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Zhdanovskaya N, Firrincieli M, Lazzari S, Pace E, Scribani Rossi P, Felli MP, Talora C, Screpanti I, Palermo R. Targeting Notch to Maximize Chemotherapeutic Benefits: Rationale, Advanced Strategies, and Future Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13205106. [PMID: 34680255 PMCID: PMC8533696 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The Notch signaling pathway regulates cell proliferation, apoptosis, stem cell self-renewal, and differentiation in a context-dependent fashion both during embryonic development and in adult tissue homeostasis. Consistent with its pleiotropic physiological role, unproper activation of the signaling promotes or counteracts tumor pathogenesis and therapy response in distinct tissues. In the last twenty years, a wide number of studies have highlighted the anti-cancer potential of Notch-modulating agents as single treatment and in combination with the existent therapies. However, most of these strategies have failed in the clinical exploration due to dose-limiting toxicity and low efficacy, encouraging the development of novel agents and the design of more appropriate combinations between Notch signaling inhibitors and chemotherapeutic drugs with improved safety and effectiveness for distinct types of cancer. Abstract Notch signaling guides cell fate decisions by affecting proliferation, apoptosis, stem cell self-renewal, and differentiation depending on cell and tissue context. Given its multifaceted function during tissue development, both overactivation and loss of Notch signaling have been linked to tumorigenesis in ways that are either oncogenic or oncosuppressive, but always context-dependent. Notch signaling is critical for several mechanisms of chemoresistance including cancer stem cell maintenance, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, tumor-stroma interaction, and malignant neovascularization that makes its targeting an appealing strategy against tumor growth and recurrence. During the last decades, numerous Notch-interfering agents have been developed, and the abundant preclinical evidence has been transformed in orphan drug approval for few rare diseases. However, the majority of Notch-dependent malignancies remain untargeted, even if the application of Notch inhibitors alone or in combination with common chemotherapeutic drugs is being evaluated in clinical trials. The modest clinical success of current Notch-targeting strategies is mostly due to their limited efficacy and severe on-target toxicity in Notch-controlled healthy tissues. Here, we review the available preclinical and clinical evidence on combinatorial treatment between different Notch signaling inhibitors and existent chemotherapeutic drugs, providing a comprehensive picture of molecular mechanisms explaining the potential or lacking success of these combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadezda Zhdanovskaya
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
| | - Mariarosaria Firrincieli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
- Center for Life Nano Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Lazzari
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
| | - Eleonora Pace
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
| | - Pietro Scribani Rossi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
| | - Maria Pia Felli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Claudio Talora
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
| | - Isabella Screpanti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
- Correspondence: (I.S.); (R.P.)
| | - Rocco Palermo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (N.Z.); (M.F.); (S.L.); (E.P.); (P.S.R.); (C.T.)
- Center for Life Nano Science, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (I.S.); (R.P.)
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McCaw TR, Inga E, Chen H, Jaskula‐Sztul R, Dudeja V, Bibb JA, Ren B, Rose JB. Gamma Secretase Inhibitors in Cancer: A Current Perspective on Clinical Performance. Oncologist 2021; 26:e608-e621. [PMID: 33284507 PMCID: PMC8018325 DOI: 10.1002/onco.13627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Gamma secretase inhibitors (GSIs), initially developed as Alzheimer's therapies, have been repurposed as anticancer agents given their inhibition of Notch receptor cleavage. The success of GSIs in preclinical models has been ascribed to induction of cancer stem-like cell differentiation and apoptosis, while also impairing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and sensitizing cells to traditional chemoradiotherapies. The promise of these agents has yet to be realized in the clinic, however, as GSIs have failed to demonstrate clinical benefit in most solid tumors with the notable exceptions of CNS malignancies and desmoid tumors. Disappointing clinical performance to date reflects important questions that remain to be answered. For example, what is the net impact of these agents on antitumor immune responses, and will they require concurrent targeting of tumor-intrinsic compensatory pathways? Addressing these limitations in our current understanding of GSI mechanisms will undoubtedly facilitate their rational incorporation into combinatorial strategies and provide a valuable tool with which to combat Notch-dependent cancers. In the present review, we provide a current understanding of GSI mechanisms, discuss clinical performance to date, and suggest areas for future investigation that might maximize the utility of these agents. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The performance of gamma secretase inhibitors (GSIs) in clinical trials generally has not reflected their encouraging performance in preclinical studies. This review provides a current perspective on the clinical performance of GSIs across various solid tumor types alongside putative mechanisms of antitumor activity. Through exploration of outstanding gaps in knowledge as well as reasons for success in certain cancer types, the authors identify areas for future investigation that will likely enable incorporation of GSIs into rational combinatorial strategies for superior tumor control and patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler R. McCaw
- Divisions of Surgical Oncology, The University of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
| | - Evelyn Inga
- Divisions of Surgical Oncology, The University of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
| | - Herbert Chen
- Breast & Endocrine Surgery, The University of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
| | - Renata Jaskula‐Sztul
- Breast & Endocrine Surgery, The University of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
| | - Vikas Dudeja
- Divisions of Surgical Oncology, The University of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
| | - James A. Bibb
- Gastrointestinal Surgery, The University of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
| | - Bin Ren
- Vascular Surgery & Endovascular Therapy, Department of Surgery, The University of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
| | - J. Bart Rose
- Divisions of Surgical Oncology, The University of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
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Moore G, Annett S, McClements L, Robson T. Top Notch Targeting Strategies in Cancer: A Detailed Overview of Recent Insights and Current Perspectives. Cells 2020; 9:cells9061503. [PMID: 32575680 PMCID: PMC7349363 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Evolutionarily conserved Notch plays a critical role in embryonic development and cellular self-renewal. It has both tumour suppressor and oncogenic activity, the latter of which is widely described. Notch-activating mutations are associated with haematological malignancies and several solid tumours including breast, lung and adenoid cystic carcinoma. Moreover, upregulation of Notch receptors and ligands and aberrant Notch signalling is frequently observed in cancer. It is involved in cancer hallmarks including proliferation, survival, migration, angiogenesis, cancer stem cell renewal, metastasis and drug resistance. It is a key component of cell-to-cell interactions between cancer cells and cells of the tumour microenvironment, such as endothelial cells, immune cells and fibroblasts. Notch displays diverse crosstalk with many other oncogenic signalling pathways, and may drive acquired resistance to targeted therapies as well as resistance to standard chemo/radiation therapy. The past 10 years have seen the emergence of different classes of drugs therapeutically targeting Notch including receptor/ligand antibodies, gamma secretase inhibitors (GSI) and most recently, the development of Notch transcription complex inhibitors. It is an exciting time for Notch research with over 70 cancer clinical trials registered and the first-ever Phase III trial of a Notch GSI, nirogacestat, currently at the recruitment stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gillian Moore
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Irish Centre for Vascular Biology, Royal College of Surgeons, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland; (G.M.); (S.A.)
| | - Stephanie Annett
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Irish Centre for Vascular Biology, Royal College of Surgeons, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland; (G.M.); (S.A.)
| | - Lana McClements
- The School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia;
| | - Tracy Robson
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Irish Centre for Vascular Biology, Royal College of Surgeons, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland; (G.M.); (S.A.)
- Correspondence:
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Pádua D, Figueira P, Ribeiro I, Almeida R, Mesquita P. The Relevance of Transcription Factors in Gastric and Colorectal Cancer Stem Cells Identification and Eradication. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:442. [PMID: 32626705 PMCID: PMC7314965 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric and colorectal cancers have a high incidence and mortality worldwide. The presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) within the tumor mass has been indicated as the main reason for tumor relapse, metastasis and therapy resistance, leading to poor overall survival. Thus, the elimination of CSCs became a crucial goal for cancer treatment. The identification of these cells has been performed by using cell-surface markers, a reliable approach, however it lacks specificity and usually differs among tumor type and in some cases even within the same type. In theory, the ideal CSC markers are those that are required to maintain their stemness features. The knowledge that CSCs exhibit characteristics comparable to normal stem cells that could be associated with the expression of similar transcription factors (TFs) including SOX2, OCT4, NANOG, KLF4 and c-Myc, and signaling pathways such as the Wnt/β-catenin, Hedgehog (Hh), Notch and PI3K/AKT/mTOR directed the attention to the use of these similarities to identify and target CSCs in different tumor types. Several studies have demonstrated that the abnormal expression of some TFs and the dysregulation of signaling pathways are associated with tumorigenesis and CSC phenotype. The disclosure of common and appropriate biomarkers for CSCs will provide an incredible tool for cancer prognosis and treatment. Therefore, this review aims to gather the new insights in gastric and colorectal CSC identification specially by using TFs as biomarkers and divulge promising drugs that have been found and tested for targeting these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Pádua
- i3S – Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Figueira
- i3S – Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Inês Ribeiro
- i3S – Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Raquel Almeida
- i3S – Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Mesquita
- i3S – Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Yang L, Shi P, Zhao G, Xu J, Peng W, Zhang J, Zhang G, Wang X, Dong Z, Chen F, Cui H. Targeting cancer stem cell pathways for cancer therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:8. [PMID: 32296030 PMCID: PMC7005297 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-0110-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 856] [Impact Index Per Article: 214.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Revised: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Since cancer stem cells (CSCs) were first identified in leukemia in 1994, they have been considered promising therapeutic targets for cancer therapy. These cells have self-renewal capacity and differentiation potential and contribute to multiple tumor malignancies, such as recurrence, metastasis, heterogeneity, multidrug resistance, and radiation resistance. The biological activities of CSCs are regulated by several pluripotent transcription factors, such as OCT4, Sox2, Nanog, KLF4, and MYC. In addition, many intracellular signaling pathways, such as Wnt, NF-κB (nuclear factor-κB), Notch, Hedgehog, JAK-STAT (Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription), PI3K/AKT/mTOR (phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin), TGF (transforming growth factor)/SMAD, and PPAR (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor), as well as extracellular factors, such as vascular niches, hypoxia, tumor-associated macrophages, cancer-associated fibroblasts, cancer-associated mesenchymal stem cells, extracellular matrix, and exosomes, have been shown to be very important regulators of CSCs. Molecules, vaccines, antibodies, and CAR-T (chimeric antigen receptor T cell) cells have been developed to specifically target CSCs, and some of these factors are already undergoing clinical trials. This review summarizes the characterization and identification of CSCs, depicts major factors and pathways that regulate CSC development, and discusses potential targeted therapy for CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
| | - Pengfei Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
| | - Gaichao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
| | - Jie Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
| | - Wen Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiayi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
| | - Guanghui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaowen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhen Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
| | - Fei Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China.
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China.
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Sardesai S, Badawi M, Mrozek E, Morgan E, Phelps M, Stephens J, Wei L, Kassem M, Ling Y, Lustberg M, Stover D, Williams N, Layman R, Reinbolt R, VanDeusen J, Cherian M, Grever M, Carson W, Ramaswamy B, Wesolowski R. A phase I study of an oral selective gamma secretase (GS) inhibitor RO4929097 in combination with neoadjuvant paclitaxel and carboplatin in triple negative breast cancer. Invest New Drugs 2020; 38:1400-1410. [PMID: 31953695 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-020-00895-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Upregulation of Notch pathway is associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer. We present the results of a phase I study of an oral selective gamma secretase (GS) inhibitor (critical to Notch signaling), RO4929097 in combination with neoadjuvant chemotherapy for operable triple negative breast cancer. The primary objective was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of RO4929097. Secondary objectives were to determine real-time pharmacokinetics of RO4929097 and paclitaxel, safety and pathologic (pCR) complete response to study treatment. Eligible patients, initiated carboplatin at AUC 6 administered intravenously (IV) on day 1, weekly paclitaxel at 80 mg/m2 IV and RO4929097 10 mg daily given orally (PO) on days 1-3, 8-10 and 15-17 for six 21-day cycles. RO4929097 was escalated in 10 mg increments using the 3 + 3 dose escalation design. Two DLTs were observed in 14 patients - Grade (G) 4 thrombocytopenia in dose level 1 (10 mg) and G3 hypertension in dose level 2 (20 mg). Protocol-defined MTD was not determined due to discontinuation of RO4929097 development. However, 4 of 5 patients enrolled to 20 mg dose of RO4929097 required dose reduction to 10 mg due to toxicities (including neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and hypertension) occurring during and beyond the DLT observation period. Thus, 10 mg would have been the likely dose level for further development. G3 or higher hematologic toxicities included neutropenia (N = 8, 57%) and thrombocytopenia (N = 5, 36%) patients. Six (43%) patients had G2-3 neuropathy requiring paclitaxel dose reduction. No signs of drug-drug interaction between paclitaxel and RO4929097 were evident. Five patients (36%) had pCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sagar Sardesai
- The Division of Medical Oncology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Mohamed Badawi
- The Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ewa Mrozek
- Medical Oncology, Mercy Health, St. Rita's Cancer Center, Lima, OH, USA
| | - Evan Morgan
- The Division of Medical Oncology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Mitch Phelps
- The Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Julie Stephens
- Medical Oncology, Mercy Health, St. Rita's Cancer Center, Lima, OH, USA
| | - Lai Wei
- The Center for Biostatistics, Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Mahmoud Kassem
- The Division of Medical Oncology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Yonghua Ling
- The Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Maryam Lustberg
- The Division of Medical Oncology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Daniel Stover
- The Division of Medical Oncology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Nicole Williams
- The Division of Medical Oncology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Rachel Layman
- Department of Breast Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Raquel Reinbolt
- The Division of Medical Oncology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jeffrey VanDeusen
- The Division of Medical Oncology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Mathew Cherian
- The Division of Medical Oncology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Michael Grever
- The Division of Hematology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - William Carson
- The Division of Surgical Oncology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Bhuvaneswari Ramaswamy
- The Division of Medical Oncology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Robert Wesolowski
- The Division of Medical Oncology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Suite 1204, Lincoln Tower, 1800 Cannon Drive, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
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Zhu X, Chen L, Liu L, Niu X. EMT-Mediated Acquired EGFR-TKI Resistance in NSCLC: Mechanisms and Strategies. Front Oncol 2019; 9:1044. [PMID: 31681582 PMCID: PMC6798878 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Acquired resistance inevitably limits the curative effects of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs), which represent the classical paradigm of molecular-targeted therapies in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). How to break such a bottleneck becomes a pressing problem in cancer treatment. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a dynamic process that governs biological changes in various aspects of malignancies, notably drug resistance. Progress in delineating the nature of this process offers an opportunity to develop clinical therapeutics to tackle resistance toward anticancer agents. Herein, we seek to provide a framework for the mechanistic underpinnings on the EMT-mediated acquisition of EGFR-TKI resistance, with a focus on NSCLC, and raise the question of what therapeutic strategies along this line should be pursued to optimize the efficacy in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Zhu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Department of Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Lijie Chen
- Department of Third Clinical College, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ling Liu
- Department of College of Stomatology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xing Niu
- Department of Second Clinical College, Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Du FY, Zhou QF, Sun WJ, Chen GL. Targeting cancer stem cells in drug discovery: Current state and future perspectives. World J Stem Cells 2019; 11:398-420. [PMID: 31396368 PMCID: PMC6682504 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v11.i7.398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been increasingly identified in many malignancies. CSC-related signaling pathways and their functions provide new strategies for treating cancer. The aberrant activation of related signaling pathways (e.g., Wnt, Notch, and Hedgehog pathways) has been linked to multiple types of malignant tumors, which makes these pathways attractive targets for cancer therapy. CSCs display many characteristic features, such as self-renewal, differentiation, high tumorigenicity, and drug resistance. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new therapeutic strategies to target these pathways to control stem cell replication, survival, and differentiation. Notable crosstalk occurs among different signaling pathways and potentially leads to compensatory escape. Therefore, multitarget inhibitors will be one of the main methods to overcome the drug resistance of CSCs. Many small molecule inhibitors of components of signaling pathways in CSCs have entered clinical trials, and some inhibitors, such as vismodegib, sonidegib, and glasdegib, have been approved. Tumor cells are susceptible to sonidegib and vismodegib resistance due to mutations in the Smo protein. The signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) inhibitor BBI608 is being evaluated in a phase III trial for a variety of cancers. Structural derivatives of BBI608 are the main focus of STAT3 inhibitor development, which is another strategy for CSC therapy. In addition to the potential pharmacological inhibitors targeting CSC-related signaling pathways, other methods of targeting CSCs are available, such as nano-drug delivery systems, mitochondrion targeting, autophagy, hyperthermia, immunotherapy, and CSC microenvironment targeting. In addition, we summarize the latest advances in the clinical development of agents targeting CSC-related signaling pathways and other methods of targeting CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Yu Du
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Qi-Fan Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Wen-Jiao Sun
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Guo-Liang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design and Discovery of Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, Liaoning Province, China
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Voutsadakis IA. The pluripotency network in colorectal cancer pathogenesis and prognosis: an update. Biomark Med 2019; 12:653-665. [PMID: 29944017 DOI: 10.2217/bmm-2017-0369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Stemness characteristics are defining properties of cancer initiating cells and are associated with the ability to metastasize and survive in hostile environments. Establishment of the stem cell network depends on the action of a set of core transcription factors that work in concert with other ancillary proteins that are also important during embryonic development. New data consolidate the role of core pluripotency transcription factors OCT4, SOX2 and NANOG as adverse prognostic factors in colorectal cancer. mRNA-binding proteins LIN28 and Musashi, that are associated with stemness, and epigenetic modifiers such as de-acetylase SIRT1 may also have prognostic value in colorectal cancer. This paper provides an update of the stem cell factors in the pathogenesis and prognosis of colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis A Voutsadakis
- Algoma District Cancer Program, Sault Area Hospital, Sault Ste Marie, Ontario, Canada.,Division of Clinical Sciences, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
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Feng YL, Chen DQ, Vaziri ND, Guo Y, Zhao YY. Small molecule inhibitors of epithelial-mesenchymal transition for the treatment of cancer and fibrosis. Med Res Rev 2019; 40:54-78. [PMID: 31131921 DOI: 10.1002/med.21596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Tissue fibrosis and cancer both lead to high morbidity and mortality worldwide; thus, effective therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. Because drug resistance has been widely reported in fibrotic tissue and cancer, developing a strategy to discover novel targets for targeted drug intervention is necessary for the effective treatment of fibrosis and cancer. Although many factors lead to fibrosis and cancer, pathophysiological analysis has demonstrated that tissue fibrosis and cancer share a common process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT is associated with many mediators, including transcription factors (Snail, zinc-finger E-box-binding protein and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3), signaling pathways (transforming growth factor-β1, RAC-α serine/threonine-protein kinase, Wnt, nuclear factor-kappa B, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor, Notch, and RAS), RNA-binding proteins (ESRP1 and ESRP2) and microRNAs. Therefore, drugs targeting EMT may be a promising therapy against both fibrosis and tumors. A large number of compounds that are synthesized or derived from natural products and their derivatives suppress the EMT by targeting these mediators in fibrosis and cancer. By targeting EMT, these compounds exhibited anticancer effects in multiple cancer types, and some of them also showed antifibrotic effects. Therefore, drugs targeting EMT not only have both antifibrotic and anticancer effects but also exert effective therapeutic effects on multiorgan fibrosis and cancer, which provides effective therapy against fibrosis and cancer. Taken together, the results highlighted in this review provide new concepts for discovering new antifibrotic and antitumor drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Long Feng
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Dan-Qian Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Nosratola D Vaziri
- Department of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Yan Guo
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico
| | - Ying-Yong Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Life Science & Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
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11
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Rice MA, Hsu EC, Aslan M, Ghoochani A, Su A, Stoyanova T. Loss of Notch1 Activity Inhibits Prostate Cancer Growth and Metastasis and Sensitizes Prostate Cancer Cells to Antiandrogen Therapies. Mol Cancer Ther 2019; 18:1230-1242. [PMID: 31028097 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-18-0804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Prostate cancer remains among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in men. Patients with aggressive disease typically undergo hormone deprivation therapy. Although treatment is initially very successful, these men commonly progress to lethal, castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) in 2 to 3 years. Standard therapies for CRPC include second-generation antiandrogens, which prolong patient lifespan by only several months. It is imperative to advance our understanding of the mechanisms leading to resistance to identify new therapies for aggressive prostate cancer. This study identifies Notch1 as a therapeutic target in prostate cancer. Loss of NOTCH1 in aggressive prostate cancer cells decreases proliferation, invasion, and tumorsphere formation. Therapeutic inhibition of Notch1 activity with gamma secretase inhibitors RO4929097 or DAPT in prostate cancer cells further results in decreased proliferative abilities. Loss of NOTCH1 and treatment of immunocompromised mice bearing prostate cancer xenografts with RO4929097 display significantly impaired tumor growth. Loss of NOTCH1 additionally decreased metastatic potential of prostate cancer cells in invasion assays in vitro as well as in vivo experiments. Moreover, treatment with gamma secretase inhibitors or NOTCH1 gene deletion synergized with antiandrogen therapies, enzalutamide or abiraterone, to decrease the growth of prostate cancer cells. Combination of gamma secretase inhibitors with abiraterone significantly inhibited cell migration and invasion, while combination with enzalutamide reversed enzalutamide-induced migration and invasion. These collective findings suggest loss of NOTCH1 delays growth of CRPC and inhibits metastasis, and inhibition of Notch1 activation in conjunction with second-generation antiandrogen therapies could delay growth and progression of prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan A Rice
- Department of Radiology, Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer Early Detection, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - En-Chi Hsu
- Department of Radiology, Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer Early Detection, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Merve Aslan
- Department of Radiology, Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer Early Detection, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Ali Ghoochani
- Department of Radiology, Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer Early Detection, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Austin Su
- Department of Radiology, Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer Early Detection, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Tanya Stoyanova
- Department of Radiology, Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer Early Detection, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California.
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12
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Li H, Zhang W, Niu C, Lin C, Wu X, Jian Y, Li Y, Ye L, Dai Y, Ouyang Y, Chen J, Qiu J, Song L, Zhang Y. Nuclear orphan receptor NR2F6 confers cisplatin resistance in epithelial ovarian cancer cells by activating the Notch3 signaling pathway. Int J Cancer 2019; 145:1921-1934. [PMID: 30895619 PMCID: PMC6767785 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.32293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Revised: 02/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The primary challenge facing treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the high frequency of chemoresistance, which severely impairs the quality of life and survival of patients with EOC. Our study aims to investigate the mechanisms by which upregulation of NR2F6 induces chemoresistance in EOC. The biological roles of NR2F6 in EOC chemoresistance were explored in vitro by Sphere, MTT and AnnexinV/PI assay, and in vivo using an ovarian cancer orthotopic transplantation model. Bioinformatics analysis, luciferase assay, CHIP and IP assays were performed to identify the mechanisms by which NR2F6 promotes chemoresistance in EOC. The expression of NR2F6 was significantly upregulated in chemoresistant EOC tissue, and NR2F6 expression was correlated with poorer overall survival. Moreover, overexpression of NR2F6 promotes the EOC cancer stem cell phenotype; conversely, knockdown of NR2F6 represses the EOC cancer stem cell phenotype and sensitizes EOC to cisplatin in vitro and in vivo. Our results further demonstrate that NR2F6 sustains activated Notch3 signaling, resulting in chemoresistance in EOC cells. Notably, NR2F6 acts as an informative biomarker to identify the population of EOC patients who are likely to experience a favorable objective response to gamma‐secretase inhibitors (GSI), which inhibit Notch signaling. Therefore, concurrent inhibition of NR2F6 and treatment with GSI and cisplatin‐based chemotherapy may be a novel therapeutic approach for NR2F6‐overexpressing EOC. In summary, we have, for the first time, identified an important role for NR2F6 in EOC cisplatin resistance. Our study suggests that GSI may serve as a potential targeted treatment for patients with NR2F6‐overexpressing EOC. What's new? Chemoresistance is a major challenge in women afflicted with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), but molecular mechanisms of EOC chemoresistance remain unclear. Here the authors connect nuclear receptor subfamily 2 group F member 6 (NR2F6) with this process. They find NR2F6 upregulated in tissues from chemoresistant EOC patients. High NR2F6 expression promoted a cancer stem cell phenotype and suppressed cisplatin‐induced apoptosis by transcriptionally upregulating Notch3 signaling, thereby promoting EOC chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Li
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weijing Zhang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunhao Niu
- Department of Obsterics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chuyong Lin
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xianqiu Wu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunting Jian
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yue Li
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liping Ye
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuhu Dai
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Ouyang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jueming Chen
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiaqi Qiu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Libing Song
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanna Zhang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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13
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Medoro A, Bartollino S, Mignogna D, Passarella D, Porcile C, Pagano A, Florio T, Nizzari M, Guerra G, Di Marco R, Intrieri M, Raimo G, Russo C. Complexity and Selectivity of γ-Secretase Cleavage on Multiple Substrates: Consequences in Alzheimer's Disease and Cancer. J Alzheimers Dis 2018; 61:1-15. [PMID: 29103038 DOI: 10.3233/jad-170628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The processing of the amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP) by β- and γ-secretases is a pivotal event in the genesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Besides familial mutations on the AβPP gene, or upon its overexpression, familial forms of AD are often caused by mutations or deletions in presenilin 1 (PSEN1) and 2 (PSEN2) genes: the catalytic components of the proteolytic enzyme γ-secretase (GS). The "amyloid hypothesis", modified over time, states that the aberrant processing of AβPP by GS induces the formation of specific neurotoxic soluble amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides which, in turn, cause neurodegeneration. This theory, however, has recently evidenced significant limitations and, in particular, the following issues are debated: 1) the concept and significance of presenilin's "gain of function" versus "loss of function"; and 2) the presence of several and various GS substrates, which interact with AβPP and may influence Aβ formation. The latter consideration is suggestive: despite the increasing number of GS substrates so far identified, their reciprocal interaction with AβPP itself, even in the AD field, is significantly unexplored. On the other hand, GS is also an important pharmacological target in the cancer field; inhibitors or GS activity are investigated in clinical trials for treating different tumors. Furthermore, the function of AβPP and PSENs in brain development and in neuronal migration is well known. In this review, we focused on a specific subset of GS substrates that directly interact with AβPP and are involved in its proteolysis and signaling, by evaluating their role in neurodegeneration and in cell motility or proliferation, as a possible connection between AD and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Medoro
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "V. Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Silvia Bartollino
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "V. Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Donatella Mignogna
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "V. Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Daniela Passarella
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "V. Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Carola Porcile
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "V. Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Aldo Pagano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa and Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, IRCCS per l'Oncologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Tullio Florio
- Department of Internal Medicine and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Mario Nizzari
- Department of Internal Medicine and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Germano Guerra
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "V. Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Roberto Di Marco
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "V. Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Mariano Intrieri
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "V. Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Gennaro Raimo
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "V. Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
| | - Claudio Russo
- Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "V. Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy
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14
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Locatelli MA, Aftimos P, Dees EC, LoRusso PM, Pegram MD, Awada A, Huang B, Cesari R, Jiang Y, Shaik MN, Kern KA, Curigliano G. Phase I study of the gamma secretase inhibitor PF-03084014 in combination with docetaxel in patients with advanced triple-negative breast cancer. Oncotarget 2018; 8:2320-2328. [PMID: 27906684 PMCID: PMC5356802 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The NOTCH signaling pathway may be involved in the survival of stem cell-like tumor-initiating cells and contribute to tumor growth. In this phase Ib, open-label, multicenter study (NCT01876251), we evaluated PF-03084014, a selective gamma-secretase inhibitor in patients with advanced triple-negative breast cancer. Methods The dose-finding part was based on a 2×3 matrix design using the modified toxicity probability interval method. Oral PF-03084014 was administered twice daily continuously in combination with intravenous docetaxel given on day 1 of each 21-day cycle. Primary endpoint was first-cycle dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) for the dose-finding part and 6-month progression-free survival (PFS) for the expansion cohort treated at the maximum tolerated dose (MTD). Secondary endpoints included safety, objective response, and pharmacokinetics of the combination. Results and Conclusions The MTD was estimated to be PF-03084014 100 mg twice daily / docetaxel 75 mg/m2. At this dose level, combination treatment was generally well tolerated (one DLT, grade 3 diarrhea, among eight DLT-evaluable patients). The most common all-grade, treatment-related adverse events reported in all patients (N = 29) were neutropenia (90%), fatigue (79%), nausea (72%), leukopenia (69%), diarrhea (59%), alopecia (55%), anemia (55%), and vomiting (48%). No effect was observed on the pharmacokinetics of docetaxel when administered in combination with PF-03084014. Four (16%) of 25 response-evaluable patients achieved a confirmed partial response; nine (36%) patients had stable disease, including five patients with unconfirmed partial response. In the expansion cohort, median PFS was 4.1 (95% CI 1.3-8.1) months (6-month PFS rate 17.1% [95% CI 0.8-52.6%]).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzia A Locatelli
- Division of Experimental Therapeutics, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Philippe Aftimos
- Medical Oncology Clinic, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - E Claire Dees
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University of North Carolina, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Patricia M LoRusso
- Medical Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, USA.,Yale Cancer Center, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Mark D Pegram
- Breast Cancer Research Program, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ahmad Awada
- Medical Oncology Clinic, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bo Huang
- Pfizer Oncology, Groton, CT, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Giuseppe Curigliano
- Division of Experimental Therapeutics, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy
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15
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Ma Y, Cheng Z, Liu J, Torre-Healy L, Lathia JD, Nakano I, Guo Y, Thompson RC, Freeman ML, Wang J. Inhibition of Farnesyltransferase Potentiates NOTCH-Targeted Therapy against Glioblastoma Stem Cells. Stem Cell Reports 2017; 9:1948-1960. [PMID: 29198824 PMCID: PMC5785731 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2017.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Revised: 10/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that cancer cells with stem cell-like phenotypes drive disease progression and therapeutic resistance in glioblastoma (GBM). NOTCH regulates self-renewal and resistance to chemoradiotherapy in GBM stem cells. However, NOTCH-targeted γ-secretase inhibitors (GSIs) exhibited limited efficacy in GBM patients. We found that farnesyltransferase inhibitors (FTIs) significantly improved sensitivity to GSIs. This combination showed significant antineoplastic and radiosensitizing activities in GBM stem cells, whereas non-stem GBM cells were resistant. These combinatorial effects were mediated, at least partially, through inhibition of AKT and cell-cycle progression. Using subcutaneous and orthotopic GBM models, we showed that the combination of FTIs and GSIs, but not either agent alone, significantly reduced tumor growth. With concurrent radiation, this combination induced a durable response in a subset of orthotopic tumors. These findings collectively suggest that the combination of FTIs and GSIs is a promising therapeutic strategy for GBM through selectively targeting the cancer stem cell subpopulation. NOTCH signaling is preferentially activated in glioblastoma stem cells GSIs have limited activities against glioblastoma stem cells FTIs improve response to GSIs in vitro and in vivo The combination of FTIs and GSIs makes glioblastoma more sensitive to radiation
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufang Ma
- College of Pharmacy, Belmont University, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - Zhixiang Cheng
- Department of Pain Management, Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210011, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Luke Torre-Healy
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Justin D Lathia
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Ichiro Nakano
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Yan Guo
- Department of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Reid C Thompson
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Michael L Freeman
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Jialiang Wang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
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16
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Dobranowski P, Ban F, Contreras-Sanz A, Cherkasov A, Black PC. Perspectives on the discovery of NOTCH2-specific inhibitors. Chem Biol Drug Des 2017; 91:691-706. [PMID: 29078041 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Revised: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The Notch pathway is a cell-cell communication system where membrane-bound ligands interact with the extracellular region of Notch receptors to induce intracellular, downstream effects on gene expression. Aberrant Notch signaling promotes tumorigenesis, and the Notch pathway has tremendous potential for novel targeting strategies in cancer treatment. While γ-secretase inhibitors as Notch-inhibiting agents are already promising in clinical trials, they are highly non-specific with adverse side-effects. One of the underlying challenges is that two of the four known human Notch paralogs, NOTCH1 and 2, share very high structural similarity but play opposing roles in some tumorigenesis pathways. This perspective explores the feasibility of developing Notch-specific small molecule inhibitors targeting the anti-NOTCH2 antibody-binding epitopes or the "S2-Leu-plug-binding site" using a computer-aided drug discovery approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Dobranowski
- Department of Pediatrics, British Columbia Children's Hospital Research, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Fuqiang Ban
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Urologic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Alberto Contreras-Sanz
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Urologic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Artem Cherkasov
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Urologic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Peter C Black
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Urologic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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17
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Notch inhibitors and their role in the treatment of triple negative breast cancer: promises and failures. Curr Opin Oncol 2017; 29:411-427. [DOI: 10.1097/cco.0000000000000406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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18
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Notch-out for breast cancer therapies. N Biotechnol 2017; 39:215-221. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2017.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Revised: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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19
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Irshad S, Bansal M, Guarnieri P, Davis H, Al Haj Zen A, Baran B, Pinna CMA, Rahman H, Biswas S, Bardella C, Jeffery R, Wang LM, East JE, Tomlinson I, Lewis A, Leedham SJ. Bone morphogenetic protein and Notch signalling crosstalk in poor-prognosis, mesenchymal-subtype colorectal cancer. J Pathol 2017; 242:178-192. [PMID: 28299802 PMCID: PMC5488238 DOI: 10.1002/path.4891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The functional role of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signalling in colorectal cancer (CRC) is poorly defined, with contradictory results in cancer cell line models reflecting the inherent difficulties of assessing a signalling pathway that is context-dependent and subject to genetic constraints. By assessing the transcriptional response of a diploid human colonic epithelial cell line to BMP ligand stimulation, we generated a prognostic BMP signalling signature, which was applied to multiple CRC datasets to investigate BMP heterogeneity across CRC molecular subtypes. We linked BMP and Notch signalling pathway activity and function in human colonic epithelial cells, and normal and neoplastic tissue. BMP induced Notch through a γ-secretase-independent interaction, regulated by the SMAD proteins. In homeostasis, BMP/Notch co-localization was restricted to cells at the top of the intestinal crypt, with more widespread interaction in some human CRC samples. BMP signalling was downregulated in the majority of CRCs, but was conserved specifically in mesenchymal-subtype tumours, where it interacts with Notch to induce an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype. In intestinal homeostasis, BMP-Notch pathway crosstalk is restricted to differentiating cells through stringent pathway segregation. Conserved BMP activity and loss of signalling stringency in mesenchymal-subtype tumours promotes a synergistic BMP-Notch interaction, and this correlates with poor patient prognosis. BMP signalling heterogeneity across CRC subtypes and cell lines can account for previous experimental contradictions. Crosstalk between the BMP and Notch pathways will render mesenchymal-subtype CRC insensitive to γ-secretase inhibition unless BMP activation is concomitantly addressed. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shazia Irshad
- Gastrointestinal Stem‐cell Biology Laboratory, Oxford Centre for Cancer Gene Research, Wellcome Trust Centre for Human GeneticsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Mukesh Bansal
- Department of Systems BiologyColumbia University Medical CenterNew YorkNYUSA
- PsychoGenics Inc., 765 Old Saw Mill River RoadTarrytownNYUSA
| | - Paolo Guarnieri
- Department of Systems BiologyColumbia University Medical CenterNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Hayley Davis
- Gastrointestinal Stem‐cell Biology Laboratory, Oxford Centre for Cancer Gene Research, Wellcome Trust Centre for Human GeneticsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Ayman Al Haj Zen
- Wellcome Trust Centre For Human Genetics, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of MedicineUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Brygida Baran
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental ProtectionUniversity of SilesiaKatowicePoland
| | - Claudia Maria Assunta Pinna
- Gastrointestinal Stem‐cell Biology Laboratory, Oxford Centre for Cancer Gene Research, Wellcome Trust Centre for Human GeneticsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and GastroenterologyUniversity Hospital PadovaPadovaItaly
| | - Haseeb Rahman
- Department of Biological and Medical SciencesOxford Brookes UniversityOxfordUK
| | - Sujata Biswas
- Gastrointestinal Stem‐cell Biology Laboratory, Oxford Centre for Cancer Gene Research, Wellcome Trust Centre for Human GeneticsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Chiara Bardella
- Molecular and Population Genetics Laboratory, Oxford Centre for Cancer Gene Research, Wellcome Trust Centre for Human GeneticsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Rosemary Jeffery
- Colorectal Cancer Genetics, Centre for Digestive Diseases, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and DentistryLondonUK
| | - Lai Mun Wang
- Cellular Pathology, Level 1John Radcliffe HospitalOxfordUK
| | - James Edward East
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit, Experimental Medicine Division, Nuffield Department of Clinical MedicineJohn Radcliffe HospitalOxfordUK
| | - Ian Tomlinson
- Molecular and Population Genetics Laboratory, Oxford Centre for Cancer Gene Research, Wellcome Trust Centre for Human GeneticsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Annabelle Lewis
- Molecular and Population Genetics Laboratory, Oxford Centre for Cancer Gene Research, Wellcome Trust Centre for Human GeneticsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Simon John Leedham
- Gastrointestinal Stem‐cell Biology Laboratory, Oxford Centre for Cancer Gene Research, Wellcome Trust Centre for Human GeneticsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit, Experimental Medicine Division, Nuffield Department of Clinical MedicineJohn Radcliffe HospitalOxfordUK
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20
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Liu Z, Sanders AJ, Liang G, Song E, Jiang WG, Gong C. Hey Factors at the Crossroad of Tumorigenesis and Clinical Therapeutic Modulation of Hey for Anticancer Treatment. Mol Cancer Ther 2017; 16:775-786. [PMID: 28468863 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-16-0576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2016] [Revised: 12/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zihao Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetic and Gene Regulation, Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Andrew J Sanders
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Gehao Liang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetic and Gene Regulation, Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Erwei Song
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetic and Gene Regulation, Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen G Jiang
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, United Kingdom.
| | - Chang Gong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetic and Gene Regulation, Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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Taniguchi H, Moriya C, Igarashi H, Saitoh A, Yamamoto H, Adachi Y, Imai K. Cancer stem cells in human gastrointestinal cancer. Cancer Sci 2017; 107:1556-1562. [PMID: 27575869 PMCID: PMC5132287 DOI: 10.1111/cas.13069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Revised: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 08/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are thought to be responsible for tumor initiation, drug and radiation resistance, invasive growth, metastasis, and tumor relapse, which are the main causes of cancer-related deaths. Gastrointestinal cancers are the most common malignancies and still the most frequent cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Because gastrointestinal CSCs are also thought to be resistant to conventional therapies, an effective and novel cancer treatment is imperative. The first reported CSCs in a gastrointestinal tumor were found in colorectal cancer in 2007. Subsequently, CSCs were reported in other gastrointestinal cancers, such as esophagus, stomach, liver, and pancreas. Specific phenotypes could be used to distinguish CSCs from non-CSCs. For example, gastrointestinal CSCs express unique surface markers, exist in a side-population fraction, show high aldehyde dehydrogenase-1 activity, form tumorspheres when cultured in non-adherent conditions, and demonstrate high tumorigenic potential in immunocompromised mice. The signal transduction pathways in gastrointestinal CSCs are similar to those involved in normal embryonic development. Moreover, CSCs are modified by the aberrant expression of several microRNAs. Thus, it is very difficult to target gastrointestinal CSCs. This review focuses on the current research on gastrointestinal CSCs and future strategies to abolish the gastrointestinal CSC phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Taniguchi
- The Center for Antibody and Vaccine Therapy, Research Hospital, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chiharu Moriya
- The Center for Antibody and Vaccine Therapy, Research Hospital, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hisayoshi Igarashi
- The Center for Antibody and Vaccine Therapy, Research Hospital, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Anri Saitoh
- The Center for Antibody and Vaccine Therapy, Research Hospital, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Yamamoto
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Yasushi Adachi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Rheumatology, and Clinical Immunology, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Kohzoh Imai
- The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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22
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Abstract
The main aim of oncologists worldwide is to understand and then intervene in the primary tumor initiation and propagation mechanisms. This is essential to allow targeted elimination of cancer cells without altering normal mitotic cells. Currently, there are two main rival theories describing the process of tumorigenesis. According to the Stochastic Model, potentially any cell, once defunct, is capable of initiating carcinogenesis. Alternatively the Cancer Stem Cell (CSC) Model posits that only a small fraction of undifferentiated tumor cells are capable of triggering carcinogenesis. Like healthy stem cells, CSCs are also characterized by a capacity for self-renewal and the ability to generate differentiated progeny, possibly mediating treatment resistance, thus leading to tumor recurrence and metastasis. Moreover, molecular signaling profiles are similar between CSCs and normal stem cells, including Wnt, Notch and Hedgehog pathways. Therefore, development of novel chemotherapeutic agents and proteins (e.g., enzymes and antibodies) specifically targeting CSCs are attractive pharmaceutical candidates. This article describes small molecule inhibitors of stem cell pathways Wnt, Notch and Hedgehog, and their recent chemotherapy clinical trials.
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23
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Campos-Parra AD, Padua-Bracho A, Pedroza-Torres A, Figueroa-González G, Fernández-Retana J, Millan-Catalan O, Peralta-Zaragoza O, Cantú de León D, Herrera LA, Pérez-Plasencia C. Comprehensive transcriptome analysis identifies pathways with therapeutic potential in locally advanced cervical cancer. Gynecol Oncol 2016; 143:406-413. [PMID: 27581326 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2016.08.327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2016] [Revised: 08/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of the present study was to provide genomic and transcriptomic information that may improve clinical outcomes for locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) patients by searching for therapeutic targets or potential biomarkers through the analysis of significantly altered signaling pathways in LACC. METHODS Microarray-based transcriptome profiling of 89 tumor samples from women with LACC was performed. Through Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, significantly over-expressed genes in LACC were identified; these genes were validated by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in an independent cohort, and the protein expression data were obtained from the Human Protein Atlas. RESULTS A transcriptome analysis revealed 7530 significantly over-expressed genes in LACC samples. By KEGG analysis, we found 93 dysregulated signaling pathways, including the JAK-STAT, NOTCH and mTOR-autophagy pathways, which were significantly upregulated. We confirmed the overexpression of the relevant genes of each pathway, such as NOTCH1, JAK2, STAM1, SOS1, ADAM17, PSEN1, NCSTN, RPS6, STK11/LKB1 and MLTS8/GBL in LACC compared with normal cervical tissue epithelia. CONCLUSIONS Through comprehensive genomic and transcriptomic analyses, this work provides information regarding signaling pathways with promising therapeutic targets, suggesting novel target therapies to be considered in future clinical trials for LACC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alma Delia Campos-Parra
- Laboratorio de Genómica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan), Av. San Fernando 22, Col. Sección XVI, C.P. 14080 Tlalpan, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Alejandra Padua-Bracho
- Laboratorio de Genómica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan), Av. San Fernando 22, Col. Sección XVI, C.P. 14080 Tlalpan, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Abraham Pedroza-Torres
- Laboratorio de Genómica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan), Av. San Fernando 22, Col. Sección XVI, C.P. 14080 Tlalpan, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Gabriela Figueroa-González
- Laboratorio de Genómica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan), Av. San Fernando 22, Col. Sección XVI, C.P. 14080 Tlalpan, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Jorge Fernández-Retana
- Laboratorio de Genómica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan), Av. San Fernando 22, Col. Sección XVI, C.P. 14080 Tlalpan, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Oliver Millan-Catalan
- Laboratorio de Genómica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan), Av. San Fernando 22, Col. Sección XVI, C.P. 14080 Tlalpan, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Oscar Peralta-Zaragoza
- Dirección de Infecciones Crónicas y Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca 62100, Mexico
| | - David Cantú de León
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan), Av. San Fernando 22, Col. Sección XVI, C.P. 14080 Tlalpan, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Luis A Herrera
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan), Av. San Fernando 22, Col. Sección XVI, C.P. 14080 Tlalpan, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Carlos Pérez-Plasencia
- Laboratorio de Genómica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan), Av. San Fernando 22, Col. Sección XVI, C.P. 14080 Tlalpan, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico; Unidad de Biomedicina, FES-IZTACALA, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Avenida De Los Barrios S/N, Los Reyes Iztacala, C.P. 54090 Tlanepantla, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico.
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24
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Greene LM, Nathwani SM, Zisterer DM. Inhibition of γ-secretase activity synergistically enhances tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand induced apoptosis in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells via upregulation of death receptor 5. Oncol Lett 2016; 12:2900-2905. [PMID: 27698877 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2016.5011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a rare and aggressive hematopoietic malignancy prone to relapse and drug resistance. Half of all T-ALL patients exhibit mutations in Notch1, which leads to aberrant Notch1 associated signaling cascades. Notch1 activation is mediated by the γ-secretase cleavage of the Notch1 receptor into the active intracellular domain of Notch1 (NCID). Clinical trials of γ-secretase small molecule inhibitors (GSIs) as single agents for the treatment of T-ALL have been unsuccessful. The present study demonstrated, using immunofluorescence and western blotting, that blocking γ-secretase activity in T-ALL cells with N-[(3,5-difluorophenyl) acetyl]-L-alanyl-2-phenyl] glycine-1,1-dimethylethyl ester (DAPT) downregulated NCID and upregulated the tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) death receptor 5 (DR5). Upregulation of DR5 restored the sensitivity of T-ALL cells to TRAIL. Combination index revealed that the combined treatment of DAPT and TRAIL synergistically enhanced apoptosis compared with treatment with either drug alone. TRAIL combined with the clinically evaluated γ-secretase inhibitor 3-[(1r, 4s)-4-(4-chlorophenylsulfonyl)-4-(2, 5-difluorophenyl) cyclohexyl] propanoic acid (MK-0752) also significantly enhanced TRAIL-induced cell death compared with either drug alone. DAPT/TRAIL apoptotic synergy was dependent on the extrinsic apoptotic pathway and was associated with a decrease in BH3 interacting-domain death agonist and x-linked inhibitor of apoptosis. In conclusion, γ-secretase inhibition represents a potential therapeutic strategy to overcome TRAIL resistance for the treatment of T-ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Greene
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Republic of Ireland
| | - Seema M Nathwani
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Republic of Ireland
| | - Daniela M Zisterer
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Republic of Ireland
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25
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Xu R, Shimizu F, Hovinga K, Beal K, Karimi S, Droms L, Peck KK, Gutin P, Iorgulescu JB, Kaley T, DeAngelis L, Pentsova E, Nolan C, Grommes C, Chan T, Bobrow D, Hormigo A, Cross JR, Wu N, Takebe N, Panageas K, Ivy P, Supko JG, Tabar V, Omuro A. Molecular and Clinical Effects of Notch Inhibition in Glioma Patients: A Phase 0/I Trial. Clin Cancer Res 2016; 22:4786-4796. [PMID: 27154916 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-16-0048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE High-grade gliomas are associated with a dismal prognosis. Notch inhibition via the gamma-secretase inhibitor RO4929097 has emerged as a potential therapeutic option based on modulation of the cancer-initiating cell (CIS) population and a presumed antiangiogenic role. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN In this phase 0/I trial, 21 patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma or anaplastic astrocytoma received RO4929097 combined with temozolomide and radiotherapy. In addition to establishing the MTD, the study design enabled exploratory studies evaluating tumor and brain drug penetration and neuroimaging parameters. We also determined functional effects on the Notch pathway and targeting of CISs through analysis of tumor tissue sampled from areas with and without blood-brain barrier disruption. Finally, recurrent tumors were also sampled and assessed for Notch pathway responses while on treatment. RESULTS Treatment was well tolerated and no dose-limiting toxicities were observed. IHC of treated tumors showed a significant decrease in proliferation and in the expression of the Notch intracellular domain (NICD) by tumor cells and blood vessels. Patient-specific organotypic tumor explants cultures revealed a specific decrease in the CD133+ CIS population upon treatment. Perfusion MRI demonstrated a significant decrease in relative plasma volume after drug exposure. Gene expression data in recurrent tumors suggested low Notch signaling activity, the upregulation of key mesenchymal genes, and an increase in VEGF-dependent angiogenic factors. CONCLUSIONS The addition of RO4929097 to temozolomide and radiotherapy was well tolerated; the drug has a variable blood-brain barrier penetration. Evidence of target modulation was observed, but recurrence occurred, associated with alterations in angiogenesis signaling pathways. Clin Cancer Res; 22(19); 4786-96. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery and Center for Stem Cell Biology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York. Department of Neurosurgery, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Fumiko Shimizu
- Department of Neurosurgery and Center for Stem Cell Biology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Koos Hovinga
- Department of Neurosurgery and Center for Stem Cell Biology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Kathryn Beal
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Sasan Karimi
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Leif Droms
- Department of Neurosurgery and Center for Stem Cell Biology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Kyung K Peck
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Philip Gutin
- Department of Neurosurgery and Center for Stem Cell Biology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - J Bryan Iorgulescu
- Department of Neurosurgery and Center for Stem Cell Biology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York. Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Thomas Kaley
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Lisa DeAngelis
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Elena Pentsova
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Craig Nolan
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Christian Grommes
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Timothy Chan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Dylan Bobrow
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Adilia Hormigo
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York. Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York. Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York. Department of Neurosurgery, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York. The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Justin R Cross
- The Donald B. and Catherine C. Marron Cancer Metabolism Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Nian Wu
- Analytical Pharmacology Core, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York. LipoSeuticals Inc, Princeton, New Jersey
| | - Naoko Takebe
- Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Katherine Panageas
- Epidemiology and Statistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Percy Ivy
- National Cancer Institute, Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jeffrey G Supko
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Viviane Tabar
- Department of Neurosurgery and Center for Stem Cell Biology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.
| | - Antonio Omuro
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
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26
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Lin CY, Barry-Holson KQ, Allison KH. Breast cancer stem cells: are we ready to go from bench to bedside? Histopathology 2015; 68:119-37. [DOI: 10.1111/his.12868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chieh-Yu Lin
- Department of Pathology; Stanford University; Stanford CA USA
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27
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Abetov D, Mustapova Z, Saliev T, Bulanin D, Batyrbekov K, Gilman CP. Novel Small Molecule Inhibitors of Cancer Stem Cell Signaling Pathways. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2015; 11:909-918. [DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12015-015-9612-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
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28
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Notch signaling: an emerging therapeutic target for cancer treatment. Cancer Lett 2015; 369:20-7. [PMID: 26341688 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2015.07.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 279] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Revised: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 07/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The Notch pathway is involved in cell proliferation, differentiation and survival. The Notch signaling pathway is one of the most commonly activated signaling pathways in cancer. Alterations include activating mutations and amplification of the Notch pathway, which play key roles in the progression of cancer. Accumulating evidence suggests that the pharmacological inhibition of this pathway can overcome chemoresistance. Efforts have been taken to develop Notch inhibitors as a single agent or in combination with clinically used chemotherapeutics to treat cancer. Some Notch inhibitors have been demonstrated to have therapeutic efficacy in preclinical studies. This review summarizes the recent studies and clinical evaluations of the Notch inhibitors in cancer.
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29
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Ronchi CL, Sbiera S, Altieri B, Steinhauer S, Wild V, Bekteshi M, Kroiss M, Fassnacht M, Allolio B. Notch1 pathway in adrenocortical carcinomas: correlations with clinical outcome. Endocr Relat Cancer 2015; 22:531-43. [PMID: 25979380 DOI: 10.1530/erc-15-0163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Previous SNP array analyses have revealed genomic alterations of the Notch pathway as being the most frequent abnormality in adrenocortical tumors (ACTs). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the expression of components of Notch signaling in ACTs and to correlate them with clinical outcome. The mRNA expression of JAG1, NOTCH1, and selected target genes of NOTCH1 (HES1, HES5, and HEY2) was evaluated in 80 fresh frozen samples (28 normal adrenal glands (NAGs), 24 adenomas (ACAs), and 28 carcinomas (ACCs)) by quantitative RT-PCR. Immunohistochemistry was performed in 221 tissues on paraffin slides (16 NAGs, 27 ACAs, and 178 ACCs) for JAG1, activated NOTCH1 (aNOTCH1), and HEY2. An independent ACC validation cohort (n=77) was then also investigated. HEY2 mRNA expression was higher in ACCs than it was in ACAs (P<0.05). The protein expression of all of the factors was high (H-score 2-3) in a larger proportion of ACCs as compared to ACAs and NAGs (JAG1 in 27, 15, and 10%; aNOTCH1 in 13, 8, and 0%; HEY2 in 66, 61, and 33% respectively, all P<0.001). High JAG1 expression was associated with earlier tumor stages and lower numbers of metastases in ACCs (both P=0.08) and favorably impacted overall and progression-free survival (PFS) (131 vs 30 months, hazard ratio (HR) 0.45, and 37 vs 9 months, HR 0.51, both P<0.005). This impact on overall survival (OS) was confirmed in the validation cohort. No such association was observed for aNOTCH1 or HEY2. In conclusion, different components of the Notch1 signaling pathway are overexpressed in ACCs, which suggests a role for the pathway in malignant transformation. However, JAG1 is overexpressed in a subgroup of ACCs with a better clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina L Ronchi
- Endocrine and Diabetes UnitDepartment of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Wuerzburg, Oberrduerrbacher-Strasse 6, 97080 Wuerzburg, GermanyCentral LaboratoryUniversity Hospital of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, GermanyInstitute of PathologyUniversity of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, GermanyComprehensive Cancer Center MainfrankenWuerzburg, Germany
| | - Silviu Sbiera
- Endocrine and Diabetes UnitDepartment of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Wuerzburg, Oberrduerrbacher-Strasse 6, 97080 Wuerzburg, GermanyCentral LaboratoryUniversity Hospital of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, GermanyInstitute of PathologyUniversity of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, GermanyComprehensive Cancer Center MainfrankenWuerzburg, Germany
| | - Barbara Altieri
- Endocrine and Diabetes UnitDepartment of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Wuerzburg, Oberrduerrbacher-Strasse 6, 97080 Wuerzburg, GermanyCentral LaboratoryUniversity Hospital of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, GermanyInstitute of PathologyUniversity of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, GermanyComprehensive Cancer Center MainfrankenWuerzburg, Germany
| | - Sonja Steinhauer
- Endocrine and Diabetes UnitDepartment of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Wuerzburg, Oberrduerrbacher-Strasse 6, 97080 Wuerzburg, GermanyCentral LaboratoryUniversity Hospital of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, GermanyInstitute of PathologyUniversity of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, GermanyComprehensive Cancer Center MainfrankenWuerzburg, Germany
| | - Vanessa Wild
- Endocrine and Diabetes UnitDepartment of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Wuerzburg, Oberrduerrbacher-Strasse 6, 97080 Wuerzburg, GermanyCentral LaboratoryUniversity Hospital of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, GermanyInstitute of PathologyUniversity of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, GermanyComprehensive Cancer Center MainfrankenWuerzburg, Germany Endocrine and Diabetes UnitDepartment of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Wuerzburg, Oberrduerrbacher-Strasse 6, 97080 Wuerzburg, GermanyCentral LaboratoryUniversity Hospital of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, GermanyInstitute of PathologyUniversity of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, GermanyComprehensive Cancer Center MainfrankenWuerzburg, Germany
| | - Michaela Bekteshi
- Endocrine and Diabetes UnitDepartment of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Wuerzburg, Oberrduerrbacher-Strasse 6, 97080 Wuerzburg, GermanyCentral LaboratoryUniversity Hospital of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, GermanyInstitute of PathologyUniversity of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, GermanyComprehensive Cancer Center MainfrankenWuerzburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Kroiss
- Endocrine and Diabetes UnitDepartment of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Wuerzburg, Oberrduerrbacher-Strasse 6, 97080 Wuerzburg, GermanyCentral LaboratoryUniversity Hospital of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, GermanyInstitute of PathologyUniversity of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, GermanyComprehensive Cancer Center MainfrankenWuerzburg, Germany
| | - Martin Fassnacht
- Endocrine and Diabetes UnitDepartment of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Wuerzburg, Oberrduerrbacher-Strasse 6, 97080 Wuerzburg, GermanyCentral LaboratoryUniversity Hospital of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, GermanyInstitute of PathologyUniversity of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, GermanyComprehensive Cancer Center MainfrankenWuerzburg, Germany
| | - Bruno Allolio
- Endocrine and Diabetes UnitDepartment of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Wuerzburg, Oberrduerrbacher-Strasse 6, 97080 Wuerzburg, GermanyCentral LaboratoryUniversity Hospital of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, GermanyInstitute of PathologyUniversity of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, GermanyComprehensive Cancer Center MainfrankenWuerzburg, Germany
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