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Wang K, Yan L, Qiu X, Chen H, Gao F, Ge W, Lian Z, Wei X, Wang S, He H, Xu X. PAK1 inhibition increases TRIM21-induced PD-L1 degradation and enhances responses to anti-PD-1 therapy in pancreatic cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167236. [PMID: 38740225 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is a common malignancy with a 5-year survival <10 %. Immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a critical role in the progression of PDA. In recent years, programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1)/programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) blockade has emerged as a potent anti-tumor immunotherapy, while is yet to achieve significant clinical benefits for PDA patients. P21-Activated kinase 1 (PAK1) is highly upregulated in PDA and has been reported to be involved in the regulation of anti-tumor immunity. This study aims to investigate the combined effect of PAK1 inhibition and anti-PD-1 therapy on PDA and the underlying mechanisms. We have shown that PAK1 expression positively correlated with PD-L1 in PDA patients, and that inhibition of PAK1 downregulated PD-L1 expression of PDA cells. More importantly, we have demonstrated that PAK1 competed with PD-L1 in binding to tripartite motif-containing protein 21 (TRIM21), a ubiquitin E3 ligase, resulting in less ubiquitination and degradation of PD-L1. Moreover, PAK1 inhibition promoted CD8+ T cells activation and infiltration. In a murine PDA model, the combination of PAK1 inhibition and anti-PD-1 therapy showed significant anti-tumor effects compared with the control or monotherapy. Our results indicated that the combination of PAK1 inhibition and anti-PD-1 therapy would be a more effective treatment for PDA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Wang
- General Surgery, Cancer Center, Department of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, China; Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Lili Yan
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Xun Qiu
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Huan Chen
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Fengqiang Gao
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Wenwen Ge
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhengxing Lian
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Xuyong Wei
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Hong He
- Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, 145 Studley Rd, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia.
| | - Xiao Xu
- General Surgery, Cancer Center, Department of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, China; Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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2
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Maruta H, He H. Rapamycin vs TORin-1 or Gleevec vs Nilotinib: Simple chemical evolution that converts PAK1-blockers to TOR-blockers or vice versa? Drug Discov Ther 2024; 18:134-139. [PMID: 38569833 DOI: 10.5582/ddt.2023.01097] [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: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Both PAK1 (RAC/CDC42-activating kinase 1) and TOR (Target of Rapamycin) are among the major oncogenic/ageing kinases. However, they play the opposite role in our immune system, namely immune system is suppressed by PAK1, while it requires TOR. Thus, PAK1-blockers, would be more effective for therapy of cancers, than TOR-blockers. Since 2015 when we discovered genetically that PDGF-induced melanogenesis depends on "PAK1", we are able to screening a series of PAK1-blockers as melanogenesis-inhibitors which could eventually promote longevity. Interestingly, rapamycin, the first TOR-inhibitor, promotes melanogenesis, clearly indicating that TOR suppresses melanogenesis. However, a new TOR-inhibitor called TORin-1 no longer suppresses immune system, and blocks melanogenesis in cell culture. These observations strongly indicate that TORin-1 acts as PAK1-blockers, instead of TOR-blockers, in vivo. Thus, it is most likely that melanogenesis in cell culture could enable us to discriminate PAK1-blockers from TORblockers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hong He
- Melbourne University Hospital (Austin Health), Melbourne, Australia
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3
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Ma Y, Dumesny C, Dong L, Ang CS, Asadi K, Zhan Y, Nikfarjam M, He H. Inhibition of P21-activated kinases 1 and 4 synergistically suppresses the growth of pancreatic cancer by stimulating anti-tumour immunity. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:287. [PMID: 38797819 PMCID: PMC11129409 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01670-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is one of the most lethal types of cancer, and KRAS oncogene occurs in over 90% of cases. P21-activated kinases (PAK), containing six members (PAK1 to 6), function downstream of KRAS. PAK1 and PAK4 play important roles in carcinogenesis, but their combinational effect remains unknown. In this study, we have determined the effect of dual inhibition of PAK1 and PAK4 in PDA progression using knockout (KO) cancer cell lines. METHODS Murine wild-type (WT) and PAK1KO pancreatic cancer cell lines were isolated from PAK1+/+ and PAK1-/- KPC (LSL-KrasG12D/+; LSL-Trp53 R172H/+; Pdx-1-Cre) mice. KPC PAK4KO and KPC PAK1&4 KO cell lines were generated from KPC WT and KPC PAK1KO cell lines respectively using the CRISPR-CAS9 gene knockout technique. PAK WT and KO cell lines were used in mouse models of pancreatic tumours. Cells and tumour tissue were also used in flow cytometry and proteomic studies. A human PDA tissue microarray was stained by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Double knock out of PAK1 and PAK4 caused complete regression of tumour in a syngeneic mouse model. PAK4KO inhibited tumour growth by stimulating a rapid increase of cytotoxic CD8+ T cell infiltration. PAK1KO synergistically with PAK4KO increased cytotoxic CD8+ T cell infiltration and stimulated a sustained infiltration of CD8+ T cells at a later phase to overcome the immune evasion in the PAK4KO tumour. The human PDA tissue microarray study showed the important role of PAK1 and PAK4 in intra-tumoral T-cell function. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrated that dual inhibition of PAK1 and PAK4 synergistically suppressed PDA progression by stimulating cytotoxic CD8 + T cell response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Ma
- Department of Surgery, Austin Precinct, University of Melbourne, Level 8, Lance Townsend Building, Austin Hospital, 145 Studley Road, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
- Department of General Surgery, Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Chelsea Dumesny
- Department of Surgery, Austin Precinct, University of Melbourne, Level 8, Lance Townsend Building, Austin Hospital, 145 Studley Road, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Li Dong
- Department of Surgery, Austin Precinct, University of Melbourne, Level 8, Lance Townsend Building, Austin Hospital, 145 Studley Road, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Ching-Seng Ang
- Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Khashayar Asadi
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Yifan Zhan
- Drug Discovery, Shanghai Huaota Biopharm, Shanghai, China
| | - Mehrdad Nikfarjam
- Department of Surgery, Austin Precinct, University of Melbourne, Level 8, Lance Townsend Building, Austin Hospital, 145 Studley Road, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Hong He
- Department of Surgery, Austin Precinct, University of Melbourne, Level 8, Lance Townsend Building, Austin Hospital, 145 Studley Road, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia.
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Ibáñez-Molero S, Pruijs JTM, Atmopawiro A, Wang F, Terry AM, Altelaar M, Peeper DS, Stecker KE. Phosphoprotein dynamics of interacting T cells and tumor cells by HySic. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113598. [PMID: 38150364 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional interactions between cytotoxic T cells and tumor cells are central to anti-cancer immunity. However, our understanding of the proteins involved is limited. Here, we present HySic (hybrid quantification of stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture [SILAC]-labeled interacting cells) as a method to quantify protein and phosphorylation dynamics between and within physically interacting cells. Using co-cultured T cells and tumor cells, we directly measure the proteome and phosphoproteome of engaged cells without the need for physical separation. We identify proteins whose abundance or activation status changes upon T cell:tumor cell interaction and validate our method with established signal transduction pathways including interferon γ (IFNγ) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Furthermore, we identify the RHO/RAC/PAK1 signaling pathway to be activated upon cell engagement and show that pharmacologic inhibition of PAK1 sensitizes tumor cells to T cell killing. Thus, HySic is a simple method to study rapid protein signaling dynamics in physically interacting cells that is easily extended to other biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofía Ibáñez-Molero
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, 3521 AL Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Joannes T M Pruijs
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, 3521 AL Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Alisha Atmopawiro
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Fujia Wang
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Alexandra M Terry
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Maarten Altelaar
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Daniel S Peeper
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Pathology, VU University Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, 3521 AL Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Kelly E Stecker
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, the Netherlands
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Ansardamavandi A, Nikfarjam M, He H. PAK in Pancreatic Cancer-Associated Vasculature: Implications for Therapeutic Response. Cells 2023; 12:2692. [PMID: 38067120 PMCID: PMC10705971 DOI: 10.3390/cells12232692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis has been associated with numbers of solid tumours. Anti-angiogenesis drugs starve tumours of nutrients and oxygen but also make it difficult for a chemo reagent to distribute into a tumour, leading to aggressive tumour growth. Anti-angiogenesis drugs do not appear to improve the overall survival rate of pancreatic cancer. Vessel normalisation is merging as one of the new approaches for halting tumour progression by facilitating the tumour infiltration of immune cells and the delivery of chemo reagents. Targeting p21-activated kinases (PAKs) in cancer has been shown to inhibit cancer cell growth and improve the efficacy of chemotherapy. Inhibition of PAK enhances anti-tumour immunity and stimulates the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockades. Inhibition of PAK also improves Car-T immunotherapy by reprogramming the vascular microenvironment. This review summarizes current research on PAK's role in tumour vasculature and therapeutical response, with a focus on pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arian Ansardamavandi
- Department of Surgery, Austin Precinct, The University of Melbourne, 145 Studley Rd, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia; (A.A.); (M.N.)
| | - Mehrdad Nikfarjam
- Department of Surgery, Austin Precinct, The University of Melbourne, 145 Studley Rd, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia; (A.A.); (M.N.)
- Department of Hepatopancreatic-Biliary Surgery, Austin Health, 145 Studley Rd, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
| | - Hong He
- Department of Surgery, Austin Precinct, The University of Melbourne, 145 Studley Rd, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia; (A.A.); (M.N.)
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Feng Z, Zhao Q, Ding Y, Xu Y, Sun X, Chen Q, Zhang Y, Miao J, Zhu J. Identification an innovative classification and nomogram for predicting the prognosis of thyroid carcinoma patients and providing therapeutic schedules. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:14817-14831. [PMID: 37596371 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05252-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thyroid carcinoma (THCA) represents a prevalent form of cancer globally, with its incidence demonstrating an upward trend in recent years. Accumulating evidence has indicated that programmed cell death (PCD) patterns exert a vital influence on tumor progression. Nevertheless, the association between PCD and the prognosis of patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma remains to be elucidated. The current study endeavors to examine the link between PCD and the prognosis of thyroid cancer while concurrently developing a prognostic index based on PCD genes. MATERIALS AND METHODS Programmed cell death patterns were employed to construct the model and define clusters. Gene expression profile genomics and clinical data pertaining to 568 patients with thyroid cancer were sourced from the TCGA database. In addition, single-cell transcriptome data GSE184362 were procured from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database for subsequent analysis. RESULTS The study harnessed six machine learning algorithms to create a programmed cell death signature (PCDS). Ultimately, the model developed via SVM was chosen as the optimal model, boasting the highest C-index. Moreover, the application of non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) led to the identification of two molecular subtypes of THCA, each characterized by distinct vital biological processes and drug sensitivities. The investigation revealed that PCDS is linked to chemokines, interleukins, interferons, and checkpoint genes, as well as pivotal components of the tumor microenvironment, as determined through a comprehensive analysis of bulk and single-cell transcriptomes. Patients with THCA and elevated PCDS values are more inclined to exhibit resistance to conventional chemotherapy regimens, yet may display heightened responsiveness to targeted therapeutic agents. Finally, we established a nomogram model based on multivariable cox and logistic regression analyses to predict the overall survival of THCA patients. CONCLUSION This research sheds new light on the role of programmed cell death (PCD) patterns in THCA. By conducting an in-depth analysis of various cell death patterns, a novel PCD model has been devised, capable of accurately predicting the clinical prognosis and drug sensitivity of patients with THCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanrong Feng
- Department of Endocrinology, Shuyang County Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu, 223600, China.
| | - Qian Zhao
- Department of Endocrinology, Shuyang County Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu, 223600, China
| | - Ying Ding
- Department of Endocrinology, Shuyang County Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu, 223600, China
| | - Yue Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, Shuyang County Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu, 223600, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Sun
- Department of Endocrinology, Shuyang County Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu, 223600, China
| | - Qiang Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, Shuyang County Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu, 223600, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Shuyang County Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu, 223600, China
| | - Juan Miao
- Department of Endocrinology, Shuyang County Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu, 223600, China
| | - Jingjing Zhu
- Department of Endocrinology, Shuyang County Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu, 223600, China.
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Yang Y, Xu X, He B, Chang J, Zheng Y, Li Y. The role of miRNA-26a-5p and target gene socs1a in flutolanil induced hepatotoxicity of zebrafish at environmental relevant levels. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 335:122322. [PMID: 37544405 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Flutolanil has been detected worldwide in aquatic environment and fish, which has become an undeniable stressor on ecosystem and human health. Flutolanil has been reported to be toxic to aquatic organisms. However, the pathophysiological and molecular mechanism behind the detrimental effects remains obscure. Here we reported hepatotoxicity induced by flutolanil in HepG2 cells and zebrafish, as revealed by toxicokinetic, HE staining, miRNAs-mRNAs sequencing, molecular dynamic simulations and dual luciferase reporter assays. Collectively, our results indicated that flutolanil could be absorbed by and accumulated in the liver of zebrafish, causing hepatic vacuolar degeneration, steatosis and nuclear condensation and abnormal liver function, where its exposure at environmental levels disrupted the expressions of miRNA-26a-5p and its target gene socs1a by mediating JAK-STAT signaling pathway, which was partially responsible for hepatotoxicity, correlated with oxidative stress, cell apoptosis, inflammation, cell cycle disorder and mitochondrial dysfunction. These findings suggest that miRNA-26a-5p/socs1a can serve as potential biomarkers of hepatotoxicity in zebrafish following exposure to flutolanil. This uncovered route will provide a new tool for the risk assessment of flutolanil and a guide to proper use of flutolanil and environmental remedy, and open up a new horizon for liver disease assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Disease and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiyan Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Disease and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China; College of Plant Health and Medicine, Shandong Engineering Research Center for Environment-Friendly Agricultural Pest Management, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin He
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Wuhan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan, 430070, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinhe Chang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Disease and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongquan Zheng
- College of Plant Health and Medicine, Shandong Engineering Research Center for Environment-Friendly Agricultural Pest Management, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanbo Li
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Disease and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China.
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Kichina JV, Maslov A, Kandel ES. PAK1 and Therapy Resistance in Melanoma. Cells 2023; 12:2373. [PMID: 37830586 PMCID: PMC10572217 DOI: 10.3390/cells12192373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma claims more lives than any other skin malignancy. While primary melanomas are usually cured via surgical excision, the metastatic form of the disease portents a poor prognosis. Decades of intense research has yielded an extensive armamentarium of anti-melanoma therapies, ranging from genotoxic chemo- and radiotherapies to targeted interventions in specific signaling pathways and immune functions. Unfortunately, even the most up-to-date embodiments of these therapies are not curative for the majority of metastatic melanoma patients, and the need to improve their efficacy is widely recognized. Here, we review the reports that implicate p21-regulated kinase 1 (PAK1) and PAK1-related pathways in the response of melanoma to various therapeutic modalities. Ample data suggest that PAK1 may decrease cell sensitivity to programmed cell death, provide additional stimulation to growth-promoting molecular pathways, and contribute to the creation of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Accordingly, there is mounting evidence that the concomitant inhibition of PAK1 enhances the potency of various anti-melanoma regimens. Overall, the available information suggests that a safe and effective inhibition of PAK1-dependent molecular processes would enhance the potency of the currently available anti-melanoma treatments, although considerable challenges in implementing such strategies still exist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia V. Kichina
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm & Carlton St., Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Alexei Maslov
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm & Carlton St., Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Eugene S. Kandel
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm & Carlton St., Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
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Wang K, Qiu X, Zhang Z, Xu H, Tan Y, Su R, Gao F, Zhuo J, Li W, Lian Z, He H, Xu X. ATRA sensitized the response of hepatocellular carcinoma to Sorafenib by downregulation of p21-activated kinase 1. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:193. [PMID: 37537668 PMCID: PMC10399044 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01194-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sorafenib resistance greatly reduces the efficacy of treatments in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, but the underlying mechanisms are not thoroughly understood. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), an anti-leukaemia agent, has attracted considerable attention due to its role in sensitizing cells to other anticancer treatments. We aimed to investigate the combined effect of ATRA and Sorafenib on HCC and the underlying mechanisms. METHODS CCK-8, cell sphere formation, trans-well migration, and wound-healing assays were used to analyse the biological behaviours of HCC cells in vitro. Western blotting and qRT-PCR analysis were conducted to measure the expression of p21 activated kinase 1 (PAK1) and phospho-p21 activated kinase 1 (pPAK1). Xenograft models were established to confirm the synergistic effects of ATRA and Sorafenib in vivo. TUNEL assays and immunohistochemistry were utilized to determine apoptosis, proliferation, PAK1 and pPAK1 levels in tumour tissues. RESULTS We observed that PAK1 was overexpressed in HCC, and its expression was negatively correlated with the survival of patients. PAK1 promoted the proliferation, self-renewal and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of HCC cells. Correlation analysis indicated that the IC50 of Sorafenib was positively correlated with the level of pPAK1 in HCC cell lines. ATRA inhibited the progression of HCC and sensitized HCC response to Sorafenib by downregulation of PAK1, as shown by the calculated coefficient of drug interaction and the data obtained from xenograft models. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicated that instead of treatment with Sorafenib alone, the combination of ATRA and Sorafenib provides a more effective treatment for HCC patients. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, People's Republic of China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, 310024, People's Republic of China
| | - Xun Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhensheng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Hanzhi Xu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Yawen Tan
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Renyi Su
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Fengqiang Gao
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, People's Republic of China
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianyong Zhuo
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, People's Republic of China
| | - Wangyao Li
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengxing Lian
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong He
- Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia.
| | - Xiao Xu
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou, 310024, People's Republic of China.
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310006, People's Republic of China.
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Zou X, Guan C, Gao J, Shi W, Cui Y, Zhong X. Tertiary lymphoid structures in pancreatic cancer: a new target for immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1222719. [PMID: 37529035 PMCID: PMC10388371 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1222719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is extremely malignant and shows limited response to available immunotherapies due to the hypoxic and immunosuppressive nature of its tumor microenvironment (TME). The aggregation of immune cells (B cells, T cells, dendritic cells, etc.), which is induced in various chronic inflammatory settings such as infection, inflammation, and tumors, is known as the tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS). Several studies have shown that TLSs can be found in both intra- and peritumor tissues of PC. The role of TLSs in peritumor tissues in tumors remains unclear, though intratumoral TLSs are known to play an active role in a variety of tumors, including PC. The formation of intratumoral TLSs in PC is associated with a good prognosis. In addition, TLSs can be used as an indicator to assess the effectiveness of treatment. Targeted induction of TLS formation may become a new avenue of immunotherapy for PC. This review summarizes the formation, characteristics, relevant clinical outcomes, and clinical applications of TLSs in the pancreatic TME. We aim to provide new ideas for future immunotherapy of PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinlei Zou
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiary Surgery, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Canghai Guan
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiary Surgery, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jianjun Gao
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiary Surgery, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Wujiang Shi
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiary Surgery, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yunfu Cui
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiary Surgery, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiangyu Zhong
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiary Surgery, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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11
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Qian X, Bi QY, Wang ZN, Han F, Liu LM, Song LB, Li CY, Zhang AQ, Ji XM. Qingyihuaji Formula promotes apoptosis and autophagy through inhibition of MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway on pancreatic cancer in vivo and in vitro. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 307:116198. [PMID: 36690307 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Qingyihuaji Formula (QYHJ), a widely used traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has been used to treat patients with cancer in China. However, the effect and mechanism of QYHJ on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to explore the roles and evaluate the possible underlying molecular mechanisms of QYHJ and its core component in PDAC using label-free quantitative proteomics in conjunction with network pharmacology-based analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS By screening differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in proteomics and QYHJ-predicted gene sets, we identified QYHJ-related PDAC targets annotated with bioinformatic analysis. A subcutaneous tumor model was established to assess the role of QYHJ in vivo. The effects of quercetin (Que), a core component of QYHJ, on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and autophagy in SW1990 and PANC-1 cells were investigated in vitro. Immunohistochemistry, western blotting, mRFP-GFP-LC3 adenovirus, and kinase analysis were used to determine the underlying mechanisms. RESULTS Bioinformatics analysis revealed that 41 QYHJ-related PDAC targets were closely related to the cellular response to nitrogen compounds, positive regulation of cell death, regulation of epithelial cell apoptotic processes, and chemokine signaling pathways. CASP3, SRC, STAT1, PTPN11, PKM, and PAK1 with high expression were identified as hub DEPs in the PPI network, and these DEPs were associated with poor overall survival and STAT 1, MAPK/ERK, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways in PDAC patients. QYHJ significantly promoted tumor death in nude mice. Moreover, quercetin inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of PDAC cells. Additionally, Que induced apoptosis and autophagy in PDAC cells. Mechanistically, QYHJ and Que significantly activated STAT 1 and remarkably inhibited the MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathways in vivo and in vitro, respectively. Importantly, ERK1/2 inactivation contributes to que-induced apoptosis in SW1990 and PANC-1 cells. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that QYHJ and Que are promising anti-PDAC avenues that benefit from their multiform mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Qian
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Qian-Yu Bi
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Zeng-Na Wang
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Fang Han
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Zhejiang, China.
| | - Lu-Ming Liu
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
| | - Li-Bin Song
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
| | - Chang-Yu Li
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Ai-Qin Zhang
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Zhejiang, China.
| | - Xu-Ming Ji
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Zhejiang, China.
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12
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Somanath PR, Chernoff J, Cummings BS, Prasad SM, Homan HD. Targeting P21-Activated Kinase-1 for Metastatic Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15082236. [PMID: 37190165 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa) has limited therapeutic options and a high mortality rate. The p21-activated kinase (PAK) family of proteins is important in cell survival, proliferation, and motility in physiology, and pathologies such as infectious, inflammatory, vascular, and neurological diseases as well as cancers. Group-I PAKs (PAK1, PAK2, and PAK3) are involved in the regulation of actin dynamics and thus are integral for cell morphology, adhesion to the extracellular matrix, and cell motility. They also play prominent roles in cell survival and proliferation. These properties make group-I PAKs a potentially important target for cancer therapy. In contrast to normal prostate and prostatic epithelial cells, group-I PAKs are highly expressed in mPCA and PCa tissue. Importantly, the expression of group-I PAKs is proportional to the Gleason score of the patients. While several compounds have been identified that target group-I PAKs and these are active in cells and mice, and while some inhibitors have entered human trials, as of yet, none have been FDA-approved. Probable reasons for this lack of translation include issues related to selectivity, specificity, stability, and efficacy resulting in side effects and/or lack of efficacy. In the current review, we describe the pathophysiology and current treatment guidelines of PCa, present group-I PAKs as a potential druggable target to treat mPCa patients, and discuss the various ATP-competitive and allosteric inhibitors of PAKs. We also discuss the development and testing of a nanotechnology-based therapeutic formulation of group-I PAK inhibitors and its significant potential advantages as a novel, selective, stable, and efficacious mPCa therapeutic over other PCa therapeutics in the pipeline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payaningal R Somanath
- Department of Clinical & Administrative Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
- MetasTx LLC, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920, USA
| | - Jonathan Chernoff
- MetasTx LLC, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920, USA
- Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA
| | - Brian S Cummings
- MetasTx LLC, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Sandip M Prasad
- Morristown Medical Center, Atlantic Health System, Morristown, NJ 07960, USA
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Kong W, Zhu L, Li T, Chen J, Fan B, Ji W, Zhang C, Cai X, Hu C, Sun X, Cao P. Azeliragon inhibits PAK1 and enhances the therapeutic efficacy of AKT inhibitors in pancreatic cancer. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 948:175703. [PMID: 37028543 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a lethal malignancy for which there is currently no effective treatment strategy. We previously reported that p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1) is aberrantly expressed in pancreatic cancer patients and that targeted inhibition of PAK1 significantly suppressed pancreatic cancer progression in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we identified the drug azeliragon as a novel inhibitor of PAK1. Cell experiments revealed that azeliragon abolished PAK1 activation and promoted apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells. Azeliragon was also found to significantly inhibit tumor growth in a pancreatic cancer xenograft model; when combined with afuresertib, an oral pan-AKT kinase inhibitor, azeliragon exhibited a strong synergistic effect against pancreatic cancer cells. Interestingly, afuresertib enhanced the antitumor efficacy of azeliragon in a xenograft mouse model. Collectively, our findings revealed previously unreported aspects of the drug azeliragon, and identified a novel combination strategy for the treatment of pancreatic cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weikang Kong
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Vocational College of Agriculture and Forestry, Jurong, China
| | - Lingxia Zhu
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Tian Li
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China; School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiao Chen
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Bo Fan
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China; School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenjing Ji
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Chunli Zhang
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xueting Cai
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Chunping Hu
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Sun
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
| | - Peng Cao
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China; School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
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14
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Qiu X, Xu H, Wang K, Gao F, Xu X, He H. P-21 Activated Kinases in Liver Disorders. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15020551. [PMID: 36672500 PMCID: PMC9857091 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The p21 Activated Kinases (PAKs) are serine threonine kinases and play important roles in many biological processes, including cell growth, survival, cytoskeletal organization, migration, and morphology. Recently, PAKs have emerged in the process of liver disorders, including liver cancer, hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury, hepatitis, and liver fibrosis, owing to their effects in multiple signaling pathways in various cell types. Activation of PAKs promotes liver cancer growth and metastasis and contributes to the resistance of liver cancer to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, leading to poor survival of patients. PAKs also play important roles in the development and progression of hepatitis and other pathological processes of the liver such as fibrosis and ischemia-reperfusion injury. In this review, we have summarized the currently available studies about the role of PAKs in liver disorders and the mechanisms involved, and further explored the potential therapeutic application of PAK inhibitors in liver disorders, with the aim to provide a comprehensive overview on current progress and perspectives of PAKs in liver disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xun Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Hanzhi Xu
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Correspondence: (K.W.); (H.H.)
| | - Fengqiang Gao
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xiao Xu
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Hong He
- Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, 145 Studley Rd., Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
- Correspondence: (K.W.); (H.H.)
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15
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Zhou Q, Chen D, Zhang J, Xiang J, Zhang T, Wang H, Zhang Y. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma holds unique features to form an immunosuppressive microenvironment: a narrative review. JOURNAL OF PANCREATOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1097/jp9.0000000000000109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
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16
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Li X, Gulati M, Larson AC, Solheim JC, Jain M, Kumar S, Batra SK. Immune checkpoint blockade in pancreatic cancer: Trudging through the immune desert. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:14-27. [PMID: 36041672 PMCID: PMC9713834 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) has exceptionally high mortality due to ineffective treatment strategies. Immunotherapy, which mobilizes the immune system to fight against cancer, has been proven successful in multiple cancers; however, its application in PC has met with limited success. In this review, we articulated that the pancreatic tumor microenvironment is immuno-suppressive with extensive infiltration by M2-macrophages and myeloid-derived suppressive cells but low numbers of cytotoxic T-cells. In addition, low mutational load and poor antigen processing, presentation, and recognition contribute to the limited response to immunotherapy in PC. Immune checkpoints, the critical targets for immunotherapy, have high expression in PC and stromal cells, regulated by tumor microenvironmental milieu (cytokine and metabolites) and cell-intrinsic mechanisms (epigenetic regulation, oncogenic signaling, and post-translational modifications). Combining immunotherapy with modulators of the tumor microenvironment may facilitate the development of novel therapeutic regimens to manage PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqi Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Mansi Gulati
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Alaina C Larson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Joyce C Solheim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Maneesh Jain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
| | - Sushil Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
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17
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Li M, Zhou J, Zhang Z, Li J, Wang F, Ma L, Tian X, Mao Z, Yang Y. Exosomal miR-485-3p derived from pancreatic ductal epithelial cells inhibits pancreatic cancer metastasis through targeting PAK1. Chin Med J (Engl) 2022; 135:2326-2337. [PMID: 36535010 PMCID: PMC9771326 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cell competition is an important feature in pancreatic cancer (PC) progression, but the underlying mechanism remains elusive. This study aims to explore the role of exosomes derived from normal pancreatic ductal epithelial cells involved in PC progression. METHODS PC cells and pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) were treated with exosomes isolated from pancreatic ductal epithelial cells. Cell proliferation was assessed by CCK8 assays. Cell migration and invasion were assessed by Transwell assays. PC and matched adjacent non-tumor tissue specimens were obtained from 46 patients pathologically diagnosed with PC at Peking University First Hospital from 2013 to 2017. Tissue miR-485-3p and p21-activated kinase-1 (PAK1) expression was examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and the relationship of the two was analyzed using Pearman's product-moment correlation. The clinical significance of miR-485-3p was analyzed using the Chi-square test, Wilcoxon rank-sum test, and Fisher exact probability, respectively. The binding of miR-485-3p to PAK1 5'-untranslated region (5'-UTR) was examined by luciferase assay. PC cells were xenografted into nude mice as a PC metastasis model. RESULTS Exosomes from pancreatic ductal epithelial cells suppressed PC cell migration and invasion as well as the secretion and migration of PSCs. MiR-485-3p was enriched in the exosomes of pancreatic ductal epithelial cells but deficient in those of PC cells and PSCs, in accordance with the lower level in PSCs and PC cells than that in pancreatic ductal cells. And the mature miR-485-3p could be delivered into these cells by the exosomes secreted by normal pancreatic duct cells, to inhibit PC cell migration and invasion. Clinical data analysis showed that miR-485-3p was significantly decreased in PC tissues (P < 0.05) and was negatively associated with lymphovascular invasion (P = 0.044). As a direct target of miR-485-3p, PAK1 was found to exert an inhibitory effect on PC cells, and there was a significantly negative correlation between the expression levels of miR-485-3p and PAK1 (r = -0.6525, P < 0.0001) in PC tissues. Moreover, miR-485-3p could suppress PC metastasis in vivo by targeting p21-activated kinase-1. CONCLUSIONS Exosomal miR-485-3p delivered by normal pancreatic ductal epithelial cells into PC cells inhibits PC metastasis by directly targeting PAK1. The restoration of miR-485-3p by exosomes or some other vehicle might be a novel approach for PC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhe Li
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
- Department of Urology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China
| | - Jiaxin Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Zhengkui Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Jisong Li
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Ling Ma
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Peking University Ninth School of Clinical Medicine (Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University), Beijing 100038, China
| | - Xiaodong Tian
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Zebin Mao
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yinmo Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
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Li X, Li F. p21-Activated Kinase: Role in Gastrointestinal Cancer and Beyond. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194736. [PMID: 36230657 PMCID: PMC9563254 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Gastrointestinal tumors are the most common tumors with a high mortality rate worldwide. Numerous protein kinases have been studied in anticipation of finding viable tumor therapeutic targets, including PAK. PAK is a serine/threonine kinase that plays an important role in the malignant phenotype of tumors. The function of PAK in tumors is highlighted in cell proliferation, survival, motility, tumor cell plasticity and the tumor microenvironment, therefore providing a new possible target for clinical tumor therapy. Based on the current research works of PAK, we summarize and analyze the PAK features and signaling pathways in cells, especially the role of PAK in gastrointestinal tumors, thereby hoping to provide a theoretical basis for both the future studies of PAK and potential tumor therapeutic targets. Abstract Gastrointestinal tumors are the most common tumors, and they are leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, but their mechanisms are still unclear, which need to be clarified to discover therapeutic targets. p21-activating kinase (PAK), a serine/threonine kinase that is downstream of Rho GTPase, plays an important role in cellular signaling networks. According to the structural characteristics and activation mechanisms of them, PAKs are divided into two groups, both of which are involved in the biological processes that are critical to cells, including proliferation, migration, survival, transformation and metabolism. The biological functions of PAKs depend on a large number of interacting proteins and the signaling pathways they participate in. The role of PAKs in tumors is manifested in their abnormality and the consequential changes in the signaling pathways. Once they are overexpressed or overactivated, PAKs lead to tumorigenesis or a malignant phenotype, especially in tumor invasion and metastasis. Recently, the involvement of PAKs in cellular plasticity, stemness and the tumor microenvironment have attracted attention. Here, we summarize the biological characteristics and key signaling pathways of PAKs, and further analyze their mechanisms in gastrointestinal tumors and others, which will reveal new therapeutic targets and a theoretical basis for the clinical treatment of gastrointestinal cancer.
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Ma Y, Nikfarjam M, He H. The trilogy of P21 activated kinase, autophagy and immune evasion in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Cancer Lett 2022; 548:215868. [PMID: 36027997 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDA) is one of the most lethal types of cancer with a dismal prognosis. KRAS mutation is a commonly identified oncogene in PDA tumorigenesis and P21-activated kinases (PAKs) are its downstream mediator. While PAK1 is more well-studied, PAK4 also attracted increasing interest. In PDA, PAK inhibition not only reduces cancer cell viability but also sensitises it to chemotherapy. While PDA remains resistant to existing immunotherapies, PAK inhibition has been shown to increase cancer immunogenicity of melanoma, glioblastoma and PDA. Furthermore, autophagy plays an important role in PDA immune evasion, and accumulating evidence has pointed to a connection between PAK and cancer cell autophagy. In this literature review, we aim to summarize currently available studies that have assessed the potential connection between PAK, autophagy and immune evasion in PDA biology to guide future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Ma
- Department of Surgery, Austin Precinct, The University of Melbourne, 145 Studley Rd, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia
| | - Mehrdad Nikfarjam
- Department of Surgery, Austin Precinct, The University of Melbourne, 145 Studley Rd, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia; Department of Hepatopancreatic-Biliary Surgery, Austin Health, 145 Studley Rd, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia
| | - Hong He
- Department of Surgery, Austin Precinct, The University of Melbourne, 145 Studley Rd, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia.
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20
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Zhou X, Yan Y, Xu M. Immune cell responses in pancreatic cancer and their clinical application. EUR J INFLAMM 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/20587392211044381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal diseases around the world, for hardly detection and poor prognosis. Recent years, functions of the tumor microenvironment and immune cells attract people’s view and there is emerging evidence implicating some immune cells hold the key points in the metabolism, invasion, and metastasis in pancreatic cancer. In this review, we highlight some main immune cells, such as Tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) and macrophages (TAMs), Pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and Regulatory T cells (Tregs). Furthermore, we review current clinical applications and discuss potential values in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xulin Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yongmin Yan
- School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Min Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
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21
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Zhang T, Zhu L, Cai J, He J. Four drug metabolism-related subgroups of pancreatic adenocarcinoma in prognosis, immune infiltration, and gene mutation. Open Med (Wars) 2022; 17:427-440. [PMID: 35340619 PMCID: PMC8898926 DOI: 10.1515/med-2022-0433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to screen the drug metabolism-related subgroups of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) and to study the prognosis, clinical features, immune infiltration, and gene mutation differences of different subtypes in PAAD patients. All 181 cases of PAAD samples and clinical characteristics data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). After matching the drug metabolism-related genes downloaded from PMID 33202946 with the TCGA dataset, the drug metabolism-related genes were initially obtained. Besides, univariate Cox regression analysis was used to screen the drug metabolism genes related to the prognosis of PAAD. Moreover, the construction of the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network and gene ontology were performed. The four subgroups of PAAD obtained from unsupervised clustering analysis were systematically analyzed, including prognostic, GSVA, immune infiltration, and gene mutation analysis. A total of 83 drug metabolism genes related to the prognosis of PAAD were obtained and enriched in 16 pathways. The PPI network was composed of 248 relationship pairs. Four subgroups that can identify different subtypes of PPAD were obtained, and there were significant differences in survival and clinical characteristics, mutation types, and immune infiltration abundance between subgroups. A total of 17 different pathways among the four subgroups involved in cell cycle, response to stimulants such as drugs, and transmembrane transport. In this study, the four subgroups related to the drug metabolism of PAAD were comprehensively analyzed, and the important role of drug metabolism-related genes in the immune infiltration and prognosis of PAAD were emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongyi Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University , Jing’an District, 200040 , Shanghai , China
| | - Liyong Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University , Jing’an District, 200040 , Shanghai , China
| | - Jianhua Cai
- Department of General Surgery, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University , Jing’an District, 200040 , Shanghai , China
| | - Jiaqi He
- Department of General Surgery, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University , No. 221 Yan’an West Road, Jing’an District, 200040 , Shanghai , China
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Wan T, Yang C, Zhao X, Han Q, Zhang Z, Li J, Du X, Sun D. Coordinated Co-NC/CoFe dual active centre embedded three-dimensional ordered macroporous framework as bifunctional catalyst for efficient and stable zinc-air batteries. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2022; 33:155404. [PMID: 34952529 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ac4663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Developing efficient and stable multifunctional electrocatalyst is very important for zinc-air batteries in practical. Herein, semiconductive spinel CuFe2O4supported Co-N co-doped carbon (Co-NC) and CoFe alloy nanoparticles were proposed. In this strategy, the three-dimensional ordered macroporous CuFe2O4support provides rich channels for mass transmission, revealling good corrosion-resistance and durability at the same time. ZIF-67 derived Co-NC decoration improves the conductivity of the catalyst. Further, the uniformly distributed Co-NC and CoFe nanoparticles (C/CF) dramatically promote the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performance. Accordingly, C/CF@CuFe2O4catalyst shows remarkable bifunctional electrocatalytic activity, with an ORR half-wave potential of 0.86 V, and an OER over-potential of 0.46 V at 10 mA cm-2. The zinc-air battery using this catalyst exhibits a power density of 95.5 mW cm-2and a durable cyclability for over 170 h at a current density of 10 mA cm-2, which implies a great potential in practical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongtao Wan
- Hebei Provincial Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Technology and High Efficient Energy Saving, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Chemical Process Safety, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenhui Yang
- Hebei Provincial Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Technology and High Efficient Energy Saving, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Chemical Process Safety, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, People's Republic of China
| | - Ximeng Zhao
- Hebei Provincial Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Technology and High Efficient Energy Saving, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Chemical Process Safety, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, People's Republic of China
| | - Qinglin Han
- Hebei Provincial Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Technology and High Efficient Energy Saving, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Chemical Process Safety, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, People's Republic of China
| | - Zisheng Zhang
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Jingde Li
- Hebei Provincial Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Technology and High Efficient Energy Saving, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Chemical Process Safety, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohang Du
- Hebei Provincial Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Technology and High Efficient Energy Saving, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Chemical Process Safety, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, People's Republic of China
| | - Daolai Sun
- Hebei Provincial Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Technology and High Efficient Energy Saving, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Chemical Process Safety, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Hebei University of Technology, Tianjin 300130, People's Republic of China
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He H, Dumesny C, Ang CS, Dong L, Ma Y, Zeng J, Nikfarjam M. A novel PAK4 inhibitor suppresses pancreatic cancer growth and enhances the inhibitory effect of gemcitabine. Transl Oncol 2022; 16:101329. [PMID: 34973571 PMCID: PMC8724943 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Over 95% of Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDA) carry mutations in the oncogene KRas which has been proven to be a difficult drug target. P21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4), acts downstream of KRas, and is overexpressed in PDA contributing to its growth and chemoresistance, and thus becomes an attractive therapeutic target. We have developed a new PAK4 inhibitor, PAKib and tested its effect on pancreatic cancer (PC) cell growth in vitro and in a syngeneic mouse model of PC. PAKib suppressed PC cell growth by inducing cell death and cycle arrest. PAKib inhibited PC growth and enhanced the inhibition by gemcitabine of PC in cell culture and in PC mouse model. PAKib acted through multiple signaling pathways involved in cell cycle checkpoints, apoptosis, cell junction, and focal adhesion. These proof-of-concept studies demonstrated the anti-cancer effect of PAKib alone and in combination with gemcitabine and warrant a further clinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong He
- Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, 145 Studley Rd., Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia.
| | - Chelsea Dumesny
- Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, 145 Studley Rd., Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
| | - Ching-Seng Ang
- Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne, Flemington Road, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Li Dong
- Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, 145 Studley Rd., Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
| | - Yi Ma
- Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, 145 Studley Rd., Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
| | - Jun Zeng
- Pakinax Pty. Ltd., Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mehrdad Nikfarjam
- Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, 145 Studley Rd., Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia.
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24
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Li HB, Yang ZH, Guo QQ. Immune checkpoint inhibition for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: limitations and prospects: a systematic review. Cell Commun Signal 2021; 19:117. [PMID: 34819086 PMCID: PMC8611916 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-021-00789-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is an extremely malignant tumor with the lowest 5-year survival rate among all tumors. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), as the most common pathological subtype of pancreatic cancer, usually has poor therapeutic results. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can relieve failure of the tumor-killing effect of immune effector cells caused by immune checkpoints. Therefore, they have been used as a novel treatment for many solid tumors. However, PDAC is not sensitive to monotherapy with ICIs, which might be related to the inhibitory immune microenvironment of pancreatic cancer. Therefore, the way to improve the microenvironment has raised a heated discussion in recent years. Here, we elaborate on the relationship between different immune cellular components in this environment, list some current preclinical or clinical attempts to enhance the efficacy of ICIs by targeting the inhibitory tumor microenvironment of PDAC or in combination with other therapies. Such information offers a better understanding of the sophisticated tumor-microenvironment interactions, also providing insights on therapeutic guidance of PDAC targeting. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Bo Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009 Zhejiang Province China
| | - Zi-Han Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009 Zhejiang Province China
| | - Qing-Qu Guo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009 Zhejiang Province China
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25
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Naїja A, Merhi M, Inchakalody V, Fernandes Q, Mestiri S, Prabhu KS, Uddin S, Dermime S. The role of PAK4 in the immune system and its potential implication in cancer immunotherapy. Cell Immunol 2021; 367:104408. [PMID: 34246086 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2021.104408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The p21 activated kinases (PAKs) are known to play a role in the regulation of cell morphology and functions. Among the various members of PAKs family, only the PAK4 protein has been shown to be overexpressed in cancer cells and its upregulation was associated with tumor development. Indeed, several studies have shown that PAK4 overexpression is implicated in carcinogenesis by different mechanisms including promotion of cell proliferation, invasion and migration, protection of cells from apoptosis, stimulation of the tumor-specific anchorage-independent cell growth and regulation of the cytoskeletal organisation and adhesion. Moreover, high PAK4 protein levels have been observed in several solid tumors and have been shown able to enhance cancer cell resistance to many treatments especially chemotherapy. Interestingly, it has been recently demonstrated that PAK4 downregulation can inhibit the PD-1/PD-L1 immune regulatory pathway. Taken together, these findings not only implicate PAK4 in oncogenic transformation and in prediction of tumor response to treatment but also suggest its role as an attractive target for immunotherapy. In the current review we will summarize the different mechanisms of PAK4 implication in tumor development, describe its role as a regulator of the immune response and as a potential novel target for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azza Naїja
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Maysaloun Merhi
- National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Varghese Inchakalody
- National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Queenie Fernandes
- National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sarra Mestiri
- National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Kirti S Prabhu
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute and Dermatology Institute, Academic health system, Hamad medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Said Dermime
- National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Translational Cancer Research Facility, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar.
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26
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Ye Z, Li Y, Xie J, Feng Z, Yang X, Wu Y, Zhao K, Pu Y, Xu X, Zhu Z, Li W, Pan J, Chen W, Xing C. The Anti-Tumor Activity of Afatinib in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Cells. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2021; 20:1447-1458. [PMID: 32384038 DOI: 10.2174/1871520620666200508090515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common form of pancreatic cancer and leading causes of pancreatic cancer death because of most PDAC patients with advanced unresectable disease at that time, which is remarkably resistant to all forms of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. OBJECTIVE PDAC increases the social and patient's family burden. However, the PDAC pathogenesis is not identified. We are trying to uncover the underlying mechanism in the future. METHODS In our research, the drug-resistant cell line was successfully induced in the vitro by progressive concentrations of Afatinib, which we named it as BxPC3-AR. RESULTS It has been observed that the effect of autophagy was on the resistance of BxPC3-AR to Afatinib. CONCLUSION It has been confirmed that autophagy plays a certain role in BxPC3-AR resistance to Afatinib. Our findings provide a new perspective on the role of autophagy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyu Ye
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004, China
| | - Yecheng Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004, China
| | - Jiaming Xie
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004, China
| | - Zhenyu Feng
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004, China
| | - Xiaodong Yang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004, China
| | - Yong Wu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004, China
| | - Kui Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004, China
| | - Yuwei Pu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004, China
| | - Xiangrong Xu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004, China
| | - Zhaobi Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004, China
| | - Jun Pan
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004, China
| | - Chungen Xing
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215004, China
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27
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Chen A, Liu Z, Wu Q, Li H. Disheveled-associated activator of morphogenesis 2 promotes invasion of colorectal cancer by activating PAK1 and promoting MMP7 expression. Genes Genomics 2021; 43:923-935. [PMID: 33974241 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-021-01111-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disheveled-associated activator of morphogenesis (DAAM) family, including DAAM1 and DAAM2, is key regulators in Wnt signaling pathway. Although the oncogenic role of Wnt signaling pathway in colorectal cancer (CRC) was investigated in several lines, the expression and function of DAAM in CRC are still obscure. OBJECTIVE To investigate the expression and function of DAAM in CRC. METHODS DAAM1 and DAAM2 expression in high grade dysplasia (HGD), CRCs and corresponding adjacent tissues were detected with qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The prognostic significance of DAAM1/2 were estimated with univariate and multivariate analyses. Moreover, the correlations between clinicopathological factors and DAAM were evaluated with the χ2 test. With experiments in vitro, we investigated the function of DAAM2 in CRC cell proliferation and invasion, and investigated the underlying mechanism of how DAAM2 facilitated CRC invasion. RESULTS DAAM2, instead of DAAM1, was substantially up-regulated in CRCs compared with paired adjacent normal tissues and HGDs. The ratio of high DAAM1 and DAAM2 expression accounted for 44.83% and 46.31%, respectively. High DAAM2, instead of DAAM1, was a risk factor indicating an unfavorable prognosis of CRC. In multivariate analysis, high DAAM2 was identified as an independent prognostic biomarker of CRC predicting poor prognosis. With experiments in vitro, DAAM2 promoted invasion of CRC cells via activating PAK1 and promoting the expression of MMP7, suggesting an essential role of DAAM2 in CRC invasion. CONCLUSIONS High expression of DAAM2, instead of DAAM1, indicated an unfavorable prognosis of CRC independently, which suggested that detecting DAAM2 can help define the high-risk patients. DAAM2 activated PAK1 and promoted MMP7 expression and facilitated the invasion of CRC cells, indicating that DAAM2 may be a potential drug target of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimei Chen
- Department of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Weifang Yidu Central Hospital, Weifang, 262500, Shandong, China
| | - Zhiqiang Liu
- Department of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Weifang Yidu Central Hospital, Weifang, 262500, Shandong, China
| | - Quanyan Wu
- Department of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Weifang Yidu Central Hospital, Weifang, 262500, Shandong, China
| | - Hailin Li
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, #107 Wenhua Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
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28
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Nikolopoulou PA, Koufaki MA, Kostourou V. The Adhesome Network: Key Components Shaping the Tumour Stroma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:525. [PMID: 33573141 PMCID: PMC7866493 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13030525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Beyond the conventional perception of solid tumours as mere masses of cancer cells, advanced cancer research focuses on the complex contributions of tumour-associated host cells that are known as "tumour microenvironment" (TME). It has been long appreciated that the tumour stroma, composed mainly of blood vessels, cancer-associated fibroblasts and immune cells, together with the extracellular matrix (ECM), define the tumour architecture and influence cancer cell properties. Besides soluble cues, that mediate the crosstalk between tumour and stroma cells, cell adhesion to ECM arises as a crucial determinant in cancer progression. In this review, we discuss how adhesome, the intracellular protein network formed at cell adhesions, regulate the TME and control malignancy. The role of adhesome extends beyond the physical attachment of cells to ECM and the regulation of cytoskeletal remodelling and acts as a signalling and mechanosensing hub, orchestrating cellular responses that shape the tumour milieu.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Vassiliki Kostourou
- Biomedical Sciences Research Centre “Alexander Fleming”, Institute of Bioinnovation, 34 Fleming Str., 16672 Vari-Athens, Greece; (P.A.N.); (M.A.K.)
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Cannabinoids Inhibited Pancreatic Cancer via P-21 Activated Kinase 1 Mediated Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218035. [PMID: 33126623 PMCID: PMC7662796 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The anti-cancer effects of cannabinoids including CBD (Cannabidiol) and THC ((−)-trans-∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol) have been reported in the case of pancreatic cancer (PC). The connection of these cannabinoids to KRas oncogenes that mutate in more than 90% of PC, and their effects on PD-L1, a key target of immune checkpoint blockade, have not been thoroughly investigated. Using cell lines and mouse models of PC, the effects of CBD and THC on cancer growth, the interaction between PC cells and a stromal cell, namely pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), and the mechanism(s) involved were determined by cell-based assays and mouse study in vivo. CBD and THC inhibited the proliferation of PC, PSC, and PSC-stimulated PC cells. They also suppressed pancreatic tumour growth in mice. Furthermore, CBD and/or THC reduced the expression of PD-L1 by either PC or PSC cells. Knockout of p-21 activated kinase 1 (PAK1, activated by KRas) in PC and PSC cells and, in mice, dramatically decreased or blocked these inhibitory effects of CBD and/or THC. These results indicated that CBD and THC exerted their inhibitions on PC and PSC via a p-21 activated kinase 1 (PAK1)-dependent pathway, suggesting that CBD and THC suppress Kras activated pathway by targeting PAK1. The inhibition by CBD and THC of PD-L1 expression will enhance the immune checkpoint blockade of PC.
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Yao D, Li C, Rajoka MSR, He Z, Huang J, Wang J, Zhang J. P21-Activated Kinase 1: Emerging biological functions and potential therapeutic targets in Cancer. Am J Cancer Res 2020; 10:9741-9766. [PMID: 32863957 PMCID: PMC7449905 DOI: 10.7150/thno.46913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The p21-Activated kinase 1 (PAK1), a member of serine-threonine kinases family, was initially identified as an interactor of the Rho GTPases RAC1 and CDC42, which affect a wide range of processes associated with cell motility, survival, metabolism, cell cycle, proliferation, transformation, stress, inflammation, and gene expression. Recently, the PAK1 has emerged as a potential therapeutic target in cancer due to its role in many oncogenic signaling pathways. Many PAK1 inhibitors have been developed as potential preclinical agents for cancer therapy. Here, we provide an overview of essential roles that PAK1 plays in cancer, including its structure and autoactivation mechanism, its crucial function from onset to progression to metastasis, metabolism, immune escape and even drug resistance in cancer; endogenous regulators; and cancer-related pathways. We also summarize the reported PAK1 small-molecule inhibitors based on their structure types and their potential application in cancer. In addition, we provide overviews on current progress and future challenges of PAK1 in cancer, hoping to provide new ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
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31
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Maruta H, Kittaka A. Chemical evolution for taming the 'pathogenic kinase' PAK1. Drug Discov Today 2020; 25:959-964. [PMID: 32348877 PMCID: PMC7194552 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
PAK1 is the major ‘pathogenic’ kinase. Several potent PAK1 blockers developed are introduced for treatment of a wide variety of PAK1-dependent diseases including cancers and pandemic COVID-19 infection.
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the cloning of the first mammalian p21-activated kinases (PAKs) (RAC/CDC42-activated kinases) by Ed Manser, the first international PAK symposium was held in NYC in October 2019. Among six distinct PAKs in mammals, PAK1 is the major ‘pathogenic kinase’, the abnormal activation of which is responsible for a wide variety of diseases and disorders including cancers, ageing processes and infectious and inflammatory diseases such as pandemic coronaviral infection. Recently, for a clinical application, a few potent (highly cell-permeable and water-soluble) PAK1 blockers have been developed from natural or synthetic PAK1 blockers (triptolide, vitamin D3 and ketorolac) via a series of ‘chemical evolutions’ that boost pharmacological activities >500 times.
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