosstalk of machineries for mitosis and metastasis. Exp Mol Med 2022; 54:414-425. [PMID: 35379935 PMCID: PMC9076678 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-022-00750-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates that mitotic protein kinases are involved in metastatic migration as well as tumorigenesis. Protein kinases and cytoskeletal proteins play a role in the efficient release of metastatic cells from a tumor mass in the tumor microenvironment, in addition to playing roles in mitosis. Mitotic protein kinases, including Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) and Aurora kinases, have been shown to be involved in metastasis in addition to cell proliferation and tumorigenesis, depending on the phosphorylation status and cellular context. Although the genetic programs underlying mitosis and metastasis are different, the same protein kinases and cytoskeletal proteins can participate in both mitosis and cell migration/invasion, resulting in migratory tumors. Cytoskeletal remodeling supports several cellular events, including cell division, movement, and migration. Thus, understanding the contributions of cytoskeletal proteins to the processes of cell division and metastatic motility is crucial for developing efficient therapeutic tools to treat cancer metastases. Here, we identify mitotic kinases that function in cancer metastasis as well as tumorigenesis. Several mitotic kinases, namely, PLK1, Aurora kinases, Rho-associated protein kinase 1, and integrin-linked kinase, are considered in this review, as an understanding of the shared machineries between mitosis and metastasis could be helpful for developing new strategies to treat cancer. Improving understanding of the mechanisms linking cell division and cancer spread (metastasis) could provide novel strategies for treatment. A group of enzymes involved in cell division (mitosis) are also thought to play critical roles in the spread of cancers. Hyungshin Yim at Hanyang University in Ansan, South Korea, and co-workers in Korea and the USA reviewed the roles of several mitotic enzymes that are connected with metastasis as well as tumorigenesis. They discussed how these enzymes modify cytoskeletal proteins and other substrates during cancer progression. Some regulatory control of cell cytoskeletal structures is required for cancer cells to metastasize. Recent research has uncovered crosstalk between mitotic enzymes and metastatic cytoskeletal molecules in various cancers. Targeting mitotic enzymes and the ways they influence cytoskeletal mechanisms could provide valuable therapeutic strategies for suppressing metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Hyeon Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do, 15588, Korea
| | - Da-Eun Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do, 15588, Korea
| | - Dae-Hoon Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do, 15588, Korea
| | - Ga-Hong Min
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do, 15588, Korea
| | - Jung-Won Park
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do, 15588, Korea
| | - Yeo-Bin Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do, 15588, Korea
| | - Chang K Sung
- Department of Biological and Health Sciences, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, TX, 78363, USA
| | - Hyungshin Yim
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do, 15588, Korea.
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Romberg SI, Kreis NN, Friemel A, Roth S, Souto AS, Hoock SC, Fischer K, Nowak T, Solbach C, Louwen F, Ritter A, Yuan J. Human placental mesenchymal stromal cells are ciliated and their ciliation is compromised in preeclampsia. BMC Med 2022; 20:35. [PMID: 35081949 PMCID: PMC8793243 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-021-02203-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The development of the human placenta is tightly coordinated by a multitude of placental cell types, including human chorionic villi mesenchymal stromal cells (hCV-MSCs). Defective hCV-MSCs have been reported in preeclampsia (PE), a gestational hypertensive disease characterized by maternal endothelial dysfunction and systemic inflammation. Our goal was to determine whether hCV-MSCs are ciliated and whether altered ciliation is responsible for defective hCV-MSCs in preeclamptic placentas, as the primary cilium is a hub for signal transduction, which is important for various cellular activities. METHODS In the present work, we collected placental tissues from different gestational stages and we isolated hCV-MSCs from 1st trimester, term control, and preeclamptic placentas. We studied their ciliation, functionality, and impact on trophoblastic cell lines and organoids formed from human trophoblast stem cells (hTSCs) and from the trophoblastic cell line JEG-3 with various cellular and molecular methods, including immunofluorescence staining, gene analysis, spheroid/organoid formation, motility, and cellular network formation assay. The statistical evaluation was performed using a Student's t test (two-tailed and paired or homoscedastic) or an unpaired Mann-Whitney U test (two-tailed). RESULTS The results show that primary cilia appeared abundantly in normal hCV-MSCs, especially in the early development of the placenta. Compared to control hCV-MSCs, the primary cilia were truncated, and there were fewer ciliated hCV-MSCs derived from preeclamptic placentas with impaired hedgehog signaling. Primary cilia are necessary for hCV-MSCs' proper signal transduction, motility, homing, and differentiation, which are impaired in preeclamptic hCV-MSCs. Moreover, hCV-MSCs derived from preeclamptic placentas are significantly less capable of promoting growth and differentiation of placental organoids, as well as cellular network formation. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that the primary cilium is required for the functionality of hCV-MSCs and primary cilia are impaired in hCV-MSCs from preeclamptic placentas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Indira Romberg
- Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe- University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Nina-Naomi Kreis
- Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe- University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Alexandra Friemel
- Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe- University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Susanne Roth
- Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe- University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Alice Steglich Souto
- Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe- University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Samira Catharina Hoock
- Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe- University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Kyra Fischer
- Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe- University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Thorsten Nowak
- Medical practice for Gynecology, Mainzer Landstraße 265, D-60326, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Christine Solbach
- Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe- University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Frank Louwen
- Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe- University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Andreas Ritter
- Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe- University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590, Frankfurt, Germany.
| | - Juping Yuan
- Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Frankfurt, J. W. Goethe- University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590, Frankfurt, Germany.
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Hagege A, Ambrosetti D, Boyer J, Bozec A, Doyen J, Chamorey E, He X, Bourget I, Rousset J, Saada E, Rastoin O, Parola J, Luciano F, Cao Y, Pagès G, Dufies M. The Polo-like kinase 1 inhibitor onvansertib represents a relevant treatment for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma resistant to cisplatin and radiotherapy. Theranostics 2021; 11:9571-9586. [PMID: 34646387 PMCID: PMC8490521 DOI: 10.7150/thno.61711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) represent the 4th most aggressive cancer. 50% of patients relapse to the current treatments combining surgery, radiotherapy and cisplatin and die two years after the diagnosis. Elevated expression of the polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) correlated to a poor prognosis in epidermoid carcinomas. Methods: The molecular links between Plk1 and resistance to cisplatin/radiotherapy were investigated in patients and cell lines resistant to cisplatin and/or to radiotherapy. The therapeutic relevance of the Plk1 inhibitor onvansertib, alone or combined with cisplatin/radiotherapy, was evaluated on the proliferation/migration on HNSCC cell lines, in experimental HNSCC in mice, in a zebrafish metastasis model and on patient-derived 3D tumor sections. Results: Plk1 expression correlated to a bad prognosis in HNSCC and increased after relapse on cisplatin/radiotherapy. Onvansertib induced mitotic arrest, chromosomic abnormalities and polyploidy leading to apoptosis of sensitive and resistant HNSCC cells at nanomolar concentrations without any effects on normal cells. Onvansertib inhibited the growth of experimental HNSCC in mice and metastatic dissemination in zebrafishes. Moreover, onvansertib combined to cisplatin and/or radiotherapy resulted in a synergic induction of tumor cell death. The efficacy of onvansertib alone and in combination with reference treatments was confirmed on 3D viable sections of HNSCC surgical specimens. Conclusions: Targeting Plk1 by onvansertib represents a new strategy for HNSCC patients at the diagnosis in combination with reference treatments, or alone as a second line treatment for HNCSCC patients experiencing relapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anais Hagege
- University Côte d'Azur, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), CNRS UMR 7284; INSERM U1081, Centre Antoine Lacassagne, 06189 Nice, France
- LIA ROPSE, Laboratoire International Associé Université Côte d'Azur - Centre Scientifique de Monaco
| | - Damien Ambrosetti
- University Côte d'Azur, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), CNRS UMR 7284; INSERM U1081, Centre Antoine Lacassagne, 06189 Nice, France
- University Côte d'Azur, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Nice, Hôpital Pasteur, Central laboratory of Pathology, 06000 Nice, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Xingkang He
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Isabelle Bourget
- University Côte d'Azur, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), CNRS UMR 7284; INSERM U1081, Centre Antoine Lacassagne, 06189 Nice, France
| | | | - Esma Saada
- Centre Antoine Lacassagne, 06189 Nice, France
| | - Olivia Rastoin
- University Côte d'Azur, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), CNRS UMR 7284; INSERM U1081, Centre Antoine Lacassagne, 06189 Nice, France
- LIA ROPSE, Laboratoire International Associé Université Côte d'Azur - Centre Scientifique de Monaco
| | - Julien Parola
- University Côte d'Azur, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), CNRS UMR 7284; INSERM U1081, Centre Antoine Lacassagne, 06189 Nice, France
- LIA ROPSE, Laboratoire International Associé Université Côte d'Azur - Centre Scientifique de Monaco
- Centre Antoine Lacassagne, 06189 Nice, France
| | - Frederic Luciano
- University Côte d'Azur, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), CNRS UMR 7284; INSERM U1081, Centre Antoine Lacassagne, 06189 Nice, France
- LIA ROPSE, Laboratoire International Associé Université Côte d'Azur - Centre Scientifique de Monaco
| | - Yihai Cao
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gilles Pagès
- University Côte d'Azur, Institute for Research on Cancer and Aging of Nice (IRCAN), CNRS UMR 7284; INSERM U1081, Centre Antoine Lacassagne, 06189 Nice, France
- LIA ROPSE, Laboratoire International Associé Université Côte d'Azur - Centre Scientifique de Monaco
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Biomedical Department, 8 quai Antoine Premier, 98 000 Monaco, Principality of Monaco
| | - Maeva Dufies
- LIA ROPSE, Laboratoire International Associé Université Côte d'Azur - Centre Scientifique de Monaco
- Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Biomedical Department, 8 quai Antoine Premier, 98 000 Monaco, Principality of Monaco
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PLK1/vimentin signaling facilitates immune escape by recruiting Smad2/3 to PD-L1 promoter in metastatic lung adenocarcinoma. Cell Death Differ 2021; 28:2745-2764. [PMID: 33963314 PMCID: PMC8408167 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-021-00781-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The prerequisite function of vimentin for the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is not clearly elucidated yet. Here, we show that vimentin phosphorylated by PLK1, triggers TGF-β-signaling, which consequently leads to metastasis and PD-L1 expression for immune suppression in lung adenocarcinoma. The clinical correlation between expression of both vimentin and PLK1, and overall survival rates of patients was significant in lung adenocarcinoma but not in squamous cell carcinoma. The phosphorylation of vimentin was accompanied by the activation of PLK1 during TGF-β-induced EMT in lung adenocarcinoma. Among the several phosphorylation sites determined by phospho-proteomic analysis and the site-specific mutagenesis, the phosphorylation at S339 displayed the most effective metastasis and tumourigenesis with the highest expression of PD-L1, compared with that of wild-type and other versions in both 3D cell culture and tail-vein injection metastasis models. Phosphomimetic vimentin at S339 interacted with p-Smad2 for its nuclear localization, leading to the expression of PD-L1. Clinical relevance revealed the inverse correlation between the survival rates of patients and the expressions of VIM, PLK1, and CD274 in primary and metastatic lung adenocarcinoma. Thus, PLK1-mediated phosphorylation of vimentin activates TGF-β signaling pathway, leading to the metastasis and immune escape through the expression of PD-L1, functioning as a shuttling protein in lung adenocarcinoma.
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Al‐Qahtani QH, Moghrabi WN, Al‐Yahya S, Al‐Haj L, Al‐Saif M, Mahmoud L, Al‐Mohanna F, Al‐Souhibani N, Alaiya A, Hitti E, Khabar KSA. Kinome inhibition reveals a role for polo-like kinase 1 in targeting post-transcriptional control in cancer. Mol Oncol 2021; 15:2120-2139. [PMID: 33411958 PMCID: PMC8334256 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysfunctions in post-transcriptional control are observed in cancer and chronic inflammatory diseases. Here, we employed a kinome inhibitor library (n = 378) in a reporter system selective for 3'-untranslated region-AU-rich elements (ARE). Fifteen inhibitors reduced the ARE-reporter activity; among the targets is the polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1). RNA-seq experiments demonstrated that the PLK1 inhibitor, volasertib, reduces the expression of cytokine and cell growth ARE mRNAs. PLK1 inhibition caused accelerated mRNA decay in cancer cells and was associated with reduced phosphorylation and stability of the mRNA decay-promoting protein, tristetraprolin (ZFP36/TTP). Ectopic expression of PLK1 increased abundance and stability of high molecular weight of ZFP36/TTP likely of the phosphorylated form. PLK1 effect was associated with the MAPK-MK2 pathway, a major regulator of ARE-mRNA stability, as evident from MK2 inhibition, in vitro phosphorylation, and knockout experiments. Mutational analysis demonstrates that TTP serine 186 is a target for PLK1 effect. Treatment of mice with the PLK1 inhibitor reduced both ZFP36/TTP phosphorylation in xenograft tumor tissues, and the tumor size. In cancer patients' tissues, PLK1/ARE-regulated gene cluster was overexpressed in solid tumors and associated with poor survival. The data showed that PLK1-mediated post-transcriptional aberration could be a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qamraa H. Al‐Qahtani
- Molecular BioMedicine ProgramFaisal Specialist Hospital and Research CentreRiyadhKingSaudi Arabia
- Present address:
Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologyCollege of PharmacyKing Saud UniversityRiyadh11495Saudi Arabia
| | - Walid N. Moghrabi
- Molecular BioMedicine ProgramFaisal Specialist Hospital and Research CentreRiyadhKingSaudi Arabia
| | - Suhad Al‐Yahya
- Molecular BioMedicine ProgramFaisal Specialist Hospital and Research CentreRiyadhKingSaudi Arabia
| | - Latifa Al‐Haj
- Molecular BioMedicine ProgramFaisal Specialist Hospital and Research CentreRiyadhKingSaudi Arabia
| | - Maher Al‐Saif
- Molecular BioMedicine ProgramFaisal Specialist Hospital and Research CentreRiyadhKingSaudi Arabia
| | - Linah Mahmoud
- Molecular BioMedicine ProgramFaisal Specialist Hospital and Research CentreRiyadhKingSaudi Arabia
| | - Falah Al‐Mohanna
- Department of Comparative MedicineKing Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research CentreRiyadhSaudi Arabia
| | - Norah Al‐Souhibani
- Molecular BioMedicine ProgramFaisal Specialist Hospital and Research CentreRiyadhKingSaudi Arabia
| | - Ayodele Alaiya
- Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering ProgramFaisal Specialist Hospital and Research CentreRiyadhKingSaudi Arabia
| | - Edward Hitti
- Molecular BioMedicine ProgramFaisal Specialist Hospital and Research CentreRiyadhKingSaudi Arabia
| | - Khalid S. A. Khabar
- Molecular BioMedicine ProgramFaisal Specialist Hospital and Research CentreRiyadhKingSaudi Arabia
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Kressin M, Fietz D, Becker S, Strebhardt K. Modelling the Functions of Polo-Like Kinases in Mice and Their Applications as Cancer Targets with a Special Focus on Ovarian Cancer. Cells 2021; 10:1176. [PMID: 34065956 PMCID: PMC8151477 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Polo-like kinases (PLKs) belong to a five-membered family of highly conserved serine/threonine kinases (PLK1-5) that play differentiated and essential roles as key mitotic kinases and cell cycle regulators and with this in proliferation and cellular growth. Besides, evidence is accumulating for complex and vital non-mitotic functions of PLKs. Dysregulation of PLKs is widely associated with tumorigenesis and by this, PLKs have gained increasing significance as attractive targets in cancer with diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic potential. PLK1 has proved to have strong clinical relevance as it was found to be over-expressed in different cancer types and linked to poor patient prognosis. Targeting the diverse functions of PLKs (tumor suppressor, oncogenic) are currently at the center of numerous investigations in particular with the inhibition of PLK1 and PLK4, respectively in multiple cancer trials. Functions of PLKs and the effects of their inhibition have been extensively studied in cancer cell culture models but information is rare on how these drugs affect benign tissues and organs. As a step further towards clinical application as cancer targets, mouse models therefore play a central role. Modelling PLK function in animal models, e.g., by gene disruption or by treatment with small molecule PLK inhibitors offers promising possibilities to unveil the biological significance of PLKs in cancer maintenance and progression and give important information on PLKs' applicability as cancer targets. In this review we aim at summarizing the approaches of modelling PLK function in mice so far with a special glimpse on the significance of PLKs in ovarian cancer and of orthotopic cancer models used in this fatal malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Kressin
- Institute for Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany;
| | - Daniela Fietz
- Institute for Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany;
| | - Sven Becker
- Department of Gynecology, Goethe-University, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany; (S.B.); (K.S.)
| | - Klaus Strebhardt
- Department of Gynecology, Goethe-University, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany; (S.B.); (K.S.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center, Partner Site Frankfurt am Main, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
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Peter AE, Sandeep BV, Rao BG, Kalpana VL. Nanotechnology to the Rescue: Treatment Perspective for the Immune Dysregulation Observed in COVID-19. FRONTIERS IN NANOTECHNOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fnano.2021.644023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The study of the use of nanotechnology for drug delivery has been extensive. Nanomedical approaches for therapeutics; drug delivery in particular is superior to conventional methods in that it allows for controlled targeted delivery and release, higher stability, extended circulation time, minimal side-effects, and improved pharmacokinetic clearance (of the drug) form the body, to name a few. The magnitude of COVID-19, the current ongoing pandemic has been severe; it has caused widespread the loss of human life. In individuals with severe COVID-19, immune dysregulation and a rampant state of hyperinflammation is observed. This kind of an immunopathological response is detrimental and results in rapid disease progression, development of secondary infections, sepsis and can be fatal. Several studies have pin-pointed the reason for this immune dysregulation; deviations in the signaling pathways involved in the mediation and control of immune responses. In severe COVID-19 patients, many signaling cascades including JAK/STAT, NF-κB, MAPK/ERK, TGF beta, VEGF, and Notch signaling were found to be either upregulated or inactivated. Targeting these aberrant signaling pathways in conjunction with antiviral therapy will effectuate mitigation of the hyperinflammation, hypercytokinemia, and promote faster recovery. The science of the use of nanocarriers as delivery agents to modulate these signaling pathways is not new; it has already been explored for other inflammatory diseases and in particular, cancer therapy. Numerous studies have evaluated the efficacy and potential of nanomedical approaches to modulate these signaling pathways and have been met with positive results. A treatment regime, that includes nanotherapeutics and antiviral therapies will prove effective and holds great promise for the successful treatment of COVID-19. In this article, we review different nanomedical approaches already studied for targeting aberrant signaling pathways, the host immune response to SARS-CoV-2, immunopathology and the dysregulated signaling pathways observed in severe COVID-19 and the current treatment methods in use for targeting signaling cascades in COVID-19. We then conclude by suggesting that the use of nanomedical drug delivery systems for targeting signaling pathways can be extended to effectively target the aberrant signaling pathways in COVID-19 for best treatment results.
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Gerdes H, Casado P, Dokal A, Hijazi M, Akhtar N, Osuntola R, Rajeeve V, Fitzgibbon J, Travers J, Britton D, Khorsandi S, Cutillas PR. Drug ranking using machine learning systematically predicts the efficacy of anti-cancer drugs. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1850. [PMID: 33767176 PMCID: PMC7994645 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22170-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Artificial intelligence and machine learning (ML) promise to transform cancer therapies by accurately predicting the most appropriate therapies to treat individual patients. Here, we present an approach, named Drug Ranking Using ML (DRUML), which uses omics data to produce ordered lists of >400 drugs based on their anti-proliferative efficacy in cancer cells. To reduce noise and increase predictive robustness, instead of individual features, DRUML uses internally normalized distance metrics of drug response as features for ML model generation. DRUML is trained using in-house proteomics and phosphoproteomics data derived from 48 cell lines, and it is verified with data comprised of 53 cellular models from 12 independent laboratories. We show that DRUML predicts drug responses in independent verification datasets with low error (mean squared error < 0.1 and mean Spearman's rank 0.7). In addition, we demonstrate that DRUML predictions of cytarabine sensitivity in clinical leukemia samples are prognostic of patient survival (Log rank p < 0.005). Our results indicate that DRUML accurately ranks anti-cancer drugs by their efficacy across a wide range of pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Gerdes
- Cell Signalling & Proteomics Group, Centre for Genomics & Computational Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, UK
| | - Pedro Casado
- Cell Signalling & Proteomics Group, Centre for Genomics & Computational Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, UK
| | - Arran Dokal
- Cell Signalling & Proteomics Group, Centre for Genomics & Computational Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, UK
- Kinomica Ltd, Alderley Park, Alderley Edge, Macclesfield, UK
| | - Maruan Hijazi
- Cell Signalling & Proteomics Group, Centre for Genomics & Computational Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, UK
| | - Nosheen Akhtar
- Cell Signalling & Proteomics Group, Centre for Genomics & Computational Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, UK
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Ruth Osuntola
- Mass spectrometry Laboratory, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, UK
| | - Vinothini Rajeeve
- Mass spectrometry Laboratory, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, UK
| | - Jude Fitzgibbon
- Personalised Medicine Group, Centre for Genomics & Computational Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, UK
| | - Jon Travers
- Astra Zeneca Ltd, 1 Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, UK
| | - David Britton
- Cell Signalling & Proteomics Group, Centre for Genomics & Computational Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, UK
- Kinomica Ltd, Alderley Park, Alderley Edge, Macclesfield, UK
| | | | - Pedro R Cutillas
- Cell Signalling & Proteomics Group, Centre for Genomics & Computational Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, UK.
- Mass spectrometry Laboratory, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, UK.
- The Alan Turing Institute, The British Library, 2QR, London, UK.
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Gheghiani L, Wang L, Zhang Y, Moore XTR, Zhang J, Smith SC, Tian Y, Wang L, Turner K, Jackson-Cook CK, Mukhopadhyay ND, Fu Z. PLK1 Induces Chromosomal Instability and Overrides Cell-Cycle Checkpoints to Drive Tumorigenesis. Cancer Res 2021; 81:1293-1307. [PMID: 33376114 PMCID: PMC8026515 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-1377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) is an essential cell-cycle regulator that is frequently overexpressed in various human cancers. To determine whether Plk1 overexpression drives tumorigenesis, we established transgenic mouse lines that ubiquitously express increased levels of Plk1. High Plk1 levels were a driving force for different types of spontaneous tumors. Increased Plk1 levels resulted in multiple defects in mitosis and cytokinesis, supernumerary centrosomes, and compromised cell-cycle checkpoints, allowing accumulation of chromosomal instability (CIN), which resulted in aneuploidy and tumor formation. Clinically, higher expression of PLK1 positively associated with an increase in genome-wide copy-number alterations in multiple human cancers. This study provides in vivo evidence that aberrant expression of PLK1 triggers CIN and tumorigenesis and highlights potential therapeutic opportunities for CIN-positive cancers. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings establish roles for PLK1 as a potent proto-oncogene and a CIN gene and provide insights for the development of effective treatment regimens across PLK1-overexpressing and CIN-positive cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilia Gheghiani
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Youwei Zhang
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Xavier T R Moore
- Department of Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Jinglei Zhang
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Steven C Smith
- Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Yijun Tian
- Department of Tumor Biology, Moffitt Cancer Center, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Liang Wang
- Department of Tumor Biology, Moffitt Cancer Center, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Kristi Turner
- Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Colleen K Jackson-Cook
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
- Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Nitai D Mukhopadhyay
- Department of Biostatistics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Zheng Fu
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, Virginia.
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Raab CA, Raab M, Becker S, Strebhardt K. Non-mitotic functions of polo-like kinases in cancer cells. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021; 1875:188467. [PMID: 33171265 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2020.188467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Inhibitors of mitotic protein kinases are currently being developed as non-neurotoxic alternatives of microtubule-targeting agents (taxanes, vinca alkaloids) which provide a substantial survival benefit for patients afflicted with different types of solid tumors. Among the mitotic kinases, the cyclin-dependent kinases, the Aurora kinases, the kinesin spindle protein and Polo-like kinases (PLKs) have emerged as attractive targets of cancer therapeutics. The functions of mammalian PLK1-5 are traditionally linked to the regulation of the cell cycle and to the stress response. Especially the key role of PLK1 and PLK4 in cellular growth and proliferation, their overexpression in multiple types of human cancer and their druggability, make them appealing targets for cancer therapy. Inhibitors for PLK1 and PLK4 are currently being tested in multiple cancer trials. The clinical success of microtubule-targeting agents is attributed not solely to the induction of a mitotic arrest in cancer cells, but also to non-mitotic effects like targeting intracellular trafficking on microtubules. This raises the question whether new cancer targets like PLK1 and PLK4 regulate critical non-mitotic functions in tumor cells. In this article we summarize the important roles of PLK1-5 for the regulation of non-mitotic signaling. Due to these functions it is conceivable that inhibitors for PLK1 or PLK4 can target interphase cells, which underscores their attractive potential as cancer drug targets. Moreover, we also describe the contribution of the tumor-suppressors PLK2, PLK3 and PLK5 to cancer cell signaling outside of mitosis. These observations highlight the urgent need to develop highly specific ATP-competitive inhibitors for PLK4 and for PLK1 like the 3rd generation PLK-inhibitor Onvansertib to prevent the inhibition of tumor-suppressor PLKs in- and outside of mitosis. The remarkable feature of PLKs to encompass a unique druggable domain, the polo-box-domain (PBD) that can be found only in PLKs offers the opportunity for the development of inhibitors that target PLKs exclusively. Beyond the development of mono-specific ATP-competitive PLK inhibitors, the PBD as drug target will support the design of new drugs that eradicate cancer cells based on the mitotic and non-mitotic function of PLK1 and PLK4.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Monika Raab
- Department of Gynecology, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Sven Becker
- Department of Gynecology, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Klaus Strebhardt
- Department of Gynecology, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center, Partner Site Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt, Germany.
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Su S, Chhabra G, Ndiaye MA, Singh CK, Ye T, Huang W, Dewey CN, Setaluri V, Ahmad N. PLK1 and NOTCH Positively Correlate in Melanoma and Their Combined Inhibition Results in Synergistic Modulations of Key Melanoma Pathways. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 20:161-172. [PMID: 33177155 PMCID: PMC7790869 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-20-0654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma is one of the most serious forms of skin cancer, and its increasing incidence coupled with nonlasting therapeutic options for metastatic disease highlights the need for additional novel approaches for its management. In this study, we determined the potential interactions between polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1, a serine/threonine kinase involved in mitotic regulation) and NOTCH1 (a type I transmembrane protein deciding cell fate during development) in melanoma. Employing an in-house human melanoma tissue microarray (TMA) containing multiple cases of melanomas and benign nevi, coupled with high-throughput, multispectral quantitative fluorescence imaging analysis, we found a positive correlation between PLK1 and NOTCH1 in melanoma. Furthermore, The Cancer Genome Atlas database analysis of patients with melanoma showed an association of higher mRNA levels of PLK1 and NOTCH1 with poor overall, as well as disease-free, survival. Next, utilizing small-molecule inhibitors of PLK1 and NOTCH (BI 6727 and MK-0752, respectively), we found a synergistic antiproliferative response of combined treatment in multiple human melanoma cells. To determine the molecular targets of the overall and synergistic responses of combined PLK1 and NOTCH inhibition, we conducted RNA-sequencing analysis employing a unique regression model with interaction terms. We identified the modulations of several key genes relevant to melanoma progression/metastasis, including MAPK, PI3K, and RAS, as well as some new genes such as Apobec3G, BTK, and FCER1G, which have not been well studied in melanoma. In conclusion, our study demonstrated a synergistic antiproliferative response of concomitant targeting of PLK1 and NOTCH in melanoma, unraveling a potential novel therapeutic approach for detailed preclinical/clinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengqin Su
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Gagan Chhabra
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Mary A Ndiaye
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Chandra K Singh
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Ting Ye
- Department of Statistics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Colin N Dewey
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Vijayasaradhi Setaluri
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
- William S. Middleton VA Medical Center, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Nihal Ahmad
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin.
- William S. Middleton VA Medical Center, Madison, Wisconsin
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Zhang C, Wang X, Fang D, Xu P, Mo X, Hu C, Abdelatty A, Wang M, Xu H, Sun Q, Zhou G, She J, Xia J, Hui KM, Xia H. STK39 is a novel kinase contributing to the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma by the PLK1/ERK signaling pathway. Theranostics 2021; 11:2108-2122. [PMID: 33500714 PMCID: PMC7797677 DOI: 10.7150/thno.48112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Protein kinases are critical therapeutic targets for curing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). As a serine/threonine kinase, the potential roles of serine/threonine kinase 39 (STK39) in HCC remain to be explored. Methods: The expression of STK39 was examined by RT-qPCR, western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected by CCK8 and TUNEL kit. Cell migration and invasion assays were performed using a transwell system with or without Matrigel. RNA-seq, mass spectrometry and luciferase reporter assays were used to identify STK39 binding proteins. Results: Here, we firstly report that STK39 was highly overexpressed in clinical HCC tissues compared with adjacent tissues, high expression of STK39 was induced by transcription factor SP1 and correlated with poor patient survival. Gain and loss of function assays revealed that overexpression of STK39 promoted HCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion. In contrast, the depletion of STK39 attenuated the growth and metastasis of HCC cells. Moreover, knockdown of STK39 induced the HCC cell cycle arrested in the G2/M phase and promoted apoptosis. In mechanistic studies, RNA-seq revealed that STK39 positively regulated the ERK signaling pathway. Mass spectrometry identified that STK39 bound to PLK1 and STK39 promoted HCC progression and activated ERK signaling pathway dependent on PLK1. Conclusions: Thus, our study uncovers a novel role of STK39/PLK1/ERK signaling axis in the progress of HCC and suggests STK39 as an indicator for prognosis and a potential drug target of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengfei Zhang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Sir Run Run Hospital & State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine & Key Laboratory of Antibody Technique of National Health Commission, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoming Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241001, Anhui, China
| | - Dan Fang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Sir Run Run Hospital & State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine & Key Laboratory of Antibody Technique of National Health Commission, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ping Xu
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Sir Run Run Hospital & State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine & Key Laboratory of Antibody Technique of National Health Commission, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiao Mo
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Sir Run Run Hospital & State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine & Key Laboratory of Antibody Technique of National Health Commission, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chao Hu
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Sir Run Run Hospital & State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine & Key Laboratory of Antibody Technique of National Health Commission, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Alaa Abdelatty
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Sir Run Run Hospital & State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine & Key Laboratory of Antibody Technique of National Health Commission, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mei Wang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Sir Run Run Hospital & State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine & Key Laboratory of Antibody Technique of National Health Commission, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haojun Xu
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Sir Run Run Hospital & State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine & Key Laboratory of Antibody Technique of National Health Commission, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qi Sun
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Sir Run Run Hospital & State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine & Key Laboratory of Antibody Technique of National Health Commission, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guoren Zhou
- Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Junjun She
- Department of High Talent & General Surgery & Med-X Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiao Tong University, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jinglin Xia
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kam Man Hui
- Laboratory of Cancer Genomics, National Cancer Centre Singapore & Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Hongping Xia
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Sir Run Run Hospital & State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine & Key Laboratory of Antibody Technique of National Health Commission, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
- Department of High Talent & General Surgery & Med-X Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiao Tong University, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
- Laboratory of Cancer Genomics, National Cancer Centre Singapore & Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
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Zhao Z, Zhao S, Luo L, Xiang Q, Zhu Z, Wang J, Liu Y, Luo J. miR-199b-5p-DDR1-ERK signalling axis suppresses prostate cancer metastasis via inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Br J Cancer 2020; 124:982-994. [PMID: 33239676 PMCID: PMC7921430 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-01187-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The investigation of underlying mechanism and the exploitation of novel therapies for metastatic prostate cancer (PCa) are still urgently needed. miR-199b-5p has been suggested to function as tumour suppressor in various human cancers. However, the clinical significance and role of miR-199b-5p in PCa remain unclear. Methods The current study sought to investigate the expression status of miR-199b-5p in PCa and the involved molecular mechanisms in PCa metastasis by using bioinformatics analyses, loss-and gain-of-functions and rescue experiments in vitro and in vivo. Results We demonstrated that miR-199b-5p was significantly downregulated in metastatic PCa tissues and cells when compared with the normal prostate tissue, the localised disease, the weakly metastatic and androgen-dependent PCa cell and the normal prostate epithelial cell. We also found that miR-199b-5p drastically suppressed PCa cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro and inhibited xenografts tumour growth and metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, our results showed that miR-199b-5p could inhibit discoidin domain receptor tyrosine kinase 1 (DDR1) expression by directly targeting its 3’-UTR, thereby hindering epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated traits, which were induced by DDR1 activating ERK signalling pathway. Moreover, PCa patients with low miR-199b-5p expression level had a remarkably shorter overall survival than those with high miR-199b-5p level, indicating an association of miR-199b-5p loss with poor prognosis in patients with PCa. Furthermore, DDR1 was upregulated in PCa, and significantly correlated with high Gleason score, advanced pathological stage, tumour metastasis and shorter overall survival. Conclusions Our study, for the first time, provide evidence of a tumour-suppressive function of miR-199b-5p in the invasion and metastasis of PCa, supporting the translational exploitation of miR-199b-5p-based therapeutic approaches for PCa metastases. Also, the miR-199b-5p-DDR1-ERK signalling axis identified in this study represents a novel mechanism of regulating EMT in PCa metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhigang Zhao
- Department of Urology & Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Urology, 510230, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Shankun Zhao
- Department of Urology, Zhejiang Taizhou Central Hospital (Affiliated Hospital of Taizhou University), 318000, Taizhou, China
| | - Lianmin Luo
- Department of Urology & Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Urology, 510230, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qian Xiang
- Department of Urology & Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Urology, 510230, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiguo Zhu
- Department of Urology & Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Urology, 510230, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiamin Wang
- Department of Urology & Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Urology, 510230, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yangzhou Liu
- Department of Urology & Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Urology, 510230, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jintai Luo
- Department of Urology & Andrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Urology, 510230, Guangzhou, China
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Ritter A, Safdar BK, Jasmer B, Kreis NN, Friemel A, Roth S, Solbach C, Louwen F, Yuan J. The Function of Oncogene B-Cell Lymphoma 6 in the Regulation of the Migration and Invasion of Trophoblastic Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218393. [PMID: 33182312 PMCID: PMC7664908 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Human placentation is a highly invasive process. Deficiency in the invasiveness of trophoblasts is associated with a spectrum of gestational diseases, such as preeclampsia (PE). The oncogene B-cell lymphoma 6 (BCL6) is involved in the migration and invasion of various malignant cells. Intriguingly, its expression is deregulated in preeclamptic placentas. We have reported that BCL6 is required for the proliferation, survival, fusion, and syncytialization of trophoblasts. In the present work, we show that the inhibition of BCL6, either by its gene silencing or by using specific small molecule inhibitors, impairs the migration and invasion of trophoblastic cells, by reducing cell adhesion and compromising the dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton. Moreover, the suppression of BCL6 weakens the signals of the phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase, Akt/protein kinase B, and extracellular regulated kinase 1/2, accompanied by more stationary, but less migratory, cells. Interestingly, transcriptomic analyses reveal that a small interfering RNA-induced reduction of BCL6 decreases the levels of numerous genes, such as p21 activated kinase 1, myosin light chain kinase, and gamma actin related to cell adhesion, actin dynamics, and cell migration. These data suggest BCL6 as a crucial player in the migration and invasion of trophoblasts in the early stages of placental development through the regulation of various genes associated with the migratory machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Ritter
- Correspondence: (A.R.); (J.Y.); Tel.: +49-69-6301-83297 (A.R.); +49-69-6301-5819 (J.Y.)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Juping Yuan
- Correspondence: (A.R.); (J.Y.); Tel.: +49-69-6301-83297 (A.R.); +49-69-6301-5819 (J.Y.)
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Ritter A, Roth S, Kreis NN, Friemel A, Hoock SC, Steglich Souto A, Eichbaum C, Neuhoff A, Chen Q, Solbach C, Louwen F, Yuan J. Primary Cilia in Trophoblastic Cells: Potential Involvement in Preeclampsia. Hypertension 2020; 76:1491-1505. [PMID: 33026915 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.120.15433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The pathogenesis of preeclampsia, a pregnancy-related disease, is not completely understood. The primary cilium transduces a diverse array of signaling pathways important for vital cellular activities. Primary cilia were reported to facilitate trophoblastic cell invasion. We hypothesized their further functions in trophoblasts and were interested in related molecular mechanisms. We systematically examined the presence, length and percentage of the primary cilium, its mediated signal transduction, and its connection to trophoblast function. Various cellular and molecular methods were used including immunofluorescence staining, spheroid formation, gene analysis, invasion and tube formation assays with trophoblastic cell lines, primary trophoblasts, and placental tissues. We show that primary cilia are present in various trophoblastic cell lines derived from first trimester placentas. Cilia are also observable in primary trophoblasts, though in a small quantity. Importantly, primary cilia are shortened in trophoblastic cells derived from preeclamptic placentas. Mechanistically, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α or sera from patients with preeclampsia are able to reduce the length of primary cilia and impair the important sonic hedgehog signaling pathway. Functionally, trophoblastic cells with defective cilia display severe failures in their key functions, like migration, invasion and tube formation, also observed in trophoblastic cells depleted of the intraflagellar transport protein 88. This is accompanied by reduced gene expression of matrix metallopeptidases, vascular endothelial growth factor, and placental growth factor. This work highlights the significance of primary cilia in the functions of trophoblastic cells. Dysfunctional cilia may lead to compromised migration, invasion, and endothelial remodeling of trophoblastic cells, contributing to the development of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Ritter
- From the Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital, Goethe University, Germany (A.R., S.R., N.-N.K., A.F., S.C.H., A.S.S., C.E., A.N., C.S., F.L., J.Y.)
| | - Susanne Roth
- From the Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital, Goethe University, Germany (A.R., S.R., N.-N.K., A.F., S.C.H., A.S.S., C.E., A.N., C.S., F.L., J.Y.)
| | - Nina-Naomi Kreis
- From the Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital, Goethe University, Germany (A.R., S.R., N.-N.K., A.F., S.C.H., A.S.S., C.E., A.N., C.S., F.L., J.Y.)
| | - Alexandra Friemel
- From the Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital, Goethe University, Germany (A.R., S.R., N.-N.K., A.F., S.C.H., A.S.S., C.E., A.N., C.S., F.L., J.Y.)
| | - Samira Catharina Hoock
- From the Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital, Goethe University, Germany (A.R., S.R., N.-N.K., A.F., S.C.H., A.S.S., C.E., A.N., C.S., F.L., J.Y.)
| | - Alice Steglich Souto
- From the Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital, Goethe University, Germany (A.R., S.R., N.-N.K., A.F., S.C.H., A.S.S., C.E., A.N., C.S., F.L., J.Y.)
| | - Christine Eichbaum
- From the Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital, Goethe University, Germany (A.R., S.R., N.-N.K., A.F., S.C.H., A.S.S., C.E., A.N., C.S., F.L., J.Y.)
| | - Annemarie Neuhoff
- From the Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital, Goethe University, Germany (A.R., S.R., N.-N.K., A.F., S.C.H., A.S.S., C.E., A.N., C.S., F.L., J.Y.)
| | - Qi Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Auckland, New Zealand (Q.C.).,Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China (Q.C.)
| | - Christine Solbach
- From the Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital, Goethe University, Germany (A.R., S.R., N.-N.K., A.F., S.C.H., A.S.S., C.E., A.N., C.S., F.L., J.Y.)
| | - Frank Louwen
- From the Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital, Goethe University, Germany (A.R., S.R., N.-N.K., A.F., S.C.H., A.S.S., C.E., A.N., C.S., F.L., J.Y.)
| | - Juping Yuan
- From the Division of Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital, Goethe University, Germany (A.R., S.R., N.-N.K., A.F., S.C.H., A.S.S., C.E., A.N., C.S., F.L., J.Y.)
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Ahodantin J, Lekbaby B, Bou Nader M, Soussan P, Kremsdorf D. Hepatitis B virus X protein enhances the development of liver fibrosis and the expression of genes associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transitions and tumor progenitor cells. Carcinogenesis 2020; 41:358-367. [PMID: 31175830 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgz109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) has pleiotropic biological effects, which underlies its potential role in cell transformation. However, its involvement in hepatic fibrosis remains unclear. In this study, we wanted to clarify, in vivo, the role of HBx protein in the development of liver fibrosis. Mice transgenic for the full-length HBx (FL-HBx) were used. To create liver fibrosis, FL-HBx transgenic and control mice were chronically exposed to carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Modulation of the expression of proteins involved in matrix remodeling, hepatic metabolism and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were investigated. In transgenic mice, FL-HBx expression potentiates CCl4-induced liver fibrosis with increased expression of proteins involved in matrix remodeling (Collagen1a, α-Sma, PdgfR-β, MMP-13). In FL-HBx transgenic mice, an increase in EMT was observed with a higher transcription of two inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and TGF-β) and a decrease of glutamine synthetase expression level. This was associated with a sustained cell cycle and hepatocyte polyploidy alteration consistent with p38 and ERK1/2 overactivation, increase of PLK1 transcription, accumulation of SQSTM1/p62 protein and increase expression of Beclin-1. This correlates with a higher expression of tumor progenitor cell markers (AFP, Ly6D and EpCam), indicating a higher risk of progression from fibrosis to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the presence of FL-HBx protein. In conclusion, our results show that FL-HBx protein enhances the development of liver fibrosis and contributes to the progression of liver disease from chronic hepatitis to HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Ahodantin
- Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (CIMI), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm, UMR1135), Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS, ERL8255), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm, UMR1135), Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
| | - Bouchra Lekbaby
- Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (CIMI), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm, UMR1135), Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS, ERL8255), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm, UMR1135), Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
| | - Myriam Bou Nader
- Team Proliferation Stress and Liver Physiopathology, Genome and Cancer, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm), Paris, France.,Sorbonne Unversité, USPC, Paris, France.,Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France.,Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France
| | - Patrick Soussan
- Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (CIMI), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm, UMR1135), Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS, ERL8255), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm, UMR1135), Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
| | - Dina Kremsdorf
- Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (CIMI), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm, UMR1135), Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS, ERL8255), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (Inserm, UMR1135), Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
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43
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Ozkan-Dagliyan I, Diehl JN, George SD, Schaefer A, Papke B, Klotz-Noack K, Waters AM, Goodwin CM, Gautam P, Pierobon M, Peng S, Gilbert TSK, Lin KH, Dagliyan O, Wennerberg K, Petricoin EF, Tran NL, Bhagwat SV, Tiu RV, Peng SB, Herring LE, Graves LM, Sers C, Wood KC, Cox AD, Der CJ. Low-Dose Vertical Inhibition of the RAF-MEK-ERK Cascade Causes Apoptotic Death of KRAS Mutant Cancers. Cell Rep 2020; 31:107764. [PMID: 32553168 PMCID: PMC7393480 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.107764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We address whether combinations with a pan-RAF inhibitor (RAFi) would be effective in KRAS mutant pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Chemical library and CRISPR genetic screens identify combinations causing apoptotic anti-tumor activity. The most potent combination, concurrent inhibition of RAF (RAFi) and ERK (ERKi), is highly synergistic at low doses in cell line, organoid, and rat models of PDAC, whereas each inhibitor alone is only cytostatic. Comprehensive mechanistic signaling studies using reverse phase protein array (RPPA) pathway mapping and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) show that RAFi/ERKi induced insensitivity to loss of negative feedback and system failures including loss of ERK signaling, FOSL1, and MYC; shutdown of the MYC transcriptome; and induction of mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition. We conclude that low-dose vertical inhibition of the RAF-MEK-ERK cascade is an effective therapeutic strategy for KRAS mutant PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irem Ozkan-Dagliyan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - J Nathaniel Diehl
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Samuel D George
- Department of Computer Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Antje Schaefer
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Bjoern Papke
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Kathleen Klotz-Noack
- Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Pathology, Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology and Systems Biology, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrew M Waters
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Craig M Goodwin
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Prson Gautam
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mariaelena Pierobon
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Sen Peng
- Departments of Cancer and Cell Biology, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
| | - Thomas S K Gilbert
- UNC Michael Hooker Proteomics Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Kevin H Lin
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Onur Dagliyan
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Krister Wennerberg
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Emanuel F Petricoin
- Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, George Mason University, Manassas, VA 20110, USA
| | - Nhan L Tran
- Departments of Cancer Biology and Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale, AZ 85259, USA
| | | | - Ramon V Tiu
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA
| | | | - Laura E Herring
- UNC Michael Hooker Proteomics Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Lee M Graves
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Christine Sers
- Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Pathology, Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology and Systems Biology, 10117 Berlin, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Anna-Louise-Karsch-Str. 2, 10178 Berlin, Germany
| | - Kris C Wood
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Adrienne D Cox
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Channing J Der
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Institute of Pathology, Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology and Systems Biology, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
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44
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Gao Z, Man X, Li Z, Bi J, Liu X, Li Z, Li J, Zhang Z, Kong C. PLK1 promotes proliferation and suppresses apoptosis of renal cell carcinoma cells by phosphorylating MCM3. Cancer Gene Ther 2020; 27:412-423. [PMID: 31186514 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-019-0094-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Minichromosome maintenance 3 (MCM3) protein has been widely studied due to its essential role in DNA replication. In addition, it is overexpressed in several human tumor types. However, the role of this protein in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is not widely known. In this study, we demonstrated that polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1)-mediated MCM3 phosphorylation regulates proliferation and apoptosis in RCC. Our results confirm that PLK1 and phospho-MCM3 (p-MCM3) are highly expressed in renal cell carcinoma. The expression of PLK1 is closely related to the clinical characteristics of renal cell carcinoma. They play important roles in the proliferation and apoptosis of RCC. In vitro, after overexpression of PLK1 or MCM3, the proliferation of RCC cells was significantly enhanced and cell apoptosis was inhibited, while after knockout, the proliferation of RCC cells was weakened and cell apoptosis was promoted. In addition, Mn2+-Phos-tag SDS-PAGE, western blotting, and immunofluorescence were utilized to determine that MCM3 is a physiological substrate of PLK1, which is phosphorylated on serine 112 (Ser112) in a PLK1-dependent manner. PLK1-mediated MCM3 phosphorylation promotes RCC cell cycle proliferation and suppresses apoptosis in vitro. Moreover, we found that PLK1-mediated MCM3 phosphorylation induced cellular proliferation and decreased apoptosis, as well as tumor growth in mice. Overall, we conclude that PLK1-mediated MCM3 phosphorylation is a novel mechanism to regulate RCC proliferation and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhipeng Gao
- Department of Urology, First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 North Nanjing Street, Heping, 110001, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiaojun Man
- Department of Urology, First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 North Nanjing Street, Heping, 110001, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Zhenhua Li
- Department of Urology, First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 North Nanjing Street, Heping, 110001, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Jianbin Bi
- Department of Urology, First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 North Nanjing Street, Heping, 110001, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiankui Liu
- Department of Urology, First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 North Nanjing Street, Heping, 110001, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Zeliang Li
- Department of Urology, First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 North Nanjing Street, Heping, 110001, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Urology, First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 North Nanjing Street, Heping, 110001, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Department of Urology, First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 North Nanjing Street, Heping, 110001, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
| | - Chuize Kong
- Department of Urology, First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 North Nanjing Street, Heping, 110001, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
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45
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Parrilla A, Barber M, Majem B, Castellví J, Morote J, Sánchez JL, Pérez-Benavente A, Segura MF, Gil-Moreno A, Santamaria A. Aurora Borealis (Bora), Which Promotes Plk1 Activation by Aurora A, Has an Oncogenic Role in Ovarian Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E886. [PMID: 32268485 PMCID: PMC7226261 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12040886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Identifying novel actionable factors that critically contribute to tumorigenesis is essential in ovarian cancer, an aggressive and disseminative tumor, with limited therapeutic options available. Here we show that Aurora Borealis (BORA), a mitotic protein that plays a key role in activating the master mitotic kinase polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1), has an oncogenic role in ovarian cancer. Gain and loss of function assays on mouse models and ex vivo patient-derived ascites cultures revealed an oncogenic role of BORA in tumor development and a transcriptome-analysis in clinically representative models depicted BORA's role in survival, dissemination and inflammatory cancer related-pathways. Importantly, combinatory treatments of FDA-approved inhibitors against oncogenic downstream effectors of BORA displayed synergistic effect in ovarian cancer models, offering promising therapeutic value. Altogether, our findings uncovered for the first time a critical role of BORA in the viability of human cancer cells providing potential novel therapeutic opportunities for ovarian cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso Parrilla
- Group of Biomedical Research in Urology, Cell Cycle and Cancer Laboratory, Vall Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (A.P.); (M.B.); (B.M.); (J.M.)
| | - Marta Barber
- Group of Biomedical Research in Urology, Cell Cycle and Cancer Laboratory, Vall Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (A.P.); (M.B.); (B.M.); (J.M.)
| | - Blanca Majem
- Group of Biomedical Research in Urology, Cell Cycle and Cancer Laboratory, Vall Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (A.P.); (M.B.); (B.M.); (J.M.)
| | - Josep Castellví
- Department of Pathology, Vall Hebron University Hospital, 08035 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Juan Morote
- Group of Biomedical Research in Urology, Cell Cycle and Cancer Laboratory, Vall Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (A.P.); (M.B.); (B.M.); (J.M.)
- Department of Urology, Vall Hebron University Hospital, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Luis Sánchez
- Group of Biomedical Research in Gynecology, Vall Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), CIBERONC, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (J.L.S.); (A.P.-B.); (A.G.-M.)
- Department of Gynecology, Vall Hebron University Hospital, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Asunción Pérez-Benavente
- Group of Biomedical Research in Gynecology, Vall Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), CIBERONC, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (J.L.S.); (A.P.-B.); (A.G.-M.)
- Department of Gynecology, Vall Hebron University Hospital, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel F. Segura
- Group of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08035 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Antonio Gil-Moreno
- Group of Biomedical Research in Gynecology, Vall Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), CIBERONC, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (J.L.S.); (A.P.-B.); (A.G.-M.)
- Department of Gynecology, Vall Hebron University Hospital, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Santamaria
- Group of Biomedical Research in Urology, Cell Cycle and Cancer Laboratory, Vall Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (A.P.); (M.B.); (B.M.); (J.M.)
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46
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A programmable polymer library that enables the construction of stimuli-responsive nanocarriers containing logic gates. Nat Chem 2020; 12:381-390. [DOI: 10.1038/s41557-020-0426-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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47
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Shin SB, Jang HR, Xu R, Won JY, Yim H. Active PLK1-driven metastasis is amplified by TGF-β signaling that forms a positive feedback loop in non-small cell lung cancer. Oncogene 2020; 39:767-785. [PMID: 31548612 PMCID: PMC6976524 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-019-1023-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Early findings that PLK1 is highly expressed in cancer have driven an exploration of its functions in metastasis. However, whether PLK1 induces metastasis in vivo and its underlying mechanisms in NSCLC have not yet been determined. Here, we show that the expression of active PLK1 phosphorylated at T210, abundant in TGF-β-treated lung cells, potently induced metastasis in a tail-vein injection model. Active PLK1 with intact polo-box and ATP-binding domains accelerated cell motility and invasiveness by triggering EMT reprogramming, whereas a phosphomimetic version of p-S137-PLK1 did not, indicating that the phosphorylation status of PLK1 may determine the cell traits. Active PLK1-driven invasiveness upregulated TGF-β signaling and TSG6 encoded by TNFAIP6. Loss of TNFAIP6 disturbed the metastatic activity induced by active PLK1 or TGF-β. Clinical relevance shows that PLK1 and TNFAIP6 are strong predictors of poor survival rates in metastatic NSCLC patients. Therefore, we suggest that active PLK1 promotes metastasis by upregulating TGF-β signaling, which amplifies its metastatic properties by forming a positive feedback loop and that the PLK1/TGF-β-driven metastasis is effectively blocked by targeting PLK1 and TSG6, providing PLK1 and TSG6 as negative markers for prognostics and therapeutic targets in metastatic NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sol-Bi Shin
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Hay-Ran Jang
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Rong Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Jae-Yeon Won
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
| | - Hyungshin Yim
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do, Korea.
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48
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Zhang J, Wang Y, Li J, Zhao W, Yang Z, Feng Y. α-Santalol functionalized chitosan nanoparticles as efficient inhibitors of polo-like kinase in triple negative breast cancer. RSC Adv 2020; 10:5487-5501. [PMID: 35498298 PMCID: PMC9049642 DOI: 10.1039/c9ra09084c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK-1) is a protein kinase that plays a significant role in the initiation, maintenance, and completion of mitotic processes in the cell cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinku Zhang
- Department of Pathology
- Baoding First Central Hospital
- Baoding
- China
| | - Yanan Wang
- Department of Pathology
- Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University
- Baoding
- China
| | - Jinmei Li
- Department of Pathology
- Baoding First Central Hospital
- Baoding
- China
| | - Wenming Zhao
- Department of Pathology
- Baoding First Central Hospital
- Baoding
- China
| | - Zhao Yang
- College of Life Science and Technology
- Beijing University of Chemical Technology
- Beijing
- China
| | - Yanguang Feng
- Department of Cardiology
- Baoding Qingyuan District People's Hospital
- Baoding
- China
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49
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Pathria G, Lee JS, Hasnis E, Tandoc K, Scott DA, Verma S, Feng Y, Larue L, Sahu AD, Topisirovic I, Ruppin E, Ronai ZA. Translational reprogramming marks adaptation to asparagine restriction in cancer. Nat Cell Biol 2019; 21:1590-1603. [PMID: 31740775 PMCID: PMC7307327 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-019-0415-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
While amino acid restriction remains an attractive strategy for cancer therapy, metabolic adaptations limit its effectiveness. Here we demonstrate a role of translational reprogramming in the survival of asparagine-restricted cancer cells. Asparagine limitation in melanoma and pancreatic cancer cells activates RTK-MAPK as part of a feedforward mechanism involving mTORC1-dependent increase in MNK1 and eIF4E, resulting in enhanced translation of ATF4 mRNA. MAPK inhibition attenuates translational induction of ATF4 and the expression of its target asparagine biosynthesis enzyme ASNS, sensitizing melanoma and pancreatic tumors to asparagine restriction, reflected in their growth inhibition. Correspondingly, low ASNS expression is among the top predictors of response to MAPK signaling inhibitors in melanoma patients and is associated with favorable prognosis, when combined with low MAPK signaling activity. While unveiling a previously unknown axis of adaptation to asparagine deprivation, these studies offer the rationale for clinical evaluation of MAPK inhibitors in combination with asparagine restriction approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Pathria
- Tumor Initiation and Maintenance Program, Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Joo Sang Lee
- Cancer Data Science Lab (CDSL), National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Erez Hasnis
- Tumor Initiation and Maintenance Program, Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kristofferson Tandoc
- Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, Lady Davis Institute, SMBD Jewish General Hospital, and Departments of Experimental Medicine and Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - David A Scott
- Tumor Initiation and Maintenance Program, Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Sachin Verma
- Tumor Initiation and Maintenance Program, Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Yongmei Feng
- Tumor Initiation and Maintenance Program, Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Lionel Larue
- Normal and Pathological Development of Melanocytes, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, INSERM U1021, Orsay, France.,Universitê Paris-Sud and Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR 3347, Orsay, France.,Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Orsay, France
| | - Avinash D Sahu
- Harvard School of Public Health and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ivan Topisirovic
- Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Eytan Ruppin
- Cancer Data Science Lab (CDSL), National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ze'ev A Ronai
- Tumor Initiation and Maintenance Program, Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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Comprehensive Analysis of ERK1/2 Substrates for Potential Combination Immunotherapies. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2019; 40:897-910. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2019.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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