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Lim M, Fletcher NL, Saunus JM, McCart Reed AE, Chittoory H, Simpson PT, Thurecht KJ, Lakhani SR. Targeted Hyperbranched Nanoparticles for Delivery of Doxorubicin in Breast Cancer Brain Metastasis. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:6169-6183. [PMID: 37970806 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00558] [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] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer brain metastases (BM) are associated with a dismal prognosis and very limited treatment options. Standard chemotherapy is challenging in BM patients because the high dosage required for an effective outcome causes unacceptable systemic toxicities, a consequence of poor brain penetration, and a short physiological half-life. Nanomedicines have the potential to circumvent off-target toxicities and factors limiting the efficacy of conventional chemotherapy. The HER3 receptor is commonly expressed in breast cancer BM. Here, we investigate the use of hyperbranched polymers (HBP) functionalized with a HER3 bispecific-antibody fragment for cancer cell-specific targeting and pH-responsive release of doxorubicin (DOX) to selectively deliver and treat BM. We demonstrated that DOX-release from the HBP carrier was controlled, gradual, and greater in endosomal acidic conditions (pH 5.5) relative to physiologic pH (pH 7.4). We showed that the HER3-targeted HBP with DOX payload was HER3-specific and induced cytotoxicity in BT474 breast cancer cells (IC50: 17.6 μg/mL). Therapeutic testing in a BM mouse model showed that HER3-targeted HBP with DOX payload impacted tumor proliferation, reduced tumor size, and prolonged overall survival. HER3-targeted HBP level detected in ex vivo brain samples was 14-fold more than untargeted-HBP. The HBP treatments were well tolerated, with less cardiac and oocyte toxicity compared to free DOX. Taken together, our HER3-targeted HBP nanomedicine has the potential to deliver chemotherapy to BM while reducing chemotherapy-associated toxicities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malcolm Lim
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Herston, Queensland 4006, Australia
| | - Nicholas L Fletcher
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
- Australian Research Council Training Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging Technology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Jodi M Saunus
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Herston, Queensland 4006, Australia
| | - Amy E McCart Reed
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Herston, Queensland 4006, Australia
| | - Haarika Chittoory
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Herston, Queensland 4006, Australia
| | - Peter T Simpson
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Herston, Queensland 4006, Australia
| | - Kristofer J Thurecht
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
- Australian Research Council Training Centre for Innovation in Biomedical Imaging Technology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Sunil R Lakhani
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Herston, Queensland 4006, Australia
- Pathology Queensland, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, Queensland 4006, Australia
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Campbell MR, Ruiz-Saenz A, Zhang Y, Peterson E, Steri V, Oeffinger J, Sampang M, Jura N, Moasser MM. Extensive conformational and physical plasticity protects HER2-HER3 tumorigenic signaling. Cell Rep 2022; 38:110285. [PMID: 35108526 PMCID: PMC8865943 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.110285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Surface-targeting biotherapeutic agents have been successful in treating HER2-amplified cancers through immunostimulation or chemodelivery but have failed to produce effective inhibitors of constitutive HER2-HER3 signaling. We report an extensive structure-function analysis of this tumor driver, revealing complete uncoupling of intracellular signaling and tumorigenic function from regulation or constraints from their extracellular domains (ECDs). The canonical HER3 ECD conformational changes and exposure of the dimerization interface are nonessential, and the entire ECDs of HER2 and HER3 are redundant for tumorigenic signaling. Restricting the proximation of partner ECDs with bulk and steric clash through extremely disruptive receptor engineering leaves tumorigenic signaling unperturbed. This is likely due to considerable conformational flexibilities across the span of these receptor molecules and substantial undulations in the plane of the plasma membrane, none of which had been foreseen as impediments to targeting strategies. The massive overexpression of HER2 functionally and physically uncouples intracellular signaling from extracellular constraints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcia R Campbell
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Ana Ruiz-Saenz
- Departments of Cell Biology & Medical Oncology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Yuntian Zhang
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Elliott Peterson
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Veronica Steri
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Julie Oeffinger
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Maryjo Sampang
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Natalia Jura
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Mark M Moasser
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
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Iwabuchi E, Miki Y, Sasano H. The Visualization of Protein-Protein Interactions in Breast Cancer: Deployment Study in Pathological Examination. Acta Histochem Cytochem 2021; 54:177-183. [PMID: 35023880 PMCID: PMC8727844 DOI: 10.1267/ahc.21-00084] [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] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic strategy is determined by protein expression using immunohistochemistry of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) breast cancer tissues. However, few proteins function independently, and many of them functions due to protein-protein interactions (PPIs) with other proteins. Therefore, it is important to focus on PPIs. This review summarizes the PPIs of ER and HER2 in breast cancer, especially those using a proximity ligation assay that can visualize PPIs in FFPE tissues. In particular, assessing the interaction of CEACAM6 with HER2 may serve as a surrogate marker for the efficacy of trastuzumab in patients with breast cancer. Therefore, in this review, the technique used to detect the interaction of CEACAM6 and HER2 in routinely processed pathological specimens will be applied to the clinical practice of drug selection. We showed the possibility as a novel pathological examination method using PPIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erina Iwabuchi
- Department of Pathology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Yasuhiro Miki
- Department of Disaster Obstetrics and Gynecology, International Research Institute of Disaster Science (IRIDes), Tohoku University
| | - Hironobu Sasano
- Department of Pathology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine
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Zoi I, Karamouzis MV, Xingi E, Sarantis P, Thomaidou D, Lembessis P, Theocharis S, Papavassiliou AG. Combining RANK/RANKL and ERBB-2 targeting as a novel strategy in ERBB-2-positive breast carcinomas. Breast Cancer Res 2019; 21:132. [PMID: 31796128 PMCID: PMC6892243 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-019-1226-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND ERBB-2 is overexpressed in about 20% of breast cancers (BCs), indicating poor prognosis. The receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (RANK) pathway is implicated in ERBB-2 (+) BC. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism of this interaction and the beneficial impact of dual targeting of RANK and ERBB-2 pathways. METHODS We used SKBR3, MCF7, MDA-MB-453, and BT-474 human BC cell lines. We examined RANK and RANKL expression using RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence. The evaluation of RANK expression in a cohort of BC patients was performed using immunohistochemistry. The interaction between RANK and ERBB family members was detected using proximity ligation assay (PLA), which enables the visualization of interacting proteins. We used inhibitors of both pathways [trastuzumab (T), pertuzumab (P), denosumab (D)]. NF-κB pathway activation was studied using Western blot. Cell growth and viability was evaluated using XTT, flow cytometry, and clonogenic assay. For cell migration evaluation, scratch assay was performed. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA. RESULTS Cell lines express RANK and RANKL. RANK immunostaining was also detected in human BC tissue samples. RANK receptor dimerizes with ERBB family members. RANK/ERBB-2 dimer number seems to be associated with ERBB-2 expression (SKBR3, 5.4; BT-474, 8.2; MCF7, 0.7; MDA-MB-453, 0.3). RANK/ERBB-2 dimers were decreased in the presence of the inhibitors D, T, and P, while they were increased after RANKL (R) treatment in SKBR3 (m, 5.4; D, 1.2; T, 1.9; DT, 0.6; TP, 1; DTP, 0.4; R, 11.8) and BT-474 (m, 8.2; D, 3.1; T, 4.3; DT, 0.7; TP, 3.4; DTP, 3.2; R, 11.6). Combination targeting of SKBR3 further decreased NF-κB pathway activation compared to single targeting. In SKBR3, RANKL and ERBB-2 blockage resulted in reduced cell proliferation, increased apoptosis, and lower metastatic potential compared to mock cells (m) and reversed values in RANKL presence. The combination treatment of SKBR3 with D, T, and P had an advantage in functional traits compared to single targeting. Denosumab suppressed NF-κB signaling and diminished proliferation rate in MDA-MB-453 cells. MCF7 did not correspond to inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate a novel physical and molecular association between ERBB-2 and RANK pathways that affects ERBB-2 (+) BC growth. We also present data suggesting that the combination of anti-ERBB-2 agents and RANKL inhibitors have a potential direct anti-tumor effect and should be further tested in certain BC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilianna Zoi
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, M. Asias Street, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Michalis V Karamouzis
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, M. Asias Street, 11527, Athens, Greece.
- First Department of Internal Medicine, 'Laiko' Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527, Athens, Greece.
| | - Evangelia Xingi
- Light Microscopy Unit, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Sarantis
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, M. Asias Street, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Panayiotis Lembessis
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Stamatios Theocharis
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios G Papavassiliou
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, M. Asias Street, 11527, Athens, Greece.
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Almotlak AA, Farooqui M, Siegfried JM. Inhibiting Pathways Predicted From a Steroid Hormone Gene Signature Yields Synergistic Antitumor Effects in NSCLC. J Thorac Oncol 2019; 15:62-79. [PMID: 31606604 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtho.2019.09.195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mounting evidence supports a role for estrogen signaling in NSCLC progression. We previously reported a seven-gene signature that predicts prognosis in estrogen receptor β positive (ERβ+) NSCLC. The signature defines a network comprised of ER and human EGFR-2/3 (HER2/HER3) signaling. METHODS We tested the efficacy of combining the pan-HER inhibitor, dacomitinib, with the estrogen antagonist, fulvestrant, in ERβ+ NSCLC models with differing genotypes. We assessed the potency of this combination on xenograft growth and survival of host mice, and the ability to reverse the gene signature associated with poor outcome. RESULTS Synergy was observed between dacomitinib and fulvestrant in three human ERβ+ NSCLC models: 201T (wild-type EGFR), A549 (KRAS mutant), and HCC827 (EGFR 19 deletion) with combination indices of 0.1-0.6. The combination, but not single agents, completely reversed the gene signature associated with poor prognosis in a mechanism that is largely mediated by activator protein 1 downregulation. In vivo, the combination also induced tumor regression and reversed the gene signature. In HCC827 xenografts treated with the combination, survival of mice was prolonged after therapy discontinuation, tumors that recurred were less aggressive, and two mechanisms of HER inhibitor resistance involving c-Met activation and PTEN loss were blocked. CONCLUSIONS The combination of an ER blocker and a pan-HER inhibitor provides synergistic efficacy in different models of ERβ+ NSCLC. Our data support the use of this combination clinically, considering its ability to induce potent antitumor effects and produce a gene signature that predicts better clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulaziz A Almotlak
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Department of Pharmacology, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mariya Farooqui
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Jill M Siegfried
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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Mieszkowska M, Piasecka D, Potemski P, Debska-Szmich S, Rychlowski M, Kordek R, Sadej R, Romanska HM. Tetraspanin CD151 impairs heterodimerization of ErbB2/ErbB3 in breast cancer cells. Transl Res 2019; 207:44-55. [PMID: 30639369 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2018.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
CD151/Tspan24 (SFS-1, PETA3) is one of the best characterized members of the tetraspanin family, whose involvement in breast cancer (BCa) progression was demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. We have recently reported that in ErbB2-overexpressing BCa cells grown in 3D laminin-rich extracellular matrix, CD151 regulated basal phosphorylation and homodimerization of ErbB2 and sensitized the cells to Herceptin (trastuzumab). Following from these data, we have here analyzed an involvement of CD151 in regulation of ErbB2/ErbB3 heterodimerization and its impact on cell response to Herceptin. CD151 was found to: (1) impair ErbB2/ErbB3 heterodimerization, (2) inhibit heregulin-dependent cell growth in 3D and signaling, and (3) counteract the protective effect of heregulin on Herceptin-mediated growth inhibition. Analysis of tissue samples demonstrated for the first time clinical significance of CD151 in patients with ErbB2-overexpressing BCa undergone trastuzumab-based therapy. Consistent with in vitro results, CD151 impact on disease outcome was ErbB3-dependent. In patients with ErbB3-negative tumors, CD151 significantly improved both overall survival (OS) (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.19, P = 0.034) and progression-free survival (PFS) (HR = 0.36, P = 0.043), while in ErbB3-positive cases it had no significant effect on patient survival (OS: HR = 3.33, P = 0.283; PFS: HR = 2.40, P = 0.208). These results support previous findings and show that CD151 acts as an important component of ErbB2 signaling axis in BCa cells, affecting their sensitivity to ErbB2-targeting therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Mieszkowska
- Department of Molecular Enzymology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | | | - Piotr Potemski
- Department of Chemotherapy, Medical University of Lodz and Copernicus Memorial Hospital in Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Sylwia Debska-Szmich
- Department of Chemotherapy, Medical University of Lodz and Copernicus Memorial Hospital in Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Michal Rychlowski
- Department of Virus Molecular Biology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Radzislaw Kordek
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Rafal Sadej
- Department of Molecular Enzymology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland.
| | - Hanna M Romanska
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.
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Luhtala S, Staff S, Kallioniemi A, Tanner M, Isola J. Clinicopathological and prognostic correlations of HER3 expression and its degradation regulators, NEDD4-1 and NRDP1, in primary breast cancer. BMC Cancer 2018; 18:1045. [PMID: 30367623 PMCID: PMC6204010 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-018-4917-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human epidermal growth factor receptor HER3 (ErbB3), especially in association with its relative HER2 (ErbB2), is known as a key oncogene in breast tumour biology. Nonetheless, the prognostic relevance of HER3 remains controversial. NEDD4–1 and NRDP1 are signalling molecules closely related to the degradation of HER3 via ubiquitination. NEDD4–1 and NRDP1 have been reported to contribute to HER3-mediated signalling by regulating its localization and cell membrane retention. We studied correlations between HER3, NEDD4–1, and NRDP1 protein expression and their association with tumour histopathological characteristics and clinical outcomes. Methods The prevalence of immunohistochemically detectable expression profiles of HER3 (n = 177), NEDD4–1 (n = 145), and NRDP1 (n = 145) proteins was studied in primary breast carcinomas on archival formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples. Clinicopathological correlations were determined statistically using Pearson’s Chi-Square test. The Kaplan-Meier method, log-rank test (Mantel-Cox), and Cox regression analysis were utilized for survival analysis. Results HER3 protein was expressed in breast carcinomas without association with HER2 gene amplification status. Absence or low HER3 expression correlated with clinically aggressive features, such as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) phenotype, basal cell origin (cytokeratin 5/14 expression combined with ER negativity), large tumour size, and positive lymph node status. Low total HER3 expression was prognostic for shorter recurrence-free survival time in HER2-amplified breast cancer (p = 0.004, p = 0.020 in univariate and multivariate analyses, respectively). The majority (82.8%) of breast cancers demonstrated NEDD4–1 protein expression - while only a minor proportion (8.3%) of carcinomas expressed NRDP1. NEDD4–1 and NRDP1 expression were not associated with clinical outcomes in HER2-amplified breast cancer, irrespective of adjuvant trastuzumab therapy. Conclusions Low HER3 expression is suggested to be a valuable prognostic biomarker to predict recurrence in HER2-amplified breast cancer. Neither NEDD4–1 nor NRDP1 demonstrated relevance in prognostics or in the subclassification of HER2-amplified breast carcinomas. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-018-4917-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satu Luhtala
- BioMediTech Institute and Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, 33520, Tampere, Finland.
| | - Synnöve Staff
- BioMediTech Institute and Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, 33520, Tampere, Finland.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Anne Kallioniemi
- BioMediTech Institute and Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, 33520, Tampere, Finland
| | - Minna Tanner
- Department of Oncology, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Jorma Isola
- BioMediTech Institute and Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, 33520, Tampere, Finland
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Exploring Protein⁻Protein Interaction in the Study of Hormone-Dependent Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19103173. [PMID: 30326622 PMCID: PMC6213999 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19103173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen receptors promote target gene transcription when they form a dimer, in which two identical (homodimer) or different (heterodimer) proteins are bound to each other. In hormone-dependent cancers, hormone receptor dimerization plays pivotal roles, not only in the pathogenesis or development of the tumors, but also in the development of therapeutic resistance. Protein–protein interactions (PPIs), including dimerization and complex formation, have been also well-known to be required for proteins to exert their functions. The methods which could detect PPIs are genetic engineering (i.e., resonance energy transfer) and/or antibody technology (i.e., co-immunoprecipitation) using cultured cells. In addition, visualization of the target proteins in tissues can be performed using antigen–antibody reactions, as in immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, development of microscopic techniques (i.e., electron microscopy and confocal laser microscopy) has made it possible to visualize intracellular and/or intranuclear organelles. We have recently reported the visualization of estrogen receptor dimers in breast cancer tissues by using the in situ proximity ligation assay (PLA). PLA was developed along the lines of antibody technology development, and this assay has made it possible to visualize PPIs in archival tissue specimens. Localization of PPI in organelles has also become possible using super-resolution microscopes exceeding the resolution limit of conventional microscopes. Therefore, in this review, we summarize the methodologies used for studying PPIs in both cells and tissues, and review the recently reported studies on PPIs of hormones.
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Joseph C, Macnamara O, Craze M, Russell R, Provenzano E, Nolan CC, Diez-Rodriguez M, Sonbul SN, Aleskandarany MA, Green AR, Rakha EA, Ellis IO, Mukherjee A. Mediator complex (MED) 7: a biomarker associated with good prognosis in invasive breast cancer, especially ER+ luminal subtypes. Br J Cancer 2018; 118:1142-1151. [PMID: 29588513 PMCID: PMC5931067 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-018-0041-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Revised: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mediator complex (MED) proteins have a key role in transcriptional regulation, some interacting with the oestrogen receptor (ER). Interrogation of the METABRIC cohort suggested that MED7 may regulate lymphovascular invasion (LVI). Thus MED7 expression was assessed in large breast cancer (BC) cohorts to determine clinicopathological significance. Methods MED7 gene expression was investigated in the METABRIC cohort (n = 1980) and externally validated using bc-GenExMiner v4.0. Immunohistochemical expression was assessed in the Nottingham primary BC series (n = 1280). Associations with clinicopathological variables and patient outcome were evaluated. Results High MED7 mRNA and protein expression was associated with good prognostic factors: low grade, smaller tumour size, good NPI, positive hormone receptor status (p < 0.001), and negative LVI (p = 0.04) status. Higher MED7 protein expression was associated with improved BC-specific survival within the whole cohort and ER+/luminal subgroup. Pooled MED7 gene expression data in the external validation cohort confirmed association with better survival, corroborating with the protein expression. On multivariate analysis, MED7 protein was independently predictive of longer BC-specific survival in the whole cohort and Luminal A subtype (p < 0.001). Conclusions MED7 is an important prognostic marker in BC, particularly in ER+luminal subtypes, associated with improved survival and warrants future functional analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chitra Joseph
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham and Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, City Hospital Campus, Nottingham, NG5 1PB, UK
| | - Olivia Macnamara
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham and Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, City Hospital Campus, Nottingham, NG5 1PB, UK
| | - Madeleine Craze
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham and Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, City Hospital Campus, Nottingham, NG5 1PB, UK
| | | | - Elena Provenzano
- Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Christopher C Nolan
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham and Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, City Hospital Campus, Nottingham, NG5 1PB, UK
| | - Maria Diez-Rodriguez
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham and Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, City Hospital Campus, Nottingham, NG5 1PB, UK
| | - Sultan N Sonbul
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham and Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, City Hospital Campus, Nottingham, NG5 1PB, UK
| | - Mohammed A Aleskandarany
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham and Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, City Hospital Campus, Nottingham, NG5 1PB, UK
| | - Andrew R Green
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham and Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, City Hospital Campus, Nottingham, NG5 1PB, UK
| | - Emad A Rakha
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham and Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, City Hospital Campus, Nottingham, NG5 1PB, UK
| | - Ian O Ellis
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham and Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, City Hospital Campus, Nottingham, NG5 1PB, UK
| | - Abhik Mukherjee
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham and Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, City Hospital Campus, Nottingham, NG5 1PB, UK.
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Suárez NG, Báez GB, Rodríguez MC, Pérez AG, García LC, Hernández Fernández DR, Pous JR, Ramírez BS. Anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects induced by simultaneous inactivation of HER1 and HER2 through endogenous polyclonal antibodies. Oncotarget 2017; 8:82872-82884. [PMID: 29137309 PMCID: PMC5669935 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.19958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER1) and its partner HER2 are extensively described oncogenes and validated targets for cancer therapy. However, the effectiveness of monospecific therapies targeting these receptors is hampered by resistance emergence, which is frequently associated with the upregulation of other members of HER family. Combined therapies using monoclonal antibodies or tyrosine kinase inhibitors have been suggested as a promising strategy to circumvent this resistance mechanism. We propose an alternative approach based on simultaneous inactivation of HER1 and HER2 by multi-epitope blockade with specific polyclonal antibodies induced by vaccination. Elicited antibodies impaired both receptors activation and induced their degradation, which caused the inhibition of down-signaling cascades. This effect was translated into cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction of human tumor cells. Elicited antibodies were able to reduce the viability of a panel of human tumor lines with differential expression levels of HER1 and HER2. The most significant effects were obtained in the tumor lines with lower expression levels of both receptors. These new insights would contribute to the rational design of HER receptors targeting multivalent vaccines, as an encouraging approach for the treatment of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narjara González Suárez
- Tumor Immunology Direction, Molecular Immunology Institute, Center of Molecular Immunology, Havana 11600, Cuba
| | - Gretchen Bergado Báez
- Tumor Immunology Direction, Molecular Immunology Institute, Center of Molecular Immunology, Havana 11600, Cuba
| | - Mabel Cruz Rodríguez
- Tumor Immunology Direction, Molecular Immunology Institute, Center of Molecular Immunology, Havana 11600, Cuba
| | - Amelia Gutiérrez Pérez
- Tumor Immunology Direction, Molecular Immunology Institute, Center of Molecular Immunology, Havana 11600, Cuba
| | - Lisset Chao García
- Tumor Immunology Direction, Molecular Immunology Institute, Center of Molecular Immunology, Havana 11600, Cuba
| | | | - Judith Raymond Pous
- System Biology Direction, Molecular Immunology Institute, Center of Molecular Immunology, Havana 11600, Cuba
| | - Belinda Sánchez Ramírez
- Tumor Immunology Direction, Molecular Immunology Institute, Center of Molecular Immunology, Havana 11600, Cuba
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11
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RANKL Signaling and ErbB Receptors in Breast Carcinogenesis. Trends Mol Med 2016; 22:839-850. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2016.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Revised: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 07/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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12
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Green AR, Aleskandarany MA, Agarwal D, Elsheikh S, Nolan CC, Diez-Rodriguez M, Macmillan RD, Ball GR, Caldas C, Madhusudan S, Ellis IO, Rakha EA. MYC functions are specific in biological subtypes of breast cancer and confers resistance to endocrine therapy in luminal tumours. Br J Cancer 2016; 114:917-28. [PMID: 26954716 PMCID: PMC4984797 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2016.46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Revised: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND MYC is amplified in approximately 15% of breast cancers (BCs) and is associated with poor outcome. c-MYC protein is multi-faceted and participates in many aspects of cellular function and is linked with therapeutic response in BCs. We hypothesised that the functional role of c-MYC differs between molecular subtypes of BCs. METHODS We therefore investigated the correlation between c-MYC protein expression and other proteins involved in different cellular functions together with clinicopathological parameters, patients' outcome and treatments in a large early-stage molecularly characterised series of primary invasive BCs (n=1106) using immunohistochemistry. The METABRIC BC cohort (n=1980) was evaluated for MYC mRNA expression and a systems biology approach utilised to identify genes associated with MYC in the different BC molecular subtypes. RESULTS High MYC and c-MYC expression was significantly associated with poor prognostic factors, including grade and basal-like BCs. In luminal A tumours, c-MYC was associated with ATM (P=0.005), Cyclin B1 (P=0.002), PIK3CA (P=0.009) and Ki67 (P<0.001). In contrast, in basal-like tumours, c-MYC showed positive association with Cyclin E (P=0.003) and p16 (P=0.042) expression only. c-MYC was an independent predictor of a shorter distant metastases-free survival in luminal A LN+ tumours treated with endocrine therapy (ET; P=0.013). In luminal tumours treated with ET, MYC mRNA expression was associated with BC-specific survival (P=0.001). In ER-positive tumours, MYC was associated with expression of translational genes while in ER-negative tumours it was associated with upregulation of glucose metabolism genes. CONCLUSIONS c-MYC function is associated with specific molecular subtypes of BCs and its overexpression confers resistance to ET. The diverse mechanisms of c-MYC function in the different molecular classes of BCs warrants further investigation particularly as potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew R Green
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham City Hospital, Hucknall Road, Nottingham NG5 1PB, UK
| | - Mohammed A Aleskandarany
- Cellular Pathology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Hucknall Road, Nottingham NG5 1PB, UK
| | - Devika Agarwal
- School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK
| | - Somaia Elsheikh
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham City Hospital, Hucknall Road, Nottingham NG5 1PB, UK
- Cellular Pathology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Hucknall Road, Nottingham NG5 1PB, UK
| | - Christopher C Nolan
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham City Hospital, Hucknall Road, Nottingham NG5 1PB, UK
| | - Maria Diez-Rodriguez
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham City Hospital, Hucknall Road, Nottingham NG5 1PB, UK
| | - R Douglas Macmillan
- Breast Institute, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Hucknall Road, Nottingham NG5 1PB, UK
| | - Graham R Ball
- School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK
| | - Carlos Caldas
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0RE
| | - Srinivasan Madhusudan
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham City Hospital, Hucknall Road, Nottingham NG5 1PB, UK
| | - Ian O Ellis
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham City Hospital, Hucknall Road, Nottingham NG5 1PB, UK
- Cellular Pathology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Hucknall Road, Nottingham NG5 1PB, UK
| | - Emad A Rakha
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham City Hospital, Hucknall Road, Nottingham NG5 1PB, UK
- Cellular Pathology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Hucknall Road, Nottingham NG5 1PB, UK
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13
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Laurinavicius A, Plancoulaine B, Rasmusson A, Besusparis J, Augulis R, Meskauskas R, Herlin P, Laurinaviciene A, Abdelhadi Muftah AA, Miligy I, Aleskandarany M, Rakha EA, Green AR, Ellis IO. Bimodality of intratumor Ki67 expression is an independent prognostic factor of overall survival in patients with invasive breast carcinoma. Virchows Arch 2016; 468:493-502. [PMID: 26818835 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-016-1907-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2015] [Revised: 11/15/2015] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Proliferative activity, assessed by Ki67 immunohistochemistry (IHC), is an established prognostic and predictive biomarker of breast cancer (BC). However, it remains under-utilized due to lack of standardized robust measurement methodologies and significant intratumor heterogeneity of expression. A recently proposed methodology for IHC biomarker assessment in whole slide images (WSI), based on systematic subsampling of tissue information extracted by digital image analysis (DIA) into hexagonal tiling arrays, enables computation of a comprehensive set of Ki67 indicators, including intratumor variability. In this study, the tiling methodology was applied to assess Ki67 expression in WSI of 152 surgically removed Ki67-stained (on full-face sections) BC specimens and to test which, if any, Ki67 indicators can predict overall survival (OS). Visual Ki67 IHC estimates and conventional clinico-pathologic parameters were also included in the study. Analysis revealed linearly independent intrinsic factors of the Ki67 IHC variance: proliferation (level of expression), disordered texture (entropy), tumor size and Nottingham Prognostic Index, bimodality, and correlation. All visual and DIA-generated indicators of the level of Ki67 expression provided significant cutoff values as single predictors of OS. However, only bimodality indicators (Ashman's D, in particular) were independent predictors of OS in the context of hormone receptor and HER2 status. From this, we conclude that spatial heterogeneity of proliferative tumor activity, measured by DIA of Ki67 IHC expression and analyzed by the hexagonal tiling approach, can serve as an independent prognostic indicator of OS in BC patients that outperforms the prognostic power of the level of proliferative activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arvydas Laurinavicius
- Department of Pathology, Forensic Medicine and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania. .,National Center of Pathology, Affiliate of Vilnius University Hospital Santariskiu Clinics, P. Baublio 5, LT-08406, Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Benoit Plancoulaine
- PathImage/BioTICLA, Inserm (UMR 1199), University Caen Normandy, Cancer Center F. Baclesse, Caen, France
| | - Allan Rasmusson
- National Center of Pathology, Affiliate of Vilnius University Hospital Santariskiu Clinics, P. Baublio 5, LT-08406, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Justinas Besusparis
- Department of Pathology, Forensic Medicine and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania.,National Center of Pathology, Affiliate of Vilnius University Hospital Santariskiu Clinics, P. Baublio 5, LT-08406, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Renaldas Augulis
- Department of Pathology, Forensic Medicine and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania.,National Center of Pathology, Affiliate of Vilnius University Hospital Santariskiu Clinics, P. Baublio 5, LT-08406, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Raimundas Meskauskas
- National Center of Pathology, Affiliate of Vilnius University Hospital Santariskiu Clinics, P. Baublio 5, LT-08406, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Paulette Herlin
- Department of Pathology, Forensic Medicine and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Aida Laurinaviciene
- Department of Pathology, Forensic Medicine and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania.,National Center of Pathology, Affiliate of Vilnius University Hospital Santariskiu Clinics, P. Baublio 5, LT-08406, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Abir A Abdelhadi Muftah
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Islam Miligy
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Mohammed Aleskandarany
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Emad A Rakha
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,Histopathology, Nottingham City Hospital University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Andrew R Green
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Ian O Ellis
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.,Histopathology, Nottingham City Hospital University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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14
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Flanders KC, Heger CD, Conway C, Tang B, Sato M, Dengler SL, Goldsmith PK, Hewitt SM, Wakefield LM. Brightfield proximity ligation assay reveals both canonical and mixed transforming growth factor-β/bone morphogenetic protein Smad signaling complexes in tissue sections. J Histochem Cytochem 2014; 62:846-63. [PMID: 25141865 PMCID: PMC4244299 DOI: 10.1369/0022155414550163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2014] [Accepted: 07/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is an important regulator of cellular homeostasis and disease pathogenesis. Canonical TGF-β signaling occurs through Smad2/3-Smad4 complexes; however, recent in vitro studies suggest that elevated levels of TGF-β may activate a novel mixed Smad complex (Smad2/3-Smad1/5/9), which is required for some of the pro-oncogenic activities of TGF-β. To determine if mixed Smad complexes are evident in vivo, we developed antibodies that can be used with a proximity ligation assay to detect either canonical or mixed Smad complexes in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections. We demonstrate high expression of mixed Smad complexes in the tissues from mice genetically engineered to express high levels of TGF-β1. Mixed Smad complexes were also prominent in 15-16 day gestation mouse embryos and in breast cancer xenografts, suggesting important roles in embryonic development and tumorigenesis. In contrast, mixed Smad complexes were expressed at extremely low levels in normal adult mouse tissue, where canonical complexes were correspondingly higher. We show that this methodology can be used in archival patient samples and tissue microarrays, and we have developed an algorithm to quantitate the brightfield read-out. These methods will allow quantitative analysis of cell type-specific Smad signaling pathways in physiological and pathological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen C Flanders
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics (KCF, BT, MS, SLD, LMW), Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MDAntibody and Protein Purification Unit (CDH, PKG), Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MDLaboratory of Pathology (CC, SMH), Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
| | - Christopher D Heger
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics (KCF, BT, MS, SLD, LMW), Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MDAntibody and Protein Purification Unit (CDH, PKG), Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MDLaboratory of Pathology (CC, SMH), Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
| | - Catherine Conway
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics (KCF, BT, MS, SLD, LMW), Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MDAntibody and Protein Purification Unit (CDH, PKG), Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MDLaboratory of Pathology (CC, SMH), Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
| | - Binwu Tang
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics (KCF, BT, MS, SLD, LMW), Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MDAntibody and Protein Purification Unit (CDH, PKG), Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MDLaboratory of Pathology (CC, SMH), Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
| | - Misako Sato
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics (KCF, BT, MS, SLD, LMW), Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MDAntibody and Protein Purification Unit (CDH, PKG), Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MDLaboratory of Pathology (CC, SMH), Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
| | - Samuel L Dengler
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics (KCF, BT, MS, SLD, LMW), Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MDAntibody and Protein Purification Unit (CDH, PKG), Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MDLaboratory of Pathology (CC, SMH), Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
| | - Paul K Goldsmith
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics (KCF, BT, MS, SLD, LMW), Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MDAntibody and Protein Purification Unit (CDH, PKG), Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MDLaboratory of Pathology (CC, SMH), Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
| | - Stephen M Hewitt
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics (KCF, BT, MS, SLD, LMW), Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MDAntibody and Protein Purification Unit (CDH, PKG), Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MDLaboratory of Pathology (CC, SMH), Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
| | - Lalage M Wakefield
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics (KCF, BT, MS, SLD, LMW), Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MDAntibody and Protein Purification Unit (CDH, PKG), Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MDLaboratory of Pathology (CC, SMH), Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
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15
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Green AR, Barros FFT, Abdel-Fatah TMA, Moseley P, Nolan CC, Durham AC, Rakha EA, Chan S, Ellis IO. HER2/HER3 heterodimers and p21 expression are capable of predicting adjuvant trastuzumab response in HER2+ breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2014; 145:33-44. [PMID: 24706169 PMCID: PMC3984415 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-014-2925-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) plays an important role in breast cancer progression and provides predictive information for response to targeted therapy including trastuzumab although this is limited. Downstream pathways, such as PI3K/Akt, are associated with HER2/HER3 heterodimerization promoting survival and proliferation amongst cancer cells. Thus, patient outcome and trastuzumab therapy effectiveness might be further characterised by HER2/HER3 dimerisation and its signalling pathways. HER2/HER3 dimerisation status was assessed, using chromogenic in situ Proximity Ligation Assay, in two breast cancer series: early stage primary breast cancer, including 224 HER2+ patients that were not submitted to trastuzumab, and HER2+ breast cancer where patients were treated with adjuvant trastuzumab (n = 143). Levels of biomarkers including PI3K, pAKT, ER, PgR, HER3, BCL2, p53, PTEN and p21 were measured using immunohistochemistry. Levels of HER2/HER3 heterodimers were compared with biomarker expression and patient outcome. An association between high levels of HER2/HER3 dimerisation and absence of hormone receptors, ER and PgR, was observed. We further show for the first time the presence of HER2/HER3 heterodimers and the loss of p21 expression in HER2+ breast cancer predicts a significantly poorer outcome when submitted to adjuvant trastuzumab. Breast cancer patients that reveal high levels of HER2/HER3 dimerisation and loss of p21 are associated with poor survival prognosis in patients with HER2+ breast cancer treated with adjuvant trastuzumab. Further quantification analysis of HER dimer/ligand complexes and downstream signalling pathways will begin to unravel the complex associations with patient outcome and its relationship with sensitivity to targeted treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew R Green
- Molecular Pathology Research Unit, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham City Hospital, Nottingham, NG5 1PB, UK,
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