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Kumar CS, Narasu ML, Singh CR. The computational insights into the potential anti-cancer activity of natural drug INM-1 against HER2 and EGFR therapeutic targets. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2025:1-11. [PMID: 40411320 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2025.2507813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2025]
Abstract
Inophyllamine-I (INM-1), a natural compound derived from Callophyllum Inophyllum plant source, has shown promising potential as an anticancer agent. Our earlier study on INM-1 proved its efficacy against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in mice. This study aimed to investigate the activity of INM-1 against two therapeutic targets human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Computational screening approaches, such as molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations, were used to evaluate INM-1 binding affinity and stability with the active sites of HER2 and EGFR. The binding mechanism and binding energy of INM-1 inside the active sites of HER2 and EGFR were predicted using molecular docking. The docking studies revealed that INM-1 interacts well with critical amino acid residues in both targets' binding pockets. The binding energy estimations supported INM-1 predicted binding affinity for HER2 and EGFR. Over a time period of 200 ns, MD simulations revealed information about structural changes, flexibility, and intermolecular interactions. The stability of the HER2-INM-1 andEGFR_INM-1 complexes were revealed by the G_MMPBSA and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for free energy landscape, which demonstrated persistent free energy of binding throughout the simulation. Overall, the results of the computational screening found that HER2 protein associated with INM-1 is more stable than the complex involving EGFR and INM-1. To confirm these results and investigate the effectiveness and safety of INM-1 as a targeted cancer therapy, additional experimental investigations are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinta Sudheer Kumar
- School of Biotechnology, Institute of Science and Technology, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Kakinada, India
| | - M Lakshmi Narasu
- Centre for Biotechnology, Institute of Science and Technology, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Hyderabad, Hyderabad, India
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2
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Palhares LCGF, Grandits M, Stoker K, Chauhan J, Sow HS, Fruhwirth GO, Tsoka S, Birtley J, Partington L, Wilson T, Hardaker E, Karagiannis SN, Bax HJ, FitzGerald K. An IgE antibody targeting HER2 identified by clonal selection restricts breast cancer growth via immune-stimulating activities. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2025; 44:49. [PMID: 39934835 PMCID: PMC11818027 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-025-03319-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2025] [Indexed: 02/13/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor-targeting IgE antibodies have elicited potent tumor-restricting effects by recruiting immune effector mechanisms. However, a dedicated platform for the generation, selection and evaluation of novel IgEs based on target antigen recognition and functional profiles has not been reported. METHODS By establishing an IgE class antibody therapeutic design platform to allow selection of lead candidates, we generated a panel of IgEs recognising the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), overexpressed in 15-20% of breast cancers. From 1840 phage display-generated variable region sequences panned against HER2, we engineered 30 full length IgE antibodies. We selected three clones based on biophysical properties, reactivity to HER2 + cancer cells, epitope reactivity and Fc-mediated anti-tumor profiles in vitro. Clones with cross-reactivity to rat HER2 were selected to allow functional evaluations in a fully immunocompetent syngeneic HER2 + rat breast cancer model. RESULTS IgE antibodies induced degranulation and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity against human and rat HER2-expressing tumor cells in vitro. IgE antibody 26 demonstrated anti-tumor activity in a syngeneic HER2 + rat model, and a human HER2 + breast cancer xenograft model in mice reconstituted with human immune cells. Treatment was associated with enhanced immune cell infiltration and pro-inflammatory immune signatures, and downregulated cancer progression signaling pathways, in the tumor microenvironment. CONCLUSIONS This study pioneers the design and generation of anti-HER2 IgE lead antibody candidates with immune-stimulating and tumor-restricting effects. The present work may pave the way for antibody engineering therapeutic opportunities for challenging-to-treat HER2-expressing cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lais C G F Palhares
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, School of Basic & Medical Biosciences, & KHP Centre for Translational Medicine, King's College London, London, SE1 9RT, UK
- Epsilogen Ltd, Waterfront, ARC West London, Manbre Road, Hammersmith, London, W6 9RH, UK
| | - Melanie Grandits
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, School of Basic & Medical Biosciences, & KHP Centre for Translational Medicine, King's College London, London, SE1 9RT, UK
- Epsilogen Ltd, Waterfront, ARC West London, Manbre Road, Hammersmith, London, W6 9RH, UK
| | - Katie Stoker
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, School of Basic & Medical Biosciences, & KHP Centre for Translational Medicine, King's College London, London, SE1 9RT, UK
- Department of Informatics, Faculty of Natural, Mathematical and Engineering Sciences, King's College London, Bush House, London, WC2B 4BG, UK
| | - Jitesh Chauhan
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, School of Basic & Medical Biosciences, & KHP Centre for Translational Medicine, King's College London, London, SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Heng Sheng Sow
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, School of Basic & Medical Biosciences, & KHP Centre for Translational Medicine, King's College London, London, SE1 9RT, UK
- Epsilogen Ltd, Waterfront, ARC West London, Manbre Road, Hammersmith, London, W6 9RH, UK
| | - Gilbert O Fruhwirth
- Department of Imaging Chemistry and Biology, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, Kings' College London, London, SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Sophia Tsoka
- Department of Informatics, Faculty of Natural, Mathematical and Engineering Sciences, King's College London, Bush House, London, WC2B 4BG, UK
| | - James Birtley
- Epsilogen Ltd, Waterfront, ARC West London, Manbre Road, Hammersmith, London, W6 9RH, UK
| | - Leanne Partington
- Epsilogen Ltd, Waterfront, ARC West London, Manbre Road, Hammersmith, London, W6 9RH, UK
| | - Tim Wilson
- Epsilogen Ltd, Waterfront, ARC West London, Manbre Road, Hammersmith, London, W6 9RH, UK
| | - Elizabeth Hardaker
- Epsilogen Ltd, Waterfront, ARC West London, Manbre Road, Hammersmith, London, W6 9RH, UK
| | - Sophia N Karagiannis
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, School of Basic & Medical Biosciences, & KHP Centre for Translational Medicine, King's College London, London, SE1 9RT, UK
- Epsilogen Ltd, Waterfront, ARC West London, Manbre Road, Hammersmith, London, W6 9RH, UK
- Breast Cancer Now Research Unit, School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Heather J Bax
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, School of Basic & Medical Biosciences, & KHP Centre for Translational Medicine, King's College London, London, SE1 9RT, UK
- Epsilogen Ltd, Waterfront, ARC West London, Manbre Road, Hammersmith, London, W6 9RH, UK
| | - Kevin FitzGerald
- Epsilogen Ltd, Waterfront, ARC West London, Manbre Road, Hammersmith, London, W6 9RH, UK.
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3
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Xu R, Zheng Y, Tai W. A single-chain fab derived drug conjugate for HER2 specific delivery. Biomaterials 2025; 313:122798. [PMID: 39244823 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 08/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
Despite the development of antibody-drug conjugates, the fragment Fab-based drug conjugates offer some unique capabilities in terms of safety, clearance, penetration and others. Current methods for preparing Fab drug conjugates are limited by the availability and stability of Fab proteins, leaving reports on this rare. Here, we found that a single-chain scaffold of Fab enables stabilization of the paired structure and supports high-yield expression in bacteria cytoplasm. Furthermore, we conjugated anti-neoplastic agent SN38 to the C-terminus by sortase A ligation and generated a homogenous Fab conjugate with the drug-to-Fab ratio of 1. The resulting anti-HER2 Fab-SN38 conjugate demonstrated potent and antigen-dependent cell-killing ability with the aid of its special cathepsin-triggered cyclization-promoted release mechanism. In vivo, Fab-SN38 can prevent growths of HER2-positive tumors in athymic mice and be well tolerated to the treatment at 7 mg/kg per dose. Anti-tumor activity, high dose tolerance and penetration advantage observed in this study would merit Fab conjugate investigation in target chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruolin Xu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, China
| | - Yan Zheng
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, China
| | - Wanyi Tai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, China.
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4
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Judmann B, Keller F, Wängler B, Schirrmacher R, Rudolf R, Wängler C. Are 3D Tumor Cell Spheroids a Utile System for the In Vitro Evaluation of Diagnostic Radiotracers? ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:51349-51362. [PMID: 39758651 PMCID: PMC11696429 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c08214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2024] [Revised: 11/08/2024] [Accepted: 11/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/07/2025]
Abstract
By possibly bridging the gap between 2D in vitro cell assays and in vivo applications, tumor cell spheroid cultures offer promising avenues for advancing innovation in nuclear medicine. Regarding the in vitro evaluation of therapeutic radioligands, tumor cell spheroids have been successfully used to assess the therapeutic efficacy against human tumors. However, studies employing spheroids for testing diagnostic tracers are missing. The present work investigated the receptor interaction of a diagnostic radioligand with different tumor cell spheroids and compared the results to those received from a standard 2D cell assay to validate the usefulness of 3D cell systems for diagnostic radiotracer testing. For this purpose, a new agent-[68Ga]Ga-NODAGA-PEG5-c(RGDfK)-was developed. In competitive displacement assays against [125I]I-echistatin in human U87MG glioblastoma cell monolayers, NODAGA-PEG5-c(RGDfK) demonstrated specific binding and IC50 values of 3.08 ± 0.12 and 10.39 ± 0.89 μM in the absence and presence of basal membrane extract (BME), respectively. Compared to cell monolayers, the 3D cell aggregates yielded considerably higher IC50 values of 16.46 ± 2.88, 20.52 ± 4.41, and 18.44 ± 6.06 μM in spheroids generated without additive, collagen-1, and BME supplementation and showed considerable unspecific binding. The obtained data were contextualized by investigating differences in morphology, cell viability, and integrin content per cell of the 2D and 3D cell models as well as the influence of ECM composition. Integrin expression per cell was stable, while spheroid density and the associated radioligand uptake were varying, depending on the culture conditions. This suggests a correlation between the NODAGA-PEG5-c(RGDfK)-integrin αvβ3-interaction and cell model compactness. Further, a considerable influence of matrix components on ligand-receptor interaction could be demonstrated. Overall, the results showed profound differences between the 2D and 3D radiotracer assays investigated, and further work is warranted to verify the expected added value of 3D tumor cell spheroids for the evaluation of diagnostic radioligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Judmann
- Heidelberg
University, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Biomedical Chemistry, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
- Medical
Faculty Mannheim, Research Campus MOLIE, Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Florian Keller
- Medical
Faculty Mannheim, Research Campus MOLIE, Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
- Mannheim
University of Applied Sciences, CeMOS, Paul-Wittsack-Straße 10, 68163 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Björn Wängler
- Medical
Faculty Mannheim, Research Campus MOLIE, Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
- Medical
Faculty Mannheim, Molecular Imaging and Radiochemistry, Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Ralf Schirrmacher
- Department
of Oncology, Division of Oncological Imaging, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 1Z2
| | - Rüdiger Rudolf
- Medical
Faculty Mannheim, Research Campus MOLIE, Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
- Mannheim
University of Applied Sciences, CeMOS, Paul-Wittsack-Straße 10, 68163 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Carmen Wängler
- Heidelberg
University, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Biomedical Chemistry, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
- Medical
Faculty Mannheim, Research Campus MOLIE, Heidelberg University, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
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5
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Waykar R, Kumarapillai S. Breast cancer histopathology, classification and clinical management: Current perspectives. Bioinformation 2024; 20:2069-2079. [PMID: 40230896 PMCID: PMC11993385 DOI: 10.6026/9732063002002069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2024] [Revised: 12/31/2024] [Accepted: 12/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2025] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) manifests as a diverse group of malignancies and presents as a wide array of tumors with distinct morphological, biological and clinical characteristics. Molecular classification of BC serves as the basis for current precision-oriented therapeutic strategies. Upcoming therapeutic strategies will emphasize personalized medicine and tailoring treatments according to each patient's specific needs. These approaches will involve modulating the therapy intensity based on the biological characteristics of tumours and early predictive indicators, allowing for more precise and adaptable care in oncology. Additionally, there remains an unfulfilled requirement for the creation of new medications to treat breast cancer in its early stages, as well as in advanced cases. This review article presents an extensive examination of breast cancer, delving into its prevalence, contributing factors, molecular and cellular features and therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravindra Waykar
- Department of Pharmacy, Lincoln University College, Wisma Lincoln, Jalan SS 6/12, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - Srinivasakumar Kumarapillai
- Department of Pharmacy, Lincoln University College, Wisma Lincoln, Jalan SS 6/12, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
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6
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McDonough E, Barroso M, Ginty F, Corr DT. Modeling intratumor heterogeneity in breast cancer. Biofabrication 2024; 17:10.1088/1758-5090/ad9b50. [PMID: 39642392 PMCID: PMC11740194 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ad9b50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 12/06/2024] [Indexed: 12/08/2024]
Abstract
Reduced therapy response in breast cancer has been correlated with heterogeneity in biomarker composition, expression level, and spatial distribution of cancer cells within a patient tumor. Thus, there is a need for models to replicate cell-cell, cell-stromal, and cell-microenvironment interactions during cancer progression. Traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture models are convenient but cannot adequately represent tumor microenvironment histological organization,in vivo3D spatial/cellular context, and physiological relevance. Recently, three-dimensional (3D)in vitrotumor models have been shown to provide an improved platform for incorporating compositional and spatial heterogeneity and to better mimic the biological characteristics of patient tumors to assess drug response. Advances in 3D bioprinting have allowed the creation of more complex models with improved physiologic representation while controlling for reproducibility and accuracy. This review aims to summarize the advantages and challenges of current 3Din vitromodels for evaluating therapy response in breast cancer, with a particular emphasis on 3D bioprinting, and addresses several key issues for future model development as well as their application to other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth McDonough
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer
Polytechnic Institute, 110 Eighth Street, Troy, New York 12180, United States
- GE HealthCare Technology & Innovation Center, 1
Research Circle, Niskayuna, New York 12309, United States
| | - Margarida Barroso
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany
Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, United States
| | - Fiona Ginty
- GE HealthCare Technology & Innovation Center, 1
Research Circle, Niskayuna, New York 12309, United States
| | - David T. Corr
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rensselaer
Polytechnic Institute, 110 Eighth Street, Troy, New York 12180, United States
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7
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Mysior MM, Simpson JC. An automated high-content screening and assay platform for the analysis of spheroids at subcellular resolution. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0311963. [PMID: 39531451 PMCID: PMC11556727 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0311963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 09/27/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The endomembrane system is essential for healthy cell function, with the various compartments carrying out a large number of specific biochemical reactions. To date, almost all of our understanding of the endomembrane system has come from the study of cultured cells growing as monolayers. However, monolayer-grown cells only poorly represent the environment encountered by cells in the human body. As a first step to address this disparity, we have developed a platform that allows us to investigate and quantify changes to the endomembrane system in three-dimensional (3D) cell models, in an automated and highly systematic manner. HeLa Kyoto cells were grown on custom-designed micropatterned 96-well plates to facilitate spheroid assembly in the form of highly uniform arrays. Fully automated high-content confocal imaging and analysis were then carried out, allowing us to measure various spheroid-, cellular- and subcellular-level parameters relating to size and morphology. Using two drugs known to perturb endomembrane function, we demonstrate that cell-based assays can be carried out in these spheroids, and that changes to the Golgi apparatus and endosomes can be quantified from individual cells within the spheroids. We also show that image texture measurements are useful tools to discriminate cellular phenotypes. The automated platform that we show here has the potential to be scaled up, thereby allowing large-scale robust screening to be carried out in 3D cell models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaritha M. Mysior
- Cell Screening Laboratory, UCD School of Biology & Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jeremy C. Simpson
- Cell Screening Laboratory, UCD School of Biology & Environmental Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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8
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Bowes A, Collins A, Oakley F, Gentile P, Ferreira AM, Dalgarno K. Bioprinted High-Cell-Density Laminar Scaffolds Stimulate Extracellular Matrix Production in Osteochondral Co-Cultures. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:11131. [PMID: 39456913 PMCID: PMC11508368 DOI: 10.3390/ijms252011131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2024] [Revised: 10/03/2024] [Accepted: 10/09/2024] [Indexed: 10/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Many tissues have a laminar structure, but there are limited technologies for establishing laminar co-cultures for in vitro testing. Here, we demonstrate that collagen-alginate-fibrin (CAF) hydrogel scaffolds produced using the reactive jet impingement bioprinting technique can produce osteochondral laminar co-cultures with well-defined interfaces between cell types and high cell densities to support cell-cell interaction across the interfaces. The influence of cell density and the presence of the two cell types on the production of extracellular matrix (ECM) and the emergent mechanical properties of gels is investigated using IHC, ELISA, gel mass, and the compression modulus. The results indicate that high-cell-density cultures and co-cultures with these specific cell types produce greater levels of ECM and a more biomimetic in vitro culture than low-cell-density cultures. In laminar scaffolds produced using TC28a2 chondrocytes and SaoS-2 osteoblasts, both cell density and the presence of the two cell types enhance ECM production and the mechanical properties of the cultures, presenting a promising approach for the production of more biomimetic in vitro models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidan Bowes
- School of Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK; (A.B.); (P.G.); (A.M.F.)
- Faculty of Technology, Sunderland University, Sunderland SR6 0DD, UK
| | - Amy Collins
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Bioscience Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (A.C.); (F.O.)
| | - Fiona Oakley
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Bioscience Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK; (A.C.); (F.O.)
| | - Piergiorgio Gentile
- School of Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK; (A.B.); (P.G.); (A.M.F.)
| | - Ana Marina Ferreira
- School of Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK; (A.B.); (P.G.); (A.M.F.)
| | - Kenny Dalgarno
- School of Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, UK; (A.B.); (P.G.); (A.M.F.)
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9
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Han D, Spehar JM, Richardson DS, Leelananda S, Chakravarthy P, Grecco S, Reardon J, Stover DG, Bennett C, Sizemore GM, Li Z, Lindert S, Sizemore ST. The RAL Small G Proteins Are Clinically Relevant Targets in Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:3043. [PMID: 39272901 PMCID: PMC11394424 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16173043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequent cancer and second-leading cause of cancer deaths in women in the United States. While RAS mutations are infrequent in BC, triple-negative (TN) and HER2-positive (HER2+) BC both exhibit increased RAS activity. Here, we tested the RAS effectors RALA and RALB, which are overexpressed in BC, as tractable molecular targets in these subtypes. While analysis of the breast cancer patient sample data suggests that the RALs are associated with poor outcome in both TNBC and HER2+ BC, our in vivo and in vitro experimental findings revealed the RALs to be essential in only the TNBC cell lines. While testing the response of the BC cell lines to the RAL inhibitors RBC8 and BQU57, we observed no correlation between drug efficacy and cell line dependency on RAL expression for survival, suggesting that these compounds kill via off-target effects. Finally, we report the discovery of a new small molecule inhibitor, OSURALi, which exhibits strong RAL binding, effectively inhibits RAL activation, and is significantly more toxic to RAL-dependent TNBC cells than RAL-independent HER2+ and normal cell lines. These results support the RALs as viable molecular targets in TNBC and the further investigation of OSURALi as a therapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Han
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Jonathan M Spehar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Dillon S Richardson
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | | | - Prathik Chakravarthy
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Samantha Grecco
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Jesse Reardon
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Daniel G Stover
- Department of Internal Medicine, Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Chad Bennett
- Drug Development Institute, Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Gina M Sizemore
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Zaibo Li
- Department of Pathology, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Steffen Lindert
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Steven T Sizemore
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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10
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Secomandi E, Esposito A, Camurani G, Vidoni C, Salwa A, Lualdi C, Vallino L, Ferraresi A, Isidoro C. Differential Competitive Growth of Transgenic Subclones of Neuroblastoma Cells Expressing Different Levels of Cathepsin D Co-Cultured in 2D and 3D in Response to EGF: Implications in Tumor Heterogeneity and Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1343. [PMID: 38611021 PMCID: PMC11010890 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is an embryonal tumor arising from the sympathetic central nervous system. The epidermal growth factor (EGF) plays a role in NB growth and metastatic behavior. Recently, we have demonstrated that cathepsin D (CD) contrasts EGF-induced NB cell growth in 2D by downregulating EGFR/MAPK signaling. Aggressive NB is highly metastatic to the bone and the brain. In the metastatic process, adherent cells detach to form clusters of suspended cells that adhere once they reach the metastatic site and form secondary colonies. Whether CD is involved in the survival of metastatic NB clones is not known. Therefore, in this study, we addressed how CD differentially affects cell growth in suspension versus the adherent condition. To mimic tumor heterogeneity, we co-cultured transgenic clones silenced for or overexpressing CD. We compared the growth kinetics of such mixed clones in 2D and 3D models in response to EGF, and we found that the Over CD clone had an advantage for growth in suspension, while the CD knocked-down clone was favored for the adherent growth in 2D. Interestingly, on switching from 3D to 2D culture conditions, the expression of E-cadherin and of N-cadherin increased in the KD-CD and Over CD clones, respectively. The fact that CD plays a dual role in cancer cell growth in 2D and 3D conditions indicates that during clonal evolution, subclones expressing different level of CD may arise, which confers survival and growth advantages depending on the metastatic step. By searching the TCGA database, we found up to 38 miRNAs capable of downregulating CD. Interestingly, these miRNAs are associated with biological processes controlling cell adhesion and cell migration. The present findings support the view that during NB growth on a substrate or when spreading as floating neurospheres, CD expression is epigenetically modulated to confer survival advantage. Thus, epigenetic targeting of CD could represent an additional strategy to prevent NB metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Alessandra Ferraresi
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale “A. Avogadro”, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy; (E.S.); (A.E.); (G.C.); (C.V.); (A.S.); (C.L.); (L.V.)
| | - Ciro Isidoro
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale “A. Avogadro”, Via Solaroli 17, 28100 Novara, Italy; (E.S.); (A.E.); (G.C.); (C.V.); (A.S.); (C.L.); (L.V.)
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11
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Balachander GM, Nilawar S, Meka SRK, Ghosh LD, Chatterjee K. Unravelling microRNA regulation and miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks in osteogenesis driven by 3D nanotopographical cues. Biomater Sci 2024; 12:978-989. [PMID: 38189225 DOI: 10.1039/d3bm01597a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) culturing of cells is being adopted for developing tissues for various applications such as mechanistic studies, drug testing, tissue regeneration, and animal-free meat. These approaches often involve cost-effective differentiation of stem or progenitor cells. One approach is to exploit architectural cues on a 3D substrate to drive cellular differentiation, which has been shown to be effective in various studies. Although extensive gene expression data from such studies have shown that gene expression patterns might differ, the gene regulatory networks controlling the expression of genes are rarely studied. In this study, we profiled genes and microRNAs (miRNAs) via next-generation sequencing (NGS) in human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) driven toward osteogenesis via architectural cues in 3D matrices (3D conditions) and compared with cells in two-dimensional (2D) culture driven toward osteogenesis via soluble osteoinductive factors (OF conditions). The total number of differentially expressed genes was smaller in 3D compared to OF conditions. A distinct set of genes was observed under these conditions that have been shown to control osteogenic differentiation via different pathways. Small RNA sequencing revealed a core set of miRNAs to be differentially expressed under these conditions, similar to those that have been previously implicated in osteogenesis. We also observed a distinct regulation of miRNAs in these samples that can modulate gene expression, suggesting supplementary gene regulatory networks operative under different stimuli. This study provides insights into studying gene regulatory networks for identifying critical nodes to target for enhanced cellular differentiation and reveal the differences in physical and biochemical cues to drive cell fates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gowri Manohari Balachander
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi, Varanasi-221005, India.
| | - Sagar Nilawar
- Department of Materials Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560012, India.
| | - Sai Rama Krishna Meka
- Department of Materials Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560012, India.
| | - Lopamudra Das Ghosh
- Department of Materials Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560012, India.
| | - Kaushik Chatterjee
- Department of Materials Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560012, India.
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12
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Van Stiphout CM, Kelly G, Pallegar NK, Elbakry E, Vilchis-Celis AV, Christian SL, Viloria-Petit AM. Identification of lysyl oxidase as an adipocyte-secreted mediator that promotes a partial mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition in MDA-MB-231 cells. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2024; 5:1-19. [PMID: 38468823 PMCID: PMC10927314 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2024.00201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women worldwide, where adiposity has been linked to BC morbidity. In general, obese premenopausal women diagnosed with triple-negative BC (TNBC) tend to have larger tumours with more metastases, particularly to the bone marrow, and worse prognosis. Previous work using a 3-dimensional (3D) co-culture system consisting of TNBC cells, adipocytes and the laminin-rich extracellular matrix (ECM) trademarked as Matrigel, demonstrated that adipocytes and adipocyte-derived conditioned media (CM) caused a partial mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET). Given that MET has been associated with secondary tumour formation, this study sought to identify molecular mediators responsible for this phenotypic change. Methods Adipocytes were cultured with and without Matrigel, where semi-quantitative proteomics was used to identify proteins whose presence in the CM was induced or enhanced by Matrigel, which were referred to as adipocyte-secreted ECM-induced proteins (AEPs). The AEPs identified were assessed for association with prognosis in published proteomic datasets and prior literature. Of these, 4 were evaluated by the reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), followed by a functional and MET marker analysis of 1 AEP on MDA-MB-231 cells grown on Matrigel or as monolayers. Results The 4 AEPs showed a positive correlation between protein expression and poor prognosis. RT-qPCR analysis reported no significant change in AEPs mRNA expression. However, lysyl oxidase (LOX) was increased in CM of ECM-exposed adipocytes. Recombinant LOX (rLOX) caused the mesenchymal MDA-MB-231 TNBC cells to form less branched 3D structures and reduced the expression of vimentin. Conclusions The data suggest that adipocyte-secreted LOX changes the mesenchymal phenotype of BC cells in a manner that could promote secondary tumour formation, particularly at sites high in adipocytes such as the bone marrow. Future efforts should focus on determining whether targeting LOX could reduce BC metastasis in obese individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassidy M. Van Stiphout
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Grant Kelly
- Department of Biochemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1B 3X9, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Nikitha K. Pallegar
- Department of Biochemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1B 3X9, Canada
| | - Eman Elbakry
- Department of Biochemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1B 3X9, Canada
| | - Ana Valeria Vilchis-Celis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
- Department of Morphology, National Polytechnic Institute, Mexico City, CDMX 07738, Mexico
| | - Sherri L. Christian
- Department of Biochemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1B 3X9, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Alicia M. Viloria-Petit
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
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13
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Wu BX, Wu Z, Hou YY, Fang ZX, Deng Y, Wu HT, Liu J. Application of three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting in anti-cancer therapy. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20475. [PMID: 37800075 PMCID: PMC10550518 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting is a novel technology that enables the creation of 3D structures with bioinks, the biomaterials containing living cells. 3D bioprinted structures can mimic human tissue at different levels of complexity from cells to organs. Currently, 3D bioprinting is a promising method in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering applications, as well as in anti-cancer therapy research. Cancer, a type of complex and multifaceted disease, presents significant challenges regarding diagnosis, treatment, and drug development. 3D bioprinted models of cancer have been used to investigate the molecular mechanisms of oncogenesis, the development of cancers, and the responses to treatment. Conventional 2D cancer models have limitations in predicting human clinical outcomes and drug responses, while 3D bioprinting offers an innovative technique for creating 3D tissue structures that closely mimic the natural characteristics of cancers in terms of morphology, composition, structure, and function. By precise manipulation of the spatial arrangement of different cell types, extracellular matrix components, and vascular networks, 3D bioprinting facilitates the development of cancer models that are more accurate and representative, emulating intricate interactions between cancer cells and their surrounding microenvironment. Moreover, the technology of 3D bioprinting enables the creation of personalized cancer models using patient-derived cells and biomarkers, thereby advancing the fields of precision medicine and immunotherapy. The integration of 3D cell models with 3D bioprinting technology holds the potential to revolutionize cancer research, offering extensive flexibility, precision, and adaptability in crafting customized 3D structures with desired attributes and functionalities. In conclusion, 3D bioprinting exhibits significant potential in cancer research, providing opportunities for identifying therapeutic targets, reducing reliance on animal experiments, and potentially lowering the overall cost of cancer treatment. Further investigation and development are necessary to address challenges such as cell viability, printing resolution, material characteristics, and cost-effectiveness. With ongoing progress, 3D bioprinting can significantly impact the field of cancer research and improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing-Xuan Wu
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Zheng Wu
- The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
- Department of Physiology/Changjiang Scholar's Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Yan-Yu Hou
- The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
- Department of Physiology/Changjiang Scholar's Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Ze-Xuan Fang
- The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
- Department of Physiology/Changjiang Scholar's Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Yu Deng
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Hua-Tao Wu
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Jing Liu
- The Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
- Department of Physiology/Changjiang Scholar's Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
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14
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Devarajan R, Izzi V, Peltoketo H, Rask G, Kauppila S, Väisänen MR, Ruotsalainen H, Martínez-Nieto G, Karppinen SM, Väisänen T, Kaur I, Koivunen J, Sasaki T, Winqvist R, Manninen A, Wärnberg F, Sund M, Pihlajaniemi T, Heljasvaara R. Targeting collagen XVIII improves the efficiency of ErbB inhibitors in breast cancer models. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e159181. [PMID: 37498672 DOI: 10.1172/jci159181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor extracellular matrix (ECM) critically regulates cancer progression and treatment response. Expression of the basement membrane component collagen XVIII (ColXVIII) is induced in solid tumors, but its involvement in tumorigenesis has remained elusive. We show here that ColXVIII was markedly upregulated in human breast cancer (BC) and was closely associated with a poor prognosis in high-grade BCs. We discovered a role for ColXVIII as a modulator of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase (ErbB) signaling and show that it forms a complex with ErbB1 and -2 (also known as EGFR and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 [HER2]) and α6-integrin to promote cancer cell proliferation in a pathway involving its N-terminal portion and the MAPK/ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT cascades. Studies using Col18a1 mouse models crossed with the mouse mammary tumor virus-polyoma virus middle T antigen (MMTV-PyMT) mammary carcinogenesis model showed that ColXVIII promoted BC growth and metastasis in a tumor cell-autonomous manner. Moreover, the number of mammary cancer stem cells was significantly reduced in the MMTV-PyMT and human cell models upon ColXVIII inhibition. Finally, ablation of ColXVIII substantially improved the efficacy of ErbB-targeting therapies in both preclinical models. In summary, ColXVIII was found to sustain the stemness properties of BC cells and tumor progression and metastasis through ErbB signaling, suggesting that targeting ColXVIII in the tumor milieu may have important therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raman Devarajan
- Oulu Center for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine
- Laboratory of Cancer Genetics and Tumor Biology, Cancer and Translational Medicine Research Unit
- Biocenter Oulu, and
| | - Valerio Izzi
- Oulu Center for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine
- Research Unit of Biomedicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Finnish Cancer Research Institute, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hellevi Peltoketo
- Laboratory of Cancer Genetics and Tumor Biology, Cancer and Translational Medicine Research Unit
- Biocenter Oulu, and
| | - Gunilla Rask
- Department of Medical Biosciences/Pathology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Saila Kauppila
- Department of Pathology, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Northern Finland Laboratory Centre, NordLab, Oulu, Finland
| | | | - Heli Ruotsalainen
- Oulu Center for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine
| | | | - Sanna-Maria Karppinen
- Oulu Center for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine
| | - Timo Väisänen
- Department of Pathology, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Inderjeet Kaur
- Oulu Center for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine
| | - Jussi Koivunen
- Department of Medical Oncology and Radiotherapy and Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Takako Sasaki
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita, Japan
| | - Robert Winqvist
- Laboratory of Cancer Genetics and Tumor Biology, Cancer and Translational Medicine Research Unit
- Biocenter Oulu, and
- Northern Finland Laboratory Centre, NordLab, Oulu, Finland
| | - Aki Manninen
- Disease Networks Research Unit, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Fredrik Wärnberg
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Malin Sund
- Department of Surgery and Perioperative Sciences/Surgery, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Department of Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Taina Pihlajaniemi
- Oulu Center for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine
| | - Ritva Heljasvaara
- Oulu Center for Cell-Matrix Research, Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine
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15
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Raghav KP, Moasser MM. Molecular Pathways and Mechanisms of HER2 in Cancer Therapy. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:2351-2361. [PMID: 36574481 PMCID: PMC10293474 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-0283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The oncogene ERBB2 encoding the receptor tyrosine-protein kinase erbB-2 (HER2) is frequently overexpressed or amplified and occasionally mutated in a variety of human cancers. The early discovery of this oncogene, its established oncogenic relevance in diverse cancers, its substantial expression on the surface of cancer cells, and its druggable catalytic activity have made it one of the most pursued targets in the history of cancer drug development. Initiatives targeting HER2 provided the early stimulus for several transformational pharmaceutical technologies, including mAbs, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, antibody-drug conjugates, and others. The seismic impact of these efforts has been felt in treatment of many cancers, including breast, gastroesophageal, lung, colorectal, and others. This impact continues to broaden with increasing indications on the horizon and a plethora of novel agents in development. However, implementation of these therapeutic strategies has been complex. The clinical translation of every one of these classes of agents has been notable for underperformance or overperformance characteristics that have informed new lines of research providing deeper insights into the mechanistic complexities and unrealized opportunities provided by this molecular target. Despite all the successes to date, the preponderance of scientific evidence indicates that the full potential of HER2 as a target for cancer therapeutics is far greater than currently realized, and numerous lines of investigation are ongoing to deepen and broaden the scope of impact of HER2 as a signaling, homing, or immunologic target. In this review, we explore the existing data and evolving paradigms surrounding this remarkable target for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanwal P.S. Raghav
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC), Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mark M. Moasser
- Department of Medicine (Hematology/Oncology), Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA, USA
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16
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Lei Z, Tian Q, Teng Q, Wurpel JND, Zeng L, Pan Y, Chen Z. Understanding and targeting resistance mechanisms in cancer. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e265. [PMID: 37229486 PMCID: PMC10203373 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Resistance to cancer therapies has been a commonly observed phenomenon in clinical practice, which is one of the major causes of treatment failure and poor patient survival. The reduced responsiveness of cancer cells is a multifaceted phenomenon that can arise from genetic, epigenetic, and microenvironmental factors. Various mechanisms have been discovered and extensively studied, including drug inactivation, reduced intracellular drug accumulation by reduced uptake or increased efflux, drug target alteration, activation of compensatory pathways for cell survival, regulation of DNA repair and cell death, tumor plasticity, and the regulation from tumor microenvironments (TMEs). To overcome cancer resistance, a variety of strategies have been proposed, which are designed to enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatment or reduce drug resistance. These include identifying biomarkers that can predict drug response and resistance, identifying new targets, developing new targeted drugs, combination therapies targeting multiple signaling pathways, and modulating the TME. The present article focuses on the different mechanisms of drug resistance in cancer and the corresponding tackling approaches with recent updates. Perspectives on polytherapy targeting multiple resistance mechanisms, novel nanoparticle delivery systems, and advanced drug design tools for overcoming resistance are also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi‐Ning Lei
- PrecisionMedicine CenterScientific Research CenterThe Seventh Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityShenzhenP. R. China
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesCollege of Pharmacy and Health SciencesSt. John's UniversityQueensNew YorkUSA
| | - Qin Tian
- PrecisionMedicine CenterScientific Research CenterThe Seventh Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityShenzhenP. R. China
| | - Qiu‐Xu Teng
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesCollege of Pharmacy and Health SciencesSt. John's UniversityQueensNew YorkUSA
| | - John N. D. Wurpel
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesCollege of Pharmacy and Health SciencesSt. John's UniversityQueensNew YorkUSA
| | - Leli Zeng
- PrecisionMedicine CenterScientific Research CenterThe Seventh Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityShenzhenP. R. China
| | - Yihang Pan
- PrecisionMedicine CenterScientific Research CenterThe Seventh Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityShenzhenP. R. China
| | - Zhe‐Sheng Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesCollege of Pharmacy and Health SciencesSt. John's UniversityQueensNew YorkUSA
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17
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Farasati Far B, Safaei M, Mokhtari F, Fallahi MS, Naimi-Jamal MR. Fundamental concepts of protein therapeutics and spacing in oncology: an updated comprehensive review. Med Oncol 2023; 40:166. [PMID: 37147486 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02026-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Current treatment regimens in cancer cases cause significant side effects and cannot effectively eradicate the advanced disease. Hence, much effort has been expended over the past years to understand how cancer grows and responds to therapies. Meanwhile, proteins as a type of biopolymers have been under commercial development for over three decades and have been proven to improve the healthcare system as effective medicines for treating many types of progressive disease, such as cancer. Following approving the first recombinant protein therapeutics by FDA (Humulin), there have been a revolution for drawing attention toward protein-based therapeutics (PTs). Since then, the ability to tailor proteins with ideal pharmacokinetics has provided the pharmaceutical industry with an important noble path to discuss the clinical potential of proteins in oncology research. Unlike traditional chemotherapy molecules, PTs actively target cancerous cells by binding to their surface receptors and the other biomarkers particularly associated with tumorous or healthy tissue. This review analyzes the potential and limitations of protein therapeutics (PTs) in the treatment of cancer as well as highlighting the evolving strategies by addressing all possible factors, including pharmacology profile and targeted therapy approaches. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of PTs in oncology, including their pharmacology profile, targeted therapy approaches, and prospects. The reviewed data show that several current and future challenges remain to make PTs a promising and effective anticancer drug, such as safety, immunogenicity, protein stability/degradation, and protein-adjuvant interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahareh Farasati Far
- Research Laboratory of Green Organic Synthesis and Polymers, Department of Chemistry, Iran University of Science and Technology, Narmak, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Safaei
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Eastern Mediterranean University, Via Mersin 10, TR. North Cyprus, Famagusta, Turkey
| | - Fatemeh Mokhtari
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Basic Science, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani (ASMU), Tabriz, 53751-71379, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Reza Naimi-Jamal
- Research Laboratory of Green Organic Synthesis and Polymers, Department of Chemistry, Iran University of Science and Technology, Narmak, Tehran, Iran.
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18
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Xu C, Wang Y, Hong Y, Yao R, Wu L, Shen X, Qu Y, Zhang Z, Zhu W, Yang Y, Chen W, Zhou Y, Liang Z. Identification of genetic and immune signatures for the recurrence of HER2-positive breast cancer after trastuzumab-based treatment. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2023; 199:603-615. [PMID: 37084155 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-023-06931-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the genetic and immune features associated with the recurrence of human epidermal growth factor receptor2-positive (HER2 +) breast cancer (BC) after trastuzumab-based treatment. METHODS A retrospective cohort study of 48 patients who received trastuzumab-based treatment was divided into recurrent and non-recurrent groups according to clinical follow-up. Baseline samples from all 48 patients were analyzed for genetic variation, HLA allele type, gene expression, and immune features, which were linked to HER2 + BC recurrence. Statistics included logistic regression models, Kaplan-Meier plots, and Univariate Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS Compared with the non-recurrent group, the extracellular matrix-related pathway and 3 Hallmark gene sets were enriched in the recurrent group. The infiltration levels of immature B cells and activated B cells were significantly increased in the non-recurrent group, which correlated remarkably with improved overall survival (OS) in two other published gene expression datasets, including TCGA and METABRIC. In the TCGA cohort (n = 275), activated B cells (HR 0.23, 95%CI 0.13-0.43, p < 0.0001), and immature B cells (HR 0.26, 95%CI 0.12-0.59, p < 0.0001). In the METABRIC cohort (n = 236), activated B cells (HR 0.60, 95%CI 0.43-0.83, p = 0.002), and immature B cells (HR 0.65, 95%CI 0.47-0.91, p = 0.011). Cox regression suggested that immature B cells and activated B cells were protective factors for outcome OS. CONCLUSIONS Aberrant activation of multiple pathways and low baseline tumor-infiltrating B cells are related to HER2 + BC trastuzumab-based recurrence, which primarily affects the antitumor activity of trastuzumab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Xu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yahui Wang
- Genecast Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuanyuan Hong
- Genecast Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ru Yao
- Department of Breast Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Lijia Wu
- Genecast Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xi Shen
- Department of Breast Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Qu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuo Zhang
- Genecast Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- Genecast Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ying Yang
- Genecast Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weizhi Chen
- Genecast Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yidong Zhou
- Department of Breast Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Zhiyong Liang
- Department of Pathology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
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19
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Wakefield L, Agarwal S, Tanner K. Preclinical models for drug discovery for metastatic disease. Cell 2023; 186:1792-1813. [PMID: 37059072 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.02.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Despite many advances, metastatic disease remains essentially uncurable. Thus, there is an urgent need to better understand mechanisms that promote metastasis, drive tumor evolution, and underlie innate and acquired drug resistance. Sophisticated preclinical models that recapitulate the complex tumor ecosystem are key to this process. We begin with syngeneic and patient-derived mouse models that are the backbone of most preclinical studies. Second, we present some unique advantages of fish and fly models. Third, we consider the strengths of 3D culture models for resolving remaining knowledge gaps. Finally, we provide vignettes on multiplexed technologies to advance our understanding of metastatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lalage Wakefield
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Seema Agarwal
- Department of Pathology, Center for Cell Reprogramming, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007, USA.
| | - Kandice Tanner
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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20
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Mitrakas AG, Tsolou A, Didaskalou S, Karkaletsou L, Efstathiou C, Eftalitsidis E, Marmanis K, Koffa M. Applications and Advances of Multicellular Tumor Spheroids: Challenges in Their Development and Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24086949. [PMID: 37108113 PMCID: PMC10138394 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24086949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomedical research requires both in vitro and in vivo studies in order to explore disease processes or drug interactions. Foundational investigations have been performed at the cellular level using two-dimensional cultures as the gold-standard method since the early 20th century. However, three-dimensional (3D) cultures have emerged as a new tool for tissue modeling over the last few years, bridging the gap between in vitro and animal model studies. Cancer has been a worldwide challenge for the biomedical community due to its high morbidity and mortality rates. Various methods have been developed to produce multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTSs), including scaffold-free and scaffold-based structures, which usually depend on the demands of the cells used and the related biological question. MCTSs are increasingly utilized in studies involving cancer cell metabolism and cell cycle defects. These studies produce massive amounts of data, which demand elaborate and complex tools for thorough analysis. In this review, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of several up-to-date methods used to construct MCTSs. In addition, we also present advanced methods for analyzing MCTS features. As MCTSs more closely mimic the in vivo tumor environment, compared to 2D monolayers, they can evolve to be an appealing model for in vitro tumor biology studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Achilleas G Mitrakas
- Cell Biology Lab, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Avgi Tsolou
- Cell Biology Lab, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Stylianos Didaskalou
- Cell Biology Lab, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Lito Karkaletsou
- Cell Biology Lab, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Christos Efstathiou
- Cell Biology Lab, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Evgenios Eftalitsidis
- Cell Biology Lab, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Marmanis
- Cell Biology Lab, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Maria Koffa
- Cell Biology Lab, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece
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21
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Dzobo K, Dandara C. The Extracellular Matrix: Its Composition, Function, Remodeling, and Role in Tumorigenesis. Biomimetics (Basel) 2023; 8:146. [PMID: 37092398 PMCID: PMC10123695 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics8020146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a ubiquitous member of the body and is key to the maintenance of tissue and organ integrity. Initially thought to be a bystander in many cellular processes, the extracellular matrix has been shown to have diverse components that regulate and activate many cellular processes and ultimately influence cell phenotype. Importantly, the ECM's composition, architecture, and stiffness/elasticity influence cellular phenotypes. Under normal conditions and during development, the synthesized ECM constantly undergoes degradation and remodeling processes via the action of matrix proteases that maintain tissue homeostasis. In many pathological conditions including fibrosis and cancer, ECM synthesis, remodeling, and degradation is dysregulated, causing its integrity to be altered. Both physical and chemical cues from the ECM are sensed via receptors including integrins and play key roles in driving cellular proliferation and differentiation and in the progression of various diseases such as cancers. Advances in 'omics' technologies have seen an increase in studies focusing on bidirectional cell-matrix interactions, and here, we highlight the emerging knowledge on the role played by the ECM during normal development and in pathological conditions. This review summarizes current ECM-targeted therapies that can modify ECM tumors to overcome drug resistance and better cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Dzobo
- Medical Research Council, SA Wound Healing Unit, Hair and Skin Research Laboratory, Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Collet Dandara
- Division of Human Genetics and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
- The South African Medical Research Council-UCT Platform for Pharmacogenomics Research and Translation, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
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22
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Hamza S, Garanina EE, Alsaadi M, Khaiboullina SF, Tezcan G. Blocking the Hormone Receptors Modulates NLRP3 in LPS-Primed Breast Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054846. [PMID: 36902278 PMCID: PMC10002867 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) may contribute to the growth and propagation of breast cancer (BC). The effect of estrogen receptor-α (ER-α), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) on NLRP3 activation in BC remains unknown. Additionally, our knowledge of the effect of blocking these receptors on NLRP3 expression is limited. We used GEPIA, UALCAN, and the Human Protein Atlas for transcriptomic profiling of NLRP3 in BC. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) were used to activate NLRP3 in luminal A MCF-7 and in TNBC MDA-MB-231 and HCC1806 cells. Tamoxifen (Tx), mifepristone (mife), and trastuzumab (Tmab) were used to block ER-α, PR, and HER2, respectively, on inflammasome activation in LPS-primed MCF7 cells. The transcript level of NLRP3 was correlated with ER-ɑ encoding gene ESR1 in luminal A (ER-α+, PR+) and TNBC tumors. NLRP3 protein expression was higher in untreated and LPS/ATP-treated MDA-MB-231 cells than in MCF7 cells. LPS/ATP-mediated NLRP3 activation reduced cell proliferation and recovery of wound healing in both BC cell lines. LPS/ATP treatment prevented spheroid formation in MDA-MB-231 cells but did not affect MCF7. HGF, IL-3, IL-8, M-CSF, MCP-1, and SCGF-b cytokines were secreted in both MDA-MB-231 and MCF7 cells in response to LPS/ATP treatment. Tx (ER-α inhibition) promoted NLRP3 activation and increased migration and sphere formation after LPS treatment of MCF7 cells. Tx-mediated activation of NLRP3 was associated with increased secretion of IL-8 and SCGF-b compared to LPS-only-treated MCF7 cells. In contrast, Tmab (Her2 inhibition) had a limited effect on NLRP3 activation in LPS-treated MCF7 cells. Mife (PR inhibition) opposed NLRP3 activation in LPS-primed MCF7 cells. We have found that Tx increased the expression of NLRP3 in LPS-primed MCF7. These data suggest a link between blocking ER-α and activation of NLRP3, which was associated with increased aggressiveness of the ER-α+ BC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaimaa Hamza
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Ekaterina E. Garanina
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Mohammad Alsaadi
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Svetlana F. Khaiboullina
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
- Correspondence: or (S.F.K.); (G.T.); Fax: +1-775682-8258 (S.F.K.); +90-224-294-00-78 (G.T.)
| | - Gulcin Tezcan
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
- Department of Fundamental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa 16059, Turkey
- Correspondence: or (S.F.K.); (G.T.); Fax: +1-775682-8258 (S.F.K.); +90-224-294-00-78 (G.T.)
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23
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Tutty MA, Prina-Mello A. Three-Dimensional Spheroids for Cancer Research. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2645:65-103. [PMID: 37202612 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3056-3_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
In vitro cell culture is one of the most widely used tools used today for increasing our understanding of various things such as protein production, mechanisms of drug action, tissue engineering, and overall cellular biology. For the past decades, however, cancer researchers have relied heavily on conventional two-dimensional (2D) monolayer culture techniques to test a variety of aspects of cancer research ranging from the cytotoxic effects of antitumor drugs to the toxicity of diagnostic dyes and contact tracers. However, many promising cancer therapies have either weak or no efficacy in real-life conditions, therefore delaying or stopping altogether their translating to the clinic. This is, in part, due to the reductionist 2D cultures used to test these materials, which lack appropriate cell-cell contacts, have altered signaling, do not represent the natural tumor microenvironment, and have different drug responses, due to their reduced malignant phenotype when compared to real in vivo tumors. With the most recent advances, cancer research has moved into 3D biological investigation. Three-dimensional (3D) cultures of cancer cells not only recapitulate the in vivo environment better than their 2D counterparts, but they have, in recent years, emerged as a relatively low-cost and scientifically accurate methodology for studying cancer. In this chapter, we highlight the importance of 3D culture, specifically 3D spheroid culture, reviewing some key methodologies for forming 3D spheroids, discussing the experimental tools that can be used in conjunction with 3D spheroids and finally their applications in cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Anne Tutty
- Laboratory for Biological Characterization of Advanced Materials (LBCAM), Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Adriele Prina-Mello
- Laboratory for Biological Characterization of Advanced Materials (LBCAM), Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Nanomedicine and Molecular Imaging Group, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, (TTMI), School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St. James's Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research (AMBER) Centre, CRANN Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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24
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Xiao RR, Jin L, Xie N, Luo P, Gao W, Tu P, Ai X. Establishment and large-scale validation of a three-dimensional tumor model on an array chip for anticancer drug evaluation. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1032975. [PMID: 36313330 PMCID: PMC9596801 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1032975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Two-dimensional (2D) tumor model has always poorly predicted drug response of animal model due to the lack of recapitulation of tumor microenvironment. Establishing a biomimetic, controllable, and cost-effective three-dimensional (3D) model and large-scale validation of its in vivo predictivity has shown promise in bridging the gap between the 2D tumor model and animal model. Here, we established a matrigel-based 3D micro-tumor model on an array chip for large-scale anticancer drug evaluation. Compared with the 2D tumor model, the 3D tumor model on the chip showed spheroid morphology, slower proliferation kinetics, and comparable reproducibility. Next, the results of the chemotherapeutic evaluation from 18 drugs against 27 cancer cell lines showed 17.6% of drug resistance on the 3D tumor model. Moreover, the evaluation results of targeted drugs showed expected sensitivity and higher specificity on the 3D tumor model compared with the 2D model. Finally, the evaluation results on the 3D tumor model were more consistent with the in vivo cell-derived xenograft model, and excluded 95% false-positive results from the 2D model. Overall, the matrigel-based 3D micro-tumor model on the array chip provides a promising tool to accelerate anticancer drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong-Rong Xiao
- R&D Department, Beijing Daxiang Biotech Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Lei Jin
- Oncology and Immunology Unit, WuXi Biology, WuXi AppTec (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Nan Xie
- Oncology and Immunology Unit, WuXi Biology, WuXi AppTec (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Piaopiao Luo
- R&D Department, Beijing Daxiang Biotech Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Wenjie Gao
- Oncology and Immunology Unit, WuXi Biology, WuXi AppTec (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Pengfei Tu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoni Ai
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaoni Ai,
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Abugomaa A, Elbadawy M, Yamamoto H, Ayame H, Ishihara Y, Sato Y, Yamawaki H, Kaneda M, Usui T, Sasaki K. Establishment of a direct 2.5D organoid culture model using companion animal cancer tissues. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 154:113597. [PMID: 36030590 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Like humans, cancer affects companion animals with similar genetic risks and incident rates. To improve treatment strategies for pet cancers, new research models are necessary. Patient-derived 3D organoid culture models are valuable and ensure the development of new effective therapies. In the previous study, we established a 3D organoid-derived 2.5D organoid culture model that recapitulated some characteristics of their parental 3D organoids. In the present study, we aimed to generate a 2.5D organoid culture model directly from cancer-diseased dogs and cats using special 2.5D media. The primary cultured cells in 2.5D media (direct 2.5D organoids) showed better attachment, growth, marker expression, and faster proliferation speed than those cultured in normal Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium media. The direct 2.5D organoids showed expression of each specific marker to their original cancer tissues and exhibited tumorigenesis in vivo. Moreover, the direct 2.5D organoids exhibited concentration-dependent responses to anti-cancer drugs, and different sensitivity profiles were shown among the strains. Our data suggest that the direct 2.5D organoid culture model might become a useful tool beyond 2D cell lines to study cancer biology in companion animals and could provide new platforms for screening the anti-cancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira Abugomaa
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmacology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, 35516 Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Elbadawy
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmacology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan; Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Moshtohor, 13736 Toukh, Egypt.
| | - Haru Yamamoto
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmacology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Hiromi Ayame
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmacology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Yusuke Ishihara
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmacology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Yomogi Sato
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmacology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Yamawaki
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmacology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, 35-1 Higashi 23 ban-cho, Towada, Aomori 034-8628, Japan
| | - Masahiro Kaneda
- Laboratory of Veterinary Anatomy, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Usui
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmacology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan.
| | - Kazuaki Sasaki
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmacology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 3-5-8 Saiwai-cho, Fuchu, Tokyo 183-8509, Japan
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26
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Passaniti A, Kim MS, Polster BM, Shapiro P. Targeting mitochondrial metabolism for metastatic cancer therapy. Mol Carcinog 2022; 61:827-838. [PMID: 35723497 PMCID: PMC9378505 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Primary tumors evolve metabolic mechanisms favoring glycolysis for adenosine triphosphate (ATP) generation and antioxidant defenses. In contrast, metastatic cells frequently depend on mitochondrial respiration and oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos). This reliance of metastatic cells on OxPhos can be exploited using drugs that target mitochondrial metabolism. Therefore, therapeutic agents that act via diverse mechanisms, including the activation of signaling pathways that promote the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and/or a reduction in antioxidant defenses may elevate oxidative stress and inhibit tumor cell survival. In this review, we will provide (1) a mechanistic analysis of function-selective extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2 (ERK1/2) inhibitors that inhibit cancer cells through enhanced ROS, (2) a review of the role of mitochondrial ATP synthase in redox regulation and drug resistance, (3) a rationale for inhibiting ERK signaling and mitochondrial OxPhos toward the therapeutic goal of reducing tumor metastasis and treatment resistance. Recent reports from our laboratories using metastatic melanoma and breast cancer models have shown the preclinical efficacy of novel and rationally designed therapeutic agents that target ERK1/2 signaling and mitochondrial ATP synthase, which modulate ROS events that may prevent or treat metastatic cancer. These findings and those of others suggest that targeting a tumor's metabolic requirements and vulnerabilities may inhibit metastatic pathways and tumor growth. Approaches that exploit the ability of therapeutic agents to alter oxidative balance in tumor cells may be selective for cancer cells and may ultimately have an impact on clinical efficacy and safety. Elucidating the translational potential of metabolic targeting could lead to the discovery of new approaches for treatment of metastatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonino Passaniti
- Research Health Scientist, The Veteran's Health Administration Research & Development Service (VAMHCS), VA Maryland Health Care System (VAMHCS), Baltimore VA Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Pathology and Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, the Program in Molecular Medicine and the Marlene & Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland USA
| | - Myoung Sook Kim
- Department of Pathology and Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, the Program in Molecular Medicine and the Marlene & Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland USA
| | - Brian M. Polster
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Paul Shapiro
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore Maryland, USA
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27
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Metsiou DN, Deligianni D, Giannopoulou E, Kalofonos H, Koutras A, Athanassiou G. Adhesion strength and anti-tumor agents regulate vinculin of breast cancer cells. Front Oncol 2022; 12:811508. [PMID: 36052248 PMCID: PMC9424896 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.811508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The onset and progression of cancer are strongly associated with the dissipation of adhesion forces between cancer cells, thus facilitating their incessant attachment and detachment from the extracellular matrix (ECM) to move toward metastasis. During this process, cancer cells undergo mechanical stresses and respond to these stresses with membrane deformation while inducing protrusions to invade the surrounding tissues. Cellular response to mechanical forces is inherently related to the reorganization of the cytoskeleton, the dissipation of cell–cell junctions, and the adhesion to the surrounding ECM. Moreover, the role of focal adhesion proteins, and particularly the role of vinculin in cell attachment and detachment during migration, is critical, indicating the tight cell–ECM junctions, which favor or inhibit the metastatic cascade. The biomechanical analysis of these sequences of events may elucidate the tumor progression and the potential of cancer cells for migration and metastasis. In this work, we focused on the evaluation of the spreading rate and the estimation of the adhesion strength between breast cancer cells and ECM prior to and post-treatment with anti-tumor agents. Specifically, different tamoxifen concentrations were used for ER+ breast cancer cells, while even concentrations of trastuzumab and pertuzumab were used for HER2+ cells. Analysis of cell stiffness indicated an increased elastic Young’s modulus post-treatment in both MCF-7 and SKBR-3 cells. The results showed that the post-treatment spreading rate was significantly decreased in both types of breast cancer, suggesting a lower metastatic potential. Additionally, treated cells required greater adhesion forces to detach from the ECM, thus preventing detachment events of cancer cells from the ECM, and therefore, the probability of cell motility, migration, and metastasis was confined. Furthermore, post-detachment and post-treatment vinculin levels were increased, indicating tighter cell–ECM junctions, hence limiting the probability of cell detachment and, therefore, cell motility and migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Despoina Nektaria Metsiou
- Laboratory of Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics, University of Patras, Patra, Greece
- *Correspondence: Despoina Nektaria Metsiou, ;
| | - Despina Deligianni
- Laboratory of Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics, University of Patras, Patra, Greece
| | - Efstathia Giannopoulou
- Clinical Oncology Laboratory, Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Patras, Patra, Greece
| | - Haralabos Kalofonos
- Clinical Oncology Laboratory, Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Patras, Patra, Greece
| | - Angelos Koutras
- Clinical Oncology Laboratory, Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Patras, Patra, Greece
| | - George Athanassiou
- Laboratory of Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics, University of Patras, Patra, Greece
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28
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Restoring TRAILR2/DR5-Mediated Activation of Apoptosis upon Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress as a Therapeutic Strategy in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23168987. [PMID: 36012252 PMCID: PMC9409255 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23168987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The uncontrolled proliferation of malignant cells in growing tumors results in the generation of different stressors in the tumor microenvironment, such as nutrient shortage, hypoxia and acidosis, among others, that disrupt endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis and may lead to ER stress. As a response to ER stress, both normal and tumor cells launch a set of signaling pathways known as the unfolded protein response (UPR) to restore ER proteostasis and maintain cell viability and function. However, under sustained ER stress, an apoptotic cell death process can be induced and this has been the subject of different review articles, although the role of the TRAIL-R2/DR5-activated extrinsic pathway of apoptosis has not yet been thoroughly summarized. In this Review, we provide an updated overview of the molecular mechanisms regulating cell fate decisions in tumor cells undergoing ER stress and discuss the role of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand receptor 2 (TRAIL-R2/DR5) in the final outcome of UPR signaling. Particularly, we focus on the mechanisms controlling cellular FLICE-like inhibitory protein (FLIP) levels in tumor cells undergoing ER stress, which may represent a potential target for therapeutic intervention in cancer.
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29
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Suzuki H, Ohishi T, Asano T, Tanaka T, Saito M, Mizuno T, Yoshikawa T, Kawada M, Kaneko M, Kato Y. Defucosylated mouse‑dog chimeric anti‑HER2 monoclonal antibody exerts antitumor activities in mouse xenograft models of canine tumors. Oncol Rep 2022; 48:154. [PMID: 35856438 PMCID: PMC9350980 DOI: 10.3892/or.2022.8366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) overexpression has been reported in various types of cancer, including breast, gastric, lung, colorectal and pancreatic cancer. A humanized anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody (mAb), trastuzumab, has been shown to improve survival of patients in HER2-positive breast and gastric cancer. An anti-HER2 mAb, H2Mab-77 (mouse IgG1, kappa) was previously developed. In the present study, a defucosylated version of mouse-dog chimeric anti-HER2 mAb (H77Bf) was generated. H77Bf possesses a high binding-affinity [a dissociation constant (KD): 7.5×10−10 M, as determined by flow cytometric analysis] for dog HER2-overexpressed CHO-K1 (CHO/dHER2) cells. H77Bf highly exerted antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) for CHO/dHER2 cells by canine mononuclear cells and complement, respectively. Moreover, administration of H77Bf significantly suppressed the development of CHO/dHER2 ×enograft tumor in mice compared with the control dog IgG. H77Bf also possesses a high binding-affinity (KD: 7.2×10−10 M) for a canine mammary gland tumor cell line (SNP), and showed high ADCC and CDC activities for SNP cells. Intraperitoneal administration of H77Bf in mouse xenograft models of SNP significantly suppressed the development of SNP xenograft tumors compared with the control dog IgG. These results indicated that H77Bf exerts antitumor activities against dHER2-positive canine cancers, and could be valuable treatment regimen for canine cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Suzuki
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi 980‑8575, Japan
| | - Tomokazu Ohishi
- Institute of Microbial Chemistry (BIKAKEN), Microbial Chemistry Research Foundation, Numazu, Shizuoka 410‑0301, Japan
| | - Teizo Asano
- Department of Antibody Drug Development, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi 980‑8575, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Tanaka
- Department of Antibody Drug Development, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi 980‑8575, Japan
| | - Masaki Saito
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi 980‑8575, Japan
| | - Takuya Mizuno
- Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi 753‑8515, Japan
| | - Takeo Yoshikawa
- Department of Pharmacology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi 980‑8575, Japan
| | - Manabu Kawada
- Institute of Microbial Chemistry (BIKAKEN), Microbial Chemistry Research Foundation, Numazu, Shizuoka 410‑0301, Japan
| | - Mika Kaneko
- Department of Antibody Drug Development, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi 980‑8575, Japan
| | - Yukinari Kato
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi 980‑8575, Japan
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30
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Cuellar-Vite L, Weber-Bonk KL, Abdul-Karim FW, Booth CN, Keri RA. Focal Adhesion Kinase Provides a Collateral Vulnerability That Can Be Leveraged to Improve mTORC1 Inhibitor Efficacy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:3374. [PMID: 35884439 PMCID: PMC9323520 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14143374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The PI3K/AKT/mTORC1 pathway is a major therapeutic target for many cancers, particularly breast cancer. Everolimus is an mTORC1 inhibitor used in metastatic estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) and epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2-) breast cancer. However, mTORC1 inhibitors have limited efficacy in other breast cancer subtypes. We sought to discover collateral sensitivities to mTORC1 inhibition that could be exploited to improve therapeutic response. Using a mouse model of breast cancer that is intrinsically resistant to mTORC1 inhibition, we found that rapamycin alters the expression of numerous extracellular matrix genes, suggesting a potential role for integrins/FAK in controlling mTORC1-inhibitor efficacy. FAK activation was also inversely correlated with rapamycin response in breast cancer cell lines. Supporting its potential utility in patients, FAK activation was observed in >50% of human breast cancers. While blocking FAK in mouse models of breast cancer that are highly responsive to rapamycin had no impact on tumor growth, FAK inhibition sensitized rapamycin-resistant tumors to mTORC1 inhibition. These data reveal an innate dependency on FAK when mTORC1 signaling is lost in tumors that are resistant to mTORC1 inhibitors. They also suggest a precision medicine approach to improving mTORC1 inhibitor efficacy in resistant cancers by suppressing FAK signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie Cuellar-Vite
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA;
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA;
| | - Kristen L. Weber-Bonk
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA;
| | - Fadi W. Abdul-Karim
- Anatomic Pathology, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (F.W.A.-K.); (C.N.B.)
| | - Christine N. Booth
- Anatomic Pathology, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (F.W.A.-K.); (C.N.B.)
| | - Ruth A. Keri
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA;
- Department of General Medical Sciences-Oncology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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31
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Moasser MM. Inactivating amplified HER2: challenges, dilemmas, and future directions. Cancer Res 2022; 82:2811-2820. [PMID: 35731927 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-22-1121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The pharmaceutical inactivation of driver oncogenes has revolutionized the treatment of cancer replacing cytotoxic chemotherapeutic approaches with kinase inhibitor therapies for many types of cancers. This approach has not yet been realized for the treatment of HER2-amplified cancers. The monotherapy activities associated with HER2-targeting antibodies and kinase inhibitors are modest, and their clinical use has been in combination with, and not in replacement of cytotoxic chemotherapies. This stands in sharp contrast to achievements in the treatment of many other oncogene-driven cancers. The mechanism-based treatment hypothesis regarding the inactivation of HER2 justifies expectations far beyond what is currently realized. Overcoming this barrier requires mechanistic insights that can fuel new directions for pursuit, but scientific investigation of this treatment hypothesis, particularly with regards to trastuzumab, has been complicated by conflicting and confusing data sets, ironclad dogma, and mechanistic conclusions that have repeatedly failed to translate clinically. We are now approaching a point of convergence regarding the challenges and resiliency in this tumor driver, and I will provide here a review and opinion to inform where we currently stand with this treatment hypothesis and where the future potential lies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark M Moasser
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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Mora-Molina R, Stöhr D, Rehm M, López-Rivas A. cFLIP downregulation is an early event required for endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis in tumor cells. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:111. [PMID: 35115486 PMCID: PMC8813907 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04574-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Protein misfolding or unfolding and the resulting endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress frequently occur in highly proliferative tumors. How tumor cells escape cell death by apoptosis after chronic ER stress remains poorly understood. We have investigated in both two-dimensional (2D) cultures and multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTSs) the role of caspase-8 inhibitor cFLIP as a regulator of the balance between apoptosis and survival in colon cancer cells undergoing ER stress. We report that downregulation of cFLIP proteins levels is an early event upon treatment of 2D cultures of colon cancer cells with ER stress inducers, preceding TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand receptor 2 (TRAIL-R2) upregulation, caspase-8 activation, and apoptosis. Maintaining high cFLIP levels during ER stress by ectopic expression of cFLIP markedly inhibits ER stress-induced caspase-8 activation and apoptosis. Conversely, cFLIP knockdown by RNA interference significantly accelerates caspase-8 activation and apoptosis upon ER stress. Despite activation of the proapoptotic PERK branch of the unfolded protein response (UPR) and upregulation of TRAIL-R2, MCTSs are markedly more resistant to ER stress than 2D cultures of tumor cells. Resistance of MCTSs to ER stress-induced apoptosis correlates with sustained cFLIPL expression. Interestingly, resistance to ER stress-induced apoptosis is abolished in MCTSs generated from cFLIPL knockdown tumor cells. Overall, our results suggest that controlling cFLIP levels in tumors is an adaptive strategy to prevent tumor cell's demise in the unfavorable conditions of the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Mora-Molina
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa-CABIMER, CSIC-Universidad de Sevilla-Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Avda Américo Vespucio 24, 41092, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Daniela Stöhr
- University of Stuttgart, Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Markus Rehm
- University of Stuttgart, Institute of Cell Biology and Immunology, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Abelardo López-Rivas
- Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa-CABIMER, CSIC-Universidad de Sevilla-Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Avda Américo Vespucio 24, 41092, Sevilla, Spain. .,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red-Oncología (CIBERONC), Carlos III Health Institute, Seville, Spain.
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33
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Sonju JJ, Dahal A, Singh SS, Gu X, Johnson WD, Muthumula CMR, Meyer SA, Jois SD. A pH-sensitive liposome formulation of a peptidomimetic-Dox conjugate for targeting HER2 + cancer. Int J Pharm 2022; 612:121364. [PMID: 34896567 PMCID: PMC8751737 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.121364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer treatment faces the challenge of selective delivery of the cytotoxic drug to the desired site of action to minimize undesired side effects. The liposomal formulation containing targeting ligand conjugated cytotoxic drug can be an effective approach to specifically deliver chemotherapeutic drugs to cancer cells that overexpress a particular cell surface receptor. This research focuses on the in vitro and in vivo studies of a peptidomimetic ligand attached doxorubicin for the HER2 positive lung and breast cancer cells transported by a pH-dependent liposomal formulation system for the enhancement of targeted anticancer treatment. The selected pH-sensitive liposome formulation showed effective pH-dependent delivery of peptidomimetic-doxorubicin conjugate at lower pH conditions mimicking tumor microenvironment (pH-6.5) compared to normal physiological conditions (pH 7.4), leading to the improvement of cell uptake. In vivo results revealed the site-specific delivery of the formulation and enhanced antitumor activity with reduced toxicity compared to the free doxorubicin (Free Dox). The results suggested that the targeting ligand conjugated cytotoxic drug with the pH-sensitive liposomal formulation is a promising approach to chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jafrin Jobayer Sonju
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71201
| | - Achyut Dahal
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71201
| | - Sitanshu S. Singh
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71201
| | - Xin Gu
- Department of Pathology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1501 Kings Hwy, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA
| | - William D. Johnson
- Biostatistics Department, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70808
| | - Chandra Mohan Reddy Muthumula
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71201
| | - Sharon A Meyer
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71201
| | - Seetharama D. Jois
- School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71201,To whom correspondence should be addressed: Seetharama D. Jois, Professor of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Basic Pharmaceutical and Toxicological Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Louisiana at Monroe, 1800 Bienville Drive, Monroe LA 71201 USA Tel: 318-342-1993; Fax: 318-342-1737;
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Khader A, Bokhari R, Hakimelahi R, Scheirey C, Afnan J, Braschi-Amirfarzan M, Thomas R. A radiologist’s guide to novel anticancer therapies in the era of precision medicine. Eur J Radiol Open 2022; 9:100406. [PMID: 35265736 PMCID: PMC8899228 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejro.2022.100406] [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: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel anticancer agents have replaced conventional chemotherapy as first line agents for many cancers, with continued new and expanding indications. Small molecule inhibitors act on cell surface or intracellular targets and prevent the downstream signaling that would otherwise permit tumor growth and spread. Anticancer antibodies can be directed against growth factors or may be immunotherapeutic agents. The latter act by inhibiting mechanisms that cancer cells use to evade the immune system. Hormonal agents act by decreasing levels of hormones that are necessary for the growth of certain cancer cells. Cancer therapy protocols often include novel anticancer agents and conventional chemotherapy used successively or in combination, in order to maximize survival and minimize morbidity. A working knowledge of anti-cancer drug classification will aid the radiologist in assessing response on imaging. Novel anticancer agents include small molecule inhibitors, antibodies and hormones. These agents are predominantly cytostatic and inhibit factors that provide a survival advantage to tumor cells. Modern cancer therapy employs a combination of novel anticancer agents and conventional chemotherapy. It is essential for radiologists to have a broad understanding of these agents and their mechanisms of action.
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Cell3: a new vision for study of the endomembrane system in mammalian cells. Biosci Rep 2021; 41:230388. [PMID: 34874399 PMCID: PMC8655501 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20210850c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The endomembrane system of mammalian cells provides massive capacity for the segregation of biochemical reactions into discrete locations. The individual organelles of the endomembrane system also require the ability to precisely transport material between these compartments in order to maintain cell homeostasis; this process is termed membrane traffic. For several decades, researchers have been systematically identifying and dissecting the molecular machinery that governs membrane trafficking pathways, with the overwhelming majority of these studies being carried out in cultured cells growing as monolayers. In recent years, a number of methodological innovations have provided the opportunity for cultured cells to be grown as 3-dimensional (3D) assemblies, for example as spheroids and organoids. These structures have the potential to better replicate the cellular environment found in tissues and present an exciting new opportunity for the study of cell function. In this mini-review, we summarize the main methods used to generate 3D cell models and highlight emerging studies that have started to use these models to study basic cellular processes. We also describe a number of pieces of work that potentially provide the basis for adaptation for deeper study of how membrane traffic is coordinated in multicellular assemblies. Finally, we comment on some of the technological challenges that still need to be overcome if 3D cell biology is to become a mainstream tool toward deepening our understanding of the endomembrane system in mammalian cells.
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Bose C, Hindle A, Lee J, Kopel J, Tonk S, Palade PT, Singhal SS, Awasthi S, Singh SP. Anticancer Activity of Ω-6 Fatty Acids through Increased 4-HNE in Breast Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13246377. [PMID: 34944997 PMCID: PMC8699056 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Epidemiological evidence suggests that breast cancer risk is lowered by Ω-3 and increased by Ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Paradoxically, the Ω-6 PUFA metabolite 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) inhibits cancer cell growth. This duality prompted us to study whether arachidonic acid (AA) would enhance doxorubicin (dox) cytotoxicity towards breast cancer cells. We found that supplementing AA or inhibiting 4-HNE metabolism potentiated doxorubicin (dox) toxicity toward Her2-dependent breast cancer but spared myocardial cells. Our results suggest that Ω-6 PUFAs could improve outcomes of dox chemotherapy in Her2-overexpressing breast cancer. Abstract Her2-amplified breast cancers resistant to available Her2-targeted therapeutics continue to be a challenge in breast cancer therapy. Dox is the mainstay of chemotherapy of all types of breast cancer, but its usefulness is limited by cumulative cardiotoxicity. Because oxidative stress caused by dox generates the pro-apoptotic Ω-6 PUFA metabolite 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), we surmised that Ω-6 PUFAs would increase the effectiveness of dox chemotherapy. Since the mercapturic acid pathway enzyme RALBP1 (also known as RLIP76 or Rlip) that limits cellular accumulation of 4-HNE also mediates dox resistance, the combination of Ω-6 PUFAs and Rlip depletion could synergistically improve the efficacy of dox. Thus, we studied the effects of the Ω-6 PUFA arachidonic acid (AA) and Rlip knockdown on the antineoplastic activity of dox towards Her2-amplified breast cancer cell lines SK-BR-3, which is sensitive to Her2 inhibitors, and AU565, which is resistant. AA increased lipid peroxidation, 4-HNE generation, apoptosis, cellular dox concentration and dox cytotoxicity in both cell lines while sparing cultured immortalized cardiomyocyte cells. The known functions of Rlip including clathrin-dependent endocytosis and dox efflux were inhibited by AA. Our results support a model in which 4-HNE generated by AA overwhelms the capacity of Rlip to defend against apoptosis caused by dox or 4-HNE. We propose that Ω-6 PUFA supplementation could improve the efficacy of dox or Rlip inhibitors for treating Her2-amplified breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chhanda Bose
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; (C.B.); (A.H.); (J.L.); (J.K.); (S.T.)
| | - Ashly Hindle
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; (C.B.); (A.H.); (J.L.); (J.K.); (S.T.)
| | - Jihyun Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; (C.B.); (A.H.); (J.L.); (J.K.); (S.T.)
| | - Jonathan Kopel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; (C.B.); (A.H.); (J.L.); (J.K.); (S.T.)
| | - Sahil Tonk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; (C.B.); (A.H.); (J.L.); (J.K.); (S.T.)
| | - Philip T. Palade
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA;
| | - Sharad S. Singhal
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutic Research, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA;
| | - Sanjay Awasthi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; (C.B.); (A.H.); (J.L.); (J.K.); (S.T.)
- Medical Oncology Service, Doctors Hospital, 16 Middle Rd., George Town, Grand Cayman KY1-1104, Cayman Islands, UK
- Correspondence: (S.A.); (S.P.S.); Tel.: +1-305-949-6066 (S.A.); +1-806-743-1540 (S.P.S.)
| | - Sharda P. Singh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA; (C.B.); (A.H.); (J.L.); (J.K.); (S.T.)
- Correspondence: (S.A.); (S.P.S.); Tel.: +1-305-949-6066 (S.A.); +1-806-743-1540 (S.P.S.)
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Rybchenko VS, Panina AA, Aliev TK, Solopova ON, Balabashin DS, Novoseletsky VN, Dolgikh DA, Sveshnikov PG, Kirpichnikov MP. Bispecific Antibodies for IFN-β Delivery to ErbB2 + Tumors. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1915. [PMID: 34944558 PMCID: PMC8699518 DOI: 10.3390/biom11121915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The main aim of our work was to create a full-length bispecific antibody (BsAb) as a vehicle for the targeted delivery of interferon-beta (IFN-β) to ErbB2+ tumor cells in the form of non-covalent complex of BsAb and IFN-β. Such a construct is a CrossMab-type BsAb, consisting of an ErbB2-recognizing trastuzumab moiety, a part of chimeric antibody to IFN-β, and human IgG1 Fc domain carrying knob-into-hole amino acid substitutions necessary for the proper assembly of bispecific molecules. The IFN-β- recognizing arm of BsAb not only forms a complex with the cytokine but neutralizes its activity, thus providing a mechanism to avoid the side effects of the systemic action of IFN-β by blocking IFN-β Interaction with cell receptors in the process of cytokine delivery to tumor sites. Enzyme sandwich immunoassay confirmed the ability of BsAb to bind to human IFN-β comparable to that of the parental chimeric mAb. The BsAb binds to the recombinant ErbB2 receptor, as well as to lysates of ErbB2+ tumor cell lines. The inhibition of the antiproliferative effect of IFN-β by BsAb (IC50 = 49,3 µg/mL) was demonstrated on the HT29 cell line. It can be proposed that the BsAb obtained can serve as a component of the immunocytokine complex for the delivery of IFN-β to ErbB2-associated tumor cells.
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MESH Headings
- Antibodies, Bispecific/chemistry
- Antibodies, Bispecific/pharmacology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/chemistry
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/pharmacology
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/chemistry
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/pharmacology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Cell Survival/drug effects
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- HT29 Cells
- Humans
- Immunoglobulin Fc Fragments/chemistry
- Interferon-beta/metabolism
- Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Neoplasms/metabolism
- Receptor, ErbB-2/metabolism
- Trastuzumab/chemistry
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladislav S. Rybchenko
- Department of Bioengineering, Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (D.S.B.); (D.A.D.); (M.P.K.)
| | - Anna A. Panina
- Department of Bioengineering, Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (D.S.B.); (D.A.D.); (M.P.K.)
| | - Teimur K. Aliev
- Department of Chemistry, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga N. Solopova
- Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 115478 Moscow, Russia;
- Russian Research Center for Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy, 117638 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Dmitry S. Balabashin
- Department of Bioengineering, Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (D.S.B.); (D.A.D.); (M.P.K.)
| | | | - Dmitry A. Dolgikh
- Department of Bioengineering, Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (D.S.B.); (D.A.D.); (M.P.K.)
- Department of Biology, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Petr G. Sveshnikov
- Russian Research Center for Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy, 117638 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Mikhail P. Kirpichnikov
- Department of Bioengineering, Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (D.S.B.); (D.A.D.); (M.P.K.)
- Department of Biology, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia;
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Samimi H, Sohi AN, Irani S, Arefian E, Mahdiannasser M, Fallah P, Haghpanah V. Alginate-based 3D cell culture technique to evaluate the half-maximal inhibitory concentration: an in vitro model of anticancer drug study for anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. Thyroid Res 2021; 14:27. [PMID: 34861882 PMCID: PMC8641225 DOI: 10.1186/s13044-021-00118-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture methods are identified for simulating the biological microenvironment and demonstrating more similarity to in vivo circumstances. Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a lethal endocrine malignancy. Despite different treatment approaches, no improvement in the survival rate of the patients has been shown. In this study, we used the 3D in vitro ATC model to investigate the cytotoxic effect of BI-847325 anticancer drug in two-dimensional (2D)- and 3D- cultured cells. Methods Human ATC cell lines, C643 and SW1736, were cultured in one percentage (w/v) sodium alginate. Spheroids were incubated in medium for one week. The reproducibility of the fabrication of alginate beads was evaluated. Encapsulation of the cells in alginate was examined by DAPI (4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) staining. Survival of alginate-encapsulated cells was evaluated by CFSE (5,6-Carboxyfluorescein N-hydroxysuccinimidyl ester) staining. The population doubling times of C643 and SW1736 cell lines cultured in 2D monolayer as well as in 3D system were calculated. The cytotoxic effect of BI-847325 on 2D- and 3D- cultured cell lines was assessed for 24–72 h by MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay. Finally, the 3D culture results were compared with the 2D culture method. Results The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of BI-847325 were higher in 3D culture compared to 2D culture. The cytotoxicity data indicated that 3D in vitro models were more resistant to chemotherapy agents. Conclusions The findings of this study are beneficial for developing in vitro ATC 3D models to analyze the efficacy of different chemotherapy drugs and formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilda Samimi
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Naderi Sohi
- Department of Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering, Stem Cell Technology Research Center, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shiva Irani
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Arefian
- Molecular Virology Lab, Department of Microbiology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojdeh Mahdiannasser
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parviz Fallah
- Department of Laboratory Science, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences (ABZUMS), Taleghani Boulevard, Taleghani Square, Karaj, 3155717453, Iran.
| | - Vahid Haghpanah
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .,Personalized Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Tsao LC, Force J, Hartman ZC. Mechanisms of Therapeutic Antitumor Monoclonal Antibodies. Cancer Res 2021; 81:4641-4651. [PMID: 34145037 PMCID: PMC8448950 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-1109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) are a major component of cancer therapy. In this review, we summarize the different therapeutic mAbs that have been successfully developed against various tumor-expressed antigens and examine our current understanding of their different mechanisms of antitumor action. These mechanisms of action (MOA) largely center on the stimulation of different innate immune effector processes, which appear to be principally responsible for the efficacy of most unconjugated mAb therapies against cancer. This is evident in studies of mAbs targeting antigens for hematologic cancers, with emerging data also demonstrating the critical nature of innate immune-mediated mechanisms in the efficacy of anti-HER2 mAbs against solid HER2+ cancers. Although HER2-targeted mAbs were originally described as inhibitors of HER2-mediated signaling, multiple studies have since demonstrated these mAbs function largely through their engagement with Fc receptors to activate innate immune effector functions as well as complement activity. Next-generation mAbs are capitalizing on these MOAs through improvements to enhance Fc-activity, although regulation of these mechanisms may vary in different tumor microenvironments. In addition, novel antibody-drug conjugates have emerged as an important means to activate different MOAs. Although many unknowns remain, an improved understanding of these immunologic MOAs will be essential for the future of mAb therapy and cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Chung Tsao
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Jeremy Force
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Zachary C Hartman
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina.
- Department of Pathology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
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Franchi-Mendes T, Eduardo R, Domenici G, Brito C. 3D Cancer Models: Depicting Cellular Crosstalk within the Tumour Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4610. [PMID: 34572836 PMCID: PMC8468887 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumour microenvironment plays a critical role in tumour progression and drug resistance processes. Non-malignant cell players, such as fibroblasts, endothelial cells, immune cells and others, interact with each other and with the tumour cells, shaping the disease. Though the role of each cell type and cell communication mechanisms have been progressively studied, the complexity of this cellular network and its role in disease mechanism and therapeutic response are still being unveiled. Animal models have been mainly used, as they can represent systemic interactions and conditions, though they face recognized limitations in translational potential due to interspecies differences. In vitro 3D cancer models can surpass these limitations, by incorporating human cells, including patient-derived ones, and allowing a range of experimental designs with precise control of each tumour microenvironment element. We summarize the role of each tumour microenvironment component and review studies proposing 3D co-culture strategies of tumour cells and non-malignant cell components. Moreover, we discuss the potential of these modelling approaches to uncover potential therapeutic targets in the tumour microenvironment and assess therapeutic efficacy, current bottlenecks and perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Franchi-Mendes
- iBET—Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal; (T.F.-M.); (R.E.); (G.D.)
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Rodrigo Eduardo
- iBET—Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal; (T.F.-M.); (R.E.); (G.D.)
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Giacomo Domenici
- iBET—Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal; (T.F.-M.); (R.E.); (G.D.)
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Catarina Brito
- iBET—Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Apartado 12, 2781-901 Oeiras, Portugal; (T.F.-M.); (R.E.); (G.D.)
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
- The Discoveries Centre for Regenerative and Precision Medicine, Lisbon Campus, Av. da República, 2780-157 Oeiras, Portugal
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Rabionet M, Polonio-Alcalá E, Relat J, Yeste M, Sims-Mourtada J, Kloxin AM, Planas M, Feliu L, Ciurana J, Puig T. Fatty acid synthase as a feasible biomarker for triple negative breast cancer stem cell subpopulation cultured on electrospun scaffolds. Mater Today Bio 2021; 12:100155. [PMID: 34841239 PMCID: PMC8606546 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2021.100155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
There is no targeted therapy for triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), which presents an aggressive profile and poor prognosis. Recent studies noticed the feasibility of breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs), a small population responsible for tumor initiation and relapse, to become a novel target for TNBC treatments. However, new cell culture supports need to be standardized since traditional two-dimensional (2D) surfaces do not maintain the stemness state of cells. Hence, three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds represent an alternative to study in vitro cell behavior without inducing cell differentiation. In this work, electrospun polycaprolactone scaffolds were used to enrich BCSC subpopulation of MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 TNBC cells, confirmed by the upregulation of several stemness markers and the existence of an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition within 3D culture. Moreover, 3D-cultured cells displayed a shift from MAPK to PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways, accompanied by an enhanced EGFR and HER2 activation, especially at early cell culture times. Lastly, the fatty acid synthase (FASN), a lipogenic enzyme overexpressed in several carcinomas, was found to be hyperactivated in stemness-enriched samples. Its pharmacological inhibition led to stemness diminishment, overcoming the BCSC expansion achieved in 3D culture. Therefore, FASN may represent a novel target for BCSC niche in TNBC samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Rabionet
- New Therapeutic Targets Laboratory (TargetsLab) - Oncology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Girona, Emili Grahit 77, 17003, Girona, Spain
- Product, Process and Production Engineering Research Group (GREP), Department of Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Construction, University of Girona, Maria Aurèlia Capmany 61, 17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Emma Polonio-Alcalá
- New Therapeutic Targets Laboratory (TargetsLab) - Oncology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Girona, Emili Grahit 77, 17003, Girona, Spain
- Product, Process and Production Engineering Research Group (GREP), Department of Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Construction, University of Girona, Maria Aurèlia Capmany 61, 17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Joana Relat
- Department of Nutrition, Food Sciences and Gastronomy, School of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Food and Nutrition Torribera Campus, University of Barcelona, Prat de la Riba 171, 08921, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Safety of the University of Barcelona (INSA-UB), E-08921 Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Spain
- CIBER Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBER-OBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, E-28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Department of Biology, Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, Pic de Peguera 15, 17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Jennifer Sims-Mourtada
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Helen F Graham Cancer Center and Research Institute, Christiana Care Health Services, Inc, Newark, DE, USA
| | - April M. Kloxin
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, 19716, USA
| | - Marta Planas
- LIPPSO, Department of Chemistry, University of Girona, Maria Aurèlia Capmany 69, 17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Lidia Feliu
- LIPPSO, Department of Chemistry, University of Girona, Maria Aurèlia Capmany 69, 17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Joaquim Ciurana
- Product, Process and Production Engineering Research Group (GREP), Department of Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Construction, University of Girona, Maria Aurèlia Capmany 61, 17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Teresa Puig
- New Therapeutic Targets Laboratory (TargetsLab) - Oncology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Girona, Emili Grahit 77, 17003, Girona, Spain
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42
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Gameiro A, Urbano AC, Ferreira F. Emerging Biomarkers and Targeted Therapies in Feline Mammary Carcinoma. Vet Sci 2021; 8:164. [PMID: 34437486 PMCID: PMC8402877 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8080164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Feline mammary carcinoma (FMC) is a common aggressive malignancy with a low survival rate that lacks viable therapeutic options beyond mastectomy. Recently, increasing efforts have been made to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying FMC development, using the knowledge gained from studies on human breast cancer to discover new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, thus reinforcing the utility of the cat as a cancer model. In this article, we review the current knowledge on FMC pathogenesis, biomarkers, and prognosis factors and offer new insights into novel therapeutic options for HER2-positive and triple-negative FMC subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fernando Ferreira
- CIISA—Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal; (A.G.); (A.C.U.)
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43
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Balachander GM, Kotcherlakota R, Nayak B, Kedaria D, Rangarajan A, Chatterjee K. 3D Tumor Models for Breast Cancer: Whither We Are and What We Need. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2021; 7:3470-3486. [PMID: 34286955 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c00230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) models have led to a paradigm shift in disease modeling in vitro, particularly for cancer. The past decade has seen a phenomenal increase in the development of 3D models for various types of cancers with a focus on studying stemness, invasive behavior, angiogenesis, and chemoresistance of cancer cells, as well as contributions of its stroma, which has expanded our understanding of these processes. Cancer biology is moving into exploring the emerging hallmarks of cancer, such as inflammation, immune evasion, and reprogramming of energy metabolism. Studies into these emerging concepts have provided novel targets and treatment options such as antitumor immunotherapy. However, 3D models that can investigate the emerging hallmarks are few and underexplored. As commonly used immunocompromised mice and syngenic mice cannot accurately mimic human immunology, stromal interactions, and metabolism and require the use of prohibitively expensive humanized mice, there is tremendous scope to develop authentic 3D tumor models in these areas. Taking the specific case of breast cancer, we discuss the currently available 3D models, their applications to mimic signaling in cancer, tumor-stroma interactions, drug responses, and assessment of drug delivery systems and therapies. We discuss the lacunae in the development of 3D tumor models for the emerging hallmarks of cancer, for lesser-explored forms of breast cancer, and provide insights to develop such models. We discuss how the next generation of 3D models can provide a better mimic of human cancer modeling compared to xenograft models and the scope toward preclinical models and precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gowri Manohari Balachander
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560012, India.,Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, MD9-04-11, 2 Medical Drive, Singapore 117593, Singapore
| | - Rajesh Kotcherlakota
- Department of Materials Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560012, India
| | - Biswadeep Nayak
- Department of Materials Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560012, India.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States.,Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560012, India
| | - Dhaval Kedaria
- Department of Materials Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560012, India
| | - Annapoorni Rangarajan
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560012, India.,Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560012, India
| | - Kaushik Chatterjee
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560012, India.,Department of Materials Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore-560012, India
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44
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Wang X, Kokabee L, Kokabee M, Conklin DS. Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase and Its Isoforms in Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:668996. [PMID: 34307353 PMCID: PMC8297165 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.668996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) is a soluble tyrosine kinase with central roles in the development, maturation, and signaling of B cells. BTK has been found to regulate cell proliferation, survival, and migration in various B-cell malignancies. Targeting BTK with recently developed BTK inhibitors has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of several hematological malignancies and has transformed the treatment of several B-cell malignancies. The roles that BTK plays in B cells have been appreciated for some time. Recent studies have established that BTK is expressed and plays pro-tumorigenic roles in several epithelial cancers. In this review, we focus on novel isoforms of the BTK protein expressed in epithelial cancers. We review recent work on the expression, function, and signaling of these isoforms and their value as potential therapeutic targets in epithelial tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianhui Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Research Center, State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY, United States
| | - Leila Kokabee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Research Center, State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY, United States
| | - Mostafa Kokabee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Research Center, State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY, United States
| | - Douglas S Conklin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cancer Research Center, State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY, United States
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45
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Lin ZT, Gu J, Wang H, Wu A, Sun J, Chen S, Li Y, Kong Y, Wu MX, Wu T. Thermosensitive and Conductive Hybrid Polymer for Real-Time Monitoring of Spheroid Growth and Drug Responses. ACS Sens 2021; 6:2147-2157. [PMID: 34014658 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.0c02266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture based on polymer scaffold provides a promising tool to mimic a physiological microenvironment for drug testing; however, the next-generation cell activity monitoring technology for 3D cell culture is still challenging. Conventionally, drug efficacy evaluation and cell growth heavily rely on cell staining assays, using optical devices or flow cytometry. Here, we report a dual-function polymer scaffold (DFPS) composed of thermosensitive, silver flake- and gold nanoparticle-decorated polymers, enabling conductance change upon cell proliferation or death for in situ cell activity monitoring and drug screening. The cell activity can be quantitatively monitored via measuring the conductance change induced by polymeric network swelling or shrinkage. This novel dual-function system (1) provides a 3D microenvironment to enable the formation and growth of tumor spheroid in vitro and streamlines the harvesting of tumor spheroids through the thermosensitive scaffold and (2) offers a simple and direct quantitative method to monitor 3D cell culture in situ for drug responses. As a proof of concept, we demonstrated that a breast cancer stem cell line MDA-MB-436 was able to form cell spheroids in the scaffold, and the conductance change of the sensor exhibited a linear relationship with cell concentration. To examine its potential in drug screening, cancer spheroids in the cell sensor were treated with paclitaxel (PTX) and docetaxel (DTX), and predicted quantitative evaluation of the cytotoxic effect of drugs was established. Our results indicated that this cell sensing system may hold promising potential in expanding into an array device for high-throughput drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuan-Tao Lin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
| | - Jianhua Gu
- Electron Microscopy Core, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Huie Wang
- Electron Microscopy Core, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Albon Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
| | - Jingying Sun
- Department of Physics and TcSUH, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
| | - Shuo Chen
- Department of Physics and TcSUH, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
| | - Yaxi Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
| | - Yifei Kong
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
| | - Mei X. Wu
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
| | - Tianfu Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, United States
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46
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Kim J, Lyu HZ, Jung C, Lee KM, Han SH, Lee JH, Cha M. Osteogenic Response of MC3T3-E1 and Raw264.7 in the 3D-Encapsulated Co-Culture Environment. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2021; 18:387-397. [PMID: 33415675 PMCID: PMC8169729 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-020-00321-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Three-dimensional (3D) in vitro cultures recapitulate the physiological microenvironment and exhibit high concordance with in vivo conditions. Improving co-culture models with different kind of cell types cultured on a 3D scaffold can closely mimic the in vivo environment. In this study, we examined the osteogenic response of pre-osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells and Raw264.7 mouse monocytes in a 3D-encapsulated co-culture environment composed of the Cellrix® 3D culture system, which provides a physiologically relevant environment. METHODS The Cellrix® 3D Bio-Gel scaffolds were used to individually culture or co-culture two type cells in 3D microenvironment. Under 3D culture conditions, osteoblastic behavior was evaluated with an ALP assay and staining. ACP assay and TRAP staining were used as osteoclastic behavior indicator. RESULTS Treatment with osteoblastic induction factors (+3F) and RANKL had on positively effect on alkaline phosphatase activity but significantly inhibited to acid phosphatase activity during osteoclastic differentiation in 3D co-culture. Interestingly, alkaline phosphatase activity or acid phosphatase activity in 3D co-culture was stimulated with opposite differentiation factors at an early stage of differentiation. We guess that these effects may be related to RANK-RANKL signaling, which is important in osteoblast regulation of osteoclasts. CONCLUSION In this study, the osteogenic response of 3D encapsulated pre-osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells and mouse monocyte Raw264.7 cells was successfully demonstrated. Our 3D culture conditions will be able to provide a foundation for developing a high-throughput in vitro bone model to study the effects of various drugs and other agents on molecular pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jungju Kim
- Research Institute of Biotechnology, Medifab Co, Ltd., 70, Dusan-ro, Doksan-dong, Geumcheon-gu, Seoul, 08584, South Korea
| | - Hao-Zhen Lyu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Daehak-ro 103, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, South Korea
| | - Chisung Jung
- Research Institute of Biotechnology, Medifab Co, Ltd., 70, Dusan-ro, Doksan-dong, Geumcheon-gu, Seoul, 08584, South Korea
| | - Kyung Mee Lee
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Daehak-ro 103, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, South Korea
| | - Shi Huan Han
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Daehak-ro 103, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, South Korea
| | - Jae Hyup Lee
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Daehak-ro 103, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, South Korea.
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, SMG-SNU Boramae Medical Center, Boramae-ro 5-gil 20, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, 07061, South Korea.
| | - Misun Cha
- Research Institute of Biotechnology, Medifab Co, Ltd., 70, Dusan-ro, Doksan-dong, Geumcheon-gu, Seoul, 08584, South Korea.
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47
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Han S, Wang Z, Liu J, Wang HMD, Yuan Q. miR-29a-3p-dependent COL3A1 and COL5A1 expression reduction assists sulforaphane to inhibit gastric cancer progression. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 188:114539. [PMID: 33819468 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The antitumor properties of cruciferous vegetables are mainly due to their high content of isothiocyanates, and sulforaphane (SFA) is the most well-known compound. The aim of this study was to determine the mechanism of SFA inhibiting gastric cancer (GC) progression. After verifying SFA suppressing GC growth in vivo, we utilized the GSE79973 and GSE118916 datasets to identify the GC development signatures that overlap with the RNA-seq analysis in SFA-treated AGS cells. GSEA of the RNA-seq data indicated that SFA regulation of GC progression was related to extracellular matrix and collagens; thus, we identified COL3A1 and COL5A1 as the targets of SFA, which functioned as oncogenes. We found positive correlations between COL3A1 and COL5A1 expression in GC cells, and confirmed that miR-29a-3p is the common regulator of their expression. RNA immunoprecipitation assays based on Ago2, Dicer, and exportin-5 showed that SFA could promote mature miR-29a-3p generation. We also proved that SFA inactivated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in GC cells in a miR-29a-3p-dependent manner. Overall, SFA boosts miR-29a-3p maturation to downregulate COL3A1 and COL5A1 and inactivate the Wnt/ β -catenin pathway to suppress GC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sichong Han
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, PR China
| | - Zhe Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, PR China
| | - Jining Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, PR China
| | - Hui-Min David Wang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City 402, Taiwan; Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, China Medical University, Taichung City 404, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City 807, Taiwan; College of Food and Biological Engineering, Jimei University, Xiamen City 361021 Fujia Province, PR China; Undergraduate Program Study of Biomedical Engineering, Physics Department, Airlangga University, Surabaya City 60115, Indonesia.
| | - Qipeng Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, PR China.
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Borrero-García LD, Del Mar Maldonado M, Medina-Velázquez J, Troche-Torres AL, Velazquez L, Grafals-Ruiz N, Dharmawardhane S. Rac inhibition as a novel therapeutic strategy for EGFR/HER2 targeted therapy resistant breast cancer. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:652. [PMID: 34074257 PMCID: PMC8170972 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08366-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Even though targeted therapies are available for cancers expressing oncogenic epidermal growth receptor (EGFR) and (or) human EGFR2 (HER2), acquired or intrinsic resistance often confounds therapy success. Common mechanisms of therapy resistance involve activating receptor point mutations and (or) upregulation of signaling downstream of EGFR/HER2 to Akt and (or) mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. However, additional pathways of resistance may exist thus, confounding successful therapy. Methods To determine novel mechanisms of EGFR/HER2 therapy resistance in breast cancer, gefitinib or lapatinib resistant variants were created from SKBR3 breast cancer cells. Syngenic therapy sensitive and resistant SKBR3 variants were characterized for mechanisms of resistance by mammosphere assays, viability assays, and western blotting for total and phospho proteins. Results Gefitinib and lapatinib treatments reduced mammosphere formation in the sensitive cells, but not in the therapy resistant variants, indicating enhanced mesenchymal and cancer stem cell-like characteristics in therapy resistant cells. The therapy resistant variants did not show significant changes in known therapy resistant pathways of AKT and MAPK activities downstream of EGFR/HER2. However, these cells exhibited elevated expression and activation of the small GTPase Rac, which is a pivotal intermediate of GFR signaling in EMT and metastasis. Therefore, the potential of the Rac inhibitors EHop-016 and MBQ-167 to overcome therapy resistance was tested, and found to inhibit viability and induce apoptosis of therapy resistant cells. Conclusions Rac inhibition may represent a viable strategy for treatment of EGFR/HER2 targeted therapy resistant breast cancer. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-08366-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis D Borrero-García
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Maria Del Mar Maldonado
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Julia Medina-Velázquez
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Angel L Troche-Torres
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Luis Velazquez
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Nilmary Grafals-Ruiz
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Suranganie Dharmawardhane
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
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49
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HER2-Targeted Immunotherapy and Combined Protocols Showed Promising Antiproliferative Effects in Feline Mammary Carcinoma Cell-Based Models. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13092007. [PMID: 33919468 PMCID: PMC8122524 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Mammary tumors are common in cats, presenting an aggressive behavior with high tumor recurrence. Therefore, new and efficient therapeutic protocols are urgent. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs; ADC) are widely used in human breast cancer therapy, inhibiting the HER2 dimerization and leading to cell apoptosis. Furthermore, drug combinations, with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKi) are valuable in patients’ therapeutic protocols. In this study, two mAbs, and an ADC, as well as combined protocols between mAbs and mAbs plus lapatinib (TKi) were tested to address if the drugs could be used as new therapeutic options in feline mammary tumors. All the compounds and the combined treatments revealed valuable antiproliferative effects, and a conserved cell death mechanism, by apoptosis, in the feline cell lines, where the mutations found in the extracellular domain of the HER2 suggest no immunotherapy resistance. Abstract Feline mammary carcinoma (FMC) is a highly prevalent tumor, showing aggressive clinicopathological features, with HER2-positive being the most frequent subtype. While, in human breast cancer, the use of anti-HER2 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) is common, acting by blocking the extracellular domain (ECD) of the HER2 protein and by inducing cell apoptosis, scarce information is available on use these immunoagents in FMC. Thus, the antiproliferative effects of two mAbs (trastuzumab and pertuzumab), of an antibody–drug conjugate compound (T-DM1) and of combined treatments with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (lapatinib) were evaluated on three FMC cell lines (CAT-MT, FMCm and FMCp). In parallel, the DNA sequence of the her2 ECD (subdomains II and IV) was analyzed in 40 clinical samples of FMC, in order to identify mutations, which can lead to antibody resistance or be used as prognostic biomarkers. Results obtained revealed a strong antiproliferative effect in all feline cell lines, and a synergistic response was observed when combined therapies were performed. Additionally, the mutations found were not described as inducing resistance to therapy in breast cancer patients. Altogether, our results suggested that anti-HER2 mAbs could become useful in the treatment of FMC, particularly, if combined with lapatinib, since drug-resistance seems to be rare.
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Abstract
The extracellular matrix is a fundamental, core component of all tissues and organs, and is essential for the existence of multicellular organisms. From the earliest stages of organism development until death, it regulates and fine-tunes every cellular process in the body. In cancer, the extracellular matrix is altered at the biochemical, biomechanical, architectural and topographical levels, and recent years have seen an exponential increase in the study and recognition of the importance of the matrix in solid tumours. Coupled with the advancement of new technologies to study various elements of the matrix and cell-matrix interactions, we are also beginning to see the deployment of matrix-centric, stromal targeting cancer therapies. This Review touches on many of the facets of matrix biology in solid cancers, including breast, pancreatic and lung cancer, with the aim of highlighting some of the emerging interactions of the matrix and influences that the matrix has on tumour onset, progression and metastatic dissemination, before summarizing the ongoing work in the field aimed at developing therapies to co-target the matrix in cancer and cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R Cox
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
- St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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