1
|
Liu N, Yu W, Sun M, Li X, Zhang W, Wang M. Dabrafenib mitigates the neuroinflammation caused by ferroptosis in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by up regulating Axl receptor. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 973:176600. [PMID: 38643834 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176600] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammatory damage to the central nervous system. At present, the pathogenesis of the disease is unknown. There is a lack of few effective therapy medications available. Therefore, it is necessary to further explore the pathogenesis of this illness and develop potential therapeutic drugs. Dabrafenib is potential therapeutic medicine for nervous system disease. In this study, we preliminarily studied the possible mechanism of dabrafenib in the treatment of multiple sclerosis from the perspective of ferroptosis. First, we observed that dabrafenib significantly improved symptoms of gait abnormalities, limb weakness or paralysis, and down-regulated levels of spinal cord inflammation in an experimental autoimmune encephalitis (EAE) model. Meanwhile, we also observed that dabrafenib could inhibit the proteins of ferroptosis in spinal cord tissue of EAE mice by Western blot. The results of immunohistochemical analysis showed that the effect of dabrafenib on ferroptosis mainly occurred in microglia. Second, dabrafenib was demonstrated to be able to inhibit the S phase of the cell cycle, reduce ROS levels, and reinstate mitochondrial activity in the LPS-induced BV2 inflammatory cell model. Futhermore, we found that dabrafenib inhibits P-JAK2 and P-STAT3 activation by acting Axl receptor, which in turn prevents neurogenic inflammation in microglia. The co-stimulated BV2 cell model with LPS and Erastin also verified these findings. Ultimately, the Axl knockout mice used to construct the EAE model allowed for the confirmation that dabrafenib prevented ferroptosis in microglia by up-regulating Axl receptor, which reduced the inflammatory demyelination associated with EAE. In summary, our research demonstrates the advantages of dabrafenib in multiple sclerosis treatment, which can prevent ferroptosis in microglia in multiple sclerosis through up-regulating Axl receptor, thus halting the progression of multiple sclerosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ning Liu
- Department of Neurology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030, China.
| | - Wuhan Yu
- Department of general Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730030, China; The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523000, China
| | - Mengjiao Sun
- Department of Neurology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Xiaoling Li
- Department of Neurology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Wenjing Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Manxia Wang
- Department of Neurology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lu C, Song Y, Wu X, Lei W, Chen J, Zhang X, Liu Q, Deng C, Liang Z, Chen Y, Ren J, Yang Y. Pleiotropic role of GAS6 in cardioprotection against ischemia-reperfusion injury. J Adv Res 2024:S2090-1232(24)00163-2. [PMID: 38653371 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury is a common medical issue contributing to the onset and progression of ischemic heart diseases (IHD). Growth arrest-specific gene 6 (GAS6), a vitamin K-dependent secretory protein, promotes cell proliferation and inhibits inflammation and apoptosis through binding with Tyro3, Axl, and Mertk (TAM) receptors. OBJECTIVES Our study aimed to examine the effect of GAS6 pathways activation as a potential new treatment in myocardial IR injury. METHODS Gain- and loss-of-function experiments were utilized to determine the roles of GAS6 in the pathological processes of myocardial IR injury. RESULTS Our results revealed down-regulated levels of GAS6, Axl, and SIRT1 in murine hearts subjected to IR injury, and cardiomyocytes challenged with hypoxia reoxygenation (HR) injury. GAS6 overexpression significantly improved cardiac dysfunction in mice subjected to myocardial IR injury, accompanied by reconciled mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. In vitro experiments also observed a protective effect of GAS6 in cardiomyocytes. SIRT1 was found to function as a downstream regulator for GAS6/Axl signaling axis. Through screening a natural product library, a polyphenol natural compound catechin was identified to exhibit a protective effect by turning on GAS6/Axl-SIRT1 cascade. CONCLUSIONS Together, our findings indicate that GAS6 emerges as a potential novel target in the management of myocardial IR injury and other related anomalies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chenxi Lu
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Research for Heart Failure, Northwest University First Hospital, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an 710069, China; Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shaanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710003, China
| | - Yanbin Song
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Research for Heart Failure, Northwest University First Hospital, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an 710069, China; Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Yan'an University, 43 North Street, Yan'an 716000, China
| | - Xiaopeng Wu
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Research for Heart Failure, Northwest University First Hospital, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Wangrui Lei
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Research for Heart Failure, Northwest University First Hospital, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Junmin Chen
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Research for Heart Failure, Northwest University First Hospital, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an 710069, China; Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Yan'an University, 43 North Street, Yan'an 716000, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Research for Heart Failure, Northwest University First Hospital, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Qiong Liu
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Research for Heart Failure, Northwest University First Hospital, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Chao Deng
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Zhenxing Liang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jianshe East, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Jun Ren
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Yang Yang
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Research for Heart Failure, Northwest University First Hospital, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, 229 Taibai North Road, Xi'an 710069, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Breitenecker K, Heiden D, Demmer T, Weber G, Primorac AM, Hedrich V, Ortmayr G, Gruenberger T, Starlinger P, Herndler-Brandstetter D, Barozzi I, Mikulits W. Tumor-Extrinsic Axl Expression Shapes an Inflammatory Microenvironment Independent of Tumor Cell Promoting Axl Signaling in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4202. [PMID: 38673795 PMCID: PMC11050718 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084202] [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: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The activation of the receptor tyrosine kinase Axl by Gas6 is a major driver of tumorigenesis. Despite recent insights, tumor cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic Axl functions are poorly understood in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Thus, we analyzed the cell-specific aspects of Axl in liver cancer cells and in the tumor microenvironment. We show that tumor-intrinsic Axl expression decreased the survival of mice and elevated the number of pulmonary metastases in a model of resection-based tumor recurrence. Axl expression increased the invasion of hepatospheres by the activation of Akt signaling and a partial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, the liver tumor burden of Axl+/+ mice induced by diethylnitrosamine plus carbon tetrachloride was reduced compared to systemic Axl-/- mice. Tumors of Axl+/+ mice were highly infiltrated with cytotoxic cells, suggesting a key immune-modulatory role of Axl. Interestingly, hepatocyte-specific Axl deficiency did not alter T cell infiltration, indicating that these changes are independent of tumor cell-intrinsic Axl. In this context, we observed an upregulation of multiple chemokines in Axl+/+ compared to Axl-/- tumors, correlating with HCC patient data. In line with this, Axl is associated with a cytotoxic immune signature in HCC patients. Together these data show that tumor-intrinsic Axl expression fosters progression, while tumor-extrinsic Axl expression shapes an inflammatory microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Breitenecker
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria (D.H.); (T.D.); (G.W.); (V.H.); (G.O.); (D.H.-B.); (I.B.)
| | - Denise Heiden
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria (D.H.); (T.D.); (G.W.); (V.H.); (G.O.); (D.H.-B.); (I.B.)
| | - Tobias Demmer
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria (D.H.); (T.D.); (G.W.); (V.H.); (G.O.); (D.H.-B.); (I.B.)
| | - Gerhard Weber
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria (D.H.); (T.D.); (G.W.); (V.H.); (G.O.); (D.H.-B.); (I.B.)
| | - Ana-Maria Primorac
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria (D.H.); (T.D.); (G.W.); (V.H.); (G.O.); (D.H.-B.); (I.B.)
| | - Viola Hedrich
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria (D.H.); (T.D.); (G.W.); (V.H.); (G.O.); (D.H.-B.); (I.B.)
| | - Gregor Ortmayr
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria (D.H.); (T.D.); (G.W.); (V.H.); (G.O.); (D.H.-B.); (I.B.)
| | - Thomas Gruenberger
- Department of Surgery, HPB Center, Viennese Health Network, Clinic Favoriten and Sigmund Freud Private University, 1100 Vienna, Austria
| | - Patrick Starlinger
- Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Centre of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Dietmar Herndler-Brandstetter
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria (D.H.); (T.D.); (G.W.); (V.H.); (G.O.); (D.H.-B.); (I.B.)
| | - Iros Barozzi
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria (D.H.); (T.D.); (G.W.); (V.H.); (G.O.); (D.H.-B.); (I.B.)
| | - Wolfgang Mikulits
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria (D.H.); (T.D.); (G.W.); (V.H.); (G.O.); (D.H.-B.); (I.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lee YJ, Kim M, Kim HS, Kang JL. Administration of Gas6 attenuates lung fibrosis via inhibition of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and fibroblast activation. Cell Biol Toxicol 2024; 40:20. [PMID: 38578518 PMCID: PMC10997547 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-024-09858-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and fibroblast activation are major events in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis pathogenesis. Here, we investigated whether growth arrest-specific protein 6 (Gas6) plays a protective role in lung fibrosis via suppression of the EMT and fibroblast activation. rGas6 administration inhibited the EMT in isolated mouse ATII cells 14 days post-BLM treatment based on morphologic cellular alterations, changes in mRNA and protein expression profiles of EMT markers, and induction of EMT-activating transcription factors. BLM-induced increases in gene expression of fibroblast activation-related markers and the invasive capacity of primary lung fibroblasts in primary lung fibroblasts were reversed by rGas6 administration. Furthermore, the hydroxyproline content and collagen accumulation in interstitial areas with damaged alveolar structures in lung tissue were reduced by rGas6 administration. Targeting Gas6/Axl signaling events with specific inhibitors of Axl (BGB324), COX-2 (NS-398), EP1/EP2 receptor (AH-6809), or PGD2 DP2 receptor (BAY-u3405) reversed the inhibitory effects of rGas6 on EMT and fibroblast activation. Finally, we confirmed the antifibrotic effects of Gas6 using Gas6-/- mice. Therefore, Gas6/Axl signaling events play a potential role in inhibition of EMT process and fibroblast activation via COX-2-derived PGE2 and PGD2 production, ultimately preventing the development of pulmonary fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ye-Ji Lee
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, 25 Magokdong-Ro 2-Gil, Gangseo-Gu, Seoul, 07804, Korea
- Inflammation-Cancer Microenvironment Research Center, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, 25 Magokdong-Ro 2-Gil, Gangseo-Gu, Seoul, 07804, Korea
| | - Minsuk Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, 25 Magokdong-Ro 2-Gil, Gangseo-Gu, Seoul, 07804, Korea
- Inflammation-Cancer Microenvironment Research Center, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, 25 Magokdong-Ro 2-Gil, Gangseo-Gu, Seoul, 07804, Korea
| | - Hee-Sun Kim
- Department of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, 25 Magokdong-Ro 2-Gil, Gangseo-Gu, Seoul, 07804, Korea
- Inflammation-Cancer Microenvironment Research Center, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, 25 Magokdong-Ro 2-Gil, Gangseo-Gu, Seoul, 07804, Korea
| | - Jihee Lee Kang
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, 25 Magokdong-Ro 2-Gil, Gangseo-Gu, Seoul, 07804, Korea.
- Inflammation-Cancer Microenvironment Research Center, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, 25 Magokdong-Ro 2-Gil, Gangseo-Gu, Seoul, 07804, Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wang C, Lei L, Xu Y, Li Y, Zhang J, Xu Y, Si S. Trichostatin C Synergistically Interacts with DNMT Inhibitor to Induce Antineoplastic Effect via Inhibition of Axl in Bladder and Lung Cancer Cells. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:425. [PMID: 38675387 PMCID: PMC11053535 DOI: 10.3390/ph17040425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Aberrant epigenetic modifications are fundamental contributors to the pathogenesis of various cancers. Consequently, targeting these aberrations with small molecules, such as histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors and DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitors, presents a viable strategy for cancer therapy. The objective of this study is to assess the anti-cancer efficacy of trichostatin C (TSC), an analogue of trichostatin A sourced from the fermentation of Streptomyces sp. CPCC 203909. Our investigations reveal that TSC demonstrates potent activity against both human lung cancer and urothelial bladder cancer cell lines, with IC50 values in the low micromolar range. Moreover, TSC induces apoptosis mediated by caspase 3/7 and arrests the cell cycle at the G2/M phase. When combined with the DNMT inhibitor decitabine, TSC exhibits a synergistic anti-cancer effect. Additionally, protein analysis elucidates a significant reduction in the expression of the tyrosine kinase receptor Axl. Notably, elevated concentrations of TSC correlate with the up-regulation of the transcription factor forkhead box class O1 (FoxO1) and increased levels of the proapoptotic proteins Bim and p21. In conclusion, our findings suggest TSC as a promising anti-cancer agent with HDAC inhibitory activity. Furthermore, our results highlight the potential utility of TSC in combination with DNMT inhibitors for cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Yanni Xu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, National Center for New Microbial Drug Screening, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Beijing 100050, China; (C.W.); (L.L.)
| | - Shuyi Si
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, National Center for New Microbial Drug Screening, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College (CAMS & PUMC), Beijing 100050, China; (C.W.); (L.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Dayyani F, Balangue J, Valerin J, Keating MJ, Zell JA, Taylor TH, Cho MT. A Phase 1 Study of Cabozantinib and Trifluridine/Tipiracil in Metastatic Colorectal Adenocarcinoma. Clin Colorectal Cancer 2024; 23:67-72. [PMID: 38103947 DOI: 10.1016/j.clcc.2023.11.001] [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: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study determined the safety and recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) of the multikinase inhibitor cabozantinib in combination with trifluridine/tipiracil (FTD/TPI) in refractory metastatic colorectal carcinoma (mCRC). PATIENTS AND METHODS Single institution investigator-initiated phase 1 study using 3+3 design. Eligible mCRC patients had received prior standard regimens. Cabozantinib was given orally (p.o.) at 20 mg (dose level [DL] 0) or 40 mg (DL 1) daily on days 1-28, and FTD/TPI p.o. at 35 mg/m2 on days 1-5 and 8-12 every 28 days. Prophylactic growth-factor support was allowed. RESULTS Fifteen patients were enrolled. Median age 56 years (31-80), male (12/15), ECOG 0/1 = 9/6. Three patients were treated at DL 0 and another nine were treated at DL 1, none exhibiting a DLT. Most common any grade (G) treatment related adverse events (TRAE) were diarrhea (50%), nausea (42%), neutropenia (42%), fatigue (33%), and rash (25%). G3-4 TRAE were neutropenia (25%) and thrombocytopenia, hypokalemia, and weight loss (each 8%). No serious TRAE or G5 were reported. The RP2D was determined to be DL 1. Median PFS was 3.8 months (95% CI 1.9-6.8) and disease control rate was 86.7%. CONCLUSION The combination of cabozantinib and FTD/TPI is feasible and tolerable at standard doses with the use of growth factors and showed encouraging clinical activity in refractory mCRC. CLINICALTRIALS GOV: NCT04868773.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Farshid Dayyani
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine and Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA.
| | - Jasmine Balangue
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine and Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA
| | - Jennifer Valerin
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine and Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA
| | - Matthew J Keating
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine and Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA
| | - Jason A Zell
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine and Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA
| | | | - May T Cho
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine and Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Di W, Zhao A, Li X, Chen J, Dai Y, Li J, Lei W, Yang Y, Lu H. Pterostilbene protects against H 2 O 2 -induced oxidative stress by regulating GAS6/ Axl signaling in HL-1 cells. Cell Biochem Funct 2024; 42:e3956. [PMID: 38403920 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3956] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Pterostilbene (PTE, trans-3,5-dimethoxy-4'-hydroxystilbene), a natural plant polyphenol, possesses numerous pharmacological effects, including antioxidant, antidiabetic, antiatherosclerotic, and neuroprotective aspects. This study aims to investigate whether PTE plays a protective role against oxidative stress injury by GAS6/Axl signaling pathway in cardiomyocytes. Hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 )-induced oxidative stress HL-1 cells were used as models. The mechanism by which PTE protected oxidative stress is investigated by combining cell viability, cell ROS levels, apoptosis assay, molecular docking, quantitative real-time PCR, and western blot analysis. GAS6 shRNA was performed to investigate the involvement of GAS6/Axl pathways in PTE's protective role. The results showed that PTE treatment improved the cell morphology and viability, and inhibited the apoptosis rate and ROS levels in H2 O2 -injured HL-1 cells. Particularly, PTE treatment upregulated the levels of GAS6, Axl, and markers related to oxidative stress, apoptosis, and mitochondrial function related. Molecular docking showed that PTE and GAS6 have good binding ability. Taken together, PTE plays a protective role against oxidative stress injury through inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptosis and improving mitochondrial function. Particularly, GAS6/Axl axis is the surprisingly prominent in the PTE-mediated pleiotropic effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wencheng Di
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Aizhen Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaoru Li
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Junmin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital, Yan'an University, Yan'an, China
| | - Yongbin Dai
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jiawen Li
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wangrui Lei
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hongzhou Lu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Shenzhen, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Su YF, Lin CS, Shen PC, Chuang SE, Dai YH, Huang TW, Lin CY, Hung YJ, Shieh YS. MiR-34a functions as a tumor suppressor in oral cancer through the inhibition of the Axl/Akt/GSK-3β pathway. J Dent Sci 2024; 19:428-437. [PMID: 38303867 PMCID: PMC10829669 DOI: 10.1016/j.jds.2023.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/purpose Oral cancer is a prevalent malignancy affecting men globally. This study aimed to investigate the regulatory role of miR-34a in oral cancer cells through the Axl/Akt/glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) pathway and its impact on cellular malignancy. Materials and methods We examined the effects of miR-34a overexpression on the malignancy of oral cancer cells. Multiple oral cancer cell lines were assessed to determine the correlation between endogenous miR-34a and Axl levels. Transfection experiments with miR-34a were conducted to analyze its influence on Axl mRNA and protein expression. Luciferase reporter assays were performed to investigate miR-34a's modulation of Axl gene transcription. Manipulation of miR-34a expression was utilized to demonstrate its regulatory effects on oral cancer cells through the Axl/Akt/GSK-3β pathway. Results Overexpression of miR-34a significantly suppressed the malignancy of oral cancer cells. We observed an inverse correlation between endogenous miR-34a and Axl levels across multiple oral cancer cell lines. Transfection of miR-34a resulted in decreased Axl mRNA and protein expression, and luciferase reporter assays confirmed miR-34a-mediated modulation of Axl gene transcription. The study revealed regulatory effects of miR-34a on oral cancer cells through the Axl/Akt/GSK-3β pathway, leading to alterations in downstream target genes involved in cellular proliferation and tumorigenesis. Conclusion Our findings highlight the significance of the miR-34a/Axl/Akt/GSK-3β signaling axis in modulating the malignancy of oral cancer cells. Targeting miR-34a may hold therapeutic potential in oral cancer treatment, as manipulating its expression can attenuate the aggressive behavior of oral cancer cells via the Axl/Akt/GSK-3β pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Fu Su
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Shu Lin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Po-Chien Shen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shuang-En Chuang
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Yang-Hong Dai
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tsai-Wang Huang
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Che-Yi Lin
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Jen Hung
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Shing Shieh
- Department of Dentistry, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department and Graduate Institute of Biochemistry, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Dentistry, College of Dental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ghosh S, Garige M, Haggerty PR, Norris A, Chou CK, Wu WW, Shen RF, Sourbier C. Impact of sunitinib resistance on clear cell renal cell carcinoma therapeutic sensitivity in vitro. Cell Cycle 2024; 23:43-55. [PMID: 38263737 PMCID: PMC11005810 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2024.2306760] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Sunitinib resistance creates a major clinical challenge for the treatment of advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and functional and metabolic changes linked to sunitinib resistance are not fully understood. We sought to characterize the molecular and metabolic changes induced by the development of sunitinib resistance in ccRCC by developing and characterizing two human ccRCC cell lines resistant to sunitinib. Consistent with the literature, sunitinib-resistant ccRCC cell lines presented an aberrant overexpression of Axl and PD-L1, as well as a metabolic rewiring characterized by enhanced OXPHOS and glutamine metabolism. Therapeutic challenges of sunitinib-resistant ccRCC cell lines in vitro using small molecule inhibitors targeting Axl, AMPK and p38, as well as using PD-L1 blocking therapeutic antibodies, showed limited CTL-mediated cytotoxicity in a co-culture model. However, the AMPK activator metformin appears to sensitize the effect of PD-L1 blocking therapeutic antibodies and to enhance CTLs' cytotoxic effects on ccRCC cells. These effects were not broadly observed with the Axl and the p38 inhibitors. Taken together, these data suggest that targeting certain pathways aberrantly activated by sunitinib resistance such as the AMPK/PDL1 axis might sensitize ccRCC to immunotherapies as a second-line therapeutic approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susmita Ghosh
- Division of Biotechnology Review and Research 1, Office of Biotechnology Products, Office of Pharmaceutical Quality, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Mamatha Garige
- Division of Biotechnology Review and Research 1, Office of Biotechnology Products, Office of Pharmaceutical Quality, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Patrick R. Haggerty
- Division of Biotechnology Review and Research 1, Office of Biotechnology Products, Office of Pharmaceutical Quality, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Alexis Norris
- Division of Animal Bioengineering and Cellular Therapies, Office of New Animal Drug Evaluation, Center for Veterinary Medicine, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Chao-Kai Chou
- Facility for Biotechnology Resources, Center for Biologicals Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Wells W. Wu
- Facility for Biotechnology Resources, Center for Biologicals Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Rong-Fong Shen
- Facility for Biotechnology Resources, Center for Biologicals Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Carole Sourbier
- Division of Biotechnology Review and Research 1, Office of Biotechnology Products, Office of Pharmaceutical Quality, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Su YF, Shen PC, Huang WY, Hung YJ, Huang TW, Lin CY, Shieh YS. Nuclear translocation of Axl contributes to the malignancy of oral cancer cells. J Dent Sci 2024; 19:438-447. [PMID: 38303797 PMCID: PMC10829653 DOI: 10.1016/j.jds.2023.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/purpose Dysregulation of receptor tyrosine kinases is implicated in cancer development. This study aimed to investigate the nuclear translocation of Axl, a membrane protein and receptor tyrosine kinase in cancer malignancy. Materials and methods We examined Axl's entry into the cell nucleus and validated it with the nuclear export inhibitor leptomycin. Transfection experiments with mutated nuclear localization signals were conducted to assess the impact of reduced nuclear Axl levels on cancer cell malignancy. Additionally, we evaluated the effects of decreased nuclear Axl on sensitivity to radiation and cisplatin, a chemotherapeutic drug. Results In the present study, we observed nuclear translocation of Axl in cancer cells. Reducing nuclear Axl levels led to a decrease in cancer cell malignancy. This nuclear translocation was further validated using a nuclear export inhibitor, leptomycin. Additionally, transfection experiments with mutated nuclear localization signals confirmed the functional significance of Axl's nuclear localization. Notably, decreased nuclear Axl levels also increased the sensitivity of cancer cells to radiation and cisplatin treatment. Conclusion This study suggests that Axl's nuclear translocation plays a significant role in cancer malignancy. Targeting Axl's nuclear localization could offer a potential strategy to inhibit cancer progression and improve the efficacy of radiation and chemotherapy treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Fu Su
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Po-Chien Shen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Yen Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Jen Hung
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tsai-Wang Huang
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Che-Yi Lin
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Shing Shieh
- Department of Dentistry, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department and Graduate Institute of Biochemistry, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Dentistry, College of Dental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Lundquist MR, Jaffrey SR. Gas6- Axl Signaling Induces SRF/MRTF-A Gene Transcription via MICAL2. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:2231. [PMID: 38137053 PMCID: PMC10742852 DOI: 10.3390/genes14122231] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
MICAL2 is an actin-regulatory protein that functions through redox modification of actin. Nuclear localized MICAL2 triggers the disassembly of nuclear actin, which subsequently leads to nuclear retention of the actin-binding transcriptional coregulator myocardin-related transcription factor-A (MRTF-A), which leads to the activation of serum response factor (SRF)/MRTF-A-dependent gene transcription. In this study, we show that the secreted signaling protein GAS6 (growth-arrest specific 6) and its cognate receptor Axl, a transmembrane tyrosine kinase, also induce the activation of SRF/MRTF-A and their downstream target genes. We find that serum-induced SRF/MRTF-A-dependent gene expression can be blocked, in part, by the inhibition of Axl signaling. Furthermore, we find that Gas6/Axl-induced SRF/MRTF-A-dependent transcription is dependent on MICAL2. Gas6/Axl promotes cell invasion, which is blocked by MICAL2 knockdown, suggesting that MICAL2 promotes cytoskeletal effects of the Gas6/Axl pathway. We find that Gas/6/Axl signaling promotes the nuclear localization of MICAL2, which may contribute to the ability of Gas6/SRF to augment SRF/MRTF-A-dependent gene transcription. The physiological significance of the Gas6/Axl-MICAL2 signaling pathway described here is supported by the marked gene expression correlation across a broad array of different cancers between MICAL2 and Axl and Gas6, as well as the coexpression of these genes and the known SRF/MRTF-A target transcripts. Overall, these data reveal a new link between Gas6/Axl and SRF/MRTF-A-dependent gene transcription and link MICAL2 as a novel effector of the Gas6/Axl signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Samie R. Jaffrey
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Breitenecker K, Hedrich V, Pupp F, Chen D, Řezníčková E, Ortmayr G, Huber H, Weber G, Balcar L, Pinter M, Mikulits W. Synergism of the receptor tyrosine kinase Axl with ErbB receptors mediates resistance to regorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1238883. [PMID: 37746265 PMCID: PMC10514905 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1238883] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients at advanced stages receive immunotherapy or treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) such as Sorafenib (Sora) or Lenvatinib in frontline as well as Regorafenib (Rego) or Cabozantinib in second-line. A major hindrance of TKI therapies is the development of resistance, which renders drug treatment futile and results in HCC progression. Methods In this study, we addressed the impact of the receptor tyrosine kinase Axl binding to its ligand Gas6 in acquiring refractoriness to TKIs. The initial responses of Axl-positive and Axl-negative cell lines to different TKIs were assessed. Upon inducing resistance, RNA-Seq, gain- and loss-of-function studies were applied to understand and intervene with the molecular basis of refractoriness. Secretome analysis was performed to identify potential biomarkers of resistance. Results We show that HCC cells exhibiting a mesenchymal-like phenotype were less sensitive to drug treatment, linking TKI resistance to changes in epithelial plasticity. Gas6/Axl expression and activation were upregulated in Rego-resistant HCC cells together with the induction of ErbB receptors, whereas HCC cells lacking Axl failed to stimulate ErbBs. Treatment of Rego-insensitive HCC cells with the pan-ErbB family inhibitor Afatinib rather than with Erlotinib blocking ErbB1 reduced cell viability and clonogenicity. Genetic intervention with ErbB2-4 but not ErbB1 confirmed their crucial involvement in refractoriness to Rego. Furthermore, Rego-resistant HCC cells secreted basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) depending on Axl expression. HCC patients treated with Sora in first-line and with Rego in second-line displayed elevated serum levels of bFGF, emphasizing bFGF as a predictive biomarker of TKI treatment. Discussion Together, these data suggest that the inhibition of ErbBs is synthetic lethal with Rego in Axl-expressing HCC cells, showing a novel vulnerability of HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Breitenecker
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Viola Hedrich
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Franziska Pupp
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Doris Chen
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Max Perutz Labs Vienna, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Eva Řezníčková
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czechia
| | - Gregor Ortmayr
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Heidemarie Huber
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerhard Weber
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lorenz Balcar
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias Pinter
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Mikulits
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ji J, Ding Y, Kong Y, Fang M, Yu X, Lai X, Gu Q. Triple‑negative breast cancer cells that survive ionizing radiation exhibit an Axl‑dependent aggressive radioresistant phenotype. Exp Ther Med 2023; 26:448. [PMID: 37614420 PMCID: PMC10443063 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.12147] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the aggressive behavior of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells that had survived ionizing radiation and explore the potential targets of TNBC combination treatment. Consistent with the previous literature, Axl was highly expressed in TNBC and closely associated with the degree of malignancy based on immunohistochemical staining. Using a gradient irradiation method, the ionizing radiation-resistant mouse TNBC cell line 4T-1/IRR was established. It was found that Axl expression was upregulated in 4T-1/IRR cells. After irradiation by X-ray, the cell viability and colony formation ability of 4T-1/IRR cells were significantly increased when compared with the 4T-1 cells. Combined radiotherapy with Axl inhibition by treatment with R428 and small interfering RNA lentivirus targeting Axl infection significantly reduced cell viability, colony formation ability, DNA double-stranded break repair, and the invasive and migratory ability of 4T-1/IRR cells. In vivo, the small animal radiation research platform was applied to precisely administer radiotherapy of the tumor-bearing mice. R428 treatment combined with 6 Gy X-ray significantly inhibited the growth of 4T-1/IRR cells-derived xenograft tumors in the BALB/c mouse. The results of western blotting showed that the critical molecular mechanism involved in the radioresistance of TNBC cells was the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway induced by Axl activation. Thus, it is hypothesized that targeted Axl therapy combined with radiotherapy may have significant potential for the treatment of TNBC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianfeng Ji
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, P.R. China
| | - Yuqin Ding
- Department of Breast Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, P.R. China
| | - Yue Kong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, P.R. China
| | - Min Fang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, P.R. China
| | - Xiaofu Yu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, P.R. China
| | - Xiaojing Lai
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, P.R. China
| | - Qing Gu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Oz O, Argon A, Kebat TA, Ozdemir O, Yakan S. Prognostic significance of ımmunhistochemical axl expression in pancreas ductal adenocarcinomas. INDIAN J PATHOL MICR 2023; 66:533-539. [PMID: 37530334 DOI: 10.4103/ijpm.ijpm_1002_21] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction and Aim Pancreas Ductal Adenocarcinomas (PDACs) are among the leading causes of cancer-related death. Tyrosine kinase receptors (TKRs) are responsible for cell plasticity, chemoresistance, immunosuppression and metastasis potential. Axl is a receptor of the TKR family, and it has come to the fore in cancer treatment in the last decade. This study aimed to investigate the relationship of immunohistochemical Axl expression with histological features and its prognostic importance in PDACs. Materials and Methods Fifty-three patients who were operated on for PDAC between 2006-2017 were evaluated retrospectively. Features of tumors; size, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), perineural invasion (PNI), resection margin (RM), lymph node metastasis (LNM), differentiation, tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte, stage and overall survival were recorded. Immunohistochemically, membranous and or cytoplasmic staining was considered positive for Axl. Statistically, Pearson Chi-Square, Cox regression and Kaplan Mayer tests were used in the SPSS 21.0 program. Results Axl was positive in 28 patients (52.8%). Axl positivity was found to be associated with the presence of LVI (P = 0.009) and LNM (P = 0.002) and was an independent prognostic factor in short survival (P = 0.006). Conclusion It was found that increased expression of Axl, which is known to increase EMT-mediated metastasis in carcinogenesis, may be an indicator of local spread and poor prognosis in PDAC patients. In this respect, it can be promising as a targeted molecule in PDAC patient's individualized treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ozden Oz
- Department of Medical Pathology, University of Health Sciences, Izmir Bozyaka Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Asuman Argon
- Department of Medical Pathology, University of Health Sciences, Izmir Bozyaka Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Tulu Ayata Kebat
- Department of Medical Pathology, University of Health Sciences, Izmir Bozyaka Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ozlem Ozdemir
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Health Sciences, Izmir Bozyaka Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Savas Yakan
- Department of General Surgery, University of Health Sciences, Izmir Bozyaka Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Han Y, Li G, Zhang Z, Zhang X, Zhao B, Yang H. Axl promotes intracranial aneurysm rupture by regulating macrophage polarization toward M1 via STAT1/HIF-1α. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1158758. [PMID: 37223093 PMCID: PMC10200875 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1158758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Macrophage infiltration and polarization are crucial for the pathogenesis of intracranial aneurysm (IA) rupture. Axl, a receptor tyrosine kinase, is involved in inflammation and efferocytosis in multiple organs. Upregulated soluble Axl in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma is correlated with intracranial aneurysm rupture. This study aimed to investigate the role of Axl in IA rupture and macrophage polarization. Methods Male C57BL/6J mice were used to induce IA. The level of Axl from control vessels and unruptured and ruptured IA samples was detected. In addition, the relationship between Axl and macrophages was confirmed. The pathway of Axl-mediated macrophage polarization was explored after IA induction in vivo and in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) stimulated by LPS/IFN-γ in vitro. The animals were randomized into three groups and treated intraperitoneally with the vehicle, selective AXL antagonist R428, and recombinant mouse growth arrest-specific 6 (rmGas6) for 21 consecutive days. Then, we evaluated the influence of Axl on IA rupture by administrating R428 to inhibit or rmGas6 to activate the Axl receptor in vivo. Results Compared with that in normal vessels, Axl expression was significantly upregulated in unruptured IA samples. The ruptured IA tissue exhibited significantly higher expression of Axl than the unruptured IA tissue. Axl and F4/80 were coexpressed in IA tissue and LPS/IFN-γ-stimulated BMDMs. R428 treatment significantly reduced the rate of M1-like macrophage infiltration and IA rupture. In contrast, rmGas6 treatment promoted M1 macrophage infiltration and IA rupture. Mechanistically, R428 inhibited the phosphorylation of Axl and STAT1 and the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and decreased the levels of IL-1β, NOS2, and MMP9 in LPS/IFN-γ-stimulated BMDMs. rmGas6 promoted the phosphorylation of Axl and STAT1 and the expression of HIF-1α. In addition, STAT1 knockdown abolished Axl-mediated M1 macrophage polarization. Conclusion The inhibition of Axl reduced macrophage polarization toward the M1 phenotype via the STAT1/HIF-1α signaling pathway and prevented IA rupture in mice. This finding suggests that pharmacological inhibition of Axl might be used to prevent the progression and rupture of IA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongquan Han
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Gaozhi Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zeyu Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohua Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bing Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hua Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Kostecki KL, Iida M, Wiley AL, Kimani S, Mehall B, Tetreault K, Alexandridis R, Yu M, Hong S, Salgia R, Bruce JY, Birge RB, Harari P, Wheeler DL. Dual Axl/MerTK inhibitor INCB081776 creates a proinflammatory tumor immune microenvironment and enhances anti-PDL1 efficacy in head and neck cancer. Head Neck 2023; 45:1255-1271. [PMID: 36939040 PMCID: PMC10079616 DOI: 10.1002/hed.27340] [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: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The tyrosine kinase receptors Axl and MerTK are highly overexpressed in head and neck cancer (HNC) cells, where they are critical drivers of survival, proliferation, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. METHODS We investigated the role of Axl and MerTK in creating an immunologically "cold" tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) by targeting both receptors simultaneously with a small molecule inhibitor of Axl and MerTK (INCB081776). Effects of INCB081776 and/or anti-PDL1 on mouse oral cancer (MOC) cell growth and on the TIME were evaluated. RESULTS Targeting Axl and MerTK can reduce M2 and induce M1 macrophage polarization. In vivo, INCB081776 treatment alone or with anti-PDL1 appears to slow MOC tumor growth, increase proinflammatory immune infiltration, and decrease anti-inflammatory immune infiltration. CONCLUSIONS This data indicates that simultaneous targeting of Axl and MerTK with INCB081776, either alone or in combination with anti-PDL1, slows tumor growth and creates a proinflammatory TIME in mouse models of HNC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kourtney L Kostecki
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Mari Iida
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Anne L Wiley
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Stanley Kimani
- Rutgers Biomedical Health and Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Bridget Mehall
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Kaitlin Tetreault
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Roxana Alexandridis
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Menggang Yu
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Seungpyo Hong
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Division, University of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy, Madison, WI, USA
- Yonsei Frontier Lab and Department of Pharmacy, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Ravi Salgia
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, Comprehensive Cancer Center, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Justine Y Bruce
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Raymond B Birge
- Rutgers Biomedical Health and Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Paul Harari
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Deric L Wheeler
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Hedrich V, Breitenecker K, Ortmayr G, Pupp F, Huber H, Chen D, Sahoo S, Jolly MK, Mikulits W. PRAME Is a Novel Target of Tumor-Intrinsic Gas6/ Axl Activation and Promotes Cancer Cell Invasion in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2415. [PMID: 37173882 PMCID: PMC10177160 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Activation of the receptor tyrosine kinase Axl by Gas6 fosters oncogenic effects in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), associating with increased mortality of patients. The impact of Gas6/Axl signaling on the induction of individual target genes in HCC and its consequences is an open issue. (2) Methods: RNA-seq analysis of Gas6-stimulated Axl-proficient or Axl-deficient HCC cells was used to identify Gas6/Axl targets. Gain- and loss-of-function studies as well as proteomics were employed to characterize the role of PRAME (preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma). Expression of Axl/PRAME was assessed in publicly available HCC patient datasets and in 133 HCC cases. (3) Results: Exploitation of well-characterized HCC models expressing Axl or devoid of Axl allowed the identification of target genes including PRAME. Intervention with Axl signaling or MAPK/ERK1/2 resulted in reduced PRAME expression. PRAME levels were associated with a mesenchymal-like phenotype augmenting 2D cell migration and 3D cell invasion. Interactions with pro-oncogenic proteins such as CCAR1 suggested further tumor-promoting functions of PRAME in HCC. Moreover, PRAME showed elevated expression in Axl-stratified HCC patients, which correlates with vascular invasion and lowered patient survival. (4) Conclusions: PRAME is a bona fide target of Gas6/Axl/ERK signaling linked to EMT and cancer cell invasion in HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viola Hedrich
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (V.H.)
| | - Kristina Breitenecker
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (V.H.)
| | - Gregor Ortmayr
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (V.H.)
| | - Franziska Pupp
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (V.H.)
| | - Heidemarie Huber
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (V.H.)
| | - Doris Chen
- Department of Chromosome Biology, Max Perutz Labs Vienna, University of Vienna, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sarthak Sahoo
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Wolfgang Mikulits
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (V.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Zhang D, Zhao Y, You X, He S, Li E. Repurposing Axl Kinase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2023; 67:e0148722. [PMID: 36853000 PMCID: PMC10019287 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01487-22] [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: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection persists as a common pathogen of pulmonary infection in infants and in the elderly with high morbidity and mortality. However, no specific therapeutics are available. Axl, a member of the TAM (Tyro3, Axl, and Mertk) family receptor kinases, is a pleiotropic inhibitor of the innate immune response and functions as a negative regulator of interferon pathway activation. In this report, we investigated Axl inhibitors for their effects against RSV infection. Axl inhibition with kinase inhibitors, including BMS-777607, R428, and TP-0903, or Axl ablation resulted in a significant reduction of RSV infection in cell-based assays. In an animal model of pulmonary RSV infection, treatment with BMS-777607, R428, or TP-0903 ameliorated pulmonary pathology with a significant reduction of RSV titers in the lung tissues and, consequently, decreased the expression of proinflammatory genes. The host promotes ISG expression for the antiviral response and for viral clearance. We found that Axl inhibition led to more robust IFN-β expression and antiviral gene induction. Thus, the results of this study imply that Axl kinase inhibitors may possess a broad spectrum of antiviral effects by promoting ISG expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuanhui Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Yancheng Medical Research Center, The Affiliated Yancheng People's 1st Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Yancheng, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoxin You
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Susu He
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Yancheng Medical Research Center, The Affiliated Yancheng People's 1st Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Yancheng, Jiangsu, China
| | - Erguang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Medical Virology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Nanjing University, Shenzhen, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Bae D, Chaudhary P, Been JH, Gautam J, Lee J, Shah S, Kim E, Lee H, Nam TG, Jeong BS, Kim JA. Antitumor effect of 3-(quinolin-2-ylmethylene)-4,6-dimethyl-5-hydroxy-7-azaoxindole down-regulating the Gas6- Axl axis. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 251:115274. [PMID: 36921529 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
In this study, a new series of 3-arylidene-4,6-dimethyl-5-hydroxy-7-azaoxindole compounds with a wide range of functional groups were designed, synthesized, and evaluated for their antitumor activity. Among the 35 compounds, compound 6-15, with a quinoline moiety, showed cytotoxic IC50 values superior to those of sunitinib against the seven cancer cell lines (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, HT-29, DU145, U937, A549, and PANC-1). However, its inhibitory activity against receptor tyrosine kinases (VEGFR2, PDGFRβ, c-KIT, FGFR1, FLT3, CSF1R, EGFR, Axl, and Axl mutant) was 100 -3000-fold weaker than that of sunitinib. Interestingly, compound 6-15 exerted a 3.6-fold stronger cytotoxicity than sunitinib in the gemcitabine-resistant PANC-1 cell line and significantly inhibited Axl, which was in contrast with the effect of sunitinib. Nonetheless, both compounds suppressed the expression of growth arrest-specific 6 (Gas6), the ligand of Axl. The inhibitory effect of compound 6-15 on the Gas6-Axl axis was similar to that of Gas6 knockdown by siRNA in PANC-1 cells in terms of apoptosis induction, increase in Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, Axl down-regulation, and PI3K/Akt inhibition. The inhibitory effect of compound 6-15 on tumor growth in mouse tumor models with A549 and PANC-1 xenografts was much greater than that of cisplatin or gemcitabine. Taken together, the current findings demonstrate that compound 6-15 is a promising anticancer drug candidate that acts by inhibiting the Gas6-Axl axis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dawon Bae
- College of Pharmacy and Institute for Drug Research, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Prakash Chaudhary
- College of Pharmacy and Institute for Drug Research, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Hui Been
- College of Pharmacy and Institute for Drug Research, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaya Gautam
- College of Pharmacy and Institute for Drug Research, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Jisu Lee
- College of Pharmacy and Institute for Drug Research, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Sajita Shah
- College of Pharmacy and Institute for Drug Research, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Euijung Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Institute for Drug Research, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunji Lee
- College of Pharmacy and Institute for Drug Research, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea; College of Pharmacy, Kyungsung University, Busan, 48434, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Gyu Nam
- Department of Pharmacy and Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hanyang University, ERICA campus, Ansan, 15588, Republic of Korea
| | - Byeong-Seon Jeong
- College of Pharmacy and Institute for Drug Research, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jung-Ae Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Institute for Drug Research, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Negi V, Kuhn RJ, Fekete DM. Exploring the Expression and Function of cTyro3, a Candidate Zika Virus Receptor, in the Embryonic Chicken Brain and Inner Ear. Viruses 2023; 15:247. [PMID: 36680287 PMCID: PMC9867072 DOI: 10.3390/v15010247] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The transmembrane protein Axl was proposed as an entry receptor for Zika virus (ZIKV) infection in vitro, but conflicting results from in vivo studies have made it difficult to establish Axl as a physiologically relevant ZIKV receptor. Both the functional redundancy of receptors and the experimental model used can lead to variable results. Therefore, it can be informative to explore alternative animal models to analyze ZIKV receptor candidates as an aid in discovering antivirals. This study used chicken embryos to examine the role of chicken Tyro3 (cTyro3), the equivalent of human Axl. Results show that endogenous cTyro3 mRNA expression overlaps with previously described hot spots of ZIKV infectivity in the brain and inner ear. We asked if ectopic expression or knockdown of cTyro3 influenced ZIKV infection in embryos. Tol2 vectors or replication-competent avian retroviruses were used in ovo to introduce full-length or truncated (presumed dominant-negative) cTyro3, respectively, into the neural tube on embryonic day two (E2). ZIKV was delivered to the brain 24 h later. cTyro3 manipulations did not alter ZIKV infection or cell death in the E5/E6 brain. Moreover, delivery of truncated cTyro3 variants to the E3 otocyst had no effect on inner ear formation on E6 or E10.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Donna M. Fekete
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue Institute for Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Disease, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Kotajima M, Choi JH, Kondo M, D’Alessandro-Gabazza CN, Toda M, Yasuma T, Gabazza EC, Miwa Y, Shoda C, Lee D, Nakai A, Kurihara T, Wu J, Hirai H, Kawagishi H. Axl, Immune Checkpoint Molecules and HIF Inhibitors from the Culture Broth of Lepista luscina. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27248925. [PMID: 36558053 PMCID: PMC9781456 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27248925] [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] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Two compounds 1 and 2 were isolated from the culture broth of Lepista luscina. This is the first time that compound 1 was isolated from a natural source. The structure of compound 1 was identified via 1D and 2D NMR and HRESIMS data. Compounds 1 and 2 along with 8-nitrotryptanthrin (4) were evaluated for their biological activities using the A549 lung cancer cell line. As a result, 1 and 2 inhibited the expression of Axl and immune checkpoint molecules. In addition, compounds 1, 2 and 4 were tested for HIF inhibitory activity. Compound 2 demonstrated statistically significant HIF inhibitory effects on NIH3T3 cells and 1 and 2 against ARPE19 cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mihaya Kotajima
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
| | - Jae-Hoon Choi
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
- Research Institute of Green Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
- Faculty of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
- Research Institute for Mushroom Science, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Kondo
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
- Research Institute of Green Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
| | | | - Masaaki Toda
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, Edobashi 2-174, Tsu 524-8507, Japan
| | - Taro Yasuma
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, Edobashi 2-174, Tsu 524-8507, Japan
| | - Esteban C. Gabazza
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, Edobashi 2-174, Tsu 524-8507, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Miwa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shina-nomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Chiho Shoda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shina-nomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Deokho Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shina-nomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Ayaka Nakai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shina-nomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Toshihide Kurihara
- Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shina-nomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Jing Wu
- Faculty of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
- Research Institute for Mushroom Science, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Hirai
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
- Research Institute of Green Science and Technology, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
- Faculty of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
- Research Institute for Mushroom Science, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Kawagishi
- Faculty of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
- Research Institute for Mushroom Science, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8529, Japan
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Jeon Y, Kang H, Yang Y, Park D, Choi B, Kim J, Kim J, Nam K. A Novel Selective Axl/Mer/CSF1R Kinase Inhibitor as a Cancer Immunotherapeutic Agent Targeting Both Immune and Tumor Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194821. [PMID: 36230744 PMCID: PMC9563311 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Immune checkpoint blockade has had great success over the past decade, but many patients with cancer do not benefit because most immune checkpoint inhibitors only target T cells. Targeting non-T cell populations in the tumor microenvironment (TME) has been shown to affect responses to them. Simultaneous inhibition of Axl, Mer and CSF1R by a novel receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor Q702 induces antitumor immunity by reducing the number of M2 macrophages and MDSCs and inducing M1 macrophages and cytotoxic CD8 T cells in the TME, and increasing the expression of MHC-I and E-cadherin in tumor cells. Our data indicate that therapy targeting both immune cells and cancer cells in the TME by Q702 can induce more effective clinical responses in patients with cancer. Abstract Although immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) represents a major breakthrough in cancer immunotherapy, only a limited number of patients with cancer benefit from ICB-based immunotherapy because most immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) target only T cell activation. Therefore, targeting non-T cell components in the tumor microenvironment (TME) can help subvert resistance and increase the applications of ICB-based therapy. Axl and Mer are involved in the carcinogenesis of multiple types of cancer by modulating immune and biological behaviors within tumors. Colony stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) mediates tumorigenesis in the TME by enhancing tumor associated macrophage (TAM) and myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) infiltration, facilitating immune escape. Therefore, the simultaneous inhibition of Axl, Mer, and CSF1R kinases may improve therapeutic efficacy by targeting non-T cell components in the TME. Here, we present Q702, a selective, potent small molecule inhibitor targeting Axl, Mer, and CSF1R, for oral administration. Q702 induced antitumor activity in syngeneic tumor mouse models by: remodeling the TME toward immune stimulation; expanding M1 macrophage and CD8 T cell populations and decreasing M2 macrophage and MDSC populations in the TME; and increasing MHC class I and E-cadherin expression in tumor cells. Thus, Q702 may have great potential to broaden the coverage of populations benefiting from ICB-based immunotherapy.
Collapse
|
23
|
Adams DE, Zhen Y, Qi X, Shao WH. Axl Expression in Renal Mesangial Cells Is Regulated by Sp1, Ap1, MZF1, and Ep300, and the IL-6/miR-34a Pathway. Cells 2022; 11:cells11121869. [PMID: 35740998 PMCID: PMC9221537 DOI: 10.3390/cells11121869] [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: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Axl receptor tyrosine kinase expression in the kidney contributes to a variety of inflammatory renal disease by promoting glomerular proliferation. Axl expression in the kidney is negligible in healthy individuals but upregulated under inflammatory conditions. Little is known about Axl transcriptional regulation. We analyzed the 4.4 kb mouse Axl promoter region and found that many transcription factor (TF)-binding sites and regulatory elements are located within a 600 bp fragment proximal to the translation start site. Among four TFs (Sp1, Ap1, MZF1, and Ep300) identified, Sp1 was the most potent TF that promotes Axl expression. Luciferase assays confirmed the siRNA results and revealed additional mechanisms that regulate Axl expression, including sequences encoding a 5'-UTR mini-intron and potential G-quadruplex forming regions. Deletion of the Axl 5'-UTR mini-intron resulted in a 3.2-fold increases in luciferase activity over the full-length UTR (4.4 kb Axl construct). The addition of TMPyP4, a G-quadruplex stabilizer, resulted in a significantly decreased luciferase activity. Further analysis of the mouse Axl 3'-UTR revealed a miRNA-34a binding site, which inversely regulates Axl expression. The inhibitory role of miRNA-34a in Axl expression was demonstrated in mesangial cells using miRNA-34a mimicry and in primary kidney cells with IL-6 stimulated STAT3 activation. Taken together, Axl expression in mouse kidney is synergistically regulated by multiple factors, including TFs and secondary structures, such as mini-intron and G-quadruplex. A unique IL6/STAT3/miRNA-34a pathway was revealed to be critical in inflammatory renal Axl expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David E. Adams
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA; (D.E.A.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yuxuan Zhen
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA; (D.E.A.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Xiaoyang Qi
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA;
| | - Wen-Hai Shao
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA; (D.E.A.); (Y.Z.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Lei W, Wu S, Zhao A, Wu Z, Ding B, Yang W, Lu C, Wu X, Li X, Zhang S, Tian Y, Yang Y. Psoralidin protects against cerebral hypoxia/reoxygenation injury: Role of GAS6/ Axl signaling. Phytother Res 2022; 36:2628-2640. [PMID: 35583809 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [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: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Psoralidin (PSO) is a natural phenolic coumarin extracted from the seeds of Psoralea corylifolia L. Growing preclinical evidence indicates that PSO has anti-inflammatory, anti-vitiligo, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral effects. Growth arrest-specific gene 6 (GAS6) and its receptor, Axl, modulate cellular oxidative stress, apoptosis, survival, proliferation, migration, and mitogenesis. Notably, the neuroprotective role of the GAS6/Axl axis has been identified in previous studies. We hypothesize that PSO ameliorates cerebral hypoxia/reoxygenation (HR) injury via activating the GAS6/Axl signaling. We first confirmed that PSO was not toxic to the cells and upregulated GAS6 and Axl expression after HR injury. Moreover, PSO exerted a marked neuroprotective effect against HR injury, represented by restored cell viability and cell morphology, decreased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Furthermore, PSO pretreatment also elevated the levels of nuclear factor-related factor 2 (Nrf-2), NAD(P)H dehydrogenase quinone-1 (NQO1), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor coactivator 1α (PGC-1α), nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1), uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2), and B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCl2) both in the condition of baseline and HR injury. However, GAS6 siRNA or Axl siRNA inhibited the neuroprotective effects of PSO. Our findings suggest that PSO pretreatment attenuated HR-induced oxidative stress, apoptosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction in neuroblastoma cells through the activation of GAS6/Axl signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wangrui Lei
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Xi'an No. 3 Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, China.,Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Songdi Wu
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China.,Department of Neurology, Xi'an No. 1 Hospital, School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Aizhen Zhao
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Xi'an No. 3 Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, China.,Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhen Wu
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Xi'an No. 3 Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, China.,Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Baoping Ding
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Xi'an No. 3 Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, China.,Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wenwen Yang
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Xi'an No. 3 Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, China.,Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chenxi Lu
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Xi'an No. 3 Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, China.,Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xue Wu
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Xi'an No. 3 Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, China.,Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiyang Li
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Xi'an No. 3 Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, China.,Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Shaofei Zhang
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Xi'an No. 3 Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, China.,Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ye Tian
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Xi'an No. 3 Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, China.,Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Xi'an No. 3 Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, China.,Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Faculty of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Zhang D, Zhao Y, Wang L, You X, Li J, Zhang G, Hou Y, Wang H, He S, Li E. Axl Mediates Resistance to Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection Independent of Cell Attachment. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2022; 67:227-240. [PMID: 35548971 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2021-0362oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of severe lower respiratory tract infections in infants and young children. Axl, a TAM family receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK), has been demonstrated as a receptor mediating enveloped virus infection. Here we show that Axl functions as a suppressor of antiviral response during RSV infection. Knockdown of Axl expression in human cells resulted in cell resistance to RSV infection although the treatment did not significantly affect RSV binding or cell entry. Mice deficiency of Axl showed resistance to RSV infection including reduction in viral load and in pulmonary injury. Although T lymphocyte and macrophage infiltration was reduced, more IFN-γ producing cells were present in BALF in Axl-/- mice. Less alternatively activated alveolar macrophages were found in the lungs of Axl-/- mice. Axl-/- MEF cells and siRNA-treated human cells had more robust IFN-β and ISG induction of antiviral genes. Furthermore, re-expression of Axl using Ad-mediated Axl delivery repressed ISG induction in Axl-null MEF cells by RSV infection. The results suggest that Axl, independent of being a virus entry receptor of RSV infection, negatively regulates interferon signaling to modulate host antiviral response against RSV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, 384750, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, 571478, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.,Yancheng Medical Research Center, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuanhui Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, 571478, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Medical Virology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lingling Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, 384750, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, 571478, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Medical Virology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoxin You
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, 571478, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Medical Virology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jingjing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, 384750, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, 571478, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Guohai Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, 384750, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.,State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangxi Normal University, Guangxi, China
| | - Yayi Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, 384750, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, 571478, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongwei Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, 571478, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Susu He
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, 384750, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, 571478, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.,Yancheng Medical Research Center, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Erguang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, 384750, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, 571478, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Medical Virology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.,Shenzhen Research Institute, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China;
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Li H, Liu Z, Liu L, Zhang H, Han C, Girard L, Park H, Zhang A, Dong C, Ye J, Rayford A, Peyton M, Li X, Avila K, Cao X, Hu S, Alam MM, Akbay EA, Solis LM, Behrens C, Hernandez-Ruiz S, Lu W, Wistuba I, Heymach JV, Chisamore M, Micklem D, Gabra H, Gausdal G, Lorens JB, Li B, Fu YX, Minna JD, Brekken RA. AXL targeting restores PD-1 blockade sensitivity of STK11/LKB1 mutant NSCLC through expansion of TCF1 + CD8 T cells. Cell Rep Med 2022; 3:100554. [PMID: 35492873 PMCID: PMC9040166 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2022.100554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [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: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in STK11/LKB1 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are associated with poor patient responses to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), and introduction of a Stk11/Lkb1 (L) mutation into murine lung adenocarcinomas driven by mutant Kras and Trp53 loss (KP) resulted in an ICB refractory syngeneic KPL tumor. Mechanistically this occurred because KPL mutant NSCLCs lacked TCF1-expressing CD8 T cells, a phenotype recapitulated in human STK11/LKB1 mutant NSCLCs. Systemic inhibition of Axl results in increased type I interferon secretion from dendritic cells that expanded tumor-associated TCF1+PD-1+CD8 T cells, restoring therapeutic response to PD-1 ICB in KPL tumors. This was observed in syngeneic immunocompetent mouse models and in humanized mice bearing STK11/LKB1 mutant NSCLC human tumor xenografts. NSCLC-affected individuals with identified STK11/LKB1 mutations receiving bemcentinib and pembrolizumab demonstrated objective clinical response to combination therapy. We conclude that AXL is a critical targetable driver of immune suppression in STK11/LKB1 mutant NSCLC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huiyu Li
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-8593, USA
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Zhida Liu
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-9072, USA
| | - Longchao Liu
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-9072, USA
| | - Hongyi Zhang
- Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Chuanhui Han
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-9072, USA
| | - Luc Girard
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-8593, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Hyunsil Park
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-8593, USA
| | - Anli Zhang
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-9072, USA
| | - Chunbo Dong
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-9072, USA
| | - Jianfeng Ye
- Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Austin Rayford
- BerGenBio ASA, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Biomedicine, Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, Norwegian Centre of Excellence, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Michael Peyton
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-8593, USA
| | - Xiaoguang Li
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-9072, USA
| | - Kimberley Avila
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-8593, USA
| | - Xuezhi Cao
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-9072, USA
| | - Shuiqing Hu
- Department of Molecular Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Md Maksudul Alam
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-9072, USA
| | - Esra A. Akbay
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-9072, USA
| | - Luisa M. Solis
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Carmen Behrens
- Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sharia Hernandez-Ruiz
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Wei Lu
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ignacio Wistuba
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - John V. Heymach
- Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - James B. Lorens
- Department of Biomedicine, Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, Norwegian Centre of Excellence, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Bo Li
- Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Immunology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Yang-Xin Fu
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-9072, USA
- Department of Immunology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - John D. Minna
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-8593, USA
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Rolf A. Brekken
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390-8593, USA
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Wang SC, Yu CY, Wu YC, Chang YC, Chen SL, Sung WW. Chidamide and mitomycin C exert synergistic cytotoxic effects against bladder cancer cells in vitro and suppress tumor growth in a rat bladder cancer model. Cancer Lett 2022; 530:8-15. [PMID: 35033588 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [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: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Intravesical instillation (IVI) of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) can prevent bladder cancer recurrence, but this agent has been out of stock in recent years. IVI of other agents, like chidamide, a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, may have the potential to exert a therapeutic effect against bladder cancer by modifying the gene expression profiles associated with histone modifications that occur during cancer tumorigenesis. Here, we investigated the in vitro therapeutic effect of chidamide and/or mitomycin C in bladder cancer cell lines and screened related molecular pathways using an antibody array. We also quantitatively analyzed the synergistic effect of IVI of chidamide and mitomycin C in vivo in an N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU)-induced rat bladder cancer model. The synergistic cytotoxic effect of chidamide plus mitomycin C was confirmed in both T24 and UMUC3 cells (combination index <0.6), with significantly greater induction of apoptosis elicited with chidamide plus mitomycin C than with either drug alone. The antibody array identified the Axl signaling pathway as the key target of the synergistic effect. Expression of Axl and its related downstream molecules, including claspin and survivin, was significantly suppressed. In the rat bladder cancer model, IVI of chidamide plus mitomycin C reduced tumor burden (Ki67 index) to a greater extent than either drug alone (p < 0.01). Our results suggest that chidamide and mitomycin act synergistically to reduce MNU-induced bladder cancer. These findings provide new insights into a new and potentially effective approach to treating bladder cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Chuan Wang
- Department of Urology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 40201, Taiwan; School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, 40201, Taiwan; Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, 40201, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ying Yu
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, 40201, Taiwan
| | - Yao-Cheng Wu
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, 40201, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Chuan Chang
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, 40201, Taiwan
| | - Sung-Lang Chen
- Department of Urology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 40201, Taiwan; School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, 40201, Taiwan; Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, 40201, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Wei Sung
- Department of Urology, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 40201, Taiwan; School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, 40201, Taiwan; Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, 40201, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Wu W, Xu H, Meng Z, Zhu J, Xiong S, Xia X, Lei H. Axl Is Essential for in-vitro Angiogenesis Induced by Vitreous From Patients With Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 8:787150. [PMID: 35004753 PMCID: PMC8734562 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.787150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), characterized mainly with abnormal epiretinal angiogenesis forming fibrovascular membranes (FVMs), threatens vision of people with diabetes; FVMs consist of extracellular matrix and a variety of cell types including vascular endothelial cells. Axl, one of receptor tyrosine kinases, can be activated indirectly by vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) via an intracellular route for promoting angiogenesis. In this study, we revealed that growth arrest-specific protein 6 (Gas6), a specific ligand of Axl, was elevated in vitreous from patients with PDR and that Axl was activated in FVMs from patients with PDR. In addition, we demonstrated that in cultured human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRECs), Axl inhibition via suppression of Axl expression with Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/ CRISPR-associated protein 9 or through inactivation with its specific inhibitor R428 blocked PDR vitreous-induced Akt activation and proliferation of HRECs. Furthermore, PDR vitreous-heightened migration and tube formation of HRECs were also blunted by restraining Axl. These results indicate that in the pathogenesis of PDR, Axl can be activated by Gas6 binding directly and by VEGF-A via an intracellular route indirectly, suggesting that Axl plays a pivotal role in the development of PDR and that Axl inhibition shows a bright promise for PDR therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenyi Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, China
| | - Huizuo Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, China
| | - Zhishang Meng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jianxi Zhu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Siqi Xiong
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaobo Xia
- Department of Ophthalmology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Changsha, China
| | - Hetian Lei
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shenzhen Eye Institute, Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Yang J, Li M, Yuan M, Bian P, Dong Y, Zhang H, Luo C, Xue Z, Wang Y, Zhang F, Shen L, Lei Y. Axl-/- neurons promote JEV infection by dampening the innate immunity. Virus Res 2022; 307:198605. [PMID: 34662681 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2021.198605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) causes the most commonly diagnosed viral encephalitis in Asia. JEV is a highly neurotropic flavivirus that can replicate efficiently in the brain. Axl belongs to the TAM (Tyro3, Axl, Mer) family, a group of tyrosine kinase receptors involved in the viral entry, micked as apoptotic bodies and regulation of innate immunity. However, the underlying mechanisms on its regulation in the neurons for JEV are unclear. Here, we found that Axl was upregulated in neurons after JEV infection. Unexpectedly, Axl deficient (Axl-/-) mice were more susceptible to JEV infection with increased viral loads in neurons. The RNA-sequencing analysis between the wild type neurons and Axl-/- neurons infected with JEV showed that many interferon-stimulated genes were downregulated in the Axl-/- neurons which innate immunity was attenuated largely. The rescue experiment in Axl-/- neurons indicated that Axl may be positively involved in the regulation of antiviral immunity. Taken together, our data demonstrated that Axl may play an antiviral role in JEV replication within neurons by modulating neuronal innate immunity.
Collapse
|
30
|
[Growth arrest-specific (Gas) 6]. Arerugi 2022; 71:53-4. [PMID: 35173127 DOI: 10.15036/arerugi.71.53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
|
31
|
Guo ZN, Liu J, Chang J, Zhang P, Jin H, Sun X, Yang Y. GAS6/ Axl Signaling Modulates Blood-Brain Barrier Function Following Intravenous Thrombolysis in Acute Ischemic Stroke. Front Immunol 2021; 12:742359. [PMID: 34733281 PMCID: PMC8558492 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.742359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose Recent studies have shown that several proteins, including Axl, are related to hemorrhagic transformation (HT) following intravenous thrombolysis by affecting blood-brain barrier (BBB) function. However, the effects of these proteins on BBB function have been studied primarily in animal models. In this study, we aimed to identify serum protein markers that predict HT following intravenous thrombolysis in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and verify whether these serum proteins regulate BBB function and HT in animal stroke models. Methods First, 118 AIS patients were enrolled in this study, including 52 HT patients and 66 non-HT patients. In Step 1, baseline serum levels of Axl, angiopoietin-like 4, C-reactive protein, ferritin, hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha, HTRA2, Lipocalin2, matrix metallopeptidase 9, platelet-derived growth factor-BB, and tumor necrosis factor alpha were measured using a quantitative cytokine chip. Next, sequence mutations and variations in genes encoding the differentially expressed proteins identified in Step 1 and subsequent function-related proteins were detected. Finally, we verified whether manipulation of differentially expressed proteins affected BBB function and HT in a hyperglycemia-induced rat stroke model. Results Serum Axl levels were significantly lower in the HT group than in the non-HT group; none of the other protein markers differed significantly between the two groups. Genetic testing revealed that sequence variations of GAS6 (the gene encoding the Axl ligand)-derived long non-coding RNA, GAS6-AS1, were significantly correlated with an increased risk of HT after intravenous thrombolysis. In animal studies, administration of recombinant GAS6 significantly reduced brain infarction and neurological deficits and attenuated BBB disruption and HT. Conclusions Lower serum Axl levels, which may result from sequence variations in GAS6-AS1, are correlated with an increased risk of HT after intravenous thrombolysis in stroke patients. Activation of the Axl signaling pathway by the GAS6 protein may serve as a therapeutic strategy to reduce HT in AIS patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Ni Guo
- Stroke Center, Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Clinical Trial and Research Center for Stroke, Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Stroke Center, Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Junlei Chang
- Center for Protein and Cell-based Drugs, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Stroke Center, Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Clinical Trial and Research Center for Stroke, Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hang Jin
- Stroke Center, Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xin Sun
- Stroke Center, Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Stroke Center, Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Clinical Trial and Research Center for Stroke, Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Hedrich V, Breitenecker K, Djerlek L, Ortmayr G, Mikulits W. Intrinsic and Extrinsic Control of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by TAM Receptors. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5448. [PMID: 34771611 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Tyro3, Axl, and MerTK are receptor tyrosine kinases of the TAM family, which are activated by their ligands Gas6 and Protein S. TAM receptors have large physiological implications, including the removal of dead cells, activation of immune cells, and prevention of bleeding. In the last decade, TAM receptors have been suggested to play a relevant role in liver fibrogenesis and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. The understanding of TAM receptor functions in tumor cells and their cellular microenvironment is of utmost importance to advances in novel therapeutic strategies that conquer chronic liver disease including hepatocellular carcinoma. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the major subtype of liver cancer, showing high mortality of patients due to limited therapeutic options at advanced stages of disease. The receptor tyrosine kinases Tyro3, Axl and MerTK—belonging to the TAM family—exert a large impact on various aspects of cancer biology. Binding of the ligands Gas6 or Protein S activates TAM receptors causing homophilic dimerization and heterophilic interactions with other receptors to modulate effector functions. In this context, TAM receptors are major regulators of anti-inflammatory responses and vessel integrity, including platelet aggregation as well as resistance to chemotherapy. In this review, we discuss the relevance of TAM receptors in the intrinsic control of HCC progression by modulating epithelial cell plasticity and by promoting metastatic traits of neoplastic hepatocytes. Depending on different etiologies of HCC, we further describe the overt role of TAM receptors in the extrinsic control of HCC progression by focusing on immune cell infiltration and fibrogenesis. Additionally, we assess TAM receptor functions in the chemoresistance against clinically used tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint blockade in HCC progression. We finally address the question of whether inhibition of TAM receptors can be envisaged for novel therapeutic strategies in HCC.
Collapse
|
33
|
Chang H, An R, Li X, Lang X, Feng J, Lv M. Anti- Axl monoclonal antibodies attenuate the migration of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Oncol Lett 2021; 22:749. [PMID: 34539853 PMCID: PMC8436363 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.13010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The receptor tyrosine kinase, anexelekto (Axl) is involved in tumor cell growth, migration and invasion, and has been associated with chemotherapy resistance, which makes it an attractive target for cancer therapy. In total, six Axl-targeted monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and two antibody-drug conjugates have been reported in the last 10 years, which have been shown to have bioactivity in inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and migration. The Axl external cell domain (Axl−ECD), consisting of 426 amino acids, has always been used as an antigen in the screening process for all six of these Axl-targeted mAbs. However, the Axl functional domain, which interacts with its natural ligand, growth arrest-specific protein 6 (Gas6), is only a small part of the Axl−ECD. Antibodies targeting the Axl functional domain may efficiently block Gas6-Axl binding and attenuate its downstream signals and activities. To the best of our knowledge, no mAbs targeting the Axl functional domain have been reported. In the present study, a major Axl functional domain interacting with Gas6 was determined using bioinformatics and structural biology methods. In MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell assays, anti-Axl mAbs targeting this relatively specific Axl functional domain almost completely neutralized the stimulation of Gas6 in both Axl phosphorylation and cell migration assays, and showed similar activity to the positive control drug R428 (a small molecular tyrosine kinase inhibitor of Axl currently in phase II clinical trials) in the cell migration assay. Given the important role of Axl in tumor development and chemotherapy resistance, Axl-targeted mAbs could be used to inhibit tumor cells directly, as well as reduce the development of chemotherapy resistance by blocking Axl activity. The application of Axl-targeted mAbs combined with chemotherapy provides a promising treatment strategy for patients with tumors, particularly those with triple-negative breast cancer, for whom no targeted therapy is currently available.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Chang
- Institute of Medical Technology, Suzhou Vocational Health College, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215009, P.R. China.,College of Basic Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050200, P.R. China
| | - Ran An
- College of Basic Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050200, P.R. China.,Hebei Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Research on Cardio-cerebrovascular Disease, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050051, P.R. China
| | - Xinying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoling Lang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Gene Engineering Antibody, Beijing 100850, P.R. China
| | - Jiannan Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, P.R. China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Gene Engineering Antibody, Beijing 100850, P.R. China
| | - Ming Lv
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Gene Engineering Antibody, Beijing 100850, P.R. China.,Laboratory of Immunology, Institute of Military Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Beijing 100850, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Joseph S, Campbell KP. Lassa Fever Virus Binds Matriglycan-A Polymer of Alternating Xylose and Glucuronate-On α-Dystroglycan. Viruses 2021; 13:1679. [PMID: 34578260 PMCID: PMC8473316 DOI: 10.3390/v13091679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Lassa fever virus (LASV) can cause life-threatening hemorrhagic fevers for which there are currently no vaccines or targeted treatments. The late Prof. Stefan Kunz, along with others, showed that the high-affinity host receptor for LASV, and other Old World and clade-C New World mammarenaviruses, is matriglycan-a linear repeating disaccharide of alternating xylose and glucuronic acid that is polymerized uniquely on α-dystroglycan by like-acetylglucosaminyltransferase-1 (LARGE1). Although α-dystroglycan is ubiquitously expressed, LASV preferentially infects vascular endothelia and professional phagocytic cells, which suggests that viral entry requires additional cell-specific factors. In this review, we highlight the work of Stefan Kunz detailing the molecular mechanism of LASV binding and discuss the requirements of receptors, such as tyrosine kinases, for internalization through apoptotic mimicry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kevin P. Campbell
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Senator Paul D. Wellstone Muscular Dystrophy Specialized Research Center, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics and Department of Neurology, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Jimenez OA, Narasipura SD, Barbian HJ, Albalawi YA, Seaton MS, Robinson KF, Al-Harthi L. β-Catenin Restricts Zika Virus Internalization by Downregulating Axl. J Virol 2021; 95:e0070521. [PMID: 34260264 DOI: 10.1128/JVI.00705-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The latest outbreak of Zika virus (ZIKV) in the Americas was associated with significant neurologic complications, including microcephaly of newborns. We evaluated mechanisms that regulate ZIKV entry into human fetal astrocytes (HFAs). Astrocytes are key players in maintaining brain homeostasis. We show that the central mediator of canonical Wnt signaling, β-catenin, regulates Axl, a receptor for ZIKV infection of HFAs, at the transcriptional level. In turn, ZIKV inhibited β-catenin, potentially as a mechanism to overcome its restriction of ZIKV internalization through regulation of Axl. This was evident with three ZIKV strains tested but not with a laboratory-adapted strain which has a large deletion in its envelope gene. Finally, we show that β-catenin-mediated Axl-dependent internalization of ZIKV may be of increased importance for brain cells, as it regulated ZIKV infection of astrocytes and human brain microvascular cells but not kidney epithelial (Vero) cells. Collectively, our studies reveal a role for β-catenin in ZIKV infection and highlight a dynamic interplay between ZIKV and β-catenin to modulate ZIKV entry into susceptible target cells. IMPORTANCE ZIKV is an emerging pathogen with sporadic outbreaks throughout the world. The most recent outbreak in North America was associated with small brains (microcephaly) in newborns. We studied the mechanism(s) that may regulate ZIKV entry into astrocytes. Astrocytes are a critical resident brain cell population with diverse functions that maintain brain homeostasis, including neurogenesis and neuronal survival. We show that three ZIKV strains (and not a heavily laboratory-adapted strain with a large deletion in its envelope gene) require Axl for internalization. Most importantly, we show that β-catenin, the central mediator of canonical Wnt signaling, negatively regulates Axl at the transcriptional level to prevent ZIKV internalization into human fetal astrocytes. To overcome this restriction, ZIKV downregulates β-catenin to facilitate Axl expression. This highlights a dynamic host-virus interaction whereby ZIKV inhibits β-catenin to promote its internalization into human fetal astrocytes through the induction of Axl.
Collapse
|
36
|
Kirui J, Abidine Y, Lenman A, Islam K, Gwon YD, Lasswitz L, Evander M, Bally M, Gerold G. The Phosphatidylserine Receptor TIM-1 Enhances Authentic Chikungunya Virus Cell Entry. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071828. [PMID: 34359995 PMCID: PMC8303237 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a re-emerging, mosquito-transmitted, enveloped positive stranded RNA virus. Chikungunya fever is characterized by acute and chronic debilitating arthritis. Although multiple host factors have been shown to enhance CHIKV infection, the molecular mechanisms of cell entry and entry factors remain poorly understood. The phosphatidylserine-dependent receptors, T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 1 (TIM-1) and Axl receptor tyrosine kinase (Axl), are transmembrane proteins that can serve as entry factors for enveloped viruses. Previous studies used pseudoviruses to delineate the role of TIM-1 and Axl in CHIKV entry. Conversely, here, we use the authentic CHIKV and cells ectopically expressing TIM-1 or Axl and demonstrate a role for TIM-1 in CHIKV infection. To further characterize TIM-1-dependent CHIKV infection, we generated cells expressing domain mutants of TIM-1. We show that point mutations in the phosphatidylserine binding site of TIM-1 lead to reduced cell binding, entry, and infection of CHIKV. Ectopic expression of TIM-1 renders immortalized keratinocytes permissive to CHIKV, whereas silencing of endogenously expressed TIM-1 in human hepatoma cells reduces CHIKV infection. Altogether, our findings indicate that, unlike Axl, TIM-1 readily promotes the productive entry of authentic CHIKV into target cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jared Kirui
- Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, TWINCORE, Institute for Experimental Virology, a Joint Venture between the Medical School Hannover and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (J.K.); (A.L.); (L.L.)
- Department of Biochemistry & Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses (RIZ), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Yara Abidine
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, 90185 Umeå, Sweden; (Y.A.); (K.I.); (Y.-D.G.); (M.E.); (M.B.)
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine (WCMM), Umeå University, 90185 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Annasara Lenman
- Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, TWINCORE, Institute for Experimental Virology, a Joint Venture between the Medical School Hannover and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (J.K.); (A.L.); (L.L.)
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, 90185 Umeå, Sweden; (Y.A.); (K.I.); (Y.-D.G.); (M.E.); (M.B.)
| | - Koushikul Islam
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, 90185 Umeå, Sweden; (Y.A.); (K.I.); (Y.-D.G.); (M.E.); (M.B.)
| | - Yong-Dae Gwon
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, 90185 Umeå, Sweden; (Y.A.); (K.I.); (Y.-D.G.); (M.E.); (M.B.)
| | - Lisa Lasswitz
- Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, TWINCORE, Institute for Experimental Virology, a Joint Venture between the Medical School Hannover and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (J.K.); (A.L.); (L.L.)
- Department of Biochemistry & Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses (RIZ), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Magnus Evander
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, 90185 Umeå, Sweden; (Y.A.); (K.I.); (Y.-D.G.); (M.E.); (M.B.)
| | - Marta Bally
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, 90185 Umeå, Sweden; (Y.A.); (K.I.); (Y.-D.G.); (M.E.); (M.B.)
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine (WCMM), Umeå University, 90185 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Gisa Gerold
- Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, TWINCORE, Institute for Experimental Virology, a Joint Venture between the Medical School Hannover and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, 30625 Hannover, Germany; (J.K.); (A.L.); (L.L.)
- Department of Biochemistry & Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses (RIZ), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, 90185 Umeå, Sweden; (Y.A.); (K.I.); (Y.-D.G.); (M.E.); (M.B.)
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine (WCMM), Umeå University, 90185 Umeå, Sweden
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Inoue S, Yamane Y, Tsukamoto S, Murai N, Azuma H, Nagao S, Nishibata K, Fukushima S, Ichikawa K, Nakagawa T, Hata Sugi N, Ito D, Kato Y, Goto A, Kakiuchi D, Ueno T, Matsui J, Matsushima T. Discovery of 5,6,7,8-tetrahydropyrido[3,4-d]pyrimidine derivatives as novel selective Axl inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2021; 48:128247. [PMID: 34271070 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2021.128247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Axl and Mer are members of the TAM (Tyro3-Axl-Mer) family of receptor tyrosine kinases. Previously, we reported that enzyme-mediated inhibition of Mer by an Axl/Mer dual inhibitor led to retinal toxicity in mice, whereas selective Axl inhibition by compound 1 did not. On the other hand, compound 1 showed low membrane permeability. Here, we designed and synthesized a novel series of 5,6,7,8-tetrahydropyrido[3,4-d]pyrimidine derivatives and evaluated their Axl and Mer inhibitory activities, leading to identification of ER-001259851-000 as a potent and selective Axl inhibitor with drug-likeness and a promising pharmacokinetic profile in mice.
Collapse
|
38
|
Zhen Y, McGaha TL, Finkelman FD, Shao WH. The Akt-mTORC1 pathway mediates Axl receptor tyrosine kinase-induced mesangial cell proliferation. J Leukoc Biol 2021; 111:563-571. [PMID: 34218441 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.2a1220-850rrr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Glomerulonephritis (GN), an important pathologic feature of many renal diseases, is frequently characterized by mesangial cell proliferation. We and others have previously shown that the TAM family receptor tyrosine kinases Axl, Mer, and Tyro-3 contribute to cell survival, proliferation, migration, and clearance of apoptotic cells (ACs); that Axl contributes to GN by promoting mesangial cell proliferation; and that small molecule inhibition of Axl ameliorates nephrotoxic serum-induced GN in mice. We now show that stimulation of renal mesangial cell Axl causes a modest increase in intracellular Ca2+ and activates NF-κB, mTOR, and the mTOR-containing mTORC1 complex, which phosphorylates the ribosomal protein S6. Axl-induction of Akt activation is upstream of NF-κB and mTOR activation, which are mutually codependent. Axl-induced NF-κB activation leads to Bcl-xl up-regulation. Axl is more important than Mer at mediating AC phagocytosis by mesangial cells, but less important than Mer at mediating phagocytosis of ACs by peritoneal macrophages. Taken together, our data suggest the possibility that Axl mediates mesangial cell phagocytosis of ACs and promotes mesangial cell proliferation by activating NF-κB and mTORC1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Zhen
- Division of Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Tracy L McGaha
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, Tumor Immunotherapy Program, University Health Network, Toronto, ONT, M5G 2M9, Canada.,Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Fred D Finkelman
- Division of Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Wen-Hai Shao
- Division of Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Fang S, Luo Y, Zhang Y, Wang H, Liu Q, Li X, Yu T. NTNG1 Modulates Cisplatin Resistance in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Cells via the GAS6/ AXL/Akt Pathway. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:652325. [PMID: 34277602 PMCID: PMC8281315 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.652325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cisplatin resistance is a challenge in the treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer. Here, clinical data showed that the level of netrin-G1 (NTNG1) in cisplatin-resistant cancer was higher than that in cisplatin-sensitive cancer (2.2-fold, p = 0.005); patients with a high NTNG1 level in cancer tissues had shorter progression-free survival (11.0 vs. 25.0 months, p = 0.010) and platinum-free interval (5.0 vs. 20.0 months, p = 0.021) compared with patients with a low level. Category- or stage-adjusted analyses demonstrated that the association between the NTNG1 level and prognosis occurred in type II or FIGO III/IV cancer. The basal level of NTNG1 in SKOV3/DDP cells (a cisplatin-resistant subline) was higher than that in SKOV3 cells; therefore, NTNG1 was overexpressed in SKOV3 cells, or silenced in SKOV3/DDP cells. Knocking in NTNG1 reduced the action of cisplatin to decrease cell death and apoptosis of SKOV3 cells, accompanied by upregulation of p-AXL, p-Akt and RAD51; however, opposite effects were observed in SKOV3/DDP cells after knocking down NTNG1. Co-immunoprecipitation demonstrated that NTNG1 bound GAS6/AXL. Silencing NTNG1 enhanced cisplatin effects in vivo, decreasing tumor volume/mass. These data suggested that a high NTNG1 level can result in cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer cells via the GAS6/AXL/Akt pathway and that NTNG1 may be a useful target to overcome resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanyu Fang
- Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Luo
- Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Houmei Wang
- Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qianfen Liu
- Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xinya Li
- Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Tinghe Yu
- Laboratory of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Karakulak T, Rifaioglu AS, Rodrigues JPGLM, Karaca E. Predicting the Specificity- Determining Positions of Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Axl. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:658906. [PMID: 34195226 PMCID: PMC8236827 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.658906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Owing to its clinical significance, modulation of functionally relevant amino acids in protein-protein complexes has attracted a great deal of attention. To this end, many approaches have been proposed to predict the partner-selecting amino acid positions in evolutionarily close complexes. These approaches can be grouped into sequence-based machine learning and structure-based energy-driven methods. In this work, we assessed these methods’ ability to map the specificity-determining positions of Axl, a receptor tyrosine kinase involved in cancer progression and immune system diseases. For sequence-based predictions, we used SDPpred, Multi-RELIEF, and Sequence Harmony. For structure-based predictions, we utilized HADDOCK refinement and molecular dynamics simulations. As a result, we observed that (i) sequence-based methods overpredict partner-selecting residues of Axl and that (ii) combining Multi-RELIEF with HADDOCK-based predictions provides the key Axl residues, covered by the extensive molecular dynamics simulations. Expanding on these results, we propose that a sequence-structure-based approach is necessary to determine specificity-determining positions of Axl, which can guide the development of therapeutic molecules to combat Axl misregulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tülay Karakulak
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir, Turkey.,Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey.,Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ahmet Sureyya Rifaioglu
- Department of Electrical - Electronics Engineering, İskenderun Technical University, Hatay, Turkey
| | - João P G L M Rodrigues
- Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Ezgi Karaca
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Izmir, Turkey.,Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Henry KA, Nguyen TD, Baral TN, Hussack G, Raphael S, Arbabi-Ghahroudi M, Robert A, Durocher Y, Wu C, Jaramillo ML, MacKenzie CR. Biparatopic single-domain antibodies against Axl achieve ultra-high affinity through intramolecular engagement. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 562:154-161. [PMID: 34058562 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Overexpression of Axl, a TAM-family receptor tyrosine kinase, plays key roles in the formation, growth, and spread of tumors as well as resistance to targeted therapies and chemotherapies. We identified novel llama VHHs against human Axl using multiple complementary phage display selection strategies and characterized a subset of high-affinity VHHs. The VHHs targeted multiple sites in Ig-like domains 1 and 2 of the Axl extracellular domain, including an immunodominant epitope overlapping the site of Gas6 interaction and two additional non-Gas6 competitive epitopes recognized by murine monoclonal antibodies. Only a subset of VHHs cross-reacted with cynomolgus monkey Axl and none recognized mouse Axl. As fusions to human IgG1 Fc, VHH-Fcs bound Axl+ tumor cell lines and mertansine-loaded VHH-Fcs were cytotoxic in vitro against Axl+ cells in proportion to their binding affinities. Engineered biparatopic VHH-VHH heterodimers bound Axl avidly, and a subset of molecules showed dramatically enhanced association rates indicative of intramolecular binding. These VHHs may have applications as modular elements of biologic drugs such as antibody-drug conjugates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin A Henry
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, 100 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0R6, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Thanh-Dung Nguyen
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, 100 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0R6, Canada
| | - Toya Nath Baral
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, 100 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0R6, Canada
| | - Greg Hussack
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, 100 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0R6, Canada
| | - Shalini Raphael
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, 100 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0R6, Canada
| | - Mehdi Arbabi-Ghahroudi
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, 100 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0R6, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Alma Robert
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, 6100 Royalmount Ave, Montréal, Québec, H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Yves Durocher
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, 6100 Royalmount Ave, Montréal, Québec, H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Cunle Wu
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, 6100 Royalmount Ave, Montréal, Québec, H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - Maria L Jaramillo
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, 6100 Royalmount Ave, Montréal, Québec, H4P 2R2, Canada
| | - C Roger MacKenzie
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council Canada, 100 Sussex Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0R6, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Qi LFR, Liu S, Liu YC, Li P, Xu X. Ganoderic Acid A Promotes Amyloid-β Clearance (In Vitro) and Ameliorates Cognitive Deficiency in Alzheimer's Disease (Mouse Model) through Autophagy Induced by Activating Axl. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115559. [PMID: 34074054 PMCID: PMC8197357 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is thought to be caused by amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulation in the central nervous system due to deficient clearance. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of ganoderic acid A (GAA) on Aβ clearance in microglia and its anti-AD activity. Aβ degradation in BV2 microglial cells was determined using an intracellular Aβ clearance assay. GAA stimulated autophagosome formation via the Axl receptor tyrosine kinase (Axl)/RAC/CDC42-activated kinase 1 (Pak1) pathway was determined by Western blot analyses, and fluorescence-labeled Aβ42 was localized in lysosomes in confocal laser microscopy images. The in vivo anti-AD activity of GAA was evaluated by object recognition and Morris water maze (MWM) tests in an AD mouse model following intracerebroventricular injection of aggregated Aβ42. The autophagy level in the hippocampus was assayed by immunohistochemical assessment against microtubule-associated proteins 1A/1B light-chain 3B (LC3B). Intracellular Aβ42 levels were significantly reduced by GAA treatment in microglial cells. Additionally, GAA activated autophagy according to increased LC3B-II levels, with this increased autophagy stimulated by upregulating Axl and Pak1 phosphorylation. The effect of eliminating Aβ by GAA through autophagy was reversed by R428, an Axl inhibitor, or IPA-3, a Pak1 inhibitor. Consistent with the cell-based assay, GAA ameliorated cognitive deficiency and reduced Aβ42 levels in an AD mouse model. Furthermore, LC3B expression in the hippocampus was up-regulated by GAA treatment, with these GAA-specific effects abolished by R428. GAA promoted Aβ clearance by enhancing autophagy via the Axl/Pak1 signaling pathway in microglial cells and ameliorated cognitive deficiency in an AD mouse model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li-Feng-Rong Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; (L.-F.-R.Q.); (S.L.); (Y.-C.L.); (P.L.)
| | - Shuai Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; (L.-F.-R.Q.); (S.L.); (Y.-C.L.); (P.L.)
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Diseases, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yu-Ci Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; (L.-F.-R.Q.); (S.L.); (Y.-C.L.); (P.L.)
| | - Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; (L.-F.-R.Q.); (S.L.); (Y.-C.L.); (P.L.)
| | - Xiaojun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; (L.-F.-R.Q.); (S.L.); (Y.-C.L.); (P.L.)
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Discovery for Metabolic Diseases, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-2583271203
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Wu Z, Zhao Y, Yu F, Shi H, Li J. Qigefang inhibits migration, invasion and metastasis of ESCC by inhibiting Gas6/ Axl signaling pathway. Recent Pat Anticancer Drug Discov 2021; 16:285-294. [PMID: 34355688 DOI: 10.2174/1574892816666210521152337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, there is an increasing interest in using Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and their patents for the treatment of cancers. Qigefang (QGF) is a TCM formula and has been used for the treatment of metastatic esophageal cancer in China. However, its therapeutic effect on tumors and its mechanism of action are largely unknown. The aim of this study is to explore the role of QGF in the treatment of metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC). METHODS Human esophageal carcinoma cell line KYSE150 was used for this study. CCK-8 assay was used to determine the cytotoxicity of QGF. The KYSE150 cells were treated with QGF to determine its effect on cell migration (cell scratch assay and imaging) and invasion (Transwell system based with Matrigel assay). Western blotting was used to investigate the effect of QGF on relevant molecules of signaling pathways. A mouse model of lung metastasis of esophageal cancer was established by injecting the KYSE150-Luc cells through the tail vein. Small animal imaging system was used to observe tumor metastasis in the mice. RESULTS QGF reduced cell migration and invasion of KYSE150 cells. QGF significantly inhibited lung metastasis in nude mice. Further study revealed that the expression of Growth arrest-specific 6 (Gas6), Anexelekto (Axl), N-nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) proteins were decreased both in vitro and in vivo upon treatment with QGF. CONCLUSION QGF could prevent invasion and metastasis of esophageal cancer by inhibiting the Gas6/Axl signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhongbing Wu
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, China
| | - Yang Zhao
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, China
| | - Fuyang Yu
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, China
| | - Huijuan Shi
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tumor Hospital of Hebei Province, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050011, China
| | - Jing Li
- College of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, China
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Song DH, Garcia G, Situ K, Chua BA, Hong MLO, Do EA, Ramirez CM, Harui A, Arumugaswami V, Morizono K. Development of a blocker of the universal phosphatidylserine- and phosphatidylethanolamine-dependent viral entry pathways. Virology 2021; 560:17-33. [PMID: 34020328 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2021.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Envelope phosphatidylserine (PtdSer) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PtdEtr) have been shown to mediate binding of enveloped viruses. However, commonly used PtdSer binding molecules such as Annexin V cannot block PtdSer-mediated viral infection. Lack of reagents that can conceal envelope PtdSer and PtdEtr and subsequently inhibit infection hinders elucidation of the roles of the envelope phospholipids in viral infection. Here, we developed sTIM1dMLDR801, a reagent capable of blocking PtdSer- and PtdEtr-dependent infection of enveloped viruses. Using sTIM1dMLDR801, we found that envelope PtdSer and/or PtdEtr can support ZIKV infection of not only human but also mosquito cells. In a mouse model for ZIKV infection, sTIM1dMLDR801 reduced ZIKV load in serum and the spleen, indicating envelope PtdSer and/or PtdEtr support in viral infection in vivo. sTIM1dMLDR801 will enable elucidation of the roles of envelope PtdSer and PtdEtr in infection of various virus species, thereby facilitating identification of their receptors and transmission mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Da-Hoon Song
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA; UCLA AIDS Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Gustavo Garcia
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Kathy Situ
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA; UCLA AIDS Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Bernadette A Chua
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA; UCLA AIDS Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Madeline Lauren O Hong
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Elyza A Do
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Christina M Ramirez
- Department of Biostatistics, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Airi Harui
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Vaithilingaraja Arumugaswami
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Kouki Morizono
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA; UCLA AIDS Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Li M, Xue W, Li X, Song Y, Liu X, Qin L. Axl is related to inflammation in hemodialysis patients. Mol Immunol 2021; 133:146-153. [PMID: 33667984 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2021.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hemodialysis (HD) patients often develop chronic inflammation, which is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular complications and mortality. Axl and its ligand, growth arrest 6 (Gas6), have been reported to play key roles in regulating the immune response. However, the function of Axl in HD patients has not been clarified. METHODS In the present study, we enrolled 130 HD patients and 117 normal controls (NCs) and evaluated the levels of inflammatory markers, soluble Axl (sAxl), membrane Axl (mAxl), and Gas6 in all participants. The potential downstream cascades of Gas6-Axl signaling in HD patients were identified by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. RESULTS The levels of inflammatory cytokines-tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-plasma sAxl, and Gas6, were significantly increased in HD patients compared to NCs. Additionally, sAxl was positively associated with the inflammatory factor, interleukin-6 (IL-6), in HD patients. Moreover, we found that mAxl in CD14+ mononuclear cells and CD19+ B cells was increased upon HD. Furthermore, we discovered that the metalloproteinase ADAM17, also called TACE, contributed to the cleavage of mAxl into sAxl, and not ADAM10, in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of HD patients. The upregulation of Gas6-mAxl signaling caused the activation of the STAT1-SOCS3 pathway in the PBMCs of HD patients. After two years follow-up, patients with lower sAxl levels had longer survival time than those with higher sAxl levels. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that Axl may play a significant role in systemic inflammation in HD patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengyuan Li
- Department of Nephrology & Rheumatology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 301, Middle Yanchang Road, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Wen Xue
- Department of Nephrology & Rheumatology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 301, Middle Yanchang Road, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Xinhua Li
- Department of Nephrology & Rheumatology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 301, Middle Yanchang Road, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Yaxiang Song
- Department of Nephrology & Rheumatology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 301, Middle Yanchang Road, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Xinying Liu
- Department of Nephrology & Rheumatology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 301, Middle Yanchang Road, Shanghai, 200072, China.
| | - Ling Qin
- Department of Nephrology & Rheumatology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 301, Middle Yanchang Road, Shanghai, 200072, China.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Chung SH, Park J, Lee JW, Song J, Jung D, Min KH. Structure-activity relationship of 7-aryl-2-anilino-pyrrolopyrimidines as Mer and Axl tyrosine kinase inhibitors. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2021; 35:1822-1833. [PMID: 32972253 PMCID: PMC7534383 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2020.1825407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The TAM (Axl, Mer, and Tyro3) family is implicated in the survival and chemoresistance of tumours and has emerged as a potential therapeutic target. A novel series of 7-aryl-2-anilino-pyrrolopyrimidines were identified as potent Axl/Mer tyrosine kinase inhibitors without significant inhibition of Tyro3. A representative compound 27 exhibited IC50 values of 2 nM and 16 nM for Mer and Axl, respectively, and considerable inhibition for Mer phosphorylation in cells. Docking studies suggested that the formation of a salt bridge between the nitrogen of the aniline moiety with ASP678 of the Mer kinase domain as well as an interaction with the hinge region that most kinase inhibitors have in common would be essential to retain activity. These results could provide useful information for finding promising inhibitors of Axl/Mer for the treatment of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shin Hyuck Chung
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiwon Park
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Wuk Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiho Song
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Danbee Jung
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Hoon Min
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Xu D, Sun D, Wang W, Peng X, Zhan Z, Ji Y, Shen Y, Geng M, Ai J, Duan W. Discovery of pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives as potent Axl inhibitors: Design, synthesis and biological evaluation. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 220:113497. [PMID: 33957388 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Axl has emerged as an attractive target for cancer therapy due to its strong correlation with tumor growth, metastasis, poor survival, and drug resistance. Herein, we report the design, synthesis and structure-activity relationship (SAR) investigation of a series of pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives as new Axl inhibitors. Among them, the most promising compound 13b showed high enzymatic and cellular Axl potencies. Furthermore, 13b possessed preferable pharmacokinetic properties and displayed promising therapeutic effect in BaF3/TEL-Axl xenograft tumor model. Compound 13b may serve as a lead compound for new antitumor drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Xu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Deqiao Sun
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China; School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xia Peng
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Zhengsheng Zhan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yinchun Ji
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yanyan Shen
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Meiyu Geng
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China; School of Life Science and Technology, Shanghai Tech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Jing Ai
- Division of Antitumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China; Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Xiangshan Branch Lane, Xihu District, Hangzhou, 330106, China.
| | - Wenhu Duan
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), 555 Zu Chong Zhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing, 100049, China.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Inoue S, Yamane Y, Tsukamoto S, Azuma H, Nagao S, Murai N, Nishibata K, Fukushima S, Ichikawa K, Nakagawa T, Hata Sugi N, Ito D, Kato Y, Goto A, Kakiuchi D, Ueno T, Matsui J, Matsushima T. Discovery of a potent and selective Axl inhibitor in preclinical model. Bioorg Med Chem 2021; 39:116137. [PMID: 33930844 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2021.116137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Axl and Mer are a members of the TAM (Tyro3-Axl-Mer) family of receptor tyrosine kinases, which, when activated, can promote tumor cell survival, proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, and tumor-host interactions. Chronic inhibition of Mer leads to retinal toxicity in mice. Therefore, successful development of an Axl targeting agent requires ensuring that it is safe for prolonged treatment. Here, to clarify whether enzyme inhibition of Mer by a small molecule leads to retinal toxicity in mice, we designed and synthesized Axl/Mer inhibitors and Axl-selective inhibitors. We identified an Axl/Mer dual inhibitor 28a, which showed retinal toxicity at a dose of 100 mg/kg in mice. Subsequent derivatization of a pyridine derivative led to the discovery of a pyrimidine derivative, 33g, which selectively inhibited the activity of Axl over Mer without retinal toxicity at a dose of 100 mg/kg in mice. Additionally, the compound displayed in vivo anti-tumor effects without influencing body weight in a Ba/F3-Axl isogenic subcutaneous model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Inoue
- Medicinal Chemistry, Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., 5-1-3 Tokodai, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki 300-2635, Japan.
| | - Yoshinobu Yamane
- Medicinal Chemistry, Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., 5-1-3 Tokodai, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki 300-2635, Japan
| | - Shuntaro Tsukamoto
- Biopharmacology, Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., 5-1-3 Tokodai, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki 300-2635, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Azuma
- Medicinal Chemistry, Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., 5-1-3 Tokodai, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki 300-2635, Japan
| | - Satoshi Nagao
- Medicinal Chemistry, Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., 5-1-3 Tokodai, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki 300-2635, Japan
| | - Norio Murai
- Medicinal Chemistry, Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., 5-1-3 Tokodai, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki 300-2635, Japan
| | - Kyoko Nishibata
- Biopharmacology, Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., 5-1-3 Tokodai, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki 300-2635, Japan
| | - Sayo Fukushima
- Biopharmacology, Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., 5-1-3 Tokodai, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki 300-2635, Japan
| | - Kenji Ichikawa
- Biopharmacology, Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., 5-1-3 Tokodai, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki 300-2635, Japan
| | - Takayuki Nakagawa
- Biopharmacology, Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., 5-1-3 Tokodai, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki 300-2635, Japan
| | - Naoko Hata Sugi
- Biopharmacology, Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., 5-1-3 Tokodai, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki 300-2635, Japan
| | - Daisuke Ito
- Biopharmacology, Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., 5-1-3 Tokodai, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki 300-2635, Japan
| | - Yu Kato
- Biopharmacology, Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., 5-1-3 Tokodai, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki 300-2635, Japan
| | - Aya Goto
- Drug Safety, Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., 5-1-3 Tokodai, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki 300-2635, Japan
| | - Dai Kakiuchi
- Drug Safety, Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., 5-1-3 Tokodai, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki 300-2635, Japan
| | - Takashi Ueno
- Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., 5-1-3 Tokodai, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki 300-2635, Japan
| | - Junji Matsui
- Biopharmacology, Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., 5-1-3 Tokodai, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki 300-2635, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Matsushima
- Medicinal Chemistry, Tsukuba Research Laboratories, Eisai Co., Ltd., 5-1-3 Tokodai, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki 300-2635, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Tanaka M, Dykes SS, Siemann DW. Inhibition of the Axl pathway impairs breast and prostate cancer metastasis to the bones and bone remodeling. Clin Exp Metastasis 2021; 38:321-335. [PMID: 33791875 PMCID: PMC8179919 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-021-10093-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Approximately 90% of cancer-related deaths result from cancer metastasis. In prostate and breast cancers, bone is the most common site of cancer cell dissemination. Key steps in the metastatic cascade are promoted through upregulation of critical cell signaling pathways in neoplastic cells. The present study assessed the role of the receptor tyrosine kinase Axl in prostate and breast cancer cell metastasis to bones using (i) Axl knockdown neoplastic cells and osteoclast progenitor cells in vitro, (ii) intracardiac injection of Axl knockdown tumor cells in vivo, and (iii) selective Axl inhibitor BGB324. Axl inhibition in neoplastic cells significantly decreased their metastatic potential, and suppression of Axl signaling in osteoclast precursor cells also reduced the formation of mature osteoclasts. In vivo, Axl knockdown in prostate and breast cancer cells significantly suppressed the formation and progression of bone metastases. Hence, therapeutic targeting of Axl may impair tumor metastasis to the bones through neoplastic and host cell signaling axes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mai Tanaka
- Department of Radiation Oncology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
| | - Samantha S Dykes
- Department of Radiation Oncology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.,GenCure, a Subsidiary of BioBridge Global, San Antonio, TX, 78201, USA
| | - Dietmar W Siemann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Kim NY, Suh YA, Kim S, Lee C. Bufalin down-regulates Axl expression to inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in non-small-cell lung cancer cells. Biosci Rep 2020; 40:BSR20193959. [PMID: 32219334 DOI: 10.1042/BSR20193959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Axl, a member of the TAM (Tyro3, AXL, Mer) receptor tyrosine kinase family, plays critical roles in cell growth, proliferation, apoptosis, and migration. In the present study, we demonstrated that the anti-cancer activity of bufalin, a major bioactive component of the Chinese traditional medicine Chan Su, is mediated by the down-regulation of Axl in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. We observed the inhibitory effect of bufalin on the proliferation of A549 and H460 NSCLC cells and the clonogenicity of these cells was reduced by bufalin treatment in a dose-dependent manner. Next, we found that the protein level of Axl was decreased in proportion to the concentration of bufalin in both A549 and H460 cells. Moreover, the promoter activity of the Axl gene was decreased by bufalin in a dose- and time-dependent manner, indicating that bufalin down-regulates Axl gene expression at the transcriptional level. We further examined if the anti-proliferative property of bufalin is influenced by Axl at the protein level. Axl overexpression attenuated the effect of bufalin in inhibiting cell proliferation and colony formation and inducing apoptosis in H460 cells, while knockdown of Axl gene expression induced the opposite effect. Taken together, our data indicate that the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of bufalin were associated with the protein level of Axl, suggesting that Axl is a potent therapeutic target of bufalin in suppressing proliferation and inducing apoptosis in NSCLC cells.
Collapse
|