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Timofeev O, Giron P, Lawo S, Pichler M, Noeparast M. ERK pathway agonism for cancer therapy: evidence, insights, and a target discovery framework. NPJ Precis Oncol 2024; 8:70. [PMID: 38485987 PMCID: PMC10940698 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-024-00554-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
At least 40% of human cancers are associated with aberrant ERK pathway activity (ERKp). Inhibitors targeting various effectors within the ERKp have been developed and explored for over two decades. Conversely, a substantial body of evidence suggests that both normal human cells and, notably to a greater extent, cancer cells exhibit susceptibility to hyperactivation of ERKp. However, this vulnerability of cancer cells remains relatively unexplored. In this review, we reexamine the evidence on the selective lethality of highly elevated ERKp activity in human cancer cells of varying backgrounds. We synthesize the insights proposed for harnessing this vulnerability of ERK-associated cancers for therapeutical approaches and contextualize these insights within established pharmacological cancer-targeting models. Moreover, we compile the intriguing preclinical findings of ERK pathway agonism in diverse cancer models. Lastly, we present a conceptual framework for target discovery regarding ERKp agonism, emphasizing the utilization of mutual exclusivity among oncogenes to develop novel targeted therapies for precision oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleg Timofeev
- Institute of Molecular Oncology, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Philipps University, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Philippe Giron
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Clinical Sciences, Research group Genetics, Reproduction and Development, Centre for Medical Genetics, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Steffen Lawo
- CRISPR Screening Core Facility, Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, 50931, Cologne, Germany
| | - Martin Pichler
- Translational Oncology, II. Med Clinics Hematology and Oncology, 86156, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Maxim Noeparast
- Translational Oncology, II. Med Clinics Hematology and Oncology, 86156, Augsburg, Germany.
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Michiels E, Madhloum H, Van Lint S, Messaoudi N, Kunda R, Martens S, Giron P, Olsen C, Lefesvre P, Dusetti N, El Mohajer L, Tomasini R, Hawinkels LJ, Ahsayni F, Nicolle R, Arsenijevic T, Bouchart C, Van Laethem JL, Rooman I. High-resolution and quantitative spatial analysis reveal intra-ductal phenotypic and functional diversification in pancreatic cancer. J Pathol 2024; 262:76-89. [PMID: 37842959 DOI: 10.1002/path.6212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
A 'classical' and a 'basal-like' subtype of pancreatic cancer have been reported, with differential expression of GATA6 and different dosages of mutant KRAS. We established in situ detection of KRAS point mutations and mRNA panels for the consensus subtypes aiming to project these findings to paraffin-embedded clinical tumour samples for spatial quantitative analysis. We unveiled that, next to inter-patient and intra-patient inter-ductal heterogeneity, intraductal spatial phenotypes exist with anti-correlating expression levels of GATA6 and KRASG12D . The basal-like mRNA panel better captured the basal-like cell states than widely used protein markers. The panels corroborated the co-existence of the classical and basal-like cell states in a single tumour duct with functional diversification, i.e. proliferation and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition respectively. Mutant KRASG12D detection ascertained an epithelial origin of vimentin-positive cells in the tumour. Uneven spatial distribution of cancer-associated fibroblasts could recreate similar intra-organoid diversification. This extensive heterogeneity with functional cooperation of plastic tumour cells poses extra challenges to therapeutic approaches. © 2023 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellis Michiels
- Laboratory of Medical & Molecular Oncology (LMMO), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hediel Madhloum
- Laboratory of Medical & Molecular Oncology (LMMO), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Silke Van Lint
- Laboratory of Medical & Molecular Oncology (LMMO), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nouredin Messaoudi
- Department of Surgery, Department of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Department of Advanced Interventional Endoscopy, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZB), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Rastislav Kunda
- Department of Surgery, Department of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Department of Advanced Interventional Endoscopy, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZB), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sandrina Martens
- Laboratory of Medical & Molecular Oncology (LMMO), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Cardio and Organ Systems, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Philippe Giron
- Centre for Medical Genetics, Clinical Sciences, Reproduction and Genetics Research Group, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZB), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Catharina Olsen
- Centre for Medical Genetics, Clinical Sciences, Reproduction and Genetics Research Group, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZB), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pierre Lefesvre
- Department of Anatomo-Pathology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nelson Dusetti
- Cancer Research Center of Marseille (CRCM), INSERM, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille, Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Leila El Mohajer
- Cancer Research Center of Marseille (CRCM), INSERM, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille, Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Richard Tomasini
- Cancer Research Center of Marseille (CRCM), INSERM, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille, Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Lukas Jac Hawinkels
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Farah Ahsayni
- Department of Surgery, Department of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, Department of Advanced Interventional Endoscopy, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZB), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Rémy Nicolle
- Centre de Recherche sur l'inflammation (CRI), INSERM, Paris, France
| | - Tatjana Arsenijevic
- Laboratory of Experimental Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Bruxelles, Belgium
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Digestive Oncology, HUB Bordet Erasme Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Christelle Bouchart
- Department of Radiation-Oncology, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Hospital Universitaire de Bruxelles (HUB) Institut Jules Bordet, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jean-Luc Van Laethem
- Laboratory of Experimental Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Bruxelles, Belgium
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Digestive Oncology, HUB Bordet Erasme Hospital, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ilse Rooman
- Laboratory of Medical & Molecular Oncology (LMMO), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
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Ryckx S, De Schepper J, Giron P, Maes K, Vaeyens F, Wilgenhof K, Lefesvre P, Ernst C, Vanderlinden K, Klink D, Hes F, Vanbesien J, Gies I, Staels W. Peripheral precocious puberty in Li-Fraumeni syndrome: a case report and literature review of pure androgen-secreting adrenocortical tumors. J Med Case Rep 2023; 17:195. [PMID: 37179382 PMCID: PMC10183130 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-023-03889-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pure androgen-secreting adrenocortical tumors are a rare but important cause of peripheral precocious puberty. CASE PRESENTATION Here, we report a pure androgen-secreting adrenocortical tumor in a 2.5-year-old boy presenting with penile enlargement, pubic hair, frequent erections, and rapid linear growth. We confirmed the diagnosis through laboratory tests, medical imaging, and histology. Furthermore, genetic testing detected a pathogenic germline variant in the TP53 gene, molecularly confirming underlying Li-Fraumeni syndrome. DISCUSSION Only 15 well-documented cases of pure androgen-secreting adrenocortical tumors have been reported so far. No clinical or imaging signs were identified to differentiate adenomas from carcinomas, and no other cases of Li-Fraumeni syndrome were diagnosed in the four patients that underwent genetic testing. However, diagnosing Li-Fraumeni syndrome is important as it implies a need for intensive tumor surveillance and avoidance of ionizing radiation. CONCLUSION In this article, we emphasize the need to screen for TP53 gene variants in children with androgen-producing adrenal adenomas and report an association with arterial hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofie Ryckx
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Pediatrics, ZNA Queen Paola Child Hospital, Lindendreef 1, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium.
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Jean De Schepper
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Philippe Giron
- Centre for Medical Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ken Maes
- Centre for Medical Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Freya Vaeyens
- Centre for Medical Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kaat Wilgenhof
- Department of Pathology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pierre Lefesvre
- Department of Pathology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Caroline Ernst
- Department of Radiology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kim Vanderlinden
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Daniel Klink
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Pediatrics, ZNA Queen Paola Child Hospital, Lindendreef 1, 2020, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Frederik Hes
- Centre for Medical Genetics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jesse Vanbesien
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Inge Gies
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Willem Staels
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
- Beta Cell Neogenesis (BENE) Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
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Eggermont C, Gutierrez GJ, De Grève J, Giron P. Inhibition of PLK1 Destabilizes EGFR and Sensitizes EGFR-Mutated Lung Cancer Cells to Small Molecule Inhibitor Osimertinib. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092589. [PMID: 37174055 PMCID: PMC10177332 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) have significantly prolonged survival in EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer patients. However, the development of resistance mechanisms prohibits the curative potential of EGFR TKIs. Combination therapies emerge as a valuable approach to preventing or delaying disease progression. Here, we investigated the combined inhibition of polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) and EGFR in TKI-sensitive EGFR-mutant NSCLC cells. The pharmacological inhibition of PLK1 destabilized EGFR levels and sensitized NSCLC cells to Osimertinib through induction of apoptosis. In addition, we found that c-Cbl, a ubiquitin ligase of EGFR, is a direct phosphorylation target of PLK1 and PLK1 impacts the stability of c-Cbl in a kinase-dependent manner. In conclusion, we describe a novel interaction between mutant EGFR and PLK1 that may be exploited in the clinic. Co-targeting PLK1 and EGFR may improve and prolong the clinical response to EGFR TKI in patients with an EGFR-mutated NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolien Eggermont
- Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Oncology, Oncology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gustavo J Gutierrez
- Laboratory of Pathophysiological Cell Signaling, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jacques De Grève
- Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Oncology, Oncology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
- Centre for Medical Genetics, Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Clinical Sciences, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Philippe Giron
- Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Oncology, Oncology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
- Centre for Medical Genetics, Research Group Reproduction and Genetics, Clinical Sciences, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
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5
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Elsocht M, Giron P, De Grève J, Ballet S. Second generation Spautin-1 analogues targeting EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer cells. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2023; 79:129066. [PMID: 36410591 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2022.129066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Treatment of advanced stage epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is often complicated by the occurrence of acquired resistance, which emphasizes the need for improved treatment options. Based on a previously reported structure-activity relationship (SAR) study of Spautin-1, which resulted in the discovery of 10a, the search for more potent analogues was envisaged through optimization of the amine substituent. Our search led to the discovery of analogue 15b, harbouring the 2-[4-(4-fluoro-phenoxy)-phenyl]ethylamine substituent, among other potent and original analogues, with nanomolar activity towards EGFR-mutant NSCLC cells. Moreover, this compound 15b showed good selectivity for cancer cells over healthy lung epithelial cells and provides additive effects with food and drug administration (FDA) approved EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), as proven by the co-administration of 15b with Afatinib. Altogether, we report promising lead compounds which show the potential to improve current treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Elsocht
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Philippe Giron
- Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Oncology and Center of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Jacques De Grève
- Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Oncology and Center of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Steven Ballet
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium.
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Eggermont C, Giron P, Noeparast M, Vandenplas H, Aza-Blanc P, Gutierrez GJ, De Grève J. The EGFR-STYK1-FGF1 axis sustains functional drug tolerance to EGFR inhibitors in EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:611. [PMID: 35840561 PMCID: PMC9287553 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04994-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients harboring activating mutations in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are sensitive to therapy with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). Despite remarkable clinical responses using EGFR TKI, surviving drug tolerant cells serve as a reservoir from which drug resistant tumors may emerge. This study addresses the need for improved efficacy of EGFR TKI by identifying targets involved in functional drug tolerance against them. To this aim, a high-throughput siRNA kinome screen was performed using two EGFR TKI-sensitive EGFR-mutant NSCLC cell lines in the presence/absence of the second-generation EGFR TKI afatinib. From the screen, Serine/Threonine/Tyrosine Kinase 1 (STYK1) was identified as a target that when downregulated potentiates the effects of EGFR inhibition in vitro. We found that chemical inhibition of EGFR combined with the siRNA-mediated knockdown of STYK1 led to a significant decrease in cancer cell viability and anchorage-independent cell growth. Further, we show that STYK1 selectively interacts with mutant EGFR and that the interaction is disrupted upon EGFR inhibition. Finally, we identified fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1) as a downstream effector of STYK1 in NSCLC cells. Accordingly, downregulation of STYK1 counteracted the afatinib-induced upregulation of FGF1. Altogether, we unveil STYK1 as a valuable target to repress the pool of surviving drug tolerant cells arising upon EGFR inhibition. Co-targeting of EGFR and STYK1 could lead to a better overall outcome for NSCLC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolien Eggermont
- grid.8767.e0000 0001 2290 8069Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Oncology, Oncology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Philippe Giron
- grid.8767.e0000 0001 2290 8069Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Oncology, Oncology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium ,grid.411326.30000 0004 0626 3362Center of Medical Genetics, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Maxim Noeparast
- grid.8767.e0000 0001 2290 8069Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Oncology, Oncology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium ,grid.10253.350000 0004 1936 9756Present Address: Institute of Molecular Oncology, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Philipps University, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Hugo Vandenplas
- grid.8767.e0000 0001 2290 8069Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Oncology, Oncology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pedro Aza-Blanc
- grid.479509.60000 0001 0163 8573Sanford-Burnham-Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037 USA
| | - Gustavo J. Gutierrez
- grid.8767.e0000 0001 2290 8069Laboratory of Pathophysiological Cell Signaling, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium ,grid.476376.70000 0004 0603 3591Present Address: Galapagos NV, Generaal De Wittelaan L11 A3, 2800 Mechelen, Belgium
| | - Jacques De Grève
- Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Oncology, Oncology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium. .,Center of Medical Genetics, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
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7
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Giron P, Eggermont C, Noeparast A, Vandenplas H, Teugels E, Forsyth R, De Wever O, Aza‐Blanc P, Gutierrez GJ, De Grève J. Targeting USP13-mediated drug tolerance increases the efficacy of EGFR inhibition of mutant EGFR in non-small cell lung cancer. Int J Cancer 2021; 148:2579-2593. [PMID: 33210294 PMCID: PMC8048518 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.33404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), activating mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) induce sensitivity to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Despite impressive clinical responses, patients ultimately relapse as a reservoir of drug-tolerant cells persist, which ultimately leads to acquired resistance mechanisms. We performed an unbiased high-throughput siRNA screen to identify proteins that abrogate the response of EGFR-mutant NSCLC to EGFR-targeted therapy. The deubiquitinase USP13 was a top hit resulting from this screen. Targeting USP13 increases the sensitivity to EGFR inhibition with small molecules in vitro and in vivo. USP13 selectively stabilizes mutant EGFR in a peptidase-independent manner by counteracting the action of members of the Cbl family of E3 ubiquitin ligases. We conclude that USP13 is a strong mutant EGFR-specific cotarget that could improve the treatment efficacy of EGFR-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Giron
- Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Oncology; Oncology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and PharmacyVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
- Laboratory of Pathophysiological Cell Signaling, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Bioengineering SciencesVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
- Center of Medical GeneticsUZ BrusselBrusselsBelgium
| | - Carolien Eggermont
- Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Oncology; Oncology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and PharmacyVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
- Laboratory of Pathophysiological Cell Signaling, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Bioengineering SciencesVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
| | - Amir Noeparast
- Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Oncology; Oncology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and PharmacyVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
| | - Hugo Vandenplas
- Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Oncology; Oncology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and PharmacyVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
| | - Erik Teugels
- Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Oncology; Oncology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and PharmacyVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
| | - Ramses Forsyth
- Laboratory of Anatomical and Experimental PathologyUZ BrusselBrusselsBelgium
| | - Olivier De Wever
- Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health SciencesGhent UniversityGhentBelgium
| | - Pedro Aza‐Blanc
- Sanford‐Burnham‐Prebys Medical Discovery InstituteLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Gustavo J. Gutierrez
- Laboratory of Pathophysiological Cell Signaling, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Bioengineering SciencesVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
| | - Jacques De Grève
- Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Oncology; Oncology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine and PharmacyVrije Universiteit BrusselBrusselsBelgium
- Center of Medical GeneticsUZ BrusselBrusselsBelgium
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8
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Elsocht M, Giron P, Maes L, Versées W, Gutierrez GJ, De Grève J, Ballet S. Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR) Study of Spautin-1 to Entail the Discovery of Novel NEK4 Inhibitors. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020635. [PMID: 33435251 PMCID: PMC7827406 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers accounting for the highest number of cancer-related deaths in the world. Despite significant progress including targeted therapies and immunotherapy, the treatment of advanced lung cancer remains challenging. Targeted therapies are highly efficacious at prolonging life, but not curative. In prior work we have identified Ubiquitin Specific Protease 13 (USP13) as a potential target to significantly enhance the efficacy of mutant EGFR inhibition. The current study aimed to develop lead molecules for the treatment of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by developing potent USP13 inhibitors initially starting from Spautin-1, the only available USP13 inhibitor. A SAR study was performed which revealed that increasing the chain length between the secondary amine and phenyl group and introducing a halogen capable of inducing a halogen bond at position 4' of the phenyl group, dramatically increased the activity. However, we could not confirm the binding between Spautin-1 (or its analogues) and USP13 using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) or thermal shift assay (TSA) but do not exclude binding under physiological conditions. Nevertheless, we found that the anti-proliferative activity displayed by Spautin-1 towards EGFR-mutant NSCLC cells in vitro was at least partially associated with kinase inhibition. In this work, we present N-[2-(substituted-phenyl)ethyl]-6-fluoro-4-quinazolinamines as promising lead compounds for the treatment of NSCLC. These analogues are significantly more effective towards EGFR-mutant NSCLC cells than Spautin-1 and act as potent never in mitosis A related kinase 4 (NEK4) inhibitors (IC50~1 µM) with moderate selectivity over other kinases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathias Elsocht
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Philippe Giron
- Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Oncology and Center of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (P.G.); (J.D.G.)
- Laboratory of Pathophysiological Cell Signalling (PACS), Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Laila Maes
- VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; (L.M.); (W.V.)
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Wim Versées
- VIB-VUB Center for Structural Biology, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium; (L.M.); (W.V.)
- Structural Biology Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gustavo J. Gutierrez
- Laboratory of Pathophysiological Cell Signalling (PACS), Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Jacques De Grève
- Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Oncology and Center of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (P.G.); (J.D.G.)
| | - Steven Ballet
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-2-6293292
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9
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Esposito M, Akman HB, Giron P, Ceregido MA, Schepers R, Ramos Paez LC, La Monaca E, De Greve J, Coux O, De Trez C, Lindon C, Gutierrez GJ. USP13 controls the stability of Aurora B impacting progression through the cell cycle. Oncogene 2020; 39:6009-6023. [PMID: 32772043 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-01396-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Aurora B kinase plays essential roles in mitosis. Its protein levels increase before the onset of mitosis and sharply decrease during mitosis exit. The latter decrease is due to a balance between the actions of the E3 ubiquitin ligase anaphase-promoting complex or cyclosome (activated by the Cdh1 adapter), and the deubiquitinating enzyme USP35. Aurora B also executes important functions in interphase. Abnormal modulation of Aurora B in interphase leads to cell cycle defects often linked to aberrant chromosomal condensation and segregation. Very little is however known about how Aurora B levels are regulated in interphase. Here we found that USP13-associates with and stabilizes Aurora B in cells, especially before their entry into mitosis. In order for USP13 to exert its stabilizing effect on Aurora B, their association is promoted by the Aurora B-mediated phosphorylation of USP13 at Serine 114. We also present evidence that USP13 instigates Aurora B deubiquitination and/or protect it from degradation in a non-catalytic manner. In addition, we report that genetic or chemical modulation of the cellular levels/activity of USP13 affects unperturbed cell-cycle progression. Overall our study unveils the molecular and cellular connections of the USP13-Aurora B axis, which potentially participates in the rewiring of the cell cycle happening in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Esposito
- Laboratory of Pathophysiological Cell Signaling, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - H Begum Akman
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1PD, UK
| | - Philippe Giron
- Laboratory of Pathophysiological Cell Signaling, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium.,Laboratory of Molecular and Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - M Angeles Ceregido
- Laboratory of Pathophysiological Cell Signaling, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium.,GlaxoSmithKline, Avenue Pascal, 2-4-6, 1300, Wavre, Belgium
| | - Rogier Schepers
- Laboratory of Pathophysiological Cell Signaling, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium.,VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, Campus Gasthuisberg, Herestraat, 49-B912, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Luis C Ramos Paez
- Laboratory of Pathophysiological Cell Signaling, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium.,Ablynx NV, Technologiepark 21, Zwijnaarde, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Esther La Monaca
- Laboratory of Pathophysiological Cell Signaling, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium.,Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Jacques De Greve
- Laboratory of Molecular and Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Olivier Coux
- CNRS-CRBM, 1919 Route de Mende, 34293, Montpellier, France
| | - Carl De Trez
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Science and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Catherine Lindon
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1PD, UK
| | - Gustavo J Gutierrez
- Laboratory of Pathophysiological Cell Signaling, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium. .,Galapagos NV, Generaal De Wittelaan L11 A3, 2800, Mechelen, Belgium.
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10
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De Greve J, Giron P. Targeting the tyrosine kinase inhibitor-resistant mutant EGFR pathway in lung cancer without targeting EGFR? Transl Lung Cancer Res 2020; 9:1-3. [PMID: 32206546 PMCID: PMC7082287 DOI: 10.21037/tlcr.2020.01.05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jacques De Greve
- Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Oncology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Philippe Giron
- Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Oncology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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11
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De Vlaeminck Y, Lecocq Q, Giron P, Heirman C, Geeraerts X, Bolli E, Movahedi K, Massa S, Schoonooghe S, Thielemans K, Goyvaerts C, Van Ginderachter JA, Breckpot K. Single-domain antibody fusion proteins can target and shuttle functional proteins into macrophage mannose receptor expressing macrophages. J Control Release 2019; 299:107-120. [PMID: 30797866 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2019.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 01/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment of numerous prevalent cancer types is abundantly infiltrated with tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Macrophage mannose receptor (MMR or CD206) expressing TAMs have been shown to be key promoters of tumor progression and major opponents of successful cancer therapy. Therefore, depleting MMR+ TAMs is an interesting approach to synergize with current antitumor therapies. We studied the potential of single-domain antibodies (sdAbs) specific for MMR to target proteins to MMR+ TAMs. Anti-MMR sdAbs were genetically coupled to a reporter protein, mWasabi (wasabi green, WG), generating sdAb "drug" fusion proteins (SFPs), referred to as WG-SFPs. The resulting WG-SFPs were highly efficient in targeting MMR+ macrophages both in vitro and in vivo. As we showed that second mitochondria-derived activator of caspase (SMAC) mimetics modulate MMR+ macrophages, we further coupled the anti-MMR sdAb to an active form of SMAC, referred to as tSMAC. The resulting tSMAC-SFPs were able to bind and upregulate caspase3/7 activity in MMR+ macrophages in vitro. In conclusion, we report the proof-of-concept of an elegant approach to conjugate anti-MMR sdAbs to proteins, which opens new avenues for targeted manipulation of MMR+ tumor-promoting TAMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannick De Vlaeminck
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Quentin Lecocq
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Philippe Giron
- Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Oncology, Oncologic Research Centre, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Carlo Heirman
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Xenia Geeraerts
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Lab, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium; Lab of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Evangelia Bolli
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Lab, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium; Lab of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kiavash Movahedi
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Lab, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium; Lab of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sam Massa
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Lab, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Steve Schoonooghe
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Lab, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium; Lab of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kris Thielemans
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Cleo Goyvaerts
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jo A Van Ginderachter
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Lab, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium; Lab of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
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12
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Noor A, Walser G, Wesseling M, Giron P, Laffra AM, Haddouchi F, De Grève J, Kronenberger P. Production of a mono-biotinylated EGFR nanobody in the E. coli periplasm using the pET22b vector. BMC Res Notes 2018; 11:751. [PMID: 30348204 PMCID: PMC6196415 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-018-3852-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our aim was to produce a mono-biotinylated single domain antibody ('nanobody') specific for the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which is overexpressed in many cancer cells. The binding of the nanobody and its function are tested in cancer cells. The construct could be used to carry variable therapeutic or diagnostic load using biotin-streptavidin bridging. RESULTS The EGFR-specific 7D12 nanobody was genetically fused to an IgA hinge linker and to a C-terminal biotin ligase acceptor sequence, allowing mono-biotinylation in E. coli. Expression was in strain BL21-DE3 from a T7 RNA polymerase driven pET22b vector. The biotinylated nanobody, isolated from the periplasm, was purified using streptavidin-mutein affinity chromatography. Final yields were up to 5 mg/l of cell culture. We showed that the construct could bind to EGFR expressing A431 epidermoid carcinoma cells, and to transiently transformed EGFR overexpressing HEK293T cells and not to EGFR negative control cells. The specificity for the EGFR was further demonstrated by immunoprecipitation. To test the functionality, PC9 non-small cell lung cancer cells were treated with mono-biotinylated nanobody or with streptavidin-coupled tetravalent nanobodies. Both were able to block mutant EGFR phosphorylation and slow down growth of PC9 cells. Tetravalent nanobodies were able to downregulate AKT phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfiah Noor
- Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Oncology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 109, 1090, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Gudrun Walser
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Erasmushogeschool Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 121, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Matthijs Wesseling
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Erasmushogeschool Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 121, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Philippe Giron
- Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Oncology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 109, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Albert-Menno Laffra
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Erasmushogeschool Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 121, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Fatima Haddouchi
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Erasmushogeschool Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 121, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jacques De Grève
- Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Oncology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 109, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Peter Kronenberger
- Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Oncology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 109, 1090, Brussels, Belgium. .,Laboratory of Biotechnology, Erasmushogeschool Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 121, 1090, Brussels, Belgium.
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13
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Noor A, Umelo IA, Kronenberger P, Giron P, De Vlieghere E, De Wever O, Teugels E, De Grève J. Targeting Polo-like kinase 1 and TRAIL enhances apoptosis in non-small cell lung cancer. Oncotarget 2018; 9:28731-28744. [PMID: 29983892 PMCID: PMC6033352 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.25618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) can selectively induce apoptosis in cancer cells without causing damage to normal cells. However, some tumors are resistant to TRAIL monotherapy and clinical studies assessing targeted agents towards the TRAIL receptor have failed to show robust therapeutic activity. Evidence has shown that standard anti-mitotic drugs can induce synergistic apoptosis upon combination with TRAIL via cell cycle arrest. Polo like kinase-1 (PLK1) plays a critical role in different stages of cell cycle progression and mitosis. A number of investigations have demonstrated that PLK1 inhibition causes cell cycle arrest and mitotic catastrophe in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and we thus postulated that PLK1 inhibition could enhance TRAIL-induced apoptosis. We demonstrate that the combination of a TRAIL receptor agonist and a PLK1 inhibitor synergistically reduces cell viability, and strongly increases apoptosis in NSCLC cellular models. Consistent with our in vitro observations, this drug combination also significantly reduces tumor growth in vivo. Our data additionally reveal that G2/M cell cycle arrest and downregulation of Mcl-1 and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activity following PLK1 inhibition may contribute to the sensitization of TRAIL-induced apoptosis in NSCLC. Together, these data support the further exploration of combined TRAIL and PLK1 inhibition in the treatment of NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfiah Noor
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Department of Medical Oncology, Oncologisch Centrum, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ijeoma Adaku Umelo
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Department of Medical Oncology, Oncologisch Centrum, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Peter Kronenberger
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Department of Medical Oncology, Oncologisch Centrum, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Department of Healthcare, Erasmushogeschool Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Philippe Giron
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Department of Medical Oncology, Oncologisch Centrum, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Elly De Vlieghere
- Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Olivier De Wever
- Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Erik Teugels
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Department of Medical Oncology, Oncologisch Centrum, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jacques De Grève
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Department of Medical Oncology, Oncologisch Centrum, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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14
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Decoster L, Giron P, Mignon S, De Grève J. The evolving first-line treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer harbouring epidermal growth factor receptor mutations. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2018; 7:S134-S137. [PMID: 29780706 DOI: 10.21037/tlcr.2018.03.08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lore Decoster
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncology Centre, Universitair Ziekenhuis (UZ Brussel), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussel, Belgium
| | - Philippe Giron
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncology Centre, Universitair Ziekenhuis (UZ Brussel), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussel, Belgium
| | - Sacha Mignon
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncology Centre, Universitair Ziekenhuis (UZ Brussel), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussel, Belgium
| | - Jacques De Grève
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncology Centre, Universitair Ziekenhuis (UZ Brussel), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussel, Belgium
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15
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Sánchez-Flores NA, Olguin MT, Solache-Ríos M, Giron P, Bartolo-Pérez P, Pacheco-Malagón G, Bulbulian S. Behavior of Ni(II) and Mn(II) in single and binary aqueous solutions in the adsorption process by rice hull ashes (RHA). SEP SCI TECHNOL 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/01496395.2017.1355924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- N. A. Sánchez-Flores
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Centro de Ciencias Aplicadas y Desarrollo Tecnológico, Ciudad de México, México
| | - M. T. Olguin
- Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Nucleares, Departamento de Química, Delegación Miguel Hidalgo, México DF, México
| | - M. Solache-Ríos
- Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Nucleares, Departamento de Química, Delegación Miguel Hidalgo, México DF, México
| | - P. Giron
- Instituto de Geología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, México DF, México
| | - P. Bartolo-Pérez
- CINVESTAV-IPN, Unidad Mérida, Departamento de Física Aplicada, Mérida, Yuc., México
| | - G. Pacheco-Malagón
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Centro de Ciencias Aplicadas y Desarrollo Tecnológico, Ciudad de México, México
| | - S. Bulbulian
- Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Centro de Ciencias Aplicadas y Desarrollo Tecnológico, Ciudad de México, México
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16
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Giron P, Noeparast A, De Brakeleer S, De Ridder U, Teugels E, De Greve J. Type II RAF inhibition predicts superior ERK suppression compared to type I RAF inhibition in different BRAF mutant types recurrently found in lung cancer. J Clin Oncol 2017. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2017.35.15_suppl.e23154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
e23154 Background: Somatic driver BRAF mutations account for 6-8% of lung cancers. As opposed to melanoma in which V600E mutant BRAF predominates, the majority of lung cancer-derived BRAF mutations are non-V600. Yet, the efficacy of RAF-inhibitors and the possible resistance mechanisms in non-V600 BRAF mutant cells remain to be uncovered. Recently, we have shown that non-V600 BRAF mutations recurrently found in lung cancer predict sensitivity to the combination of type I RAF inhibitor Dabrafenib and a MEK inhibitor Trametinib. As a single agent, Dabrafenib shows only weak suppression of mutant BRAF-induced ERK signaling; moreover it can induce ERK paradoxical activation in CRAF overexpressing cells. Methods: Several recombinant BRAF expression vectors were generated by performing site-directed mutagenesis. We compared the effects of Dabrafenib and a type II RAF inhibitor (AZD-628) at clinically relevant dose as single agents or in combination with MEK inhibitor Trametinib on ERK activity in HEK293T cells expressing several tumor-derived BRAF mutants and a non-V600 BRAF mutant lung cancer cell line (H1666). Viability and caspase3/7 activation assays were performed using the H1666 cell line model. Results: In contrast to Dabrafenib, AZD-628 does not induce paradoxical ERK activation in CRAF expressing cells. Increased CRAF expression desensitizes BRAF-mutant expressing cells to Dabrafenib but not to AZD-628. Notably, AZD-628 has superior ERK-inhibitory effect in HEK293T cells co-expressing several different BRAF-mutants with CRAF and in H1666 cells. Combination of Trametinib and AZD-628 has superior MEK-inhibitory and pro-apoptotic effect in H1666 cells compared to combined Trametinib/Dabrafenib. Moreover, upon down titration of the RAF inhibitors with a steady dose of Trametinib, AZD-628 resulted in overall stronger effect on viability compared to Dabrafenib. Conclusions: In our in vitro model, we obtained strong indications that at conventional doses, type II RAF-inhibitor AZD628 is superior to type I RAF-inhibitor Dabrafenib in combination with MEK inhibitor Trametinib for the treatment of non-V600 BRAF mutant lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Giron
- Laboratory for Medical and Molecular Oncology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Amir Noeparast
- Medical Oncology, Oncologisch Centrum UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Ulrike De Ridder
- Laboratory for Medical and Molecular Oncology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Erik Teugels
- Medical Oncology, Oncologisch Centrum UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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17
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Ren Z, Aerts JL, Vandenplas H, Wang JA, Gorbenko O, Chen JP, Giron P, Heirman C, Goyvaerts C, Zacksenhaus E, Minden MD, Stambolic V, Breckpot K, De Grève J. Phosphorylated STAT5 regulates p53 expression via BRCA1/BARD1-NPM1 and MDM2. Cell Death Dis 2016; 7:e2560. [PMID: 28005077 PMCID: PMC5260985 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2016.430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Revised: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5) and nucleophosmin (NPM1) are critical regulators of multiple biological and pathological processes. Although a reciprocal regulatory relationship was established between STAT5A and a NPM–ALK fusion protein in T-cell lymphoma, no direct connection between STAT5 and wild-type NPM1 has been documented. Here we demonstrate a mutually regulatory relationship between STAT5 and NPM1. Induction of STAT5 phosphorylation at Y694 (P-STAT5) diminished NPM1 expression, whereas inhibition of STAT5 phosphorylation enhanced NPM1 expression. Conversely, NPM1 not only negatively regulated STAT5 phosphorylation but also preserved unphosphorylated STAT5 level. Mechanistically, we show that NPM1 downregulation by P-STAT5 is mediated by impairing the BRCA1-BARD1 ubiquitin ligase, which controls the stability of NPM1. In turn, decreased NPM1 levels led to suppression of p53 expression, resulting in enhanced cell survival. This study reveals a new STAT5 signaling pathway regulating p53 expression via NPM1 and uncovers new therapeutic targets for anticancer treatment in tumors driven by STAT5 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Ren
- Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Oncology (LMMO), Department of Medical Oncology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of General Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, Oncologisch Centrum of the Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Joeri L Aerts
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Physiology and Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hugo Vandenplas
- Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Oncology (LMMO), Department of Medical Oncology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Medical Oncology, Oncologisch Centrum of the Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jiance A Wang
- Department of Medicine and Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Olena Gorbenko
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jack P Chen
- Department of Medicine and Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Philippe Giron
- Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Oncology (LMMO), Department of Medical Oncology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Medical Oncology, Oncologisch Centrum of the Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Carlo Heirman
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Physiology and Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Cleo Goyvaerts
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Physiology and Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Eldad Zacksenhaus
- Department of Medicine and Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mark D Minden
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Medicine and Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Vuk Stambolic
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Medicine and Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Therapy, Department of Physiology and Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jacques De Grève
- Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Oncology (LMMO), Department of Medical Oncology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Medical Oncology, Oncologisch Centrum of the Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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18
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Umelo I, Noeparast A, Chen G, Renard M, Geers C, Vansteenkiste J, Giron P, De Wever O, Teugels E, De Grève J. Identification of a novel HER3 activating mutation homologous to EGFR-L858R in lung cancer. Oncotarget 2016; 7:3068-83. [PMID: 26689995 PMCID: PMC4823091 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 11/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Somatic mutations found within the tyrosine kinase domain (TKD) of the human epidermal growth factor (HER) family of receptors have been implicated in the development and progression of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, no conclusive reports have described pathogenic mutations in kinase-impaired HER3. Here, we report a case of an advanced chemotherapy-resistant NSCLC, harboring a novel HER3V855A somatic mutation homologous to the EGFRL858Ractivating mutation. Co-expression of HER3V855A and wild-type HER2 enhances ligand-induced transformation of murine and human cell lines, while HER-targeted inhibitors potently suppress mutant HER3 activity. Consistent with these observations, in silico computational modeling predicts that mutant V855A alters the kinase domain and c-terminal end of the HER3 protein. Taken together, these findings provide a basis for the clinical exploration of targeted therapies in HER3 mutant NSCLC and by extrapolation, in other cancers that more frequently carry somatic HER3 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ijeoma Umelo
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Department of Medical Oncology, Oncologisch Centrum, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Amir Noeparast
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Department of Medical Oncology, Oncologisch Centrum, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Gang Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Department of Medical Oncology, Oncologisch Centrum, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | | | | | | | - Philippe Giron
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Department of Medical Oncology, Oncologisch Centrum, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Olivier De Wever
- Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research and Department of Radiotherapy, Universitair Ziekenhuis Gent, Gent, Belgium
| | - Erik Teugels
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Department of Medical Oncology, Oncologisch Centrum, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Jacques De Grève
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Department of Medical Oncology, Oncologisch Centrum, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussels, Bruxelles, Belgium
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Noeparast A, Teugels E, Giron P, Verschelden G, De Brakeleer S, Decoster L, De Grève J. Non-V600 BRAF mutations recurrently found in lung cancer predict sensitivity to the combination of Trametinib and Dabrafenib. Oncotarget 2016; 8:60094-60108. [PMID: 28947956 PMCID: PMC5601124 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Accepted: 06/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately half of BRAF-mutated Non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) harbor a non-V600 BRAF mutation, accounting for ∼40,000 annual deaths worldwide. Recent studies have revealed the benefits of combined targeted therapy with a RAF-inhibitor (Dabrafenib) and a MEK-inhibitor (Trametinib) in treating V600 BRAF mutant cancers, including NSCLC. In contrast, sensitivity of non-V600 BRAF mutations to these inhibitors is not documented. Non-V600 mutations can either increase or impair BRAF kinase activity. However, impaired BRAF kinases can still activate the ERK pathway in a CRAF-dependent manner. Herein, beyond describing a cohort of BRAF mutant NSCLC patients and functionally analyzing 13 tumor-derived BRAF mutations, we demonstrate that both types of non-V600 BRAF mutations can be sensitive to clinically relevant doses of Dabrafenib and Trametinib in HEK293T cells, in lung epithelial cellular model (BEAS-2B) and in human cancer cell lines harboring non-V600 BRAF mutations. ERK activity induced by both types of these mutations is further reduced by combinatorial drug treatment. Moreover, the combination leads to more prolonged ERK inhibition and has anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects in cells harboring both types of non-V600 BRAF mutations. This study provides a basis for the clinical exploration of non-V600 BRAF mutant lung cancers upon treatment with Trametinib and Dabrafenib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Noeparast
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Department of Medical Oncology, Oncologisch Centrum, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Erik Teugels
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Department of Medical Oncology, Oncologisch Centrum, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Philippe Giron
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Department of Medical Oncology, Oncologisch Centrum, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gil Verschelden
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Department of Medical Oncology, Oncologisch Centrum, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sylvia De Brakeleer
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Department of Medical Oncology, Oncologisch Centrum, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lore Decoster
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Department of Medical Oncology, Oncologisch Centrum, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jacques De Grève
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Department of Medical Oncology, Oncologisch Centrum, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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Brunner Y, Giron P, Geiser L, Antinori P, Hochstrasser D, Stoppini L. Development of a rat and human in vitro model for the investigation of testicular toxicity. Toxicol Lett 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2011.05.541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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