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Czogalla B, Dötzer K, Sigrüner N, von Koch FE, Brambs CE, Anthuber S, Frangini S, Burges A, Werner J, Mahner S, Mayer B. Combined Expression of HGFR with Her2/neu, EGFR, IGF1R, Mucin-1 and Integrin α2β1 Is Associated with Aggressive Epithelial Ovarian Cancer. Biomedicines 2022; 10:2694. [PMID: 36359213 PMCID: PMC9687566 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocyte growth factor receptor (HGFR), also known as c-mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (c-MET), plays a crucial role in the carcinogenesis of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). In contrast, the mechanisms contributing to aberrant expression of HGFR in EOC are not fully understood. In the present study, the expression of HGFR with its prognostic and predictive role was evaluated immunohistochemically in a cohort of 42 primary ovarian cancer patients. Furthermore, we analyzed the dual expression of HGFR and other druggable biomarkers. In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, high HGFR expression was identified as an independent prognostic factor for a shorter progression-free survival (PFS) (hazard ratio (HR) 2.99, 95% confidence interval (CI95%) 1.01-8.91, p = 0.049) and overall survival (OS) (HR 5.77, CI95% 1.56-21.34, p = 0.009). In addition, the combined expression of HGFR, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her2/neu), epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1R), Mucin-1 and Integrin α2β1 further significantly impaired PFS, platinum-free interval (PFI) and OS. Protein co-expression analyses were confirmed by transcriptomic data in a large, independent cohort of patients. In conclusion, new biomarker-directed treatment targets were identified to fight poor prognosis of primary EOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastian Czogalla
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Pettenkoferstraße 8a, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Katharina Dötzer
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Nicole Sigrüner
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Franz Edler von Koch
- Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic, Klinikum Dritter Orden, Menzinger Straße 44, 80638 Munich, Germany
| | - Christine E. Brambs
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Sabine Anthuber
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Starnberg Hospital, Oßwaldstraße 1, 82319 Starnberg, Germany
| | - Sergio Frangini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Munich Clinic Harlaching, Sanatoriumsplatz 2, 81545 Munich, Germany
| | - Alexander Burges
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Pettenkoferstraße 8a, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Jens Werner
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Pettenkoferstraße 8a, 80336 Munich, Germany
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Sven Mahner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Pettenkoferstraße 8a, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Barbara Mayer
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Pettenkoferstraße 8a, 80336 Munich, Germany
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Marchioninistraße 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
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2
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Therapeutic Strategies for Ovarian Cancer in Point of HGF/c-MET Targeting. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58050649. [PMID: 35630066 PMCID: PMC9147666 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58050649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths in women and is regarded as one of the most difficult cancers to treat. Currently, studies are being conducted to develop therapeutic agents for effective treatment of ovarian cancer. In this review, we explain the properties of the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (c-MET) and how the signaling pathway of HGF/c-MET is activated in different cancers and involved in tumorigenesis and metastasis of ovarian cancer. We present the findings of clinical studies using small chemicals or antibodies targeting HGF/c-MET signaling in various cancer types, particularly in ovarian cancer. We also discuss that HGF/c-MET-targeted therapy, when combined with chemo drugs, could be an effective strategy for ovarian cancer therapeutics.
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3
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Ovulation sources coagulation protease cascade and hepatocyte growth factor to support physiological growth and malignant transformation. Neoplasia 2021; 23:1123-1136. [PMID: 34688971 PMCID: PMC8550993 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2021.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovulatory follicular fluid exerts a long-lasting transformation activity covering throughout the ovulation cycle. The ovulation injury-coagulation proteases-hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) cascade is responsible for the sustained activity. Ovulation sources HGF into the peritoneal cavity, then into the blood circulation. This coagulation-HGF cascade promotes the transformation of fallopian tube epithelial cells and ovarian cancer cells. Physiologically, it promotes the growth of the corpus luteum and injured epithelium after ovulation.
The fallopian tube fimbrial epithelium, which is exposed to the follicular fluid (FF) contents of ovulation, is regarded as the main origin of ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma. Previously, we found that growth factors in FF, such as IGF2, are responsible for the malignant transformation of fallopian tube epithelium. However, ovulation is a monthly transient event, whereas carcinogenesis requires continuous, long-term exposure. Here, we found the transformation activity of FF sustained for more than 30 days after drainage into the peritoneal fluid (PF). Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), activated through the ovulation injury-tissue factor–thrombin–HGF activator (HGFA)–HGF cleavage cascade confers a sustained transformation activity to fallopian tube epithelium, high-grade serous carcinoma. Physiologically, the high reserve of the coagulation-HGF cascade sources a sustained level of HGF in PF, then to the blood circulation. This HGF axis promotes the growth of the corpus luteum and repair of tissue injury after ovulation.
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4
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Sheta R, Bachvarova M, Plante M, Renaud MC, Sebastianelli A, Gregoire J, Navarro JM, Perez RB, Masson JY, Bachvarov D. Development of a 3D functional assay and identification of biomarkers, predictive for response of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) patients to poly-ADP ribose polymerase inhibitors (PARPis): targeted therapy. J Transl Med 2020; 18:439. [PMID: 33213473 PMCID: PMC7678187 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-020-02613-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPis) specifically target homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) cells and display good therapeutic effect in women with advanced-stage BRCA1/2-mutated breast and epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). However, about 50% of high grade serous ovarian cancers (HGSOC) present with HRD due to epigenetic BRCA1 inactivation, as well as genetic/epigenetic inactivation(s) of other HR genes, a feature known as “BRCAness”. Therefore, there is a potential for extending the use of PARPis to these patients if HR status can be identified. Methods We have developed a 3D (spheroid) functional assay to assess the sensitivity of two PARPis (niraparib and olaparib) in ascites-derived primary cell cultures (AsPCs) from HGSOC patients. A method for AsPCs preparation was established based on a matrix (agarose), allowing for easy isolation and successive propagation of monolayer and 3D AsPCs. Based on this method, we performed cytotoxicity assays on 42 AsPCs grown both as monolayers and spheroids. Results The response to PARPis treatment in monolayer AsPCs, was significantly higher, compared to 3D AsPCs, as 88% and 52% of the monolayer AsPCs displayed sensitivity to niraparib and olaparib respectively, while 66% of the 3D AsPCs were sensitive to niraparib and 38% to olaparib, the latter being more consistent with previous estimates of HRD (40%–60%) in EOC. Moreover, niraparib displayed a significantly stronger cytotoxic effect in both in 3D and monolayer AsPCs, which was confirmed by consecutive analyses of the HR pathway activity (γH2AX foci formation) in PARPis-sensitive and resistant AsPCs. Global gene expression comparison of 6 PARPi-resistant and 6 PARPi-sensitive 3D AsPCs was indicative for the predominant downregulation of numerous genes and networks with previously demonstrated roles in EOC chemoresistance, suggesting that the PARPis-sensitive AsPCs could display enhanced sensitivity to other chemotherapeutic drugs, commonly applied in cancer management. Microarray data validation identified 24 potential gene biomarkers associated with PARPis sensitivity. The differential expression of 7 selected biomarkers was consecutively confirmed by immunohistochemistry in matched EOC tumor samples. Conclusion The application of this assay and the potential biomarkers with possible predictive significance to PARPis therapy of EOC patients now need testing in the setting of a clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razan Sheta
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada.,Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Oncology division, L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, 9 rue McMahon, Québec, QC, G1R 3S3, Canada
| | - Magdalena Bachvarova
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Oncology division, L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, 9 rue McMahon, Québec, QC, G1R 3S3, Canada
| | - Marie Plante
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Oncology division, L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, 9 rue McMahon, Québec, QC, G1R 3S3, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Marie-Claude Renaud
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Oncology division, L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, 9 rue McMahon, Québec, QC, G1R 3S3, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Alexandra Sebastianelli
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Oncology division, L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, 9 rue McMahon, Québec, QC, G1R 3S3, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Jean Gregoire
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Oncology division, L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, 9 rue McMahon, Québec, QC, G1R 3S3, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Jamilet Miranda Navarro
- Bioinformatics Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, 10600, Havana, CP, Cuba
| | - Ricardo Bringas Perez
- Bioinformatics Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, 10600, Havana, CP, Cuba
| | - Jean-Yves Masson
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Oncology division, L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, 9 rue McMahon, Québec, QC, G1R 3S3, Canada.,Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry, and Pathology, Laval University Cancer Research Center, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Dimcho Bachvarov
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada. .,Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec, Oncology division, L'Hôtel-Dieu de Québec, 9 rue McMahon, Québec, QC, G1R 3S3, Canada.
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Abstract
The selectivity of binding of colloidal particles is an important research topic for the field of targeted drug delivery. Extensive theoretical work has shown that high selectivity can be obtained by using multivalent weak interactions. Here we provide comprehensive experimental proof using DNA-coated particles. The ligand–receptor affinity is varied by changing the number of complementary bases, showing that fewer complementary bases yield a higher binding selectivity. The experimental data and corresponding numerical model simulations demonstrate the scaling behavior between molecular density, molecular affinity, and resulting density selectivity of interparticle binding. These results are important for the design of novel systems for targeted nanoparticle drug delivery. Targeted drug delivery critically depends on the binding selectivity of cargo-transporting colloidal particles. Extensive theoretical work has shown that two factors are necessary to achieve high selectivity for a threshold receptor density: multivalency and weak interactions. Here, we study a model system of DNA-coated particles with multivalent and weak interactions that mimics ligand–receptor interactions between particles and cells. Using an optomagnetic cluster experiment, particle aggregation rates are measured as a function of ligand and receptor densities. The measured aggregation rates show that the binding becomes more selective for shorter DNA ligand–receptor pairs, proving that multivalent weak interactions lead to enhanced selectivity in interparticle binding. Simulations confirm the experimental findings and show the role of ligand–receptor dissociation in the selectivity of the weak multivalent binding.
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Zhang K, Wang W, Chen L, Liu Y, Hu J, Guo F, Tian W, Wang Y, Xue F. Cross‑validation of genes potentially associated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and platinum‑based chemoresistance in epithelial ovarian carcinoma. Oncol Rep 2020; 44:909-926. [PMID: 32705213 PMCID: PMC7388274 DOI: 10.3892/or.2020.7668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian carcinomas have the poorest prognosis and the highest mortality among gynecological malignancies. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) is considered as a novel therapeutic strategy and an alternative treatment for advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (AEOC). The aim of the present study was to identify the core genes related to platinum‑based NACT resistance in AEOC and to allow screening at the molecular level for the most appropriate ovarian cancer patients for NACT. We obtained three drug‑resistant microarrays GSE114206, GSE41499 and GSE33482 from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database as well as a microarray representing NACT, GSE109934. Bioinformatics analysis revealed the nature of the four potential candidate genes for using in functional enrichment analyses and interaction network construction. The potential associations and possible genetic alterations among the DEGs were summarized using the STRING database in Cytoscape and the cBioPortal visualization tool, respectively. A total of 63 genes were identified as DEGs from GSE109934 representing NACT. From the drug‑resistant GSE114206 and GSE41499 datasets, 106 DEGs containing 36 upregulated genes and 70 downregulated genes were selected, and from the drug‑resistant GSE114206 and GSE33482 datasets, 406 DEGs with 157 upregulated genes and 249 downregulated genes were selected. The 36 upregulated DEGs and the 70 downregulated genes were notably abundant in the different categories. In KEGG pathway analysis, the 157 upregulated genes and the 249 downregulated genes were concentrated in distinctive signaling pathways. Four potential genes associated with NACT and platinum‑based chemoresistance were screened, including nuclear factor of activated T‑cells, cytoplasmic 1 (NAFTc1), Kruppel‑like factor 4 (KLF4), nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 3 (NR4A3) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). Our study showed that the mRNA expression levels of NAFTc1, NR4A3 and HGF were increased in drug‑resistant OC cell lines (all P<0.01), whereas the mRNA expression levels of KLF4 were notably lower in the SKOV3‑CDDP and HeyA8‑CDDP cell line (all P<0.01) but higher in the A2780‑CBP cell line. The NAFTc1, KLF4, NR4A3 and HGF genes may be potential therapeutic targets for NACT and platinum‑based chemoresistance factors as well as candidate biomarkers in AEOC. Determination of the expression levels of these four genes in tumor tissues before planning NACT treatment or initial surgery would be beneficial for AEOC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Zhang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Weihan Wang
- Tianjin Neurological Institute, Key Laboratory of Post-Neuroinjury Neuro‑Repair and Regeneration in Central Nervous System, Ministry of Education and Tianjin City, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Lingli Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Yulin Liu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Jiali Hu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Fei Guo
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Wenyan Tian
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Yingmei Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Fengxia Xue
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
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7
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MET targeting: time for a rematch. Oncogene 2020; 39:2845-2862. [PMID: 32034310 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-1193-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
MET, the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) for hepatocyte growth factor, is a proto-oncogene involved in embryonic development and throughout life in homeostasis and tissue regeneration. Deregulation of MET signaling has been reported in numerous malignancies, prompting great interest in MET targeting for cancer therapy. The present review offers a summary of the biology of MET and its known functions in normal physiology and carcinogenesis, followed by an overview of the most relevant MET-targeting strategies and corresponding clinical trials, highlighting both past setbacks and promising future prospects. By placing their efforts on a more precise stratification strategy through the genetic analysis of tumors, modern trials such as the NCI-MATCH trial could revive the past enthusiasm for MET-targeted therapy.
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Therapeutic Inducers of Apoptosis in Ovarian Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11111786. [PMID: 31766284 PMCID: PMC6896143 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11111786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancers remain one of the most common causes of gynecologic cancer-related death in women worldwide. The standard treatment comprises platinum-based chemotherapy, and most tumors develop resistance to therapeutic drugs. One mechanism of developing drug resistance is alterations of molecules involved in apoptosis, ultimately assisting in the cells’ capability to evade death. Thus, there is a need to focus on identifying potential drugs that restore apoptosis in cancer cells. Here, we discuss the major inducers of apoptosis mediated through various mechanisms and their usefulness as potential future treatment options for ovarian cancer. Broadly, they can target the apoptotic pathways directly or affect apoptosis indirectly through major cancer-pathways in cells. The direct apoptotic targets include the Bcl-2 family of proteins and the inhibitor of apoptotic proteins (IAPs). However, indirect targets include processes related to homologous recombination DNA repair, micro-RNA, and p53 mutation. Besides, apoptosis inducers may also disturb major pathways converging into apoptotic signals including janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), wingless-related integration site (Wnt)/β-Catenin, mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (MET)/hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/v-AKT murine thymoma viral oncogene homologue (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways. Several drugs in our review are undergoing clinical trials, for example, birinapant, DEBIO-1143, Alisertib, and other small molecules are in preclinical investigations showing promising results in combination with chemotherapy. Molecules that exhibit better efficacy in the treatment of chemo-resistant cancer cells are of interest but require more extensive preclinical and clinical evaluation.
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Chandra A, Pius C, Nabeel M, Nair M, Vishwanatha JK, Ahmad S, Basha R. Ovarian cancer: Current status and strategies for improving therapeutic outcomes. Cancer Med 2019; 8:7018-7031. [PMID: 31560828 PMCID: PMC6853829 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.2560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Of all the gynecologic tumors, ovarian cancer (OC) is known to be the deadliest. Advanced‐stages of OC are linked with high morbidity and low survival rates despite the immense amount of research in the field. Shortage of promising screening tools for early‐stage detection is one of the major challenges linked with the poor survival rate for patients with OC. In OC, therapeutic management is used with multidisciplinary approaches that includes debulking surgery, chemotherapy, and (rarely) radiotherapy. Recently, there is an increasing interest in using immunomodulation for treating OC. Relapse rates are high in this malignancy and averages around every 2‐years. Further treatments after the relapse are more intense, increasing the toxicity, resistance to chemotherapy drugs, and financial burden to patients with poor quality‐of‐life. A procedure that has been studied to help reduce the morbidity rate involves pre‐sensitizing cancer cells with standard therapy in order to produce optimal results with minimum dosage. Utilizing such an approach, platinum‐based agents are effective due to their increased response to platinum‐based chemotherapy in relapsed cases. These chemo‐drugs also help address the issue of drug resistance. After conducting an extensive search with available literature and the resources for clinical trials, information is precisely documented on current research, biomarkers, options for treatment and clinical trials. Several schemes for enhancing the therapeutic responses for OC are discussed systematically in this review with an attempt in summarizing the recent developments in this exciting field of translational/clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwin Chandra
- Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, UNT Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Cima Pius
- Miami Medical School, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Madiha Nabeel
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, UNT Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Maya Nair
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, UNT Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Jamboor K Vishwanatha
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, UNT Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | | | - Riyaz Basha
- Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, UNT Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA.,Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, UNT Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
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10
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Ko EJ, Oh YL, Kim HY, Eo WK, Kim H, Ock MS, Kim HS, Kim KH, Cha HJ. Correlation of long interspersed element-1 open reading frame 1 and c-Met proto-oncogene protein expression in ovarian cancer. Genes Genomics 2019; 41:1293-1299. [PMID: 31388980 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-019-00858-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypomethylation of long interspersed nuclear element-1 (LINE-1) is closely related to certain cancers and concerns with aggressive tumor behavior. Previously, we reported LINE-1 open reading frame-1 (ORF1) protein level was significantly up-regulated in ovarian cancers compared with normal ovary. Hypomethylation of local LINE-1 sequence has been reported to reactivate MET proto-oncogene in colon cancers and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the relationship between LINE-1 and c-MET expressions in ovarian cancer is not yet studied. METHOD Here, we analyzed the expression patterns of LINE-1 ORF1 and c-Met protein in ovarian cancer tissue microarrays containing 208 surgical specimens including normal ovary and malignant ovarian cancers. RESULTS The expressions of both LINE-1 ORF1 and c-Met protein were significantly increased in ovarian cancers and peaked in early stage of tumor. Other clinical data including age and tumor types were not significantly related with both proteins. Co-relationship between LINE-1 ORF1 and c-Met protein was significant (p = 0.03) but several patients show different expression patterns. CONCLUSIONS These results propose that LINE-1 ORF1 significantly activates c-Met but not in all cases, suggesting other factors may be involved simultaneously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Ji Ko
- Departments of Parasitology and Genetics, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Lim Oh
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Heung Yeol Kim
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Wan Kyu Eo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hongbae Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Mee Sun Ock
- Departments of Parasitology and Genetics, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Heui-Soo Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Hyung Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea. .,Biomedical Research Institute and Pusan Cancer Center, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hee-Jae Cha
- Departments of Parasitology and Genetics, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea.
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11
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Ghanaatgar-Kasbi S, Khorrami S, Avan A, Aledavoud SA, Ferns GA. Targeting the C-MET/HGF Signaling Pathway in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Curr Pharm Des 2019; 24:4619-4625. [DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666190110145855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The c-mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (c-MET) is involved in the tumorigenesis of various
cancers. HGF/Met inhibitors are now attracting considerable interest due to their anti-tumor activity in multiple
malignancies such as pancreatic cancer. It is likely that within the next few years, HGF/Met inhibitors will become
a crucial component for cancer management. In this review, we summarize the role of HGF/Met pathway in
the pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer, with particular emphasize on HGF/Met inhibitors in the clinical setting,
including Cabozantinib (XL184, BMS-907351), Crizotinib (PF-02341066), MK-2461, Merestinib (LY2801653),
Tivantinib (ARQ197), SU11274, Onartuzumab (MetMab), Emibetuzumab (LY2875358), Ficlatuzumab (AV-
299), Rilotumumab (AMG 102), and NK4 in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadaf Ghanaatgar-Kasbi
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Shadi Khorrami
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amir Avan
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed A. Aledavoud
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Gordon A. Ferns
- Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Division of Medical Education, Falmer, Brighton, Sussex BN1 9PH, United Kingdom
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Clinical significance of c-Met and phospho-c-Met (Tyr1234/1235) in ovarian cancer. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2019; 58:105-110. [PMID: 30638462 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2018.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE c-Met is expressed in human ovarian cancer tissues, and its phosphorylation activates signaling cascades that might affect the behavior of cancer cells. In this study, we evaluated the association of c-Met and phosphorylated c-Met (phospho-c-Met) expressions with the clinical outcomes of ovarian cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS Archived tissue from surgical specimens of 269 ovarian cancer patients who underwent a debulking operation in MacKay Memorial Hospital between 2004 and 2012 were collected. Tissue microarrays were stained with anti-Met and anti-phospho-Met (Tyr1234/1235) monoclonal antibodies. Immunostaining intensity was scored on a scale of 0-3+. High expression was defined as more than 50% of moderate and intense staining. Patients' clinical data were reviewed until April 2017 for analysis. RESULTS The proportion of high c-Met expression was significantly higher in patients with cancer in early stages (Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stages I and II) and low histologic grades (grades 1 and 2) (79.70%, p = 0.0008 and 80.15%, p ≤ 0.0001, respectively). However, no association was found between phospho-c-Met and FIGO stage or the histologic grade. Ovarian clear cell carcinoma and mucinous carcinoma had much higher c-Met expression (95.16% and 87.10%, p ≤ 0.0001 and p = 0.0292, respectively). Although the overall survival did not differ significantly, low expressions of c-Met and phospho-c-Met were obviously associated with poor progression-free survival respectively (p = 0.0034, HR: 0.5264, 95% CI: 0.3326-0.8330 and p = 0.0136, HR: 0.5626, 95% CI: 0.3709-0.8535). CONCLUSION Low c-Met expression was associated with poor clinical outcomes.
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13
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Hughes VS, Siemann DW. Failures in preclinical and clinical trials of c-Met inhibitors: evaluation of pathway activity as a promising selection criterion. Oncotarget 2019; 10:184-197. [PMID: 30719213 PMCID: PMC6349429 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.26546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
C-Met is a frequently overexpressed or amplified receptor tyrosine kinase involved in metastatic-related functions, including migration, invasion, cell survival, and angiogenesis. Because of its role in cancer progression and metastasis, many inhibitors have been developed to target this pathway. Unfortunately, most c-Met inhibitor clinical trials have failed to show significant improvement in survival of cancer patients. In these trials tumor type, protein overexpression, or gene amplification are the primary selection criteria for patient inclusion. Our data show that none of these criteria are associated with c-Met pathway activation. Hence, it is conceivable that the majority of c-Met inhibitor clinical trial failures are the consequence of a lack of appropriate patient selection. Further complicating matters, c-Met inhibitors are routinely tested in preclinical studies in the presence of high levels of exogenous Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF), its activating ligand. In our studies, several tumor cell lines showed sensitivity to a c-Met inhibitor at high HGF concentrations (50 ng/mL). However, when the tumor lines were tested at HGF levels typically detected in human serum (0.4 to 0.8 ng/mL), inhibitor activity was lost. Thus testing c-Met inhibitors at non-physiological concentrations of HGF may lead to incorrect predictions of drug efficacy in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica S Hughes
- University of Florida, Department of Radiation Oncology, UF Health Cancer Center, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - Dietmar W Siemann
- University of Florida, Department of Radiation Oncology, UF Health Cancer Center, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
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14
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Receptor Tyrosine Kinase-Targeted Cancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19113491. [PMID: 30404198 PMCID: PMC6274851 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19113491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past two decades, several molecular targeted inhibitors have been developed and evaluated clinically to improve the survival of patients with cancer. Molecular targeted inhibitors inhibit the activities of pathogenic tyrosine kinases. Particularly, aberrant receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) activation is a potential therapeutic target. An increased understanding of genetics, cellular biology and structural biology has led to the development of numerous important therapeutics. Pathogenic RTK mutations, deletions, translocations and amplification/over-expressions have been identified and are currently being examined for their roles in cancers. Therapies targeting RTKs are categorized as small-molecule inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies. Studies are underway to explore abnormalities in 20 types of RTK subfamilies in patients with cancer or other diseases. In this review, we describe representative RTKs important for developing cancer therapeutics and predicting or evaluated resistance mechanisms.
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15
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Kim JH, Jang HJ, Kim HS, Kim BJ, Park SH. Prognostic impact of high c-Met expression in ovarian cancer: a meta-analysis. J Cancer 2018; 9:3427-3434. [PMID: 30310499 PMCID: PMC6171012 DOI: 10.7150/jca.26071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
High c-Met expression has been observed in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). However, its clinicopathological impacts remain controversial. We conducted this meta-analysis to evaluate the pathologic and prognostic significance of c-Met overexpression in patients with EOC. A systematic computerized search of the electronic databases PubMed, PMC, EMBASE, and Google scholar (up to April 2018) was carried out. From seven studies, 568 patients with EOC were included in the meta-analysis. Although there was no statistical significance, EOCs with c-Met overexpression tended to show higher FIGO stage (III-IV) (odds ratio = 2.18, 95% confidence interval: 0.86-5.53, p = 0.10) and higher rate of lymph node metastasis (odds ratio = 3.05, 95% confidence interval: 0.85-10.98, p = 0.09), compared with tumors with low c-Met expression. In terms of prognosis, patients with c-Met-high EOC showed significantly worse survival than those with c-Met-low tumor (hazard ratio = 2.11, 95% confidence interval: 1.51-2.94, p < 0.0001). In conclusion, this meta-analysis indicates that high c-Met expression represents an adverse prognostic marker for patients with EOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Han Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Medical Center, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Joo Jang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Medical Center, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeong Su Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Medical Center, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Bum Jun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Medical Center, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, National Army Capital Hospital, The Armed Forces Medical Command, Sungnam, Gyeonggi-Do, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Ho Park
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kangnam Sacred-Heart Hospital, Hallym University Medical Center, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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16
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Rajabi S, Hedayati M. Medullary Thyroid Cancer: Clinical Characteristics and New Insights into Therapeutic Strategies Targeting Tyrosine Kinases. Mol Diagn Ther 2018; 21:607-620. [PMID: 28698976 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-017-0289-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a hyperplasia of thyroid C-cells, accounting for 5-10% of all thyroid cancers. MTCs may appear as sporadic or hereditary forms, and several molecules and signaling pathways have been found to function defectively in MTC cells. Tyrosine kinases are the most well-studied molecules that have abnormal function in these tumor cells. Due to their limited response, chemotherapeutic agents and radiation therapy are not effective in treating patients with advanced metastatic MTC. In the past decade, significant attention has been given to the utilization of multikinase inhibitors as targeted therapeutic agents for treating MTC patients, with the most promising results arising from the study of tyrosine kinase inhibitors, which generally bind to the ATP binding sites of these kinases. Two drugs-vandetanib and cabozantinib-are approved for the treatment of aggressive advanced MTC; however, the potential for toxicities and adverse effects of these agents on patient quality of life need to be considered against any therapeutic gain. According to recent data, it appears that inhibition of only one receptor or molecule in a pathway is not as effective as simultaneous inhibition of different pathways, indicating the need to use combination therapy. The main purpose of this review is to describe the clinical characteristics, molecular mechanisms, and current molecular and targeted therapeutic strategies active in clinical trials for advanced MTC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadegh Rajabi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Hedayati
- Cellular and Molecular Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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17
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Parikh PK, Ghate MD. Recent advances in the discovery of small molecule c-Met Kinase inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 143:1103-1138. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2017.08.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2017] [Revised: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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18
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Zhang H, Bao Z, Liao H, Li W, Chen Z, Shen H, Ying S. The efficacy and safety of tivantinib in the treatment of solid tumors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Oncotarget 2017; 8:113153-113162. [PMID: 29348894 PMCID: PMC5762579 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.22615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tivantinib was designed to kill cancers by targeting the mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) protein. Although numerous tivantinib clinical trials are ongoing, tivantinib's efficacy and safety are still not clear. This meta-analysis was done to evaluate tivantinib's efficacy and safety in solid tumor treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS PUBMED, EMBASE, and other databases were searched for eligible tivantinib clinical trials. The hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of progression-free and overall survival (PFS and OS, respectively) were pooled and analyzed to evaluate tivantinib's efficacy. Data concerning adverse events (Grade ≥ 3) were pooled to calculate relative risks (RRs) with 95% CI for tivantinib-treated compared with control arms. FINDINGS Patients (1824) from six randomized control trials (RCTs) were enrolled. Compared with controls, tivantinib produced a significant improvement in PFS (HR, 0.73; 95% CI 0.65-0.83) but not in OS. In the non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) subgroup, tivantinib combined with erlotinib prolonged patients' PFS when compared with controls (HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.65-0.86). In the white population, tivantinib also significantly improve PFS between treatment and control arms (HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.65-0.87). Tivantinib significantly improved OS in patients with high levels of MET expression. Tivantinib was shown to increase the risk of anemia and neutropenia. INTERPRETATION Tivantinib was better in prolonging PFS (not OS) in patients with solid tumors. High MET expression cancers may benefit from tivantinib. Tivantinib appeared to be well-tolerated by patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhengqiang Bao
- Department of Cancer Center, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hongwei Liao
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wen Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhihua Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Huahao Shen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Songmin Ying
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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19
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Activated HGF-c-Met Axis in Head and Neck Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2017; 9:cancers9120169. [PMID: 29231907 PMCID: PMC5742817 DOI: 10.3390/cancers9120169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Revised: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a highly morbid disease. Recent developments including Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved molecular targeted agent’s pembrolizumab and cetuximab show promise but did not improve the five-year survival which is currently less than 40%. The hepatocyte growth factor receptor; also known as mesenchymal–epithelial transition factor (c-Met) and its ligand hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) are overexpressed in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC); and regulates tumor progression and response to therapy. The c-Met pathway has been shown to regulate many cellular processes such as cell proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis. The c-Met pathway is involved in cross-talk, activation, and perpetuation of other signaling pathways, curbing the cogency of a blockade molecule on a single pathway. The receptor and its ligand act on several downstream effectors including phospholipase C gamma (PLCγ), cellular Src kinase (c-Src), phosphotidylinsitol-3-OH kinase (PI3K) alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase (Akt), mitogen activate protein kinase (MAPK), and wingless-related integration site (Wnt) pathways. They are also known to cross-talk with other receptors; namely epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) and specifically contribute to treatment resistance. Clinical trials targeting the c-Met axis in HNSCC have been undertaken because of significant preclinical work demonstrating a relationship between HGF/c-Met signaling and cancer cell survival. Here we focus on HGF/c-Met impact on cellular signaling in HNSCC to potentiate tumor growth and disrupt therapeutic efficacy. Herein we summarize the current understanding of HGF/c-Met signaling and its effects on HNSCC. The intertwining of c-Met signaling with other signaling pathways provides opportunities for more robust and specific therapies, leading to better clinical outcomes.
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20
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Boromand N, Hasanzadeh M, ShahidSales S, Farazestanian M, Gharib M, Fiuji H, Behboodi N, Ghobadi N, Hassanian SM, Ferns GA, Avan A. Clinical and prognostic value of the C-Met/HGF signaling pathway in cervical cancer. J Cell Physiol 2017; 233:4490-4496. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2017] [Revised: 10/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Boromand
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine; Mashhad University of Medical Sciences; Mashhad Iran
| | - Malihe Hasanzadeh
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Woman Health Research Center; Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences; Mashhad Iran
| | | | - Marjaneh Farazestanian
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Woman Health Research Center; Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences; Mashhad Iran
| | - Masoumeh Gharib
- Department of Pathology; Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences; Mashhad Iran
| | - Hamid Fiuji
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center; Mashhad University of Medical Sciences; Mashhad Iran
| | - Negin Behboodi
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center; Mashhad University of Medical Sciences; Mashhad Iran
| | - Niloofar Ghobadi
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center; Mashhad University of Medical Sciences; Mashhad Iran
| | - Seyed Mahdi Hassanian
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine; Mashhad University of Medical Sciences; Mashhad Iran
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center; Mashhad University of Medical Sciences; Mashhad Iran
| | - Gordon A. Ferns
- Brighton & Sussex Medical School; Division of Medical Education, Falmer; Brighton Sussex UK
| | - Amir Avan
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center; Mashhad University of Medical Sciences; Mashhad Iran
- Department of Modern Sciences and Technologies; Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences; Mashhad Iran
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21
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Moran-Jones K. The Therapeutic Potential of Targeting the HGF/cMET Axis in Ovarian Cancer. Mol Diagn Ther 2017; 20:199-212. [PMID: 27139908 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-016-0201-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Survival rates for ovarian cancer have remained relatively stable for the past 2 decades despite advances in surgical techniques and cytotoxic chemotherapeutics, indicating a requirement for better therapies. One pathway currently proposed for targeting is the HGF/cMET pathway. Upregulated in a number of tumour types, cMET is a tyrosine kinase receptor expressed on epithelial cells. In ovarian cancer, it has been identified as highly expressed in the four major subtypes, with expression estimates ranging from 11 to 68 % of cases. HGF, the only known ligand for cMET, is found at high levels in both serum and ascites in women with ovarian cancer, and is proposed to induce both migration and metastasis. However, clinically validated biomarkers are not yet available for either HGF or cMET, preventing a clear understanding of the true rate of overexpression, or its correlation with prognosis. Despite this, a number of agents against HGF and cMET are currently being investigated in clinical trials for multiple tumour types, including ovarian. However, a lack of patient selection, biomarker usage, and post hoc analysis correlating response with expression has resulted in the majority of these trials showing little beneficial effect from these agents, indicating that additional research is required to determine their usefulness in patients with ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Moran-Jones
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Switchback Rd, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK. .,The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 370 Victoria St, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia.
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22
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The gene copy number of c-MET has a significant impact on progression-free survival in Korean patients with ovarian carcinoma. Hum Pathol 2017; 64:98-105. [PMID: 28428108 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2017.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Revised: 03/18/2017] [Accepted: 04/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare the protein overexpression and gene copy number (GCN) of c-MET in ovarian carcinoma and to assess their prognostic roles in Korean women. MET protein expression and GCN status were determined using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and silver in situ hybridization, respectively, in 105 ovarian carcinomas comprising 63 serous, 12 mucinous, 20 clear cell, and 10 endometrioid carcinomas. All cases had been treated and followed up at a single institute in Seoul, Korea. MET protein overexpression was observed in 35 of 105 (33.3%) ovarian carcinomas, with IHC 2+ in 27 and IHC 3+ in 8. The overexpression rates of serous, mucinous, clear cell, and endometrioid carcinomas were 14.3%, 83.3%, 65.0%, and 30.0%, respectively. MET protein overexpression was significant in mucinous carcinoma (P < .001) and was correlated with better progression-free survival (PFS) (P = .028). High polysomy (HP) of chromosome 7 and gene amplification (GA) were found in 10 (9.5%) and 2 (1.9%) of the 105 ovarian carcinomas, respectively. Eleven of 12 cases were high-grade serous carcinomas. The remaining case was clear cell carcinoma. HP and GA were associated with a poor PFS (P = .001). There was no significant correlation between a high level of protein expression and increased GCN of MET (r = -0.127, P = .197). In Korean women, HP and GA of MET were significantly correlated with a poor PFS. MET GCN may serve as a biomarker for poor prognosis in patients with ovarian carcinoma.
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23
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Weidle UH, Birzele F, Kollmorgen G, Rueger R. Mechanisms and Targets Involved in Dissemination of Ovarian Cancer. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2017; 13:407-423. [PMID: 27807064 DOI: 10.21873/cgp.20004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian carcinoma is associated with the highest death rate of all gynecological tumors. On one hand, its aggressiveness is based on the rapid dissemination of ovarian cancer cells to the peritoneum, the omentum, and organs located in the peritoneal cavity, and on the other hand, on the rapid development of resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. In this review, we focus on the metastatic process of ovarian cancer, which involves dissemination of, homing to and growth of tumor cells in distant organs, and describe promising molecular targets for possible therapeutic intervention. We provide an outline of the interaction of ovarian cancer cells with the microenvironment such as mesothelial cells, adipocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and other stromal components in the context of approaches for therapeutic interference with dissemination. The targets described in this review are discussed with respect to their validity as drivers of metastasis and to the availability of suitable efficient agents for their blockage, such as small molecules, monoclonal antibodies or antibody conjugates as emerging tools to manage this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich H Weidle
- Roche Innovation Center Munich, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Fabian Birzele
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-LaRoche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Rüdiger Rueger
- Roche Innovation Center Munich, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Penzberg, Germany
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Miekus K. The Met tyrosine kinase receptor as a therapeutic target and a potential cancer stem cell factor responsible for therapy resistance (Review). Oncol Rep 2016; 37:647-656. [PMID: 27959446 DOI: 10.3892/or.2016.5297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Accepted: 11/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The MET tyrosine kinase receptor plays an important role during tumor development and progression being responsible for proliferation, morphogenetic transformation, cell motility and invasiveness. High expression of the MET receptor has been shown to correlate with increased tumor growth and metastasis, poor prognosis and resistance to radiotherapy. Moreover, MET expression and activation has been shown to be associated with therapy resistance. The occurrence of resistance to targeted therapy might be related to the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs are a subpopulation of cells in the tumor that possess the ability of self-renewal, clonogenicity, radioresistance and self-sustained protection from apoptosis. Recently, MET has been postulated as an essential factor supporting the functional stem cell phenotype in some tumors and as a CSC factor is believed to be responsible for therapy resistance. This review presents the results from recent studies identifying MET as a potential marker of CSCs and tumor initiating cells, demonstrating pivotal role of MET in supporting stem cell phenotype and indicating the role of MET in acquiring resistance to antitumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Miekus
- Department of General Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 30-387 Cracow, Poland
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25
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Kim HJ, Yoon A, Ryu JY, Cho YJ, Choi JJ, Song SY, Bang H, Lee JS, Cho WC, Choi CH, Lee JW, Kim BG, Bae DS. c-MET as a Potential Therapeutic Target in Ovarian Clear Cell Carcinoma. Sci Rep 2016; 6:38502. [PMID: 27917934 PMCID: PMC5137074 DOI: 10.1038/srep38502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of c-MET inhibition in ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC). Expression levels of c-MET in the epithelial ovarian cancers (EOCs) and normal ovarian tissues were evaluated using real-time PCR. To test the effects of c-MET inhibitors in OCCC cell lines, we performed MTT and apoptosis assays. We used Western blots to evaluate the expression of c-MET and its down-stream pathway. In vivo experiments were performed to test the effects of c-MET inhibitor on tumor growth in orthotopic mouse xenografts of OCCC cell line RMG1 and a patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDX) model of OCCC. c-MET expression was significantly greater in OCCCs compared with serous carcinomas and normal ovarian tissues (p < 0.001). In in vitro study, inhibition of c-MET using c-MET inhibitors (SU11274 or crizotinib) significantly decreased the proliferation, and increased the apoptosis of OCCC cells. SU11274 decreased expression of the p-c-MET proteins and blocked the phosphorylation of down-stream proteins Akt and Erk. Furthermore, SU11274 treatment significantly decreased the in vivo tumor weight in xenograft models of RMG1 cell and a PDX model for OCCC compared to control (p = 0.004 and p = 0.009, respectively).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha-Jeong Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Wonkwang Medical Science, College of Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Korea
| | - Aera Yoon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji-Yoon Ryu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young-Jae Cho
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jung-Joo Choi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sang Yong Song
- Department of Pathology and Translational Genomics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Heejin Bang
- Department of Pathology and Translational Genomics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji Soo Lee
- Health promotion center Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - William Chi Cho
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Chel Hun Choi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jeong-Won Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Institute for Refractory Cancer Research, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.,Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences &Technology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Byoung-Gie Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Duk-Soo Bae
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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26
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Kwon Y, Godwin AK. Regulation of HGF and c-MET Interaction in Normal Ovary and Ovarian Cancer. Reprod Sci 2016; 24:494-501. [PMID: 27170665 DOI: 10.1177/1933719116648212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Binding of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) to the c-MET receptor has mitogenic, motogenic, and morphogenic effects on cells. The versatile biological effects of HGF and c-MET interactions make them important contributors to the development of malignant tumors. We and others have demonstrated a therapeutic value in targeting the interaction of c-MET and HGF in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). However, both HGF and c-MET are expressed in the normal ovary as well. Therefore, it is important to understand the differences in mechanisms that control HGF signaling activation and its functional role in the normal ovary and EOC. In the normal ovary, HGF signaling may be under hormonal regulation. During ovulation, HGF-converting proteases are secreted and the subsequent activation of HGF signaling enhances the proliferation of ovarian surface epithelium in order to replenish the area damaged due to expulsion of the ovum. In contrast, EOC cells that exhibit epithelial characteristics constitutively express both c-MET and HGF-converting proteases such as urokinase-type plasminogen activator. In EOC, mechanisms to control the activation of HGF signaling are absent since HGF is provided locally from the tissue microenvironment as well as remotely throughout the body. Potential incessant HGF signaling in EOC may lead to an increase in proliferation, invasion through the stroma, and migration to other tissues of cancer cells. Therefore, targeting the interaction of c-MET and HGF would be beneficial in treating EOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngjoo Kwon
- 1 Department of Food Science and Engineering, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Andrew K Godwin
- 2 Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.,3 University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
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Lail-Trecker M, Gulati R, Peluso JJ. A Role for Hepatocyte Growth Factors/Scatter Factor in Regulating Normal and Neoplastic Cells of Reproductive Tissues. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/107155769800500302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rita Gulati
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut
| | - John J. Peluso
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06030
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Zhao M, Wang KJ, Tan Z, Zheng CM, Liang Z, Zhao JQ. Identification of potential therapeutic targets for papillary thyroid carcinoma by bioinformatics analysis. Oncol Lett 2015; 11:51-58. [PMID: 26870166 PMCID: PMC4726925 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2015.3829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2014] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to identify potential therapeutic targets for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and to investigate the possible mechanism underlying this disease. The gene expression profile, GSE53157, was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Only 10 chips, including 3 specimens of normal thyroid tissues and 7 specimens of well-differentiated thyroid carcinomas, were analyzed in the present study. Differentially-expressed genes (DEGs) between PTC patients and normal individuals were identified. Next, Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses of DEGs were performed. Modules in the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network were identified. Significant target genes were selected from the microRNA (miRNA) regulatory network. Furthermore, the integrated network was constructed with the miRNA regulatory and PPI network modules, and key target genes were screened. A total of 668 DEGs were identified. Modules M1, M2 and M3 were identified from the PPI network. From the modules, DEGs of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A, S100 calcium binding protein A6 (S100A6), dual specificity phosphatase 5, keratin 19, met proto-oncogene (MET) and lectin galactoside-binding soluble 3 were included in the Malacards database. In the miRNA regulatory and integrated networks, genes of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1C (CDKN1C), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, aryl hydrocarbon receptor, basic helix-loop-helix family, member e40 and reticulon 1 were the key target genes. S100A6, MET and CDKN1C may exhibit key roles in the progression and development of PTC, and may be used as specific therapeutic targets in the treatment of PTC. However, further experiments are required to confirm these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Zhao
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, P.R. China
| | - Ke-Jing Wang
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, P.R. China
| | - Zhuo Tan
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, P.R. China
| | - Chuan-Ming Zheng
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, P.R. China
| | - Zhong Liang
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, P.R. China
| | - Jian-Qiang Zhao
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, P.R. China
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Affiliation(s)
- P V Usiakiĭ
- A.V. Vishnevsky Institute of Surgery, Ministry of Health of Russian Federation, Moscow
| | - V A Kubyshkin
- A.V. Vishnevsky Institute of Surgery, Ministry of Health of Russian Federation, Moscow
| | - Iu A Kovalenko
- A.V. Vishnevsky Institute of Surgery, Ministry of Health of Russian Federation, Moscow
| | - D V Kalinin
- A.V. Vishnevsky Institute of Surgery, Ministry of Health of Russian Federation, Moscow
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Nakamura M, Ono YJ, Kanemura M, Tanaka T, Hayashi M, Terai Y, Ohmichi M. Hepatocyte growth factor secreted by ovarian cancer cells stimulates peritoneal implantation via the mesothelial-mesenchymal transition of the peritoneum. Gynecol Oncol 2015; 139:345-54. [PMID: 26335595 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2015.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Revised: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A current working model for the metastatic process of ovarian carcinoma suggests that cancer cells are shed from the ovarian tumor into the peritoneal cavity and attach to the layer of mesothelial cells that line the inner surface of the peritoneum, and several studies suggest that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) plays an important role in the dissemination of ovarian cancer. Our objectives were to evaluate the HGF expression of ovarian cancer using clinical data and assess the effect of HGF secreted from human ovarian cancer cells to human mesothelial cells. METHODS HGF expression was immunohistochemically evaluated in 165 epithelial ovarian cancer patients arranged as tissue microarrays. HGF expression in four ovarian cancer cell lines was evaluated by using semi-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The effect of ovarian cancer cell derived HGF to the human mesothelial cells was assessed by using morphologic analysis, Western blotting and cell invasion assay. The effect of HGF on ovarian cancer metastasis was assessed by using in vivo experimental model. RESULTS The clinical data showed a significantly high correlation between the HGF expression and the cancer stage. The in vivo and in vitro experimental models revealed that HGF secreted by ovarian cancer cells induces the mesothelial-to-mesenchymal transition and stimulates the invasion of mesothelial cells. Furthermore, manipulating the HGF activity affected the degree of dissemination and ascite formation. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated that HGF secreted by ovarian cancer cells plays an important role in cancer peritoneal implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michihiko Nakamura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka Medical College, 2-7 Daigakumachi, Takatsuki, Osaka 5650781, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro J Ono
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka Medical College, 2-7 Daigakumachi, Takatsuki, Osaka 5650781, Japan.
| | - Masanori Kanemura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka Medical College, 2-7 Daigakumachi, Takatsuki, Osaka 5650781, Japan
| | - Tomohito Tanaka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka Medical College, 2-7 Daigakumachi, Takatsuki, Osaka 5650781, Japan
| | - Masami Hayashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka Medical College, 2-7 Daigakumachi, Takatsuki, Osaka 5650781, Japan
| | - Yoshito Terai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka Medical College, 2-7 Daigakumachi, Takatsuki, Osaka 5650781, Japan
| | - Masahide Ohmichi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka Medical College, 2-7 Daigakumachi, Takatsuki, Osaka 5650781, Japan
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Sigurdardottir AG, Winter A, Sobkowicz A, Fragai M, Chirgadze D, Ascher DB, Blundell TL, Gherardi E. Exploring the chemical space of the lysine-binding pocket of the first kringle domain of hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF) yields a new class of inhibitors of HGF/SF-MET binding. Chem Sci 2015; 6:6147-6157. [PMID: 30090230 PMCID: PMC6054100 DOI: 10.1039/c5sc02155c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 07/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The growth/motility factor hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF) and its receptor, the tyrosine kinase MET, constitute a signalling system essential for embryogenesis and for tissue/organ regeneration in post-natal life. HGF/SF-MET signalling, however, also plays a key role in the onset of metastasis of a large number of human tumours. Both HGF/SF and MET are high molecular weight proteins that bury an extensive interface upon complex formation and thus constitute a challenging target for the development of low molecular weight inhibitors. Here we have used surface plasmon resonance (SPR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and X-ray crystallography to screen a diverse fragment library of 1338 members as well as a range of piperazine-like compounds. Several small molecules were found to bind in the lysine-binding pocket of the kringle 1 domain of HGF/SF and its truncated splice variant NK1. We have defined the binding mode of these compounds, explored their biological activity and we show that selected fragments inhibit MET downstream signalling. Thus we demonstrate that targeting the lysine-binding pocket of NK1 is an effective strategy to generate MET receptor antagonists and we offer proof of concept that the HGF/SF-MET interface may be successfully targeted with small molecules. These studies have broad implications for the development of HGF/SF-MET therapeutics and cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- A G Sigurdardottir
- Department of Biochemistry , University of Cambridge , 80 Tennis Court Road , Cambridge , CB2 1GA , UK . ;
| | - A Winter
- Department of Biochemistry , University of Cambridge , 80 Tennis Court Road , Cambridge , CB2 1GA , UK . ;
| | - A Sobkowicz
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Center , Hills Road , Cambridge , CB2 0QH , UK
| | - M Fragai
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM) and Department of Chemistry , University of Florence , Via L. Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino , Florence , Italy
| | - D Chirgadze
- Department of Biochemistry , University of Cambridge , 80 Tennis Court Road , Cambridge , CB2 1GA , UK . ;
| | - D B Ascher
- Department of Biochemistry , University of Cambridge , 80 Tennis Court Road , Cambridge , CB2 1GA , UK . ;
| | - T L Blundell
- Department of Biochemistry , University of Cambridge , 80 Tennis Court Road , Cambridge , CB2 1GA , UK . ;
| | - E Gherardi
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Center , Hills Road , Cambridge , CB2 0QH , UK.,Unit of Immunology and General Pathology , Department of Molecular Medicine , University of Pavia , 9 via A Ferrata , 27100 Pavia , Italy
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Moran-Jones K, Brown LM, Samimi G. INC280, an orally available small molecule inhibitor of c-MET, reduces migration and adhesion in ovarian cancer cell models. Sci Rep 2015; 5:11749. [PMID: 26138303 PMCID: PMC5155610 DOI: 10.1038/srep11749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2015] [Accepted: 06/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
5-year survival rates for ovarian cancer are approximately 40%, and for women diagnosed at late stage (the majority), just 27%. This indicates a dire need for new treatments to improve survival rates. Recent molecular characterization has greatly improved our understanding of the disease and allowed the identification of potential new targets. One such pathway of interest is the HGF/c-MET axis. Activation of the HGF/c-MET axis has been demonstrated in certain ovarian tumours, and been found to be associated with decreased overall survival, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of a novel, highly potent, orally-bioavailable c-MET inhibitor, INC280, in blocking cell phenotypes important in ovarian cancer metastasis. Using in vitro and ex vivo models, we demonstrate that INC280 inhibits HGF-induced c-MET, and reduces downstream signalling. HGF-stimulated chemotactic and random migration are decreased by INC280 treatment, to levels seen in non-stimulated cells. Additionally, HGF-induced adhesion of cancer cells to peritoneal tissue is significantly decreased by INC280 treatment. Overall, these data indicate that INC280 inhibits many cell behaviours that promote ovarian cancer metastasis, and merits further investigation as a therapeutic candidate in the treatment of patients with ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Moran-Jones
- 1] Kinghorn Cancer Centre and Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia [2] St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Australia, NSW, Australia
| | - Laura M Brown
- Kinghorn Cancer Centre and Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Goli Samimi
- 1] Kinghorn Cancer Centre and Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia [2] St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Australia, NSW, Australia
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Mariani M, McHugh M, Petrillo M, Sieber S, He S, Andreoli M, Wu Z, Fiedler P, Scambia G, Shahabi S, Ferlini C. HGF/c-Met axis drives cancer aggressiveness in the neo-adjuvant setting of ovarian cancer. Oncotarget 2015; 5:4855-67. [PMID: 24952592 PMCID: PMC4148105 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy. Recently, NACT (Neo Adjuvant Chemotherapy) has been tested as alternative approach for the management of ovarian cancer patients. A biological predictor helpful in selecting patients for NACT would be desirable. This study was aimed at identifying actionable mechanisms of resistance to NACT. Expression of a panel of microRNAs was screened in a discovery set of 85 patients. Analysis of the potential targets was conducted in the same RNAs by calculating significant correlations between microRNAs and genes. Quantitative fluorescent immunohistochemistry was employed in a validation set of 109 patients. MiR-193a-5p was significantly overexpressed in the NACT setting. Analysis of its potential targets demonstrated that this microRNA is also significantly correlated with HGF and MET genes. Analysis of protein expression in samples taken before and after NACT demonstrated that both HGF and c-Met are increased after NACT. Patients who relapse shortly after NACT exhibited the highest relative basal expression of both HGF and c-Met, while the opposite phenomenon was observed in the best responders. Mir-193a-5p, HGF and c-Met expression may help select eligible patients for this modality of treatment. Moreover, inhibitors of this pathway may improve the efficacy of NACT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa Mariani
- Danbury Hospital Research Institute, Danbury, CT, USA; Department of Gynecology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Cristiano Ferlini
- Danbury Hospital Research Institute, Danbury, CT, USA; Department of Oncology, Jean Paul IInd Research Foundation, Campobasso, Italy
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Miekus K, Pawlowska M, Sekuła M, Drabik G, Madeja Z, Adamek D, Majka M. MET receptor is a potential therapeutic target in high grade cervical cancer. Oncotarget 2015; 6:10086-101. [PMID: 25888626 PMCID: PMC4496342 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 01/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of death among women suffering from tumors. Current treatment options are insufficient. Here, we investigated the MET receptor as a potential molecular target in advanced cervical cancer. Downregulation of MET receptor expression via RNA interference in different cervical carcinoma cell lines dramatically decreased tumor growth and forced tumor differentiation in vivo. MET receptor silencing also led to a dramatic decrease in cell size and a decrease in proliferation rate under normal and stress conditions. MET receptor downregulation also resulted in decreased cyclin D1 and c-myc levels but did not increase apoptosis. Subsequent experiments showed that downregulation of the MET receptor decreased the expression of a key regulator of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, SLUG. and increased the expression of E-cadherin, a hallmark of the epithelial phenotype. Moreover, MET downregulation impairs expression and signaling of CXCR4 receptor, responsible for invasive phenotype. Taken together, our results strongly suggest that the MET receptor influences the oncogenic properties of cervical carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo. These findings highlight a unique role of the MET receptor in cervical carcinoma cells and indicate the MET receptor as a potential therapeutic target for advanced cervical carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Miekus
- Department of General Biochemistry, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Cracow, Poland
| | - Marta Pawlowska
- Department of Transplantation, Polish-American Institute of Pediatrics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Sekuła
- Department of Transplantation, Polish-American Institute of Pediatrics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
| | - Grazyna Drabik
- Department of Transplantation, Polish-American Institute of Pediatrics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
| | - Zbigniew Madeja
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Cracow, Poland
| | - Dariusz Adamek
- Department of Pathomorphology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
| | - Marcin Majka
- Department of Transplantation, Polish-American Institute of Pediatrics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
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Liu S, Zheng Y, Volpi D, El-Kasti M, Klotz D, Tullis I, Henricks A, Campo L, Myers K, Laios A, Thomas P, Ng T, Dhar S, Becker C, Vojnovic B, Ahmed AA. Toward operative in vivo fluorescence imaging of the c-Met proto-oncogene for personalization of therapy in ovarian cancer. Cancer 2015; 121:202-13. [PMID: 25209149 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.29029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2014] [Accepted: 07/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Standard biomarker testing of a single macroscopic disease site is unlikely to be sufficient because of tumor heterogeneity. A focus on examining global biomarker expression or activity, particularly in microscopic residual chemotherapy-resistant disease, is needed for the appropriate selection of targeted therapies. This study was aimed at establishing a technique for the assessment of biomarkers of ovarian cancer peritoneal spread. METHODS An in-house developed fluorescent imaging device was used to detect the expression of the c-Met oncogene in ovarian cancer. A modified cyanine 5-tagged peptide, GE137, with a high in vitro affinity for the human c-Met protein, was tested in a panel of ovarian cancer cell lines. Finally, the feasibility of detecting submillimeter ovarian cancer cell peritoneal metastases in vivo was tested through the intravenous injection of GE137 into mice with tumor xenografts. RESULTS Using optical imaging it was possible to detect c-Met expression in submillimeter peritoneal metastases that were freshly excised from a human high-grade serous ovarian cancer. GE137 selectively bound to the c-Met tyrosine kinase without activating survival signaling pathways (AKT or extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation) downstream of c-Met. GE137 specifically accumulated in SKOv3 ovarian cancer cells expressing c-Met via clathrin-mediated endocytosis and emitted a fluorescent signal that lasted for at least 8 hours in tumor xenografts in vivo with a sustained high signal-to-noise ratio. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that intraoperative optical imaging could provide a new paradigm for selecting cancer patients for appropriate targeted therapies, particularly after initial chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujuan Liu
- Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaeoclogy, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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A phase II evaluation of AMG 102 (rilotumumab) in the treatment of persistent or recurrent epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal carcinoma: a Gynecologic Oncology Group study. Gynecol Oncol 2013; 132:526-30. [PMID: 24361733 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2013.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2013] [Revised: 12/05/2013] [Accepted: 12/13/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This open-label, multi-institutional phase II trial evaluated activity and safety of rilotumumab (AMG 102), a monoclonal antibody that targets HGF (hepatocyte growth factor), the ligand for the MET receptor, in women with recurrent or persistent epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS Women were eligible for treatment with rilotumumab if they had measurable disease, a performance status of 0, 1 or 2, previously received platinum-based therapy with a progression-free interval of <12 months or a second recurrence, and adequate bone marrow and organ function. Patients received rilotumumab 20mg/kg IV every 14 days until evidence of unacceptable toxicity or disease progression. The study utilized co-dual primary endpoints of tumor response and six-month PFS to assess the efficacy of rilotumumab. Secondary endpoints included the frequency and severity of adverse events and the duration of progression-free and overall survival. RESULTS Thirty-one women enrolled and received rilotumumab. All were eligible for analysis. One patient achieved a complete response (3.2%; 90% CI 0.2-14%), and two women had 6-month PFS (6.5%; 90% CI 1.1-19%). Most adverse events were grade 1 or 2, with no grade 4 adverse events. Grade 3 adverse events were gastrointestinal (4), metabolic (3) anemia (3), a thromboembolic event (1), ventricular tachycardia (1), hypotension during infusion (1) and fatigue (1). The study was stopped after the first stage of accrual. CONCLUSION Rilotumumab was well-tolerated, but had limited activity. The level of activity does not warrant further evaluation of rilotumumab as a single agent in patients with ovarian cancer.
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MET nucleotide variations and amplification in advanced ovarian cancer: characteristics and outcomes with c-Met inhibitors. Oncoscience 2013; 1:5-13. [PMID: 25593979 PMCID: PMC4295762 DOI: 10.18632/oncoscience.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2013] [Accepted: 12/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose MET alterations including amplifications and nucleotide variations have been associated with resistance to therapy and aggressive clinical behavior. Experimental Design The medical records of patients presenting to the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Phase I Clinic with relapsed or metastatic ovarian cancers and known MET nucleotide variation or amplification status were reviewed retrospectively (n=178). Categorical and continuous clinical and molecular characteristics were compared using Fisher's exact and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, respectively. Univariate and multivariate survival were assessed via Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis, respectively. Results MET amplification occurred in 4 (3.5%) of 113 patients, whereas nonsynonomous nucleotide variations were present in 9 (7.4%) of 122 patients. No patients exhibited concomitant amplification and variation. MET variations were observed only in white women with high-grade ovarian tumors, whereas amplifications were observed in both black and white women with high-grade serous ovarian primary tumors. No patients (n=4) exhibiting a MET alteration achieved an objective response when treated on a c-Met inhibitor phase I trial. In addition, ovarian cancer patients treated with a c-Met inhibitor with multikinase activity trended towards a longer time-to-failure compared with those treated with a c-Met-specific inhibitor (median: 1.5 vs. 4.5 months, p=0.07). Conclusions MET alterations occur in a minority of patients with ovarian cancer. c-Met inhibitors with multikinase activity may exhibit less activity in ovarian cancer than c-Met specific drugs. These findings warrant further investigation.
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Kim YJ, Choi JS, Seo J, Song JY, Eun Lee S, Kwon MJ, Kwon MJ, Kundu J, Jung K, Oh E, Shin YK, Choi YL. MET is a potential target for use in combination therapy with EGFR inhibition in triple-negative/basal-like breast cancer. Int J Cancer 2013; 134:2424-36. [DOI: 10.1002/ijc.28566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2013] [Revised: 10/02/2013] [Accepted: 10/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Jin Kim
- Laboratory of Cancer Genomics and Molecular Pathology; Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Samsung Medical Center; Seoul Korea
| | - Jong-Sun Choi
- Department of Pathology; Ilsan Hospital, Dongguk University; Gyeonggi Korea
| | - Jinwon Seo
- Department of Pathology; Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital; Hallym University College of Medicine; Gyeonggi Korea
| | - Ji-Young Song
- Laboratory of Cancer Genomics and Molecular Pathology; Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Samsung Medical Center; Seoul Korea
- Institute for Refractory Cancer Research; Samsung Medical Center; Seoul Korea
| | - Seung Eun Lee
- Department of Pathology; Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine; Seoul Korea
| | - Mi Jung Kwon
- Department of Pathology; Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital; Hallym University College of Medicine; Gyeonggi Korea
| | - Mi Jeong Kwon
- College of Pharmacy; Kyungpook National University; Daegu Korea
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences; College of Pharmacy, Kyungpook National University; Daegu Korea
| | - Juthika Kundu
- College of Pharmacy; Keimyung University; Daegu Korea
| | - Kyungsoo Jung
- Laboratory of Cancer Genomics and Molecular Pathology; Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Samsung Medical Center; Seoul Korea
- Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences & Technology; Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine; Seoul Korea
| | - Ensel Oh
- Laboratory of Cancer Genomics and Molecular Pathology; Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Samsung Medical Center; Seoul Korea
- Institute for Refractory Cancer Research; Samsung Medical Center; Seoul Korea
- Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences & Technology; Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine; Seoul Korea
| | - Young Kee Shin
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Genomics, Department of Pharmacy; College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University; Seoul Korea
| | - Yoon-La Choi
- Laboratory of Cancer Genomics and Molecular Pathology; Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Samsung Medical Center; Seoul Korea
- Institute for Refractory Cancer Research; Samsung Medical Center; Seoul Korea
- Department of Pathology; Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine; Seoul Korea
- Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences & Technology; Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine; Seoul Korea
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Pavan S, Musiani D, Torchiaro E, Migliardi G, Gai M, Di Cunto F, Erriquez J, Olivero M, Di Renzo MF. HSP27 is required for invasion and metastasis triggered by hepatocyte growth factor. Int J Cancer 2013; 134:1289-99. [DOI: 10.1002/ijc.28464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2013] [Revised: 07/29/2013] [Accepted: 08/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Simona Pavan
- Department of Oncology; University of Torino, School of Medicine; Torino Italy
- Laboratory of Cancer Genetics; Institute for Cancer Research at; Candiolo Torino Italy
| | - Daniele Musiani
- Department of Oncology; University of Torino, School of Medicine; Torino Italy
- Laboratory of Cancer Genetics; Institute for Cancer Research at; Candiolo Torino Italy
| | - Erica Torchiaro
- Department of Oncology; University of Torino, School of Medicine; Torino Italy
- Laboratory of Cancer Genetics; Institute for Cancer Research at; Candiolo Torino Italy
| | - Giorgia Migliardi
- Department of Oncology; University of Torino, School of Medicine; Torino Italy
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology; Institute for Cancer Research at; Candiolo Torino Italy
| | - Marta Gai
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences Molecular Biotechnology Center; University of Torino; Torino Italy
| | - Ferdinando Di Cunto
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences Molecular Biotechnology Center; University of Torino; Torino Italy
| | - Jessica Erriquez
- Laboratory of Cancer Genetics; Institute for Cancer Research at; Candiolo Torino Italy
| | - Martina Olivero
- Department of Oncology; University of Torino, School of Medicine; Torino Italy
- Laboratory of Cancer Genetics; Institute for Cancer Research at; Candiolo Torino Italy
| | - Maria Flavia Di Renzo
- Department of Oncology; University of Torino, School of Medicine; Torino Italy
- Laboratory of Cancer Genetics; Institute for Cancer Research at; Candiolo Torino Italy
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MET/HGF Signaling Pathway in Ovarian Carcinoma: Clinical Implications and Future Direction. PATHOLOGY RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2012; 2012:960327. [PMID: 23320251 PMCID: PMC3540829 DOI: 10.1155/2012/960327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2012] [Accepted: 12/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The HGF/MET signaling pathway is abnormal in numerous cancers including ovarian cancer. MET is expressed in 70% of human cancer and it is overexpressed in 30% of ovarian cases and cancer cell lines. The HGF/MET pathway plays a role in the initiation and progression of ovarian cancer through the most distinctive biologic program known as “invasive growth” which is accomplished through a coordinated activation of cell motility, invasiveness, degradation of extracellular matrix, survival, and proliferation. Because of its ubiquitous role in cancer, the MET axis seems to be an attractive target for cancer therapy. Numerous HGF/MET pathway inhibitor compounds are already in use in clinical trials in various solid tumors. In this paper, we will discuss the HGF/MET pathway in ovarian cancer, its clinical significance, and its potential use as a target therapy in the future.
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Abstract
c-MET is a receptor tyrosine kinase that, after binding with its ligand, hepatocyte growth factor, activates a wide range of different cellular signaling pathways, including those involved in proliferation, motility, migration and invasion. Although c-MET is important in the control of tissue homeostasis under normal physiological conditions, it has also been found to be aberrantly activated in human cancers via mutation, amplification or protein overexpression. This paper provides an overview of the c-MET signaling pathway, including its role in the development of cancers, and provides a rationale for targeting the pathway as a possible treatment option.
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Locatelli A, Lofgren KA, Daniel AR, Castro NE, Lange CA. Mechanisms of HGF/Met signaling to Brk and Sam68 in breast cancer progression. Discov Oncol 2012; 3:14-25. [PMID: 22124844 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-011-0097-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Signal transduction pathways downstream of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are often deregulated during oncogenesis, tumor progression, and metastasis. In particular, the peptide growth factor hormone, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and its specific receptor, Met tyrosine kinase, regulate cancer cell migration, thereby conferring an aggressive phenotype (Nakamura et al., J Clin Invest 106(12):1511-1519, 2000; Huh et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 101:4477-4482, 2004). Additionally, overexpression of Met is associated with enhanced invasiveness of breast cancer cells (Edakuni et al., Pathol Int 51(3):172-178, 2001; Jin et al., Cancer 79(4):749-760, 1997; Tuck et al., Am J Pathol 148(1):225-232, 1996). Here, we review the regulation of recently identified novel downstream mediators of HGF/Met signaling, Breast tumor kinase (Brk/PTK6), and Src-associated substrate during mitosis of 68 kDa (Sam68), and discuss their relevance to mechanisms of breast cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Locatelli
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, 55455, USA
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43
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Abstract
With about 22,000 new cases estimated in 2012 in the US and 15,500 related deaths, ovarian cancer is a heterogeneous and aggressive disease. Even though most of patients are sensitive to chemotherapy treatment following surgery, recurring disease is almost always lethal, and only about 30% of the women affected will be cured. Thanks to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying ovarian cancer malignancy, new therapeutic options with molecular-targeted agents have become available. This review discusses the rationale behind molecular-targeted therapies and examines how newly identified molecular targets may enhance personalized therapies for ovarian cancer patients.
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44
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Dillon R, Nilsson CL, Shi SDH, Lee NV, Krastins B, Greig MJ. Discovery of a Novel B-Raf Fusion Protein Related to c-Met Drug Resistance. J Proteome Res 2011; 10:5084-94. [DOI: 10.1021/pr200498v] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Carol L. Nilsson
- University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, United States
| | | | - Nathan V. Lee
- Pfizer Global Research and Development, La Jolla, California 92121, United States
| | - Bryan Krastins
- Biomarker Research Initiatives in Mass Spectrometry (BRIMS), Thermo Fisher Scientific, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Michael J. Greig
- Pfizer Global Research and Development, La Jolla, California 92121, United States
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Abstract
Wnt signalling pathways have been shown to play key roles in both normal development and tumorigenesis. Progression of many human cancers is associated with defined mutations in Wnt pathway components that result in dysregulated β-catenin-mediated gene transcription. Although Wnt pathway mutations are rare in epithelial ovarian cancer (with the exception of the endometrioid histotype), accumulating evidence supports a role for Wnt signalling in ovarian tumorigenesis in the absence of genetic mutations. The present review summarizes evidence in support of activated Wnt signalling in ovarian tumours and discusses alternative mechanisms for Wnt pathway activation in the ovarian tumour microenvironment.
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Basha R, Ingersoll SB, Sankpal UT, Ahmad S, Baker CH, Edwards JR, Holloway RW, Kaja S, Abdelrahim M. Tolfenamic acid inhibits ovarian cancer cell growth and decreases the expression of c-Met and survivin through suppressing specificity protein transcription factors. Gynecol Oncol 2011; 122:163-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2011.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2010] [Revised: 03/11/2011] [Accepted: 03/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Zillhardt M, Park SM, Romero IL, Sawada K, Montag A, Krausz T, Yamada SD, Peter ME, Lengyel E. Foretinib (GSK1363089), an orally available multikinase inhibitor of c-Met and VEGFR-2, blocks proliferation, induces anoikis, and impairs ovarian cancer metastasis. Clin Cancer Res 2011; 17:4042-51. [PMID: 21551255 PMCID: PMC3169439 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-10-3387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Currently, there are no approved targeted therapies for the treatment of ovarian cancer, despite the fact that it is the most lethal gynecological malignancy. One proposed target is c-Met, which has been shown to be an important prognostic indicator in a number of malignancies, including ovarian cancer. The objective of this study was to determine whether an orally available multikinase inhibitor of c-Met and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (foretinib, GSK1363089) blocks ovarian cancer growth. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN The effect of foretinib was tested in a genetic mouse model of endometrioid ovarian cancer, several ovarian cancer cell lines, and an organotypic 3D model of the human omentum. RESULTS In the genetic mouse model, treatment with foretinib prevented the progression of primary tumors to invasive adenocarcinoma. Invasion through the basement membrane was completely blocked in treated mice, whereas in control mice, invasive tumors entirely replaced the normal ovary. In 2 xenograft mouse models using human ovarian cancer cell lines, the inhibitor reduced overall tumor burden (86% inhibition, P < 0.0001) and metastasis (67% inhibition, P < 0.0001). The mechanism of inhibition by foretinib involved (a) inhibition of c-Met activation and downstream signaling, (b) reduction of ovarian cancer cell adhesion, (c) a block in migration and invasion, (d) reduced proliferation mediated by a G(2)-M cell-cycle arrest, and (e) induction of anoikis. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that foretinib blocks tumorigenesis and reduces invasive tumor growth in different models of ovarian cancer by affecting several critical tumor functions. We believe that it provides a rationale for the further clinical development of foretinib for the treatment of ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Zillhardt
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology/Section of Gynecologic Oncology-Center for Integrative Science and Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Sourbier C. Met and the microenvironment: new insights for ovarian cancer metastasis. Cell Adh Migr 2011; 5:209-10. [PMID: 21436615 DOI: 10.4161/cam.5.3.15258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer often has few symptoms, which makes it difficult to detect at an early stage. Therefore, most of the women will already have metastasis at the time of diagnosis. In their search of undercovering the mechanisms underlying ovarian cancer invasion, AK Mitra and collaborators demonstrate that the fibronectin receptor (α5β1-integrin) can directly activate the receptor tyrosine kinase Met, independently of its ligand. By linking the extracellular matrix with Met activation, and the invasion of ovarian cancer cells, Mitra et al confirm the crucial role played by Met in ovarian cancer and open new perspectives in the development of ovarian cancer targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole Sourbier
- Urologic Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Lee YJ, Kim DH, Lee SH, Kim DW, Nam HS, Cho MK. Expression of the c-Met Proteins in Malignant Skin Cancers. Ann Dermatol 2011; 23:33-8. [PMID: 21738360 DOI: 10.5021/ad.2011.23.1.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2010] [Revised: 09/16/2010] [Accepted: 09/16/2010] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The expression of c-Met is substantially elevated in most malignant human cancers. We therefore searched for c-Met expression and compared the expression level among malignant skin cancers. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine the c-Met expression pattern and the protein expression level in selected malignant cutaneous tumors. METHODS G361 cells (malignant melanoma cell line) and A431 cells (squamous cell carcinoma cell line) were cultured and analyzed, using immunoprecipitation and Western blot analysis, for expression of c-Met. Additionally, 16 separate specimens of malignant melanomas (MMs), 16 squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), 16 basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and 16 normal tissues were analyzed for the expression of c-Met using immunohistochemical studies. RESULTS Based on cultured cell immunoprecipitation and Western blot analysis, both A431 cells and G361 cells expressed c-Met, however, c-Met was expressed substantially more in G361 cells. Immunohistochemical examination of c-Met showed that it was over-expressed in all malignant skin cancers. In addition, c-Met expression was more increased in MM compared to other cancers. CONCLUSION In our study, c-Met is involved in malignant skin cancer development and the level of its expression is thought to be related to the degree of malignancy in melanoma cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoon-Jin Lee
- Molecular Cancer Research Center, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea
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Aune G, Lian AM, Tingulstad S, Torp SH, Forsmo S, Reseland JE, Stunes AK, Syversen U. Increased circulating hepatocyte growth factor (HGF): a marker of epithelial ovarian cancer and an indicator of poor prognosis. Gynecol Oncol 2011; 121:402-6. [PMID: 21284996 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2010.12.355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2010] [Revised: 12/20/2010] [Accepted: 12/22/2010] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) has been described to be increased in different cancers. In the present study we wanted to investigate whether HGF in serum can distinguish between benign and malignant ovarian tumors, and whether serum HGF levels can predict the outcome in patients with ovarian carcinomas. METHODS We included 123 consecutive patients appointed for laparotomy due to a pelvic mass. Preoperative levels of serum cancer antigen 125 (CA 125), HGF and HGF activator (HGFA) were quantified with immunological methods. We performed immunohistochemical analyses of HGFα, HGFβ and the receptor c-Met. Five-year survival of patients with advanced disease (stage III and stage IV) was analyzed with the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS Sixty patients had ovarian carcinomas, 23 borderline tumors, and 40 benign ovarian tumors. Patients with ovarian carcinomas had significantly higher preoperative HGF and CA 125 serum levels than patients with benign ovarian tumors, and borderline tumors. Patients with borderline tumors had significantly higher CA 125 values than benign cases. A combination of CA 125 and HGF increased the specificity in predicting carcinoma. We observed abundant HGFα, HGFβ and c-Met expressions in all ovarian tumors. Patients with advanced disease and preoperative serum HGF values ≥2SD above reference value had a shorter disease-free survival than patients with advanced disease and serum HGF <2SD above reference value. CONCLUSIONS HGF in serum is an indicator of ovarian carcinoma in women with a pelvic mass, and of a poor prognosis in advanced ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guro Aune
- Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway.
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