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Cavanagh RJ, Monteiro PF, Moloney C, Travanut A, Mehradnia F, Taresco V, Rahman R, Martin SG, Grabowska AM, Ashford MB, Alexander C. Free drug and ROS-responsive nanoparticle delivery of synergistic doxorubicin and olaparib combinations to triple negative breast cancer models. Biomater Sci 2024; 12:1822-1840. [PMID: 38407276 DOI: 10.1039/d3bm01931d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Combinations of the topoisomerase II inhibitor doxorubicin and the poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitor olaparib offer potential drug-drug synergy for the treatment of triple negative breast cancers (TNBC). In this study we performed in vitro screening of combinations of these drugs, administered directly or encapsulated within polymer nanoparticles, in both 2D and in 3D spheroid models of breast cancer. A variety of assays were used to evaluate drug potency, and calculations of combination index (CI) values indicated that synergistic effects of drug combinations occurred in a molar-ratio dependent manner. It is suggested that the mechanisms of synergy were related to enhancement of DNA damage as shown by the level of double-strand DNA breaks, and mechanisms of antagonism associated with mitochondrial mediated cell survival, as indicated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Enhanced drug delivery and potency was observed with nanoparticle formulations, with a greater extent of doxorubicin localised to cell nuclei as evidenced by microscopy, and higher cytotoxicity at the same time points compared to free drugs. Together, the work presented identifies specific combinations of doxorubicin and olaparib which were most effective in a panel of TNBC cell lines, explores the mechanisms by which these combined agents might act, and shows that formulation of these drug combinations into polymeric nanoparticles at specific ratios conserves synergistic action and enhanced potency in vitro compared to the free drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patrícia F Monteiro
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, UK
| | - Cara Moloney
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
- School of Medicine, BioDiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | | | | | | | - Ruman Rahman
- School of Medicine, BioDiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Stewart G Martin
- School of Medicine, BioDiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Anna M Grabowska
- School of Medicine, BioDiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Marianne B Ashford
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, UK
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2
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Brown TJ, Rutland CS, Choi KK, Tse F, Peffers MJ, Mongan NP, Arkill KP, Ritchie A, Clarke PA, Ratan H, Allegrucci C, Grabowska AM, James V. Modulation of the pre-metastatic bone niche: molecular changes mediated by bone-homing prostate cancer extracellular vesicles. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1354606. [PMID: 38455075 PMCID: PMC10919403 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1354606] [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: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is a leading male malignancy worldwide, often progressing to bone metastasis, with limited curative options. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as key players in cancer communication and metastasis, promoting the formation of supportive microenvironments in distant sites. Our previous studies have highlighted the role of PCa EVs in modulating osteoblasts and facilitating tumor progression. However, the early pre-metastatic changes induced by PCa EVs within the bone microenvironment remain poorly understood. To investigate the early effects of repeated exposure to PCa EVs in vivo, mimicking EVs being shed from the primary tumor, PCa EVs isolated from cell line PC3MLuc2a were fluorescently labelled and repeatedly administered via tail vein injection to adult CD1 NuNu male mice for a period of 4 weeks. In vivo imagining, histological analysis and gene expression profiling were performed to assess the impact of PCa EVs on the bone microenvironment. We demonstrate for the first time that PCa EVs home to both bone and lymph nodes following repeated exposures. Furthermore, the accumulation of EVs within the bone leads to distinct molecular changes indicative of disrupted bone homeostasis (e.g., changes to signaling pathways such as Paxillin p = 0.0163, Estrogen Receptor p = 0.0271, RHOA p = 0.0287, Ribonucleotide reductase p = 0.0307 and ERK/MAPK p = 0.0299). Changes in key regulators of these pathways were confirmed in vitro on human osteoblasts. In addition, our data compares the known gene signature of osteocytes and demonstrates a high proportion of overlap (52.2%), suggesting a potential role for this cell type in response to PCa EV exposure. No changes in bone histology or immunohistochemistry were detected, indicating that PCa EV mediated changes were induced at the molecular level. This study provides novel insights into the alterations induced by PCa EVs on the bone microenvironment. The observed molecular changes indicate changes in key pathways and suggest a role for osteocytes in these EV mediated early changes to bone. Further research to understand these early events may aid in the development of targeted interventions to disrupt the metastatic cascade in PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J. Brown
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Catrin S. Rutland
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Katie K. Choi
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Feng Tse
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Mandy J. Peffers
- Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Nigel P. Mongan
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, United Kingdom
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Kenton P. Arkill
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Alison Ritchie
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Philip A. Clarke
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Hari Ratan
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Cinzia Allegrucci
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Anna M. Grabowska
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Victoria James
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough, United Kingdom
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3
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Myint KZ, Balasubramanian B, Venkatraman S, Phimsen S, Sripramote S, Jantra J, Choeiphuk C, Mingphruedhi S, Muangkaew P, Rungsakulkij N, Tangtawee P, Suragul W, Farquharson WV, Wongprasert K, Chutipongtanate S, Sanvarinda P, Ponpuak M, Poungvarin N, Janvilisri T, Suthiphongchai T, Yacqub-Usman K, Grabowska AM, Bates DO, Tohtong R. Therapeutic Implications of Ceritinib in Cholangiocarcinoma beyond ALK Expression and Mutation. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:197. [PMID: 38399413 PMCID: PMC10892566 DOI: 10.3390/ph17020197] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a difficult-to-treat cancer, with limited therapeutic options and surgery being the only curative treatment. Standard chemotherapy involves gemcitabine-based therapies combined with cisplatin, oxaliplatin, capecitabine, or 5-FU with a dismal prognosis for most patients. Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are aberrantly expressed in CCAs encompassing potential therapeutic opportunity. Hence, 112 RTK inhibitors were screened in KKU-M213 cells, and ceritinib, an approved targeted therapy for ALK-fusion gene driven cancers, was the most potent candidate. Ceritinib's cytotoxicity in CCA was assessed using MTT and clonogenic assays, along with immunofluorescence, western blot, and qRT-PCR techniques to analyze gene expression and signaling changes. Furthermore, the drug interaction relationship between ceritinib and cisplatin was determined using a ZIP synergy score. Additionally, spheroid and xenograft models were employed to investigate the efficacy of ceritinib in vivo. Our study revealed that ceritinib effectively killed CCA cells at clinically relevant plasma concentrations, irrespective of ALK expression or mutation status. Ceritinib modulated multiple signaling pathways leading to the inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and activated both apoptosis and autophagy. Additionally, ceritinib and cisplatin synergistically reduced CCA cell viability. Our data show ceritinib as an effective treatment of CCA, which could be potentially explored in the other cancer types without ALK mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyaw Zwar Myint
- Graduate Program in Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (K.Z.M.); (B.B.); (S.V.); (T.J.)
| | - Brinda Balasubramanian
- Graduate Program in Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (K.Z.M.); (B.B.); (S.V.); (T.J.)
- Translational Medical Sciences Unit, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Simran Venkatraman
- Graduate Program in Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (K.Z.M.); (B.B.); (S.V.); (T.J.)
| | - Suchada Phimsen
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand; (S.P.); (C.C.)
| | - Supisara Sripramote
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (S.S.); (J.J.); (T.S.)
| | - Jeranan Jantra
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (S.S.); (J.J.); (T.S.)
| | - Chaiwat Choeiphuk
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand; (S.P.); (C.C.)
| | - Somkit Mingphruedhi
- Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (S.M.); (P.M.); (N.R.); (P.T.); (W.S.); (W.V.F.)
| | - Paramin Muangkaew
- Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (S.M.); (P.M.); (N.R.); (P.T.); (W.S.); (W.V.F.)
| | - Narongsak Rungsakulkij
- Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (S.M.); (P.M.); (N.R.); (P.T.); (W.S.); (W.V.F.)
| | - Pongsatorn Tangtawee
- Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (S.M.); (P.M.); (N.R.); (P.T.); (W.S.); (W.V.F.)
| | - Wikran Suragul
- Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (S.M.); (P.M.); (N.R.); (P.T.); (W.S.); (W.V.F.)
| | - Watoo Vassanasiri Farquharson
- Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Surgery Unit, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (S.M.); (P.M.); (N.R.); (P.T.); (W.S.); (W.V.F.)
| | - Kanokpan Wongprasert
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand;
| | - Somchai Chutipongtanate
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Pimtip Sanvarinda
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand;
| | - Marisa Ponpuak
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand;
| | - Naravat Poungvarin
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand;
| | - Tavan Janvilisri
- Graduate Program in Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (K.Z.M.); (B.B.); (S.V.); (T.J.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (S.S.); (J.J.); (T.S.)
| | - Tuangporn Suthiphongchai
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (S.S.); (J.J.); (T.S.)
| | - Kiren Yacqub-Usman
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (K.Y.-U.); (A.M.G.); (D.O.B.)
| | - Anna M. Grabowska
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (K.Y.-U.); (A.M.G.); (D.O.B.)
| | - David O. Bates
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (K.Y.-U.); (A.M.G.); (D.O.B.)
| | - Rutaiwan Tohtong
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand; (S.S.); (J.J.); (T.S.)
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Myint KZ, Sueca-Comes M, Collier P, Balasubramanian B, Venkatraman S, Gordan J, Zaitoun AM, Mukherjee A, Arora A, Larbcharoensub N, Suriyonplengsaeng C, Wongprasert K, Janvilisri T, Gomez D, Grabowska AM, Tohtong R, Bates DO, Yacqub-Usman K. Preclinical evidence for anaplastic lymphoma kinase inhibitors as novel therapeutic treatments for cholangiocarcinoma. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1184900. [PMID: 38144528 PMCID: PMC10748508 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1184900] [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: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma, CCA) has a poor prognosis for patients, and despite recent advances in targeted therapies for other cancer types, it is still treated with standard chemotherapy. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) has been shown to be a primary driver of disease progression in lung cancer, and ALK inhibitors are effective therapeutics in aberrant ALK-expressing tumors. Aberrant ALK expression has been documented in CCA, but the use of ALK inhibitors has not been investigated. Using CCA cell lines and close-to-patient primary cholangiocarcinoma cells, we investigated the potential for ALK inhibitors in CCA. Methods ALK, cMET, and ROS1 expression was determined in CCA patient tissue by immunohistochemistry and digital droplet polymerase chain reaction, and that in cell lines was determined by immunoblot and immunofluorescence. The effect on cell viability and mechanism of action of ALK, cMet, and ROS1 inhibitors was determined in CCA cell lines. To determine whether ceritinib could affect primary CCA cells, tissue was taken from four patients with biliary tract cancer, without ALK rearrangement, mutation, or overexpression, and grown in three-dimensional tumor growth assays in the presence or absence of humanized mesenchymal cells. Results ALK and cMet but not ROS were both upregulated in CCA tissues and cell lines. Cell survival was inhibited by crizotinib, a c-met/ALK/ROS inhibitor. To determine the mechanism of this effect, we tested c-Met-specific and ALK/ROS-specific inhibitors, capmatinib and ceritinib, respectively. Whereas capmatinib did not affect cell survival, ceritinib dose-dependently inhibited survival in all cell lines, with IC50 ranging from 1 to 9 µM and co-treatments with gemcitabine and cisplatin further sensitized cells, with IC50 ranging from IC50 0.60 to 2.32 µM. Ceritinib did not inhibit cMet phosphorylation but did inhibit ALK phosphorylation. ALK was not mutated in any of these cell lines. Only ceritinib inhibited 3D growth of all four patient samples below mean peak serum concentration, in the presence and absence of mesenchymal cells, whereas crizotinib and capmatinib failed to do this. Ceritinib appeared to exert its effect more through autophagy than apoptosis. Discussion These results indicate that ceritinib or other ALK/ROS inhibitors could be therapeutically useful in cholangiocarcinoma even in the absence of aberrant ALK/ROS1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyaw Zwar Myint
- Graduate Program in Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Mireia Sueca-Comes
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Pamela Collier
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Brinda Balasubramanian
- Graduate Program in Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Simran Venkatraman
- Graduate Program in Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - John Gordan
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Abed M. Zaitoun
- Department of Pathology, Nottingham Universities National Health Service (NHS) Hospital Trust, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Abhik Mukherjee
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Department of Pathology, Nottingham Universities National Health Service (NHS) Hospital Trust, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Arvind Arora
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Department of Medical Oncology, Nottingham Universities National Health Service (NHS) Hospital Trust, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Noppadol Larbcharoensub
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Kanokpan Wongprasert
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tavan Janvilisri
- Graduate Program in Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Dhanny Gomez
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, and National Institute of Health Care Research (NIHR) Nottingham Digestive Disease Biomedical Research Unit, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Anna M. Grabowska
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Rutaiwan Tohtong
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - David O. Bates
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Kiren Yacqub-Usman
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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5
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Moloney C, Mehradnia F, Cavanagh RJ, Ibrahim A, Pearce AK, Ritchie AA, Clarke P, Rahman R, Grabowska AM, Alexander C. Chain-extension in hyperbranched polymers alters tissue distribution and cytotoxicity profiles in orthotopic models of triple negative breast cancers. Biomater Sci 2023; 11:6545-6560. [PMID: 37593851 DOI: 10.1039/d3bm00609c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
The therapeutic efficacy of nanomedicines is highly dependent on their access to target sites in the body, and this in turn is markedly affected by their size, shape and transport properties in tissue. Although there have been many studies in this area, the ability to design nanomaterials with optimal physicochemical properties for in vivo efficacy remains a significant challenge. In particular, it is often difficult to quantify the detailed effects of cancer drug delivery systems in vivo as tumour volume reduction, a commonly reported marker of efficacy, does not always correlate with cytotoxicity in tumour tissue. Here, we studied the behaviour in vivo of two specific poly(2-hydroxypropyl methacrylamide) (pHPMA) pro-drugs, with hyperbranched and chain-extended branched architectures, redox-responsive backbone components, and pH-sensitive linkers to the anti-cancer drug doxorubicin. Evaluation of the biodistribution of these polymers following systemic injection indicated differences in the circulation time and organ distribution of the two polymers, despite their very similar hydrodynamic radii (∼10 and 15 nm) and architectures. In addition, both polymers showed improved tumour accumulation in orthotopic triple-negative breast cancers in mice, and decreased accumulation in healthy tissue, as compared to free doxorubicin, even though neither polymer-doxorubicin pro-drug decreased overall tumour volume as much as the free drug under the dosing regimens selected. However, the results of histopathological examinations by haematoxylin and eosin, and TUNEL staining indicated a higher population of apoptotic cells in the tumours for both polymer pro-drug treatments, and in turn a lower population of apoptotic cells in the heart, liver and spleen, as compared to free doxorubicin treatment. These data suggest that the penetration of these polymer pro-drugs was enhanced in tumour tissue relative to free doxorubicin, and that the combination of size, architecture, bioresponsive backbone and drug linker degradation yielded greater efficacy for the polymers as measured by biomarkers than that of tumour volume. We suggest therefore that the effects of nanomedicines may be different at various length scales relative to small molecule free drugs, and that penetration into tumour tissue for some nanomedicines may not be as problematic as prior reports have suggested. Furthermore, the data indicate that dual-responsive crosslinked polymer-prodrugs in this study may be effective nanomedicines for breast cancer chemotherapy, and that endpoints beyond tumour volume reduction can be valuable in selecting candidates for pre-clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara Moloney
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Fatemeh Mehradnia
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Robert J Cavanagh
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Asmaa Ibrahim
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Amanda K Pearce
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Alison A Ritchie
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Philip Clarke
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Ruman Rahman
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Anna M Grabowska
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Cameron Alexander
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
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6
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Alblihy A, Ali R, Algethami M, Ritchie AA, Shoqafi A, Alqahtani S, Mesquita KA, Toss MS, Ordóñez-Morán P, Jeyapalan JN, Dekker L, Salerno M, Hartsuiker E, Grabowska AM, Rakha EA, Mongan NP, Madhusudan S. Selective Killing of BRCA2-Deficient Ovarian Cancer Cells via MRE11 Blockade. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10966. [PMID: 37446144 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310966] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The MRE11 nuclease is essential during DNA damage recognition, homologous recombination, and replication. BRCA2 plays important roles during homologous recombination and replication. Here, we show that effecting an MRE11 blockade using a prototypical inhibitor (Mirin) induces synthetic lethality (SL) in BRCA2-deficient ovarian cancer cells, HeLa cells, and 3D spheroids compared to BRCA2-proficient controls. Increased cytotoxicity was associated with double-strand break accumulation, S-phase cell cycle arrest, and increased apoptosis. An in silico analysis revealed Mirin docking onto the active site of MRE11. While Mirin sensitises DT40 MRE11+/- cells to the Top1 poison SN-38, it does not sensitise nuclease-dead MRE11 cells to this compound confirming that Mirin specifically inhibits Mre11 nuclease activity. MRE11 knockdown reduced cell viability in BRCA2-deficient PEO1 cells but not in BRCA2-proficient PEO4 cells. In a Mirin-resistant model, we show the downregulation of 53BP1 and DNA repair upregulation, leading to resistance, including in in vivo xenograft models. In a clinical cohort of human ovarian tumours, low levels of BRCA2 expression with high levels of MRE11 co-expression were linked with worse progression-free survival (PFS) (p = 0.005) and overall survival (OS) (p = 0.001). We conclude that MRE11 is an attractive SL target, and the pharmaceutical development of MRE11 inhibitors for precision oncology therapeutics may be of clinical benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adel Alblihy
- Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 3RD, UK
| | - Reem Ali
- Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 3RD, UK
| | - Mashael Algethami
- Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 3RD, UK
| | - Alison A Ritchie
- Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 3RD, UK
| | - Ahmed Shoqafi
- Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 3RD, UK
| | - Shatha Alqahtani
- Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 3RD, UK
| | - Katia A Mesquita
- Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 3RD, UK
| | - Michael S Toss
- Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 3RD, UK
| | - Paloma Ordóñez-Morán
- Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 3RD, UK
| | - Jennie N Jeyapalan
- Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 3RD, UK
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Sutton Bonington LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Lodewijk Dekker
- Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 3RD, UK
| | - Martina Salerno
- North West Cancer Research Institute, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor LL57 2UW, UK
| | - Edgar Hartsuiker
- North West Cancer Research Institute, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor LL57 2UW, UK
| | - Anna M Grabowska
- Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 3RD, UK
| | - Emad A Rakha
- Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 3RD, UK
- Department of Pathology, Nottingham University Hospitals, City Campus, Nottingham NG5 1PB, UK
| | - Nigel P Mongan
- Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 3RD, UK
| | - Srinivasan Madhusudan
- Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 3RD, UK
- Department of Oncology, Nottingham University Hospitals, Nottingham NG5 1PB, UK
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7
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Jones S, Ashworth JC, Meakin M, Collier P, Probert C, Ritchie AA, Merry CLR, Grabowska AM. Application of a 3D hydrogel-based model to replace use of animals for passaging patient-derived xenografts. In Vitro Model 2023; 2:99-111. [PMID: 37808200 PMCID: PMC10550889 DOI: 10.1007/s44164-023-00048-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Purpose This 3D in vitro cancer model for propagation of patient-derived cells, using a synthetic self-assembling peptide gel, allows the formation of a fully characterised, tailorable tumour microenvironment. Unlike many existing 3D cancer models, the peptide gel is inert, apart from molecules and motifs deliberately added or produced by cells within the model. Methods Breast cancer patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) were disaggregated and embedded in a peptide hydrogel. Growth was monitored by microscopic examination and at intervals, cells were extracted from the gels and passaged on into fresh gels. Passaged cells were assessed by qPCR and immunostaining techniques for the retention of characteristic markers. Results Breast cancer PDXs were shown to be capable of expansion over four or more passages in the peptide gel. Contaminating mouse cells were found to be rapidly removed by successive passages. The resulting human cells were shown to be compatible with a range of common assays useful for assessing survival, growth and maintenance of heterogeneity. Conclusions Based on these findings, the hydrogel has the potential to provide an effective and practical breast cancer model for the passage of PDXs which will have the added benefits of being relatively cheap, fully-defined and free from the use of animals or animal products. Encapsulated cells will require further validation to confirm the maintenance of cell heterogeneity, genotypes and phenotypes across passage, but with further development, including the addition of bespoke cell and matrix components of the tumour microenvironment, there is clear potential to model other cancer types. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s44164-023-00048-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sal Jones
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre, Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Stem Cell Glycobiology Group, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Jennifer C. Ashworth
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre, Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Stem Cell Glycobiology Group, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- School of Veterinary Medicine & Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Marian Meakin
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre, Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Pamela Collier
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre, Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Catherine Probert
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre, Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Alison A. Ritchie
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre, Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Catherine L. R. Merry
- Stem Cell Glycobiology Group, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Anna M. Grabowska
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre, Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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8
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Balasubramanian B, Yacqub-Usman K, Venkatraman S, Myint KZ, Juengsamarn J, Sarkhampee P, Lertsawatvicha N, Sripa J, Kuakpaetoon T, Suriyonplengsaeng C, Wongprasert K, Grabowska AM, Bates DO, Janvilisri T, Tohtong R. Targeting FGFRs Using PD173074 as a Novel Therapeutic Strategy in Cholangiocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092528. [PMID: 37173994 PMCID: PMC10177182 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092528] [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: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is an architecturally complex tumour with high heterogeneity. Discovery at later stages makes treatment challenging. However, the lack of early detection methodologies and the asymptomatic nature of CCA make early diagnosis more difficult. Recent studies revealed the fusions in Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptors (FGFRs), a sub-family of RTKs, as promising targets for targeted therapy for CCA. Particularly, FGFR2 fusions have been of particular interest, as translocations have been found in approximately 13% of CCA patients. Pursuing this, Pemigatinib, a small-molecule inhibitor of FGFR, became the first targeted therapy drug to be granted accelerated approval by the FDA for treating CCA patients harbouring FGFR2 fusions who have failed first-line chemotherapy. However, despite the availability of Pemigatinib, a very limited group of patients benefit from this treatment. Moreover, as the underlying mechanism of FGFR signalling is poorly elucidated in CCA, therapeutic inhibitors designed to inhibit this pathway are prone to primary and acquired resistance, as witnessed amongst other Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs). While acknowledging the limited cohort that benefits from FGFR inhibitors, and the poorly elucidated mechanism of the FGFR pathway, we sought to characterise the potential of FGFR inhibitors in CCA patients without FGFR2 fusions. Here we demonstrate aberrant FGFR expression in CCA samples using bioinformatics and further confirm phosphorylated-FGFR expression in paraffinised CCA tissues using immunohistochemistry. Our results highlight p-FGFR as a biomarker to guide FGFR-targeted therapies. Furthermore, CCA cell lines with FGFR expression were sensitive to a selective pan-FGFR inhibitor, PD173074, suggesting that this drug can be used to suppress CCA cells irrespective of the FGFR2 fusions. Finally, the correlation analysis utilising publicly available cohorts suggested the possibility of crosstalk amongst the FGFR and EGFR family of receptors as they are significantly co-expressed. Accordingly, dual inhibition of FGFRs and EGFR by PD173074 and EGFR inhibitor erlotinib was synergistic in CCA. Hence, the findings from this study provide support for further clinical investigation of PD173074, as well as other FGFR inhibitors, to benefit a larger cohort of patients. Altogether, this study shows for the first time the potential of FGFRs and the importance of dual inhibition as a novel therapeutic strategy in CCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brinda Balasubramanian
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Kiren Yacqub-Usman
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Simran Venkatraman
- Graduate Program in Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Kyaw Zwar Myint
- Graduate Program in Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Jitlada Juengsamarn
- Oncology Unit, Department of Medicine, Sunpasitthiprasong Hospital, Ubon Ratchathani 34000, Thailand
| | - Poowanai Sarkhampee
- General Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, Sanpasitthiprasong Hospital, Ubon Ratchathani 34000, Thailand
| | - Nithi Lertsawatvicha
- General Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, Sanpasitthiprasong Hospital, Ubon Ratchathani 34000, Thailand
| | - Jittiyawadee Sripa
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Ubon Ratchathani University, Ubon Ratchathani 34190, Thailand
| | - Thiti Kuakpaetoon
- Department of Pathology, Rajavithi Hospital, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | | | - Kanokpan Wongprasert
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Anna M Grabowska
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - David O Bates
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Tavan Janvilisri
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Graduate Program in Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Rutaiwan Tohtong
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
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9
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Linke F, Johnson JEC, Kern S, Bennett CD, Lourdusamy A, Lea D, Clifford SC, Merry CLR, Stolnik S, Alexander MR, Peet AC, Scurr DJ, Griffiths RL, Grabowska AM, Kerr ID, Coyle B. Identifying new biomarkers of aggressive Group 3 and SHH medulloblastoma using 3D hydrogel models, single cell RNA sequencing and 3D OrbiSIMS imaging. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2023; 11:6. [PMID: 36631900 PMCID: PMC9835248 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-022-01496-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The most common malignant brain tumour in children, medulloblastoma (MB), is subdivided into four clinically relevant molecular subgroups, although targeted therapy options informed by understanding of different cellular features are lacking. Here, by comparing the most aggressive subgroup (Group 3) with the intermediate (SHH) subgroup, we identify crucial differences in tumour heterogeneity, including unique metabolism-driven subpopulations in Group 3 and matrix-producing subpopulations in SHH. To analyse tumour heterogeneity, we profiled individual tumour nodules at the cellular level in 3D MB hydrogel models, which recapitulate subgroup specific phenotypes, by single cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) and 3D OrbiTrap Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (3D OrbiSIMS) imaging. In addition to identifying known metabolites characteristic of MB, we observed intra- and internodular heterogeneity and identified subgroup-specific tumour subpopulations. We showed that extracellular matrix factors and adhesion pathways defined unique SHH subpopulations, and made up a distinct shell-like structure of sulphur-containing species, comprising a combination of small leucine-rich proteoglycans (SLRPs) including the collagen organiser lumican. In contrast, the Group 3 tumour model was characterized by multiple subpopulations with greatly enhanced oxidative phosphorylation and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle activity. Extensive TCA cycle metabolite measurements revealed very high levels of succinate and fumarate with malate levels almost undetectable particularly in Group 3 tumour models. In patients, high fumarate levels (NMR spectroscopy) alongside activated stress response pathways and high Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 (NRF2; gene expression analyses) were associated with poorer survival. Based on these findings we predicted and confirmed that NRF2 inhibition increased sensitivity to vincristine in a long-term 3D drug treatment assay of Group 3 MB. Thus, by combining scRNAseq and 3D OrbiSIMS in a relevant model system we were able to define MB subgroup heterogeneity at the single cell level and elucidate new druggable biomarkers for aggressive Group 3 and low-risk SHH MB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Linke
- Children's Brain Tumour Research Centre, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - James E C Johnson
- Children's Brain Tumour Research Centre, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Stefanie Kern
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Christopher D Bennett
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Birmingham Children's Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | - Anbarasu Lourdusamy
- Children's Brain Tumour Research Centre, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Daniel Lea
- Digital Research Service, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Steven C Clifford
- Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre, Translational & Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Catherine L R Merry
- School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Snow Stolnik
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Andrew C Peet
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Birmingham Children's Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | - David J Scurr
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Anna M Grabowska
- School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Ian D Kerr
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Beth Coyle
- Children's Brain Tumour Research Centre, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
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10
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Sueca-Comes M, Rusu EC, Grabowska AM, Bates DO. Looking Under the Lamppost: The Search for New Cancer Targets in the Human Kinome. Pharmacol Rev 2022; 74:1136-1145. [PMID: 36180110 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.121.000410] [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] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The number of cancer drugs is increasing as new chemical entities are developed to target molecules, often protein kinases, driving cancer progression. In 2009, Fedorov et al. identified that of the protein kinases in the human kinome, most of the focus has been on a small subset. They highlighted that many poorly investigated protein kinases were cancer drivers, but there was no relationship between publications and involvement in cancer development or progression. Since 2009, there has been a doubling in the number of publications, patents, and drugs targeting the kinome. To determine whether this was an expansion in knowledge of well-studied targets-searching in the light under the lamppost-or an explosion of investigations into previously poorly investigated targets, we searched the literature for publications on each kinase, updating Federov et al.'s assessment of the druggable kinome. The proportion of papers focusing on the 50 most-studied kinases had not changed, and the makeup of those 50 had barely changed. The majority of new drugs (80%) were against the same group of 50 kinases identified as targets 10 years ago, and the proportion of studies investigating previously poorly investigated kinases (<1%) was unchanged. With three exceptions [p38 mitogenactivated protein kinase (p38a), AMP-activated protein kinase catalytic α-subunit 1,2, and B-Raf proto-oncogene (BRAF) serine/threonine kinase], >95% of publications addressing kinases still focused on a relatively small proportion (<50%) of the human kinome independently of their involvement as cancer drivers. There is, therefore, still extensive scope for discovery of therapeutics targeting different protein kinases in cancer and still a bias toward well-characterized targets over the innovative searchlight into the unknown. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This study presents evidence that drug discovery efforts in cancer are still to some extent focused on a narrow group of well-studied kinases 10 years after the identification of multiple novel cancer targets in the human kinome. This suggests that there is still room for researchers in academia, industry, and the not-for-profit sector to develop new and diverse therapies targeting kinases for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireia Sueca-Comes
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, Centre for Cancer Sciences, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom (M.S.-C., A.M.G., D.O.B.); Institute of Integrative Systems Biology (I2Sysbio), University of Valencia and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Valencia, Spain (E.C.R.); and SeqPlexing SL, Valencia, Spain (E.C.R.)
| | - Elena Cristina Rusu
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, Centre for Cancer Sciences, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom (M.S.-C., A.M.G., D.O.B.); Institute of Integrative Systems Biology (I2Sysbio), University of Valencia and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Valencia, Spain (E.C.R.); and SeqPlexing SL, Valencia, Spain (E.C.R.)
| | - Anna M Grabowska
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, Centre for Cancer Sciences, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom (M.S.-C., A.M.G., D.O.B.); Institute of Integrative Systems Biology (I2Sysbio), University of Valencia and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Valencia, Spain (E.C.R.); and SeqPlexing SL, Valencia, Spain (E.C.R.)
| | - David O Bates
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, Centre for Cancer Sciences, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom (M.S.-C., A.M.G., D.O.B.); Institute of Integrative Systems Biology (I2Sysbio), University of Valencia and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Valencia, Spain (E.C.R.); and SeqPlexing SL, Valencia, Spain (E.C.R.)
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11
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Supradit K, Boonsri B, Duangdara J, Thitiphatphuvanon T, Suriyonplengsaeng C, Kangsamaksin T, Janvilisri T, Tohtong R, Yacqub-Usman K, Grabowska AM, Bates DO, Wongprasert K. Inhibition of serine/arginine-rich protein kinase-1 (SRPK1) prevents cholangiocarcinoma cells induced angiogenesis. Toxicol In Vitro 2022; 82:105385. [PMID: 35568131 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2022.105385] [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: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The serine/arginine-rich protein kinase-1 (SRPK1) is an enzyme that has an essential role in regulating numerous aspects of mRNA splicing. SRPK1 has been reported to be overexpressed in multiple cancers, suggesting it as a promising therapeutic target in oncology. No previous studies reported the role of SRPK1 in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) cells. This study aimed to examine the expression of SRPK1 and the effects of SRPK1 inhibition on the viability and angiogenesis activity of CCA cells using a selective SRPK1 inhibitor, SPHINX31. Here, we demonstrate that SPHINX31 (0.3-10 μM) had no inhibitory effects on CCA cells' viability and proliferation. However, SPHINX31 decreased the mRNA expression of pro-angiogenic VEGF-A165a isoform. In addition, SPHINX31 attenuated SRSF1 phosphorylation and nuclear localization, and increased the ratio of VEGF-A165b/total VEGF-A proteins. Moreover, when HUVECs were grown in conditioned medium from SPHINX31-treated CCA cells, migration slowed, and tube formation decreased. The present study demonstrates that targeting SRPK1 in CCA cells effectively attenuates angiogenesis by suppressing pro-angiogenic VEGF-A isoform splicing. These findings suggest a potential therapeutic treatment using SRPK1 inhibitors for the inhibition of angiogenesis in cholangiocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kittiya Supradit
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Boonyakorn Boonsri
- Division of Health and Applied Sciences, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Jinchutha Duangdara
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | | - Thaned Kangsamaksin
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tavan Janvilisri
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Rutaiwan Tohtong
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kiren Yacqub-Usman
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, Centre for Cancer Sciences, Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Anna M Grabowska
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - David O Bates
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kanokpan Wongprasert
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
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12
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Sharpe BP, Hayden A, Manousopoulou A, Cowie A, Walker RC, Harrington J, Izadi F, Breininger SP, Gibson J, Pickering O, Jaynes E, Kyle E, Saunders JH, Parsons SL, Ritchie AA, Clarke PA, Collier P, Mongan NP, Bates DO, Yacqub-Usman K, Garbis SD, Walters Z, Rose-Zerilli M, Grabowska AM, Underwood TJ. Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors enhance chemotherapy in preclinical models of esophageal adenocarcinoma by targeting cancer-associated fibroblasts. Cell Rep Med 2022; 3:100541. [PMID: 35732148 PMCID: PMC9244979 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2022.100541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The chemotherapy resistance of esophageal adenocarcinomas (EACs) is underpinned by cancer cell extrinsic mechanisms of the tumor microenvironment (TME). We demonstrate that, by targeting the tumor-promoting functions of the predominant TME cell type, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i), we can enhance the efficacy of standard-of-care chemotherapy. In ex vivo conditions, PDE5i prevent the transdifferentiation of normal fibroblasts to CAF and abolish the tumor-promoting function of established EAC CAFs. Using shotgun proteomics and single-cell RNA-seq, we reveal PDE5i-specific regulation of pathways related to fibroblast activation and tumor promotion. Finally, we confirm the efficacy of PDE5i in combination with chemotherapy in close-to-patient and in vivo PDX-based model systems. These findings demonstrate that CAFs drive chemotherapy resistance in EACs and can be targeted by repurposing PDE5i, a safe and well-tolerated class of drug administered to millions of patients world-wide to treat erectile dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin P Sharpe
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Room CS B2, MP824, Somers Cancer Research Building, University Hospital Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Annette Hayden
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Room CS B2, MP824, Somers Cancer Research Building, University Hospital Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | | | - Andrew Cowie
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Room CS B2, MP824, Somers Cancer Research Building, University Hospital Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Robert C Walker
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Room CS B2, MP824, Somers Cancer Research Building, University Hospital Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Jack Harrington
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Room CS B2, MP824, Somers Cancer Research Building, University Hospital Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Fereshteh Izadi
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Room CS B2, MP824, Somers Cancer Research Building, University Hospital Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; Centre for NanoHealth, Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Campus, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
| | - Stella P Breininger
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Room CS B2, MP824, Somers Cancer Research Building, University Hospital Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Jane Gibson
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Room CS B2, MP824, Somers Cancer Research Building, University Hospital Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Oliver Pickering
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Room CS B2, MP824, Somers Cancer Research Building, University Hospital Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Eleanor Jaynes
- University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Ewan Kyle
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Room CS B2, MP824, Somers Cancer Research Building, University Hospital Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - John H Saunders
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre of Excellence, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Salford M6 8HD, UK
| | - Simon L Parsons
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre of Excellence, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Hucknall Road, Nottingham NG5 1PB, UK
| | - Alison A Ritchie
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre of Excellence, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Philip A Clarke
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre of Excellence, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Pamela Collier
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre of Excellence, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Nigel P Mongan
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA; Biodiscovery Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG5 1PB, UK
| | - David O Bates
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre of Excellence, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Kiren Yacqub-Usman
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre of Excellence, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | | | - Zoë Walters
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Room CS B2, MP824, Somers Cancer Research Building, University Hospital Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Matthew Rose-Zerilli
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Room CS B2, MP824, Somers Cancer Research Building, University Hospital Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Anna M Grabowska
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre of Excellence, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Timothy J Underwood
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Room CS B2, MP824, Somers Cancer Research Building, University Hospital Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK.
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13
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Anane-Adjei AB, Fletcher NL, Cavanagh RJ, Houston ZH, Crawford T, Pearce AK, Taresco V, Ritchie AA, Clarke P, Grabowska AM, Gellert PR, Ashford MB, Kellam B, Thurecht KJ, Alexander C. Synthesis, characterisation and evaluation of hyperbranched N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamides for transport and delivery in pancreatic cell lines in vitro and in vivo. Biomater Sci 2022; 10:2328-2344. [PMID: 35380131 DOI: 10.1039/d1bm01548f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Hyperbranched polymers have many promising features for drug delivery, owing to their ease of synthesis, multiple functional group content, and potential for high drug loading with retention of solubility. Here we prepared hyperbranched N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) polymers with a range of molar masses and particle sizes, and with attached dyes, radiolabel or the anticancer drug gemcitabine. Reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerisation enabled the synthesis of pHPMA polymers and a gemcitabine-comonomer functionalised pHPMA polymer pro-drug, with diameters of the polymer particles ranging from 7-40 nm. The non-drug loaded polymers were well-tolerated in cancer cell lines and macrophages, and were rapidly internalised in 2D cell culture and transported efficiently to the centre of dense pancreatic cancer 3D spheroids. The gemcitabine-loaded polymer pro-drug was found to be toxic both to 2D cultures of MIA PaCa-2 cells and also in reducing the volume of MIA PaCa-2 spheroids. The non-drug loaded polymers caused no short-term adverse effects in healthy mice following systemic injection, and derivatives of these polymers labelled with 89Zr-were tracked for their distribution in the organs of healthy and MIA PaCa-2 xenograft bearing Balb/c nude mice. Tumour accumulation, although variable across the samples, was highest in individual animals for the pHPMA polymer of ∼20 nm size, and accordingly a gemcitabine pHPMA polymer pro-drug of ∼18 nm diameter was evaluated for efficacy in the tumour-bearing animals. The efficacy of the pHPMA polymer pro-drug was very similar to that of free gemcitabine in terms of tumour growth retardation, and although there was a survival benefit after 70 days for the polymer pro-drug, there was no difference at day 80. These data suggest that while polymer pro-drugs of this type can be effective, better tumour targeting and enhanced in situ release remain as key obstacles to clinical translation even for relatively simple polymers such as pHPMA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akosua B Anane-Adjei
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Nicholas L Fletcher
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. .,Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Robert J Cavanagh
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Zachary H Houston
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. .,Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Theodore Crawford
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Amanda K Pearce
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Vincenzo Taresco
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
| | | | - Phillip Clarke
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | | | - Paul R Gellert
- Product Technology & Development, Operations, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, UK
| | - Marianne B Ashford
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, R&D AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, UK
| | - Barrie Kellam
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Kristofer J Thurecht
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. .,Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Cameron Alexander
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
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14
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Carroll CP, Bolland H, Vancauwenberghe E, Collier P, Ritchie AA, Clarke PA, Grabowska AM, Harris AL, McIntyre A. Targeting hypoxia regulated sodium driven bicarbonate transporters reduces triple negative breast cancer metastasis. Neoplasia 2022; 25:41-52. [PMID: 35150959 PMCID: PMC8844412 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2022.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Regions of low oxygen (hypoxia) are found in >50% of breast tumours, most frequently in the more aggressive triple negative breast cancer subtype (TNBC). Metastasis is the cause of 90% of breast cancer patient deaths. Regions of tumour hypoxia tend to be more acidic and both hypoxia and acidosis increase tumour metastasis. In line with this the metastatic process is dependent on pH regulatory mechanisms. We and others have previously identified increased hypoxic expression of Na+ driven bicarbonate transporters (NDBTs) as a major mechanism of tumour pH regulation. Hypoxia induced the expression of NDBTs in TNBC, most frequently SLC4A4 and SLC4A5. NDBT inhibition (S0859) and shRNA knockdown suppressed migration (40% reduction) and invasion (70% reduction) in vitro. Tumour xenograft metastasis in vivo was significantly reduced by NDBT knockdown. To investigate the mechanism by which NDBTs support metastasis, we investigated their role in regulation of phospho-signalling, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metabolism. NDBT knockdown resulted in an attenuation in hypoxic phospho-signalling activation; most notably LYN (Y397) reduced by 75%, and LCK (Y394) by 72%. The metastatic process is associated with EMT. We showed that NDBT knockdown inhibited EMT, modulating the expression of key EMT transcription factors and ablating the expression of vimentin whilst increasing the expression of E-cadherin. NDBT knockdown also altered metabolic activity reducing overall ATP and extracellular lactate levels. These results demonstrate that targeting hypoxia-induced NDBT can be used as an approach to modulate phospho-signalling, EMT, and metabolic activity and reduce tumour migration, invasion, and metastasis in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Paul Carroll
- Hypoxia and Acidosis Group, Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham
| | - Hannah Bolland
- Hypoxia and Acidosis Group, Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham
| | - Eric Vancauwenberghe
- Hypoxia and Acidosis Group, Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham
| | - Pamela Collier
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham
| | - Alison A Ritchie
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham
| | - Philip A Clarke
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham
| | - Anna M Grabowska
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham
| | - Adrian L Harris
- Molecular Oncology Laboratories, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Alan McIntyre
- Hypoxia and Acidosis Group, Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham.
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15
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Nasir A, Cardall A, Othman RT, Nicolaou N, Lourdusamy A, Linke F, Onion D, Ryzhova M, Cameron H, Valente C, Ritchie A, Korshunov A, Pfister SM, Grabowska AM, Kerr ID, Coyle B. ABCB1 inhibition provides a novel therapeutic target to block TWIST1-induced migration in medulloblastoma. Neurooncol Adv 2021; 3:vdab030. [PMID: 33948561 PMCID: PMC8080134 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdab030] [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] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Therapeutic intervention in metastatic medulloblastoma is dependent on elucidating the underlying metastatic mechanism. We investigated whether an epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-like pathway could drive medulloblastoma metastasis. Methods A 3D Basement Membrane Extract (3D-BME) model was used to investigate medulloblastoma cell migration. Cell line growth was quantified with AlamarBlue metabolic assays and the morphology assessed by time-lapse imaging. Gene expression was analyzed by qRT-PCR and protein expression by immunohistochemistry of patient tissue microarrays and mouse orthotopic xenografts. Chromatin immunoprecipitation was used to determine whether the EMT transcription factor TWIST1 bound to the promoter of the multidrug pump ABCB1. TWIST1 was overexpressed in MED6 cells by lentiviral transduction (MED6-TWIST1). Inhibition of ABCB1 was mediated by vardenafil, and TWIST1 expression was reduced by either Harmine or shRNA. Results Metastatic cells migrated to form large metabolically active aggregates, whereas non-tumorigenic/non-metastatic cells formed small aggregates with decreasing metabolic activity. TWIST1 expression was upregulated in the 3D-BME model. TWIST1 and ABCB1 were significantly associated with metastasis in patients (P = .041 and P = .04, respectively). High nuclear TWIST1 expression was observed in the invasive edge of the MED1 orthotopic model, and TWIST1 knockdown in cell lines was associated with reduced cell migration (P < .05). TWIST1 bound to the ABCB1 promoter (P = .03) and induced cell aggregation in metastatic and TWIST1-overexpressing, non-metastatic (MED6-TWIST1) cells, which was significantly attenuated by vardenafil (P < .05). Conclusions In this study, we identified a TWIST1–ABCB1 signaling axis during medulloblastoma migration, which can be therapeutically targeted with the clinically approved ABCB1 inhibitor, vardenafil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aishah Nasir
- Children's Brain Tumour Research Centre, Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Alice Cardall
- Children's Brain Tumour Research Centre, Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Ramadhan T Othman
- Children's Brain Tumour Research Centre, Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Niovi Nicolaou
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Anbarasu Lourdusamy
- Children's Brain Tumour Research Centre, Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Franziska Linke
- Children's Brain Tumour Research Centre, Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - David Onion
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Marina Ryzhova
- Department of Neuropathology, NN Burdenko Neurosurgical Institute, Moscow, Russia
| | - Hanna Cameron
- Children's Brain Tumour Research Centre, Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Cara Valente
- Children's Brain Tumour Research Centre, Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Alison Ritchie
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Andrey Korshunov
- Cooperation Unit Neuro-oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan M Pfister
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Pediatric Neurooncology and Heidelberg University Hospital, Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anna M Grabowska
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Ian D Kerr
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Beth Coyle
- Children's Brain Tumour Research Centre, Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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16
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Nasir A, Cardall A, Othman RT, Nicolaou N, Lourdusamy A, Linke F, Onion D, Ryzhova M, Cameron H, Valente C, Ritchie A, Korshunov A, Pfister SM, Grabowska AM, Kerr ID, Coyle B. Corrigendum to: ABCB1 inhibition provides a novel therapeutic target to block TWIST1-induced migration in medulloblastoma. Neurooncol Adv 2021; 3:vdab155. [PMID: 34988447 PMCID: PMC8698731 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdab155] [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: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Aishah Nasir
- Children’s Brain Tumour Research Centre, Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Alice Cardall
- Children’s Brain Tumour Research Centre, Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Niovi Nicolaou
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Anbarasu Lourdusamy
- Children’s Brain Tumour Research Centre, Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Franziska Linke
- Children’s Brain Tumour Research Centre, Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - David Onion
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Marina Ryzhova
- Department of Neuropathology, NN Burdenko Neurosurgical Institute, Moscow, Russia
| | - Hanna Cameron
- Children’s Brain Tumour Research Centre, Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Cara Valente
- Children’s Brain Tumour Research Centre, Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Alison Ritchie
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Andrey Korshunov
- Cooperation Unit Neuro-oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan M Pfister
- Hopp Children’s Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Pediatric Neurooncology and Heidelberg University Hospital, Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anna M Grabowska
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Ian D Kerr
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Beth Coyle
- Children’s Brain Tumour Research Centre, Division of Child Health, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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17
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Linke F, Aldighieri M, Lourdusamy A, Grabowska AM, Stolnik S, Kerr ID, Merry CL, Coyle B. 3D hydrogels reveal medulloblastoma subgroup differences and identify extracellular matrix subtypes that predict patient outcome. J Pathol 2020; 253:326-338. [PMID: 33206391 PMCID: PMC7986745 DOI: 10.1002/path.5591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant brain tumour in children and is subdivided into four subgroups: WNT, SHH, Group 3, and Group 4. These molecular subgroups differ in their metastasis patterns and related prognosis rates. Conventional 2D cell culture methods fail to recapitulate these clinical differences. Realistic 3D models of the cerebellum are therefore necessary to investigate subgroup‐specific functional differences and their role in metastasis and chemoresistance. A major component of the brain extracellular matrix (ECM) is the glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan. MB cell lines encapsulated in hyaluronan hydrogels grew as tumour nodules, with Group 3 and Group 4 cell lines displaying clinically characteristic laminar metastatic patterns and levels of chemoresistance. The glycoproteins, laminin and vitronectin, were identified as subgroup‐specific, tumour‐secreted ECM factors. Gels of higher complexity, formed by incorporation of laminin or vitronectin, revealed subgroup‐specific adhesion and growth patterns closely mimicking clinical phenotypes. ECM subtypes, defined by relative levels of laminin and vitronectin expression in patient tissue microarrays and gene expression data sets, were able to identify novel high‐risk MB patient subgroups and predict overall survival. Our hyaluronan model system has therefore allowed us to functionally characterize the interaction between different MB subtypes and their environment. It highlights the prognostic and pathological role of specific ECM factors and enables preclinical development of subgroup‐specific therapies. © 2020 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)
- Franziska Linke
- Children's Brain Tumour Research Centre, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Macha Aldighieri
- Children's Brain Tumour Research Centre, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Anbarasu Lourdusamy
- Children's Brain Tumour Research Centre, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Anna M Grabowska
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Snow Stolnik
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Ian D Kerr
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Catherine Lr Merry
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Beth Coyle
- Children's Brain Tumour Research Centre, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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18
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Ashworth JC, Morgan RL, Lis-Slimak K, Meade KA, Jones S, Spence K, Slater CE, Thompson JL, Grabowska AM, Clarke RB, Farnie G, Merry CLR. Preparation of a User-Defined Peptide Gel for Controlled 3D Culture Models of Cancer and Disease. J Vis Exp 2020. [PMID: 33346190 DOI: 10.3791/61710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a growing awareness that cells grown in 3D better model in vivo behavior than those grown in 2D. In this protocol, we describe a simple and tunable 3D hydrogel, suitable for culturing cells and tissue in a setting that matches their native environment. This is particularly important for researchers investigating the initiation, growth, and treatment of cancer where the interaction between cells and their local extracellular matrix is a fundamental part of the model. Moving to 3D culture can be challenging and is often associated with a lack of reproducibility due to high batch-to-batch variation in animal-derived 3D culture matrices. Similarly, handling issues can limit the usefulness of synthetic hydrogels. In response to this need, we have optimized a simple self-assembling peptide gel, to enable the culture of relevant cell line models of cancer and disease, as well as patient-derived tissue/cells. The gel itself is free from matrix components, apart from those added during encapsulation or deposited into the gel by the encapsulated cells. The mechanical properties of the hydrogels can also be altered independent of matrix addition. It, therefore, acts as a 'blank slate' allowing researchers to build a 3D culture environment that reflects the target tissue of interest and to dissect the influences of mechanical forces and/or biochemical control of cell behavior independently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer C Ashworth
- Division of Cancer & Stem Cells, School of Medicine, Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham
| | - Rebecca L Morgan
- Division of Cancer & Stem Cells, School of Medicine, Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham
| | - Kataryna Lis-Slimak
- Division of Cancer & Stem Cells, School of Medicine, Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham
| | - Kate A Meade
- Division of Cancer & Stem Cells, School of Medicine, Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham
| | - Sal Jones
- Division of Cancer & Stem Cells, School of Medicine, Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham
| | - Katherine Spence
- Breast Biology Group, Manchester Breast Centre, Division of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester
| | - Charlotte E Slater
- Division of Cancer & Stem Cells, School of Medicine, Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham
| | - Jamie L Thompson
- Division of Cancer & Stem Cells, School of Medicine, Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham
| | - Anna M Grabowska
- Division of Cancer & Stem Cells, School of Medicine, Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham
| | - Robert B Clarke
- Breast Biology Group, Manchester Breast Centre, Division of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester
| | - Gilian Farnie
- SGC, Botnar Research Centre, NDORMS, University of Oxford
| | - Cathy L R Merry
- Division of Cancer & Stem Cells, School of Medicine, Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham;
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19
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Travanut A, Monteiro PF, Oelmann S, Howdle SM, Grabowska AM, Clarke PA, Ritchie AA, Meier MAR, Alexander C. Synthesis of Passerini-3CR Polymers and Assembly into Cytocompatible Polymersomes. Macromol Rapid Commun 2020; 42:e2000321. [PMID: 33249682 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202000321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The versatility of the Passerini three component reaction (Passerini-3CR) is herein exploited for the synthesis of an amphiphilic diblock copolymer, which self-assembles into polymersomes. Carboxy-functionalized poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether is reacted with AB-type bifunctional monomers and tert-butyl isocyanide in a single process via Passerini-3CR. The resultant diblock copolymer (P1) is obtained in good yield and molar mass dispersity and is well tolerated in model cell lines. The Passerini-3CR versatility and reproducibility are shown by the synthesis of P2, P3, and P4 copolymers. The ability of the Passerini P1 polymersomes to incorporate hydrophilic molecules is verified by loading doxorubicin hydrochloride in P1DOX polymersomes. The flexibility of the synthesis is further demonstrated by simple post-functionalization with a dye, Cyanine-5 (Cy5). The obtained P1-Cy5 polymersomes rapidly internalize in 2D cell monolayers and penetrate deep into 3D spheroids of MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer cells. P1-Cy5 polymersomes injected systemically in healthy mice are well tolerated and no visible adverse effects are seen under the conditions tested. These data demonstrate that new, biodegradable, biocompatible polymersomes having properties suitable for future use in drug delivery can be easily synthesized by the Passerini-3CR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Travanut
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Boots Science Building, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Patrícia F Monteiro
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Boots Science Building, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Stefan Oelmann
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Materialwissenschaftliches Zentrum, Straße am Forum 7, Building 30.48, 76131, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Steven M Howdle
- School of Chemistry, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Anna M Grabowska
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Philip A Clarke
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Alison A Ritchie
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Michael A R Meier
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Materialwissenschaftliches Zentrum, Straße am Forum 7, Building 30.48, 76131, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Cameron Alexander
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Boots Science Building, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
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20
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Wadhwa B, Paddar M, Khan S, Mir S, A Clarke P, Grabowska AM, Vijay DG, Malik F. AKT isoforms have discrete expression in triple negative breast cancers and roles in cisplatin sensitivity. Oncotarget 2020; 11:4178-4194. [PMID: 33227065 PMCID: PMC7665233 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
AKT, a serine threonine kinase, exists in three different isoforms and is known for regulating several biological processes including tumorigenesis. In this study, we investigated the expression and net effect of the individual isoforms in triple negative breast cancers and response to cisplatin treatment using cellular, mice models and clinical samples. Interestingly, analysis of the expressions of AKT isoforms in clinical samples showed relatively higher expression of AKT1 in primary tissues; whereas lung and liver metastatic samples showed elevated expression of AKT2. Similarly, triple-negative breast cancer cell lines, BT-549 and MDA-MB-231, with high proliferative and invasive properties, displayed higher expression levels of AKT1/2. By modulating AKT isoform expression in MCF-10A and BT-549 cell lines, we found that presence of AKT2 was associated with invasiveness, stemness and sensitivity to drug treatment. It was observed that the silencing of AKT2 suppressed the cancer stem cell populations (CD44high CD24low, ALDH1), mammosphere formation, invasive and migratory potential in MCF-10A and BT-549 cells. It was further demonstrated that loss of function of AKT1 isoform is associated with reduced sensitivity towards cisplatin treatment in triple-negative breast cancers cellular and syngeneic mice models. The decrease in cisplatin treatment response in shAKT1 cells was allied with the upregulation in the expression of transporter protein ABCG2, whereas silencing of ABCG2 restored cisplatin sensitivity in these cells through AKT/SNAIL/ABCG2 axis. In conclusion, our study demonstrated the varied expression of AKT isoforms in triple-negative breast cancers and also confirmed differential role of isoforms in stemness, invasiveness and response towards the cisplatin treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhumika Wadhwa
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), New Delhi 110001, India.,Cancer Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Srinagar 190005, India
| | - Masroor Paddar
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), New Delhi 110001, India.,Cancer Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Srinagar 190005, India
| | - Sameer Khan
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), New Delhi 110001, India.,Cancer Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Srinagar 190005, India
| | - Sameer Mir
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), New Delhi 110001, India.,Cancer Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Srinagar 190005, India
| | - Philip A Clarke
- Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Anna M Grabowska
- Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | | | - Fayaz Malik
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), New Delhi 110001, India.,Cancer Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Srinagar 190005, India
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21
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Pearce AK, Anane‐Adjei AB, Cavanagh RJ, Monteiro PF, Bennett TM, Taresco V, Clarke PA, Ritchie AA, Alexander MR, Grabowska AM, Alexander C. Effects of Polymer 3D Architecture, Size, and Chemistry on Biological Transport and Drug Delivery In Vitro and in Orthotopic Triple Negative Breast Cancer Models. Adv Healthc Mater 2020; 9:e2000892. [PMID: 33073536 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202000892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [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: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The size, shape, and underlying chemistries of drug delivery particles are key parameters which govern their ultimate performance in vivo. Responsive particles are desirable for triggered drug delivery, achievable through architecture change and biodegradation to control in vivo fate. Here, polymeric materials are synthesized with linear, hyperbranched, star, and micellar-like architectures based on 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylamide (HPMA), and the effects of 3D architecture and redox-responsive biodegradation on biological transport are investigated. Variations in "stealth" behavior between the materials are quantified in vitro and in vivo, whereby reduction-responsive hyperbranched polymers most successfully avoid accumulation within the liver, and none of the materials target the spleen or lungs. Functionalization of selected architectures with doxorubicin (DOX) demonstrates enhanced efficacy over the free drug in 2D and 3D in vitro models, and enhanced efficacy in vivo in a highly aggressive orthotopic breast cancer model when dosed over schedules accounting for the biodistribution of the carriers. These data show it is possible to direct materials of the same chemistries into different cellular and physiological regions via modulation of their 3D architectures, and thus the work overall provides valuable new insight into how nanoparticle architecture and programmed degradation can be tailored to elicit specific biological responses for drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda K. Pearce
- School of Chemistry University of Birmingham Edgbaston B15 2TT UK
- School of Pharmacy University of Nottingham Nottingham NG72RD UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Vincenzo Taresco
- School of Pharmacy University of Nottingham Nottingham NG72RD UK
| | - Phil A. Clarke
- School of Medicine University of Nottingham Nottingham NG72RD UK
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22
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Boonsri B, Yacqub-Usman K, Thintharua P, Myint KZ, Sae-Lao T, Collier P, Suriyonplengsaeng C, Larbcharoensub N, Balasubramanian B, Venkatraman S, Egbuniwe IU, Gomez D, Mukherjee A, Kumkate S, Janvilisri T, Zaitoun AM, Kuakpaetoon T, Tohtong R, Grabowska AM, Bates DO, Wongprasert K. Effect of Combining EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Cytotoxic Agents on Cholangiocarcinoma Cells. Cancer Res Treat 2020; 53:457-470. [PMID: 33070556 PMCID: PMC8053863 DOI: 10.4143/crt.2020.585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [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: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The potential of members of the epidermal growth factor receptor (ErbB) family as drug targets in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) has not been extensively addressed. Although phase III clinical trials showed no survival benefits of erlotinib in patients with advanced CCA, the outcome of the standard-of-care chemotherapy treatment for CCA, gemcitabine/cisplatin, is discouraging so we determined the effect of other ErbB receptor inhibitors alone or in conjunction with chemotherapy in CCA cells. Materials and Methods ErbB receptor expression was determined in CCA patient tissues by immunohistochemistry and digital-droplet polymerase chain reaction, and in primary cells and cell lines by immunoblot. Effects on cell viability and cell cycle distribution of combination therapy using ErbB inhibitors with chemotherapeutic drugs was carried out in CCA cell lines. 3D culture of primary CCA cells was then adopted to evaluate the drug effect in a setting that more closely resembles in vivo cell environments. Results CCA tumors showed higher expression of all ErbB receptors compared with resection margins. Primary and CCA cell lines had variable expression of erbB receptors. CCA cell lines showed decreased cell viability when treated with chemotherapeutic drugs (gemcitabine and 5-fluorouracil) but also with ErbB inhibitors, particularly afatinib, and with a combination. Sequential treatment of gemcitabine with afatinib was particularly effective. Co-culture of CCA primary cells with cancer-associated fibroblasts decreased sensitivity to chemotherapies, but sensitized to afatinib. Conclusion Afatinib is a potential epidermal growth factor receptor targeted drug for CCA treatment and sequential treatment schedule of gemcitabine and afatinib could be explored in CCA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boonyakorn Boonsri
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kiren Yacqub-Usman
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, Centre for Cancer Sciences, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Pakpoom Thintharua
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kyaw Zwar Myint
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thannicha Sae-Lao
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Siam University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pam Collier
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, Centre for Cancer Sciences, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Noppadol Larbcharoensub
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Brinda Balasubramanian
- Molecular Medicine Program, Multidisciplinary Unit, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Simran Venkatraman
- Molecular Medicine Program, Multidisciplinary Unit, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Isioma U Egbuniwe
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, Centre for Cancer Sciences, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,Department of Cellular Pathology, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Dhanwant Gomez
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, and NIHR Nottingham Digestive Disease Biomedical Research Unit, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Abhik Mukherjee
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, Centre for Cancer Sciences, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,Department of Cellular Pathology, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Supeecha Kumkate
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tavan Janvilisri
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Abed M Zaitoun
- Department of Cellular Pathology, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Rutaiwan Tohtong
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Anna M Grabowska
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, Centre for Cancer Sciences, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - David O Bates
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, Centre for Cancer Sciences, School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Kanokpan Wongprasert
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Pal A, Ashworth JC, Collier P, Probert C, Jones S, Leza EP, Meakin ML, A. Ritchie A, Onion D, Clarke PA, Allegrucci C, Grabowska AM. A 3D Heterotypic Breast Cancer Model Demonstrates a Role for Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Driving a Proliferative and Invasive Phenotype. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2290. [PMID: 32824003 PMCID: PMC7465555 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous indirect 2D co-culture studies have demonstrated that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) promote breast cancer (BC) progression through secretion of paracrine factors including growth factors, cytokines and chemokines. In order to investigate this aspect of the tumour microenvironment in a more relevant 3D co-culture model, spheroids incorporating breast cancer cells (BCCs), both cell lines and primary BCCs expanded as patient-derived xenografts, and MSCs were established. MSCs in co-cultures were shown to enhance proliferation of estrogen receptor (ER)/progesterone receptor (PR)-positive BCCs. In addition, co-culture resulted in downregulation of E-cadherin in parallel with upregulation of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-relation transcription factor, SNAIL. Cytoplasmic relocalization of ski-related novel protein N (SnON), a negative regulator of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signalling, and of β-catenin, involved in a number of pathways including Wnt signalling, was also observed in BCCs in co-cultures in contrast to monocultures. In addition, the β-catenin inhibitor, 3-[[(4-methylphenyl)sulfonyl]amino]-benzoic acid methyl ester (MSAB), mediated reduced growth and invasion in the co-cultures. This study highlights the potential role for SnON as a biomarker for BC invasiveness, and the importance of interactions between TGF-β and Wnt signalling, involving SnON. Such pathways may contribute towards identifying possible targets for therapeutic intervention in BC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amarnath Pal
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK; (A.P.); (J.C.A.); (P.C.); (C.P.); (S.J.); (E.P.L.); (M.L.M.); (A.A.R.); (P.A.C.)
| | - Jennifer C. Ashworth
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK; (A.P.); (J.C.A.); (P.C.); (C.P.); (S.J.); (E.P.L.); (M.L.M.); (A.A.R.); (P.A.C.)
| | - Pamela Collier
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK; (A.P.); (J.C.A.); (P.C.); (C.P.); (S.J.); (E.P.L.); (M.L.M.); (A.A.R.); (P.A.C.)
| | - Catherine Probert
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK; (A.P.); (J.C.A.); (P.C.); (C.P.); (S.J.); (E.P.L.); (M.L.M.); (A.A.R.); (P.A.C.)
| | - Sal Jones
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK; (A.P.); (J.C.A.); (P.C.); (C.P.); (S.J.); (E.P.L.); (M.L.M.); (A.A.R.); (P.A.C.)
| | - Eduardo Pernaut Leza
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK; (A.P.); (J.C.A.); (P.C.); (C.P.); (S.J.); (E.P.L.); (M.L.M.); (A.A.R.); (P.A.C.)
| | - Marian L. Meakin
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK; (A.P.); (J.C.A.); (P.C.); (C.P.); (S.J.); (E.P.L.); (M.L.M.); (A.A.R.); (P.A.C.)
| | - Alison A. Ritchie
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK; (A.P.); (J.C.A.); (P.C.); (C.P.); (S.J.); (E.P.L.); (M.L.M.); (A.A.R.); (P.A.C.)
| | - David Onion
- Flow Cytometry Facility, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK;
| | - Philip A Clarke
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK; (A.P.); (J.C.A.); (P.C.); (C.P.); (S.J.); (E.P.L.); (M.L.M.); (A.A.R.); (P.A.C.)
| | - Cinzia Allegrucci
- SVMS, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK;
| | - Anna M. Grabowska
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK; (A.P.); (J.C.A.); (P.C.); (C.P.); (S.J.); (E.P.L.); (M.L.M.); (A.A.R.); (P.A.C.)
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Taresco V, Abelha TF, Cavanagh RJ, Vasey CE, Anane‐Adjei AB, Pearce AK, Monteiro PF, Spriggs KA, Clarke P, Ritchie A, Martin S, Rahman R, Grabowska AM, Ashford MB, Alexander C. Functionalized Block Co‐Polymer Pro‐Drug Nanoparticles with Anti‐Cancer Efficacy in 3D Spheroids and in an Orthotopic Triple Negative Breast Cancer Model. Adv Therap 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/adtp.202000103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Taresco
- School of Pharmacy University Park University of Nottingham Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
| | - Thais F. Abelha
- School of Pharmacy University Park University of Nottingham Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
| | - Robert J. Cavanagh
- School of Pharmacy University Park University of Nottingham Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
| | - Catherine E. Vasey
- School of Pharmacy University Park University of Nottingham Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
| | | | - Amanda K. Pearce
- School of Pharmacy University Park University of Nottingham Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
- School of Chemistry University of Birmingham Birmingham B15 2TT UK
| | - Patrícia F. Monteiro
- School of Pharmacy University Park University of Nottingham Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
| | - Keith A. Spriggs
- School of Pharmacy University Park University of Nottingham Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
| | - Philip Clarke
- AstraZeneca Pharmaceutical Sciences Innovative Medicines Silk Court Business Park Macclesfield Cheshire SK10 2NA UK
| | - Alison Ritchie
- AstraZeneca Pharmaceutical Sciences Innovative Medicines Silk Court Business Park Macclesfield Cheshire SK10 2NA UK
| | - Stewart Martin
- AstraZeneca Pharmaceutical Sciences Innovative Medicines Silk Court Business Park Macclesfield Cheshire SK10 2NA UK
| | - Ruman Rahman
- AstraZeneca Pharmaceutical Sciences Innovative Medicines Silk Court Business Park Macclesfield Cheshire SK10 2NA UK
| | - Anna M. Grabowska
- AstraZeneca Pharmaceutical Sciences Innovative Medicines Silk Court Business Park Macclesfield Cheshire SK10 2NA UK
| | - Marianne B. Ashford
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences University of Nottingham Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
| | - Cameron Alexander
- School of Pharmacy University Park University of Nottingham Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
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25
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Monteiro PF, Gulfam M, Monteiro CJ, Travanut A, Abelha TF, Pearce AK, Jerôme C, Grabowska AM, Clarke PA, Collins HM, Heery DM, Gershkovich P, Alexander C. Synthesis of micellar-like terpolymer nanoparticles with reductively-cleavable cross-links and evaluation of efficacy in 2D and 3D models of triple negative breast cancer. J Control Release 2020; 323:549-564. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.04.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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26
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Fromont C, Atzori A, Kaur D, Hashmi L, Greco G, Cabanillas A, Nguyen HV, Jones DH, Garzón M, Varela A, Stevenson B, Iacobini GP, Lenoir M, Rajesh S, Box C, Kumar J, Grant P, Novitskaya V, Morgan J, Sorrell FJ, Redondo C, Kramer A, Harris CJ, Leighton B, Vickers SP, Cheetham SC, Kenyon C, Grabowska AM, Overduin M, Berditchevski F, Weston CJ, Knapp S, Fischer PM, Butterworth S. Discovery of Highly Selective Inhibitors of Calmodulin-Dependent Kinases That Restore Insulin Sensitivity in the Diet-Induced Obesity in Vivo Mouse Model. J Med Chem 2020; 63:6784-6801. [PMID: 32433887 PMCID: PMC7445743 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Polymorphisms
in the region of the calmodulin-dependent kinase
isoform D (CaMK1D) gene are associated with increased incidence of
diabetes, with the most common polymorphism resulting in increased
recognition by transcription factors and increased protein expression.
While reducing CaMK1D expression has a potentially beneficial effect
on glucose processing in human hepatocytes, there are no known selective
inhibitors of CaMK1 kinases that can be used to validate or translate
these findings. Here we describe the development of a series of potent,
selective, and drug-like CaMK1 inhibitors that are able to provide
significant free target cover in mouse models and are therefore useful
as in vivo tool compounds. Our results show that
a lead compound from this series improves insulin sensitivity and
glucose control in the diet-induced obesity mouse model after both
acute and chronic administration, providing the first in vivo validation of CaMK1D as a target for diabetes therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Fromont
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences and School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K
| | - Alessio Atzori
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences and School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K
| | - Divneet Kaur
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences and School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K
| | - Lubna Hashmi
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences and School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K
| | - Graziella Greco
- School of Pharmacy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston B15 2TT, U.K
| | - Alejandro Cabanillas
- School of Pharmacy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston B15 2TT, U.K
| | - Huy Van Nguyen
- School of Pharmacy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston B15 2TT, U.K
| | - D Heulyn Jones
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K
| | - Miguel Garzón
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K
| | - Ana Varela
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K
| | - Brett Stevenson
- Sygnature Discovery, BioCity, Pennyfoot Street, Nottingham NG1 1GF, U.K
| | - Greg P Iacobini
- Sygnature Discovery, BioCity, Pennyfoot Street, Nottingham NG1 1GF, U.K
| | - Marc Lenoir
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, U.K
| | - Sundaresan Rajesh
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, U.K
| | - Clare Box
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, U.K
| | - Jitendra Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Paige Grant
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Vera Novitskaya
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, U.K
| | - Juliet Morgan
- Sygnature Discovery, BioCity, Pennyfoot Street, Nottingham NG1 1GF, U.K
| | - Fiona J Sorrell
- Structural Genomics Consortium and Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Oxford OX3 7DQ, U.K
| | - Clara Redondo
- Structural Genomics Consortium and Target Discovery Institute, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus Research Building, Oxford OX3 7DQ, U.K
| | - Andreas Kramer
- Structural Genomics Consortium and Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Institute for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Straße 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - C John Harris
- CJH Consultants, Ford Cottage, South Weirs, Burley Road, Brockenhurst, Hants SO42 7UQ, U.K
| | - Brendan Leighton
- The Research Network, IPC 600 Discovery Park, Ramsgate Road, Sandwich CT13 9NJ, U.K
| | - Steven P Vickers
- RenaSci Limited, BioCity, Pennyfoot Street, Nottingham NG1 1GF, U.K
| | | | - Colin Kenyon
- DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, SAMRC Centre for Molecular and Cellular Biology, Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 8000, South Africa
| | - Anna M Grabowska
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre of Excellence, Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K
| | - Michael Overduin
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Fedor Berditchevski
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, U.K
| | - Chris J Weston
- Centre for Liver Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, U.K.,NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, U.K
| | - Stefan Knapp
- Structural Genomics Consortium and Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Institute for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Straße 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Peter M Fischer
- Centre for Biomolecular Sciences and School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K
| | - Sam Butterworth
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K
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27
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Saini F, Argent RH, Grabowska AM. Sonic Hedgehog Ligand: A Role in Formation of a Mesenchymal Niche in Human Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cells 2019; 8:E424. [PMID: 31072042 PMCID: PMC6563044 DOI: 10.3390/cells8050424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterised by desmoplasia, thought to support progression and chemotherapeutic resistance. The Hedgehog pathway is known to play an important role in this cancer. While the upregulation of Sonic hedgehog (Shh) in the epithelium of PDAC is known, we investigated its expression in the tumour microenvironment in order to find new targets for new chemotherapeutical approaches. Immunohistochemistry was used for the investigation of Shh and Vimentin in primary human pancreatic tissues. Gene (qRT-PCR) and protein (immunofluorescence) expression of Shh, αSMA (a marker of the mesenchymal phenotype) and periostin (a marker of mesenchymal cells within a mixed population) were investigated in in vitro cell models. Shh expression was significantly upregulated in the stromal and epithelial compartments of poorly-differentiated PDAC samples, with a strong correlation with the amount of stroma present. Characterisation of stromal cells showed that there was expression of Shh ligand in a mixed population comprising αSMA+ myofibroblasts and αSMA- mesenchymal stem cells. Moreover, we demonstrated the interaction between these cell lines by showing a higher rate of mesenchymal cell proliferation and the upregulation of periostin. Therefore, targeting stromal Shh could affect the equilibrium of the tumour microenvironment and its contribution to tumour growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Saini
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre of Excellence, Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Richard H Argent
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre of Excellence, Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK.
| | - Anna M Grabowska
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre of Excellence, Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK.
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28
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Hsu WH, Sánchez-Gómez P, Gomez-Ibarlucea E, Ivanov DP, Rahman R, Grabowska AM, Csaba N, Alexander C, Garcia-Fuentes M. Structure-Optimized Interpolymer Polyphosphazene Complexes for Effective Gene Delivery against Glioblastoma. Adv Therap 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/adtp.201800126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Hsin Hsu
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS) Av. Barcelona s/n; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela; 15782 Santiago de Compostela Spain
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation; School of Pharmacy; University of Nottingham; Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
| | - Pilar Sánchez-Gómez
- Neurooncology Unit; Instituto de Salud Carlos III (UFIEC); Carretera de Majadahonda-Pozuelo, Km. 2.200.; 28220 Majadahonda Madrid Spain
| | - Esther Gomez-Ibarlucea
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS) Av. Barcelona s/n; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela; 15782 Santiago de Compostela Spain
| | - Delyan P. Ivanov
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells; School of Medicine; Queen's Medical Centre; University of Nottingham; Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
| | - Ruman Rahman
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells; School of Medicine; Queen's Medical Centre; University of Nottingham; Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
| | - Anna M. Grabowska
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells; School of Medicine; Queen's Medical Centre; University of Nottingham; Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
| | - Noemi Csaba
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS) Av. Barcelona s/n; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela; 15782 Santiago de Compostela Spain
| | - Cameron Alexander
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation; School of Pharmacy; University of Nottingham; Nottingham NG7 2RD UK
| | - Marcos Garcia-Fuentes
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS) Av. Barcelona s/n; Universidade de Santiago de Compostela; 15782 Santiago de Compostela Spain
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29
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Capel V, Vllasaliu D, Watts P, Clarke PA, Luxton D, Grabowska AM, Mantovani G, Stolnik S. Water-soluble substituted chitosan derivatives as technology platform for inhalation delivery of siRNA. Drug Deliv 2018; 25:644-653. [PMID: 29493294 PMCID: PMC6058492 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2018.1440668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [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] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite research efforts full potential of siRNA-based therapeutics has not yet been fully realized due to a need for suitable, effective delivery formulations. Here, we examine a potential of a new class of water-soluble chitosans as siRNA platform for pulmonary delivery. The system is based on piperazine-substituted chitosans, a material designed to integrate established, safe application of chitosan for mucosal administration with novel properties: the piperazine-substituted chitosans are freely water-soluble at physiological pH, possess low cytotoxicity (no significant reduction in cell viability up to 0.1 mg/ml), and provide efficient incorporation of siRNA into sub-300 nm colloidal complexes (at relatively low polymer/siRNA ratio of 5:1). In vitro, the complexes achieved silencing of a model gene at a level of 40–80%, when tested in a panel of lung epithelial cells. Considering the formulation ‘developability’, there were no significant changes in the complexes’ size and integrity on aerosolisation by microsprayer (PenCentury™) device. Following intratracheal aerolisation, the complexes deposited throughout the lung, although relatively inhomogeneously, as judged from IVIS imaging of the isolated mouse lung (visualizing DY647-siRNA). In vivo data illustrate absence of adverse effects on repeated administration of complexes and significant tumor reduction in atopical lung cancer model in mice. Altogether, the data illustrates potential of substituted chitosan derivatives to be utilized as a safe system for inhalation delivery of siRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Capel
- a Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy , University of Nottingham, University Park , Nottingham , United Kingdom
| | - Driton Vllasaliu
- a Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy , University of Nottingham, University Park , Nottingham , United Kingdom
| | - Peter Watts
- b Archimedes Development Limited, Albert Einstein Centre, Nottingham Science and Technology Park , University Boulevard , Nottingham , United Kingdom
| | - Philip A Clarke
- c Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine , University of Nottingham , Nottingham , United Kingdom
| | - Dominic Luxton
- c Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine , University of Nottingham , Nottingham , United Kingdom
| | - Anna M Grabowska
- c Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine , University of Nottingham , Nottingham , United Kingdom
| | - Giuseppe Mantovani
- a Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy , University of Nottingham, University Park , Nottingham , United Kingdom
| | - Snjezana Stolnik
- a Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy , University of Nottingham, University Park , Nottingham , United Kingdom
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Linke F, Merry CLR, Grabowska AM, Stolnik-Trenkic S, Kerr ID, Coyle B. MBRS-43. MODELLING MEDULLOBLASTOMA INVASION AND CHEMORESISTANCE IN A 3D HYALURONAN HYDROGEL SYSTEM. Neuro Oncol 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noy059.488] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Linke
- Children’s Brain Tumour Research Centre, School of Medicine; University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Catherine L R Merry
- Division of Cancer & Stem Cells, School of Medicine; University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Anna M Grabowska
- Division of Cancer & Stem Cells, School of Medicine; University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Snow Stolnik-Trenkic
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Formulation, School of Pharmacy; University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Ian D Kerr
- Division of Cell Signalling & Pharmacology, School of Life Sciences; University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Beth Coyle
- Children’s Brain Tumour Research Centre, School of Medicine; University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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Aldighieri M, Linke F, Grabowska AM, Kerr ID, Coyle B. MBRS-44. MODELLING THE BRAIN/CSF INTERFACE IN MEDULLOBLASTOMA. Neuro Oncol 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noy059.489] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Macha Aldighieri
- Children’s Brain Tumour Research Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Franziska Linke
- Children’s Brain Tumour Research Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Anna M Grabowska
- Division of Cancer & Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Ian D Kerr
- Division of Cell Signalling & Pharmacology, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Beth Coyle
- Children’s Brain Tumour Research Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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Cardall A, Nasir A, Linke F, Grabowska AM, Kerr ID, Coyle B. MBRS-39. TWIST1 PLAYS A REGULATORY ROLE IN MEDULLOBLASTOMA METASTASIS. Neuro Oncol 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noy059.484] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alice Cardall
- Children’s Brain Tumour Research Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Aishah Nasir
- Division of Cancer & Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Franziska Linke
- Children’s Brain Tumour Research Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Anna M Grabowska
- Division of Cancer & Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Ian D Kerr
- Division of Cell Signalling & Pharmacology, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Beth Coyle
- Children’s Brain Tumour Research Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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Bates DO, Fernandes CS, Usman KY, Bourne J, Collier P, Ali S, Kaira S, Gregory S, Pang V, Allen C, Grabowska AM, Denning C, Benest AV. ZEB1 REGULATES MULTIPLE ASPECTS OF ENDOTHELIAL QUIESCENCE DURING VASCULAR REMODELLING. FASEB J 2018. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.2018.32.1_supplement.726.4] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Shahzeb Ali
- University of NottinghamNottinghamUnited Kingdom
| | - Spandan Kaira
- Stem CellsUniversity of NottinghamNottinghamUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Vincent Pang
- University of NottinghamNottinghamUnited Kingdom
| | - Claire Allen
- University of NottinghamNottinghamUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Chris Denning
- Stem CellsUniversity of NottinghamNottinghamUnited Kingdom
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Saunders JH, Onion D, Collier P, Dorrington MS, Argent RH, Clarke PA, Reece-Smith AM, Parsons SL, Grabowska AM. Individual patient oesophageal cancer 3D models for tailored treatment. Oncotarget 2018; 8:24224-24236. [PMID: 27736801 PMCID: PMC5421842 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.12500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A model to predict chemotherapy response would provide a marked clinical benefit, enabling tailored treatment of oesophageal cancer, where less than half of patients respond to the routinely administered chemotherapy. Methods Cancer cells were established from tumour biopsies taken from individual patients about to undergo neoadjuvant chemotherapy. A 3D-tumour growth assay (3D-TGA) was developed, in which cancer cells were grown with or without supporting mesenchymal cells, then subjected to chemo-sensitivity testing using the standard chemotherapy administered in clinic, and a novel emerging HDAC inhibitor, Panobinostat. RESULTS Individual patients cancer cells could be expanded and screened within a clinically applicable timescale of 3 weeks. Incorporating mesenchymal support within the 3D-TGA significantly enhanced both the growth and drug resistance profiles of the patients cancer cells. The ex vivo drug response in the presence, but not absence, of mesenchymal cells accurately reflected clinical chemo-sensitivity, as measured by tumour regression grade. Combination with Panobinostat enhanced response and proved efficacious in otherwise chemo-resistant tumours. Conclusions This novel method of establishing individual patient oesophageal cancers in the laboratory, from small endoscopic biopsies, enables clinically-relevant chemo-sensitivity testing, and reduces use of animals by providing more refined in vitro models for pre-screening of drugs. The 3D-TGA accurately predicted chemo-sensitivity in patients, and could be developed to guide tailored patient treatment. The incorporation of mesenchymal cells as the stromal cell component of the tumour micro-environment had a significant effect upon enhancing chemotherapy drug resistance in oesophageal cancer, and could prove a useful target for future drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- John H Saunders
- Cancer Biology Unit, Division of Cancer & Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,Department of Upper GI Surgery, City Hospital Campus, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - David Onion
- Cancer Biology Unit, Division of Cancer & Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Pamela Collier
- Cancer Biology Unit, Division of Cancer & Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Matthew S Dorrington
- Cancer Biology Unit, Division of Cancer & Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Richard H Argent
- Cancer Biology Unit, Division of Cancer & Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Philip A Clarke
- Cancer Biology Unit, Division of Cancer & Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Alex M Reece-Smith
- Cancer Biology Unit, Division of Cancer & Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,Department of Upper GI Surgery, City Hospital Campus, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Simon L Parsons
- Cancer Biology Unit, Division of Cancer & Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,Department of Upper GI Surgery, City Hospital Campus, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Anna M Grabowska
- Cancer Biology Unit, Division of Cancer & Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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35
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Onion D, Isherwood M, Shridhar N, Xenophontos M, Craze ML, Day LJ, García-Márquez MA, Pineda RG, Reece-Smith AM, Saunders JH, Duffy JP, Argent RH, Grabowska AM. Multicomponent analysis of the tumour microenvironment reveals low CD8 T cell number, low stromal caveolin-1 and high tenascin-C and their combination as significant prognostic markers in non-small cell lung cancer. Oncotarget 2017; 9:1760-1771. [PMID: 29416729 PMCID: PMC5788597 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.18880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [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: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The complex interplay of the tumour microenvironment (TME) and its role in disease progression and response to therapy is poorly understood. The majority of studies to date focus on individual components or molecules within the TME and so lack the power correlative analysis. Here we have performed a multi-parameter analysis of the TME in 62 resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) specimens detailing number and location of immune infiltrate, assessing markers of cancer-associated fibroblasts, caveolin-1 and tenascin-C, and correlating with clinicopathological details, as well as markers of disease progression such as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The influence of individual parameters on overall survival was determined in univariate and multivariate analysis and the combination of risk factors and interplay between components analysed. Low numbers of CD8 T cells, low stromal levels of caveolin-1 or high levels of tenascin-C were significant prognostic markers of decreased overall survival in both univariate and multivariate analysis. Patients with two or more risk factors had dramatically reduced overall survival and those with all three a median survival of just 7.5 months. In addition, low levels of tumour E-cadherin correlated with reduced immune infiltrate into the tumour nests, possibly linking EMT to the avoidance of CD8 T cell control. The multicomponent approach has allowed identification of the dominant influences on overall survival, and exploration of the interplay between different components of the TME in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Onion
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre of Excellence, Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,University of Nottingham Flow Cytometry Facility, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Mark Isherwood
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre of Excellence, Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Naveen Shridhar
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre of Excellence, Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Mikalena Xenophontos
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre of Excellence, Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Madeleine L Craze
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre of Excellence, Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Laura J Day
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre of Excellence, Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - María A García-Márquez
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre of Excellence, Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Robert G Pineda
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre of Excellence, Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Alexander M Reece-Smith
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre of Excellence, Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - John H Saunders
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre of Excellence, Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - John P Duffy
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Nottingham University NHS Trust, City Hospital Campus, Nottingham, UK
| | - Richard H Argent
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre of Excellence, Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Anna M Grabowska
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre of Excellence, Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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36
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Ivanov DP, Grabowska AM. Spheroid arrays for high-throughput single-cell analysis of spatial patterns and biomarker expression in 3D. Sci Rep 2017; 7:41160. [PMID: 28134245 PMCID: PMC5278392 DOI: 10.1038/srep41160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [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: 09/15/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
We describe and share a device, methodology and image analysis algorithms, which allow up to 66 spheroids to be arranged into a gel-based array directly from a culture plate for downstream processing and analysis. Compared to processing individual samples, the technique uses 11-fold less reagents, saves time and enables automated imaging. To illustrate the power of the technology, we showcase applications of the methodology for investigating 3D spheroid morphology and marker expression and for in vitro safety and efficacy screens. First, spheroid arrays of 11 cell-lines were rapidly assessed for differences in spheroid morphology. Second, highly-positive (SOX-2), moderately-positive (Ki-67) and weakly-positive (βIII-tubulin) protein targets were detected and quantified. Third, the arrays enabled screening of ten media compositions for inducing differentiation in human neurospheres. Last, the application of spheroid microarrays for spheroid-based drug screens was demonstrated by quantifying the dose-dependent drop in proliferation and increase in differentiation in etoposide-treated neurospheres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delyan P Ivanov
- Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Anna M Grabowska
- Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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37
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Abstract
Mainstream adoption of physiologically relevant three-dimensional models has been slow in the last 50 years due to long, manual protocols with poor reproducibility, high price, and closed commercial platforms. This chapter describes high-throughput, low-cost, open methods for spheroid viability assessment which use readily available reagents and open-source software to analyze spheroid volume, metabolism, and enzymatic activity. We provide two ImageJ macros for automated spheroid size determination-for both single images and images in stacks. We also share an Excel template spreadsheet allowing users to rapidly process spheroid size data, analyze plate uniformity (such as edge effects and systematic seeding errors), detect outliers, and calculate dose-response. The methods would be useful to researchers in preclinical and translational research planning to move away from simplistic monolayer studies and explore 3D spheroid screens for drug safety and efficacy without substantial investment in money or time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delyan P Ivanov
- Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK.
| | - Anna M Grabowska
- Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
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Ivanov DP, Walker DA, Coyle B, Grabowska AM. Data on the number and frequency of scientific literature citations for established medulloblastoma cell lines. Data Brief 2016; 9:696-698. [PMID: 27812533 PMCID: PMC5079239 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2016.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Revised: 09/21/2016] [Accepted: 10/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
This article collates information about the number of scientific articles mentioning each of the established medulloblastoma cell lines, derived through a systematic search of Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar in 2016. The data for each cell line have been presented as raw number of citations, percentage share of the total citations for each search engine and as an average percentage between the three search engines. In order to correct for the time since each cell line has been in use, the raw citation data have also been divided by the number of years since the derivation of each cell line. This is a supporting article for a review of in vitro models of medulloblastoma published in “in vitro models of medulloblastoma: choosing the right tool for the job” (D.P. Ivanov, D.A. Walker, B. Coyle, A.M. Grabowska, 2016) [1].
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Affiliation(s)
- D P Ivanov
- Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem cells, University of Nottingham, UK
| | - D A Walker
- Children׳s brain tumour research centre, University of Nottingham, UK
| | - B Coyle
- Children׳s brain tumour research centre, University of Nottingham, UK
| | - A M Grabowska
- Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem cells, University of Nottingham, UK
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39
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Ivanov DP, Al-Rubai AJ, Grabowska AM, Pratten MK. Separating chemotherapy-related developmental neurotoxicity from cytotoxicity in monolayer and neurosphere cultures of human fetal brain cells. Toxicol In Vitro 2016; 37:88-96. [PMID: 27622579 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2016.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [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: 06/09/2016] [Revised: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity can reduce the quality of life of patients by affecting their intelligence, senses and mobility. Ten percent of safety-related late-stage clinical failures are due to neurological side effects. Animal models are poor in predicting human neurotoxicity due to interspecies differences and most in vitro assays cannot distinguish neurotoxicity from general cytotoxicity for chemotherapeutics. We developed in vitro assays capable of quantifying the paediatric neurotoxic potential for cytotoxic drugs. Mixed cultures of human fetal brain cells were differentiated in monolayers and as 3D-neurospheres in the presence of non-neurotoxic chemotherapeutics (etoposide, teniposide) or neurotoxicants (methylmercury). The cytotoxic potency towards dividing progenitors versus differentiated neurons and astrocytes was compared using: (1) immunohistochemistry staining and cell counts in monolayers; (2) through quantitative Western blots in neurospheres; and (3) neurosphere migration assays. Etoposide and teniposide, were 5-10 times less toxic to differentiated neurons compared to the mix of all cells in monolayer cultures. In contrast, the neurotoxicant methylmercury did not exhibit selectivity and killed all cells with the same potency. In 3D neurospheres, etoposide and teniposide were 24 to 10 times less active against neurons compared to all cells. These assays can be used prioritise drugs for local drug delivery to brain tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delyan P Ivanov
- Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
| | - Abdal-Jabbar Al-Rubai
- School of Life Sciences, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
| | - Anna M Grabowska
- Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
| | - Margaret K Pratten
- School of Life Sciences, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
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40
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Ivanov DP, Coyle B, Walker DA, Grabowska AM. In vitro models of medulloblastoma: Choosing the right tool for the job. J Biotechnol 2016; 236:10-25. [PMID: 27498314 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2016.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [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: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The recently-defined four molecular subgroups of medulloblastoma have required updating of our understanding of in vitro models to include molecular classification and risk stratification features from clinical practice. This review seeks to build a more comprehensive picture of the in vitro systems available for modelling medulloblastoma. The subtype classification and molecular characterisation for over 40 medulloblastoma cell-lines has been compiled, making it possible to identify the strengths and weaknesses in current model systems. Less than half (18/44) of established medulloblastoma cell-lines have been subgrouped. The majority of the subgrouped cell-lines (11/18) are Group 3 with MYC-amplification. SHH cell-lines are the next most common (4/18), half of which exhibit TP53 mutation. WNT and Group 4 subgroups, accounting for 50% of patients, remain underrepresented with 1 and 2 cell-lines respectively. In vitro modelling relies not only on incorporating appropriate tumour cells, but also on using systems with the relevant tissue architecture and phenotype as well as normal tissues. Novel ways of improving the clinical relevance of in vitro models are reviewed, focusing on 3D cell culture, extracellular matrix, co-cultures with normal cells and organotypic slices. This paper champions the establishment of a collaborative online-database and linked cell-bank to catalyse preclinical medulloblastoma research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delyan P Ivanov
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, Cancer Biology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
| | - Beth Coyle
- Children's Brain Tumour Research Centre, Queens Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
| | - David A Walker
- Children's Brain Tumour Research Centre, Queens Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
| | - Anna M Grabowska
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, Cancer Biology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
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Onion D, Argent RH, Reece-Smith AM, Craze ML, Pineda RG, Clarke PA, Ratan HL, Parsons SL, Lobo DN, Duffy JP, Atherton JC, McKenzie AJ, Kumari R, King P, Hall BM, Grabowska AM. 3-Dimensional Patient-Derived Lung Cancer Assays Reveal Resistance to Standards-of-Care Promoted by Stromal Cells but Sensitivity to Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors. Mol Cancer Ther 2016; 15:753-63. [PMID: 26873730 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-15-0598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
There is a growing recognition that current preclinical models do not reflect the tumor microenvironment in cellular, biological, and biophysical content and this may have a profound effect on drug efficacy testing, especially in the era of molecular-targeted agents. Here, we describe a method to directly embed low-passage patient tumor-derived tissue into basement membrane extract, ensuring a low proportion of cell death to anoikis and growth complementation by coculture with patient-derived cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF). A range of solid tumors proved amenable to growth and pharmacologic testing in this 3D assay. A study of 30 early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) specimens revealed high levels of de novo resistance to a large range of standard-of-care agents, while histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors and their combination with antineoplastic drugs displayed high levels of efficacy. Increased resistance was seen in the presence of patient-derived CAFs for many agents, highlighting the utility of the assay for tumor microenvironment-educated drug testing. Standard-of-care agents showed similar responses in the 3D ex vivo and patient-matched in vivo models validating the 3D-Tumor Growth Assay (3D-TGA) as a high-throughput screen for close-to-patient tumors using significantly reduced animal numbers. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(4); 753-63. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Onion
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre of Excellence, Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom. University of Nottingham Flow Cytometry Facility, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Richard H Argent
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre of Excellence, Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander M Reece-Smith
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre of Excellence, Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Madeleine L Craze
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre of Excellence, Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Robert G Pineda
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre of Excellence, Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Philip A Clarke
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre of Excellence, Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Hari L Ratan
- Department of Urology, Nottingham University NHS Trust, QMC, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Simon L Parsons
- Nottingham University NHS Trust, City Hospital Campus, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Dileep N Lobo
- Nottingham Digestive Diseases National Institute of Health Research Biomedical Research Unit, University of Nottingham and Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - John P Duffy
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Nottingham University NHS Trust, City Hospital Campus, Nottingham United Kingdom
| | - John C Atherton
- Nottingham Digestive Diseases National Institute of Health Research Biomedical Research Unit, University of Nottingham and Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | | | - Rajendra Kumari
- Crown Bioscience UK Ltd, Hillcrest, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Peter King
- Janssen Research and Development, Spring House, Pennsylvania
| | - Brett M Hall
- Janssen Research and Development, Spring House, Pennsylvania
| | - Anna M Grabowska
- Ex Vivo Cancer Pharmacology Centre of Excellence, Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom.
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Grabowska AM, Kircheis R, Kumari R, Clarke P, McKenzie A, Hughes J, Mayne C, Desai A, Sasso L, Watson SA, Alexander C. Systemic in vivo delivery of siRNA to tumours using combination of polyethyleneimine and transferrin–polyethyleneimine conjugates. Biomater Sci 2015; 3:1439-48. [DOI: 10.1039/c5bm00101c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Materials for delivery of oligonucleotides need to be simple to produce and formulate yet effectivein vivoto be considered for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M. Grabowska
- Cancer Biology
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells
- University of Nottingham
- UK
| | | | | | - Philip Clarke
- Cancer Biology
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells
- University of Nottingham
- UK
| | | | - Jaime Hughes
- Cancer Biology
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells
- University of Nottingham
- UK
| | - Cerys Mayne
- Cancer Biology
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells
- University of Nottingham
- UK
| | - Arpan Desai
- School of Pharmacy
- University of Nottingham
- UK
| | - Luana Sasso
- School of Pharmacy
- University of Nottingham
- UK
| | - Susan A. Watson
- Cancer Biology
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells
- University of Nottingham
- UK
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43
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Khan AR, Magnusson JP, Watson S, Grabowska AM, Wilkinson RW, Alexander C, Pritchard D. Camptothecin prodrug block copolymer micelles with high drug loading and target specificity. Polym Chem 2014. [DOI: 10.1039/c4py00369a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The effects of a novel functional reducible camptothecin (CPT) block copolymer conjugate, targeting luteinizing hormone releasing hormone receptor (LHRHR) were evaluated against differing LHRHR expressing tumour cell lines and immune populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan R. Khan
- School of Pharmacy
- University of Nottingham
- University Park
- Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
- AstraZeneca
| | | | - Sue Watson
- Pre-Clinical Oncology
- School of Medical and Surgical Sciences
- Queens Medical Centre
- University of Nottingham
- , UK
| | - Anna M. Grabowska
- Pre-Clinical Oncology
- School of Medical and Surgical Sciences
- Queens Medical Centre
- University of Nottingham
- , UK
| | | | - Cameron Alexander
- School of Pharmacy
- University of Nottingham
- University Park
- Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - David Pritchard
- School of Pharmacy
- University of Nottingham
- University Park
- Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
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Soliman M, Nasanit R, Abulateefeh SR, Allen S, Davies MC, Briggs SS, Seymour LW, Preece JA, Grabowska AM, Watson SA, Alexander C. Multicomponent Synthetic Polymers with Viral-Mimetic Chemistry for Nucleic Acid Delivery. Mol Pharm 2011; 9:1-13. [DOI: 10.1021/mp200108q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Soliman
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K
- Department
of Pharmaceutics,
Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Monazamet El Wehda El Afrikia St., El Abbassia, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rujikan Nasanit
- School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, U.K
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty
of Engineering and Industrial Technology, Silpakorn University, Nakorn Pathom 73000, Thailand
| | | | - Stephanie Allen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K
| | - Martyn C. Davies
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K
| | - Simon S. Briggs
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 6HE, U.K
| | - Leonard W. Seymour
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX2 6HE, U.K
| | - Jon A. Preece
- School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, U.K
| | - Anna M. Grabowska
- Division of Pre-Clinical Oncology, University of Nottingham, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham
NG7 2UH, U.K
| | - Susan A. Watson
- Division of Pre-Clinical Oncology, University of Nottingham, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham
NG7 2UH, U.K
| | - Cameron Alexander
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K
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Bandopadhyay G, Mayne CM, Lees N, Papadopoulou N, Coughlan TC, Coyle B, Watson SA, Grabowska AM. Abstract 3397: Validation of targets involved in supporting the stem cell niche in glioblastoma multiforme. Cancer Res 2011. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2011-3397] [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: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a cytologically malignant tumour of the central nervous system, associated with poor prognosis and fatal outcome (5 year survival, <6%). GBM cancer stem cells (CSCs), which can be identified using the immunocytochemical marker CD133, are associated with poor prognosis. The gastrin receptor, CCK2R, is also expressed in glioblastoma cell-lines and promotes cancer progression. In this study we investigated the functional role of these two molecules in GBM to elucidate any potential therapeutic benefits.
Materials and methods: A panel of glioblastoma cells was grown either as monolayers, or, to provide a 3D in vitro tumour model, as neurospheres, which enrich for the cancer stem cell phenotype. Quantitative RT-PCR was used to quantify CD133 and CCK-2R gene expression over time in these cultures, and flow cytometry (FACS) to investigate expression at the protein level. CD133 and CCK-2R promoter reporters were constructed in pGL4 and promoter activity quantified using luciferase assays. Gene knockdown or specific inhibitors were used to investigate the role of these genes in glioblastoma cell tumorigenicity in vitro (using MTT, wound-healing, and neurosphere formation) and in an in vivo xenograft model.
Results: CD133 and CCK-2R gene and protein expression were higher in the more tumorigenic glioblastoma cell-line, U251, compared with the less tumorigenic line, U373. For both markers, higher gene expression correlated with higher promoter activity and FACS demonstrated the presence of a small population of positively-stained cells. Expression of both genes was upregulated during neurosphere formation, which was accelerated in hypoxia. Knockdown of CD133 and CCK-2R inhibition in cell line U251 reduced neurosphere-forming potential (p<0.05). Knockdown of CD133 also significantly reduced migration (p<0.001) and increased susceptibility to the chemotherapeutic agent etoposide (p<0.05).
Conclusions: CD133 and CCK-2R expression correlate with tumorigenic potential of GBM cells and are upregulated during neurosphere formation, which enriches for cancer stem cells. CD133 knockdown and CCK-2R inhibition reduced neurosphere formation. In addition, CD133 knockdown reduced GBM invasive capacity, and increased resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs. Therefore, use of CD133 and CCK-2R-targeted therapies, in combination with established standard of care may improve GBM patient outcome.
Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3397. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-3397
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nick Lees
- 1University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Beth Coyle
- 1University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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Papadopoulou N, Collier P, Whelband E, Grabowska AM, Watson SA. Abstract 4280: Differential influence of naïve & tumour-conditioned mesenchymal stem cells on the growth of human epithelial cells in in vitro monolayer co-cultures & 3D hollow fibre systems. Cancer Res 2011. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2011-4280] [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: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Tumour cell behaviour is altered by the non-neoplastic portion of the stroma composed of fibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), pericytes, endothelial and inflammatory cells actively intertwined with the tumour parenchyma. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key phenotypic change involved in carcinoma progression, resulting in profound phenotypic changes to malignant cells e.g. loss of cell-cell adhesion, loss of cell polarity and acquisition of migratory and invasive properties. Human MSC can give rise to endothelial-like or pericyte-like cells, and are also capable of differentiating into carcinoma associated fibroblasts (CAFs) when exposed to soluble factors produced by tumour cells, which support the malignant epithelial cells resulting in overall enhanced tumour growth and survival in vitro and in vivo. EMT is common within primary tumours and may be further promoted by associated CAFs.
Objectives: The objectives of our current research are to recapitulate the human tumour micro-environment within the hollow fibre model (HF) and apply a real-time bio-imaging component to enable the non-invasive analysis of biological parameters associated with tumour progression.
Results: Using tumour cells stably expressing a bioluminescent reporter gene, we have investigated tumour growth in the presence and absence of naive (MSC) and tumour-conditioned (tcMSC) human mesenchymal stem cells both within in vitro cell cultures and the HF model. Real-time imaging of bioluminescent tumour cells demonstrated that these cells can actively proliferate within the HFs; and the presence of MSC or tcMSC significantly enhances tumour growth compared with tumour cells alone. Immuno-staining analysis revealed that a stromal network is established around the periphery of the fibre and that with prolonged culture, MSCs acquire a ‘myofibroblastic’ phenotype (elevated expression of αSMA and FSP1) resulting in growth promoting effects similar to CAFs. Here, we also demonstrate downregulation of E-Cadherin – a hallmark of EMT- and upregulation of genes of the EMT trascriptome, in both direct and indirect co-cultures.Conclusions: Here we provide experimental evidence that naive MSC or tcMSC may provide a tumour cell-protective setting and alter tumour behaviour both in vitro and in the hollow fibre model. Real-time PCR data obtained from direct and indirect co-cultures also provide an insight in the co-evolution of the carcinoma and surrounding stroma with the overall microenvironment. Finally, this recapitulation of the human tumour micro-environment provides a relevant model by which to identify and characterise novel anti-cancer compounds.
Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4280. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-4280
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pam Collier
- 1University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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Yin Y, Grabowska AM, Clarke PA, Whelband E, Robinson K, Argent RH, Tobias A, Kumari R, Atherton JC, Watson SA. Helicobacter pylori potentiates epithelial:mesenchymal transition in gastric cancer: links to soluble HB-EGF, gastrin and matrix metalloproteinase-7. Gut 2010; 59:1037-45. [PMID: 20584780 PMCID: PMC2976077 DOI: 10.1136/gut.2009.199794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) infection is a major risk factor in the development of distal gastric adenocarcinoma. Development of the invasive phenotype is associated with the phenomenon of epithelial:mesenchymal transition (EMT). Soluble heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (HB-EGF) has been implicated in this process. A study was undertaken to investigate the possibility that matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-7 is upregulated in H pylori infection as a result of hypergastrinaemia, which may enhance shedding of HB-EGF and contribute towards EMT in gastric adenocarcinoma cell lines. METHODS Three gastric epithelial cell lines (AGS, MGLVA1 and ST16) were co-cultured with the pathogenic H pylori strain 60190 and non-pathogenic strain Tx30a in an in vitro infection model. Gene expression was quantified by real-time PCR, HB-EGF shedding by ELISA and protein expression by immunofluorescence or immunohistochemistry. The INS-GAS mouse, a transgenic mouse model of gastric carcinogenesis which overexpresses amidated gastrin, was used to investigate the in vivo relationship between HB-EGF, MMP-7, gastrin and EMT. RESULTS The pathogenic strain of H pylori significantly upregulated EMT-associated genes Snail, Slug and vimentin in all three gastric cell lines to a greater degree than the non-pathogenic strain. Pathogenic H pylori also upregulated HB-EGF shedding, a factor implicated in EMT, which was partially dependent on both gastrin and MMP-7 expression. Gastrin and MMP-7 siRNAs and MMP-7 neutralising antibody significantly reduced upregulation of HB-EGF shedding in H pylori infected gastric cell lines and reduced EMT gene expression. The effect of H pylori on EMT was also reversed by gastrin siRNA. Neutralisation of gastrin in the INS-GAS mouse model reduced expression of MMP-7, HB-EGF and key EMT proteins. CONCLUSION The upregulation of MMP-7 by pathogenic H pylori is partially dependent on gastrin and may have a role in the development of gastric cancer, potentially through EMT, by indirectly increasing levels of soluble HB-EGF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinfei Yin
- Division of Pre-Clinical Oncology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Anna M Grabowska
- Division of Pre-Clinical Oncology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Philip A Clarke
- Division of Pre-Clinical Oncology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Elisabeth Whelband
- Division of Pre-Clinical Oncology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Karen Robinson
- Division of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Richard H Argent
- Division of Pre-Clinical Oncology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Amanda Tobias
- Division of Pre-Clinical Oncology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Rajendra Kumari
- Division of Pre-Clinical Oncology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - John C Atherton
- Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Susan A Watson
- Division of Pre-Clinical Oncology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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Mayne CM, Grabowska AM, Watson SA. Abstract 3954: A role for the cholecystokinin 2 receptor (CCK-2R) in promoting cancer progression. Cancer Res 2010. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am10-3954] [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: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background and aims: The gastrointestinal (GI) hormone, gastrin, promotes cancer progression and its down-regulation has been linked to reduced cancer stem cell numbers. Gastrin acts through the cholecystokinin 2 receptor (CCK-2R) and its biological effects are blocked by CCK-2R inhibitors. We investigated a potential role for CCK-2R in promoting survival of cancer stem cells using RNAi combined with a sensitive method to detect CCK-2R mRNA.
Materials and methods: A panel of cancer cell-lines was used, including GI, glioblastoma and small cell lung cancer (SCLC), with CCK-2R-transfected cells as a positive control. Linear-after-the-Exponential (LATE)-PCR was used to quantify CCK-2R gene expression and its sensitivity compared with a Taqman-based assay. Flow cytometry was used to investigate receptor protein expression. The activity of CCK-2R promoter reporters constructed in pGL4, using between 250 and 2000bp of DNA upstream of the CCK-2R start codon, was quantified using luciferase assays.
Results: LATE-PCR for CCK-2R gene expression is 1000-fold more sensitive than the Taqman-based assay. Cell-lines from the panel, including HCT116 (colorectal) and H209 (SCLC), in which CCK-2R mRNA was not detectable by the Taqman assay, were positive using the LATE-PCR. CCK-2R siRNAs resulted in up to 86% knockdown of the receptor in CCK-2R-transfected AGS cells, confirming the specificity of the LATE-PCR. FACS analysis for the CCK-2R protein suggests the presence of a small population of cells within HCT116 (colorectal) and AGS (gastric) cell-lines that express CCK-2R very highly. CCK-2R expression was enriched when cells were grown as colospheres and RNAi demonstrated a role for the CCK2R in promoting cell survival. The CCK-2R promoter constructs were active in cancer cell-lines, indicating that the 250bp proximal to the CCK-2R start codon are most crucial for transcription. However, transcriptional activity did not always correlate with gene expression.
Conclusions: LATE-PCR provides a highly sensitive method for detection of genes such as CCK-2R which have important biological functions but low expression. An element just upstream of the CCK-2R transcriptional start site appears to be controlling transcription in cell-lines showing low levels of endogenous expression of the CCK-2R genes, but lack of correlation between the RNA levels and transcriptional activity suggests possible post-transcriptional regulation of this gene. CCK-2R protein expression is elevated in a subset of cells, and may play a role in promoting survival of cancer stem cells.
Note: This abstract was not presented at the AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010 because the presenter was unable to attend.
Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3954.
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Yin Y, Argent RH, Kumari R, Watson SA, King P, Hall BM, Grabowska AM. Abstract 752: In vivo pharmaceutical targets screening using lentiviral inducible-knockdown shRNA system. Cancer Res 2010. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am10-752] [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: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background and Aims: Small interfering RNAs (shRNAs) are able to suppress gene expression through the endogenous cellular process of RNA interference pathway. Given the ability to knock-down essentially any gene, shRNAs have been used in many studies to screen for therapeutic targets in various pathological conditions. However, most of these studies have been carried out in vitro and the results cannot always be translated into an in vivo environment. In this project, we aimed to develop an efficient in vivo cancer target validation method using a lentiviral inducible-knockdown shRNA. To verify our approach, we used an essential cell-cycle protein polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) as a proof of concept target.
Methods: TRIPZ inducible shRNAmir construct (Open Biosystems) carrying shRNA against PLK1 was transfected into the colon carcinoma cell line SW620 using lentiviral transduction. PLK1 gene knock-down following induction with doxycycline was quantified by real-time PCR. Inducible shRNAmir expression (detected by turboRFP) was monitored by fluorescence microscopy and quantified using Flow-cytometry or a fluorescence microplate reader.
Nude mouse xenografts were established by subcutaneous injection of 5×106 PLK1 shRNA transfected SW620 cells into the left flank of female nude mice. Doxycycline treatment (80mg/kilogram daily via oral gavage) was initiated when the mean tumour volume reached 500mm3. Mice were sacrificed 3 weeks following treatment and tumours were collected. PLK1 gene expression was assessed by RT-PCR and protein levels investigated using immunohistochemistry. Assessment of angiogenesis (micro-vessel density) was carried out using CD34 staining.
Results:
Following doxycycline induction in vitro, PLK1 inducible-knockdown SW620 cells showed dose and time-dependent PLK1 down-regulation, which was consistent with shRNAmir expression as marked by turboRFP. Flow-cytometry analysis showed about 95% of cells expressed the shRNAmir, 72 hours after induction.
In the in vivo model, the doxycycline-treated group showed significantly lower PLK1 gene expression compared with untreated control (60% reduction, p<0.003). The doxycycline-treated group also showed significantly lower PLK1 protein expression compared with the untreated control (p<0.001).
There was a decline in tumour growth rate in the treated group compared with the control group, which confirmed that knock-down of PLK1 slowed down tumour growth.
We also observed that, within the tumours from the doxycycline-treated group, there appeared to be reduced PLK1 expression in areas adjacent to the blood vessels compared with other areas of the tumour.
Conclusion: The results support the anti-tumour effects of PLK1 down-regulation and confirm an efficient methodology for cancer target screening using a lentiviral inducible-knockdown shRNA system.
Note: This abstract was not presented at the AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010 because the presenter was unable to attend.
Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 752.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinfei Yin
- 1University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Peter King
- 2OrthoBiotech Oncology Research & Development, a Division of Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceuticals, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Brett M. Hall
- 2OrthoBiotech Oncology Research & Development, a Division of Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceuticals, Beerse, Belgium
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Jiang DD, Grabowska AM, Hayes CJ, Coyle B, Watson SA. Abstract A21: Cancer stem cell in multi-drug-resistant prostate cancer and green tea polyphenols restore drug sensitivity by reversal of epithelial mesenchymal transition. Clin Cancer Res 2010. [DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.tcme10-a21] [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: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Prostate cancer (PC) is the most common cause of cancer death in men. In advanced PC, many patients suffer chemo-resistance therefore; establishment of a drug-resistant cell model to study the mechanism of action of drug resistance and increase in drug sensitivity is urgently needed. Recently, cancer stem cells (CSCs), and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) have been suggested to play important roles in drug resistance in various cancer types.
Green tea polyphenols, particularly the major component epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), have been shown to have chemopreventive properties in the malignant setting and recent studies have suggested that green tea catechins may enhance the chemo-sensitivity of drug-resistant cancer cells, such as breast cancer, although the mechanism of action is still unclear.
Aims: (1) To establish a multi-drug-resistant prostate cancer cell line enriched for CSCs and (2) To investigate whether EGCG can restore drug sensitivity by limiting CSC expansion and/or by reversal of EMT.
Experimental procedures: Chemo-resistant (CR) PC3M cells were developed by growth in increasing concentrations of a chemotherapeutic agent. Drug resistance was confirmed using increasing concentrations of doxorubicin (Dox), Taxotere (Tax), 5-fluorouracil (5FU) and cisplatin in fluorometric cell viability assays on resistant and wild-type (WT) cells. Immunofluorescent (IF) staining and flow cytometry were used to identify CSCs. Gene expression was assessed using quantitative real time-PCR. Cell morphology was observed using Nikon invert microscopy.
Results: A chemo-resistant variant of WT-PC3M was derived by long-term culture in increasing concentrations of the chemotherapeutic, 5FU. As a result, the IC50 for WT PC3M to 5FU was 30μM as compared to >500μM for CR PC3M. In addition, the CR cells were also shown to be resistant to other chemotherapeutics including Dox and Tax, but not cisplatin.
Enrichment for cells with CSC properties was determined in WT and CR cells. In comparison to WT PC3M, gene expression of both CD133 and ATP-binding cassette subfamily G2 (ABCG2), which have been reported as CSC markers in various cancer including prostate cancer, were significantly up-regulated by 10 and 2-folds, respectively in drug resistant cells (p<0.01). Protein expression of both CSC markers was confirmed to be elevated in CR PC3M by IF staining. Data from flow cytometry showed that there were 10–15% double-positive CD133/ABCG2 cells within CR cells whereas the percentage is <2% in WT PC3M cells. In addition, CD133 expression was confirmed to be down-regulated by EGCG.
When EGCG was combined with 5FU, the IC50 of 5FU in CR PC3M decreased from 500μM to 100μM in CR PC3M, but it did not show a significant effect in WT PC3M, suggesting that EGCG had restored drug sensitivity in CR cells.
It was noted that chemo-resistant PC3M had a more mesenchymal appearance when compared to WT PC3M. The expression of key EMT transcriptional regulator genes such as twist, snail, slug and zeb-1, were up-regulated whereas the epithelial marker gene E-cadherin was down-regulated in CR PC3M. After 48hours treatment with EGCG, all four EMT regulatory genes were significantly down-regulated by up to 3-folds whereas expression of E-cadherin was elevated.
Conclusion: Green tea polyphenols restore drug sensitivity in chemo-resistant prostate cancer by reversal of EMT.
Citation Information: Clin Cancer Res 2010;16(7 Suppl):A21
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Beth Coyle
- University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Sue A. Watson
- University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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