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John L, Vijay R. Role of TAM Receptors in Antimalarial Humoral Immune Response. Pathogens 2024; 13:298. [PMID: 38668253 PMCID: PMC11054553 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13040298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune response against malaria and the clearance of Plasmodium parasite relies on germinal-center-derived B cell responses that are temporally and histologically layered. Despite a well-orchestrated germinal center response, anti-Plasmodium immune response seldom offers sterilizing immunity. Recent studies report that certain pathophysiological features of malaria such as extensive hemolysis, hypoxia as well as the extrafollicular accumulation of short-lived plasmablasts may contribute to this suboptimal immune response. In this review, we summarize some of those studies and attempt to connect certain host intrinsic features in response to the malarial disease and the resultant gaps in the immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijo John
- Department of Veterinary Biochemistry, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Pookode 673576, Kerala, India
- Center for Cancer Cell Biology, Immunology and Infection, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60047, USA
| | - Rahul Vijay
- Center for Cancer Cell Biology, Immunology and Infection, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60047, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60047, USA
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2
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Peng X, Huang X, Lulu TB, Jia W, Zhang S, Cohen L, Huang S, Fan J, Chen X, Liu S, Wang Y, Wang K, Isoyama S, Dan S, Wang F, Zhang Z, Elkabets M, Kong D. A novel pan-PI3K inhibitor KTC1101 synergizes with anti-PD-1 therapy by targeting tumor suppression and immune activation. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:54. [PMID: 38486218 PMCID: PMC10938783 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-01978-0] [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: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) are critical regulators of diverse cellular functions and have emerged as promising targets in cancer therapy. Despite significant progress, existing PI3K inhibitors encounter various challenges such as suboptimal bioavailability, potential off-target effects, restricted therapeutic indices, and cancer-acquired resistance. Hence, novel inhibitors that overcome some of these challenges are needed. Here, we describe the characterization of KTC1101, a novel pan-PI3K inhibitor that simultaneously targets tumor cell proliferation and the tumor microenvironment. Our studies demonstrate that KTC1101 significantly increases the anti-PD-1 efficacy in multiple pre-clinical mouse models. METHODS KTC1101 was synthesized and characterized employing chemical synthesis, molecular modeling, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), and mass spectrometry. Its target specificity was confirmed through the kinase assay, JFCR39 COMPARE analysis, and RNA-Seq analysis. Metabolic stability was verified via liver microsome and plasma assays, pharmacokinetics determined by LC-MS/MS, and safety profile established through acute toxicity assays to determine the LD50. The antiproliferative effects of KTC1101 were evaluated in a panel of cancer cell lines and further validated in diverse BALB/c nude mouse xenograft, NSG mouse xenograft and syngeneic mouse models. The KTC1101 treatment effect on the immune response was assessed through comprehensive RNA-Seq, flow cytometry, and immunohistochemistry, with molecular pathways investigated via Western blot, ELISA, and qRT-PCR. RESULTS KTC1101 demonstrated strong inhibition of cancer cell growth in vitro and significantly impeded tumor progression in vivo. It effectively modulated the Tumor Microenvironment (TME), characterized by increased infiltration of CD8+ T cells and innate immune cells. An intermittent dosing regimen of KTC1101 enhanced these effects. Notably, KTC1101 synergized with anti-PD-1 therapy, significantly boosting antitumor immunity and extending survival in preclinical models. CONCLUSION KTC1101's dual mechanism of action-directly inhibiting tumor cell growth and dynamically enhancing the immune response- represents a significant advancement in cancer treatment strategies. These findings support incorporating KTC1101 into future oncologic regimens to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Peng
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Xin Huang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Talal Ben Lulu
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Wenqing Jia
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Shaolu Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Limor Cohen
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Shengfan Huang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Jindian Fan
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin Eye Institute, Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin, 300020, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Shanshan Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Yongzhe Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Kailin Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Sho Isoyama
- Division of Molecular Pharmacology, Cancer Chemotherapy Center, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan
| | - Shingo Dan
- Division of Molecular Pharmacology, Cancer Chemotherapy Center, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, 135-8550, Japan
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China.
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China.
| | - Moshe Elkabets
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel.
| | - Dexin Kong
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China.
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Diseases (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China.
- Department of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China.
- International Joint Laboratory of Ocular Diseases (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China.
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3
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Miao YR, Rankin EB, Giaccia AJ. Therapeutic targeting of the functionally elusive TAM receptor family. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2024; 23:201-217. [PMID: 38092952 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00846-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
The TAM receptor family of TYRO3, AXL and MERTK regulates tissue and immune homeostasis. Aberrant TAM receptor signalling has been linked to a range of diseases, including cancer, fibrosis and viral infections. Specifically, the dysregulation of TAM receptors can enhance tumour growth and metastasis due to their involvement in multiple oncogenic pathways. For example, TAM receptors have been implicated in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, maintaining the stem cell phenotype, immune modulation, proliferation, angiogenesis and resistance to conventional and targeted therapies. Therapeutically, multiple TAM receptor inhibitors are in preclinical and clinical development for cancers and other indications, with those targeting AXL being the most clinically advanced. Although there has been notable clinical advancement in recent years, challenges persist. This Review aims to provide both biological and clinical insights into the current therapeutic landscape of TAM receptor inhibitors, and evaluates their potential for the treatment of cancer and non-malignant diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Rebecca Miao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Erinn B Rankin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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Codilupi T, Szybinski J, Arunasalam S, Jungius S, Dunbar AC, Stivala S, Brkic S, Albrecht C, Vokalova L, Yang JL, Buczak K, Ghosh N, Passweg JR, Rovo A, Angelillo-Scherrer A, Pankov D, Dirnhofer S, Levine RL, Koche R, Meyer SC. Development of Resistance to Type II JAK2 Inhibitors in MPN Depends on AXL Kinase and Is Targetable. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:586-599. [PMID: 37992313 PMCID: PMC10831334 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-0163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) dysregulate JAK2 signaling. Because clinical JAK2 inhibitors have limited disease-modifying effects, type II JAK2 inhibitors such as CHZ868 stabilizing inactive JAK2 and reducing MPN clones, gain interest. We studied whether MPN cells escape from type ll inhibition. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN MPN cells were continuously exposed to CHZ868. We used phosphoproteomic analyses and ATAC/RNA sequencing to characterize acquired resistance to type II JAK2 inhibition, and targeted candidate mediators in MPN cells and mice. RESULTS MPN cells showed increased IC50 and reduced apoptosis upon CHZ868 reflecting acquired resistance to JAK2 inhibition. Among >2,500 differential phospho-sites, MAPK pathway activation was most prominent, while JAK2-STAT3/5 remained suppressed. Altered histone occupancy promoting AP-1/GATA binding motif exposure associated with upregulated AXL kinase and enriched RAS target gene profiles. AXL knockdown resensitized MPN cells and combined JAK2/AXL inhibition using bemcentinib or gilteritinib reduced IC50 to levels of sensitive cells. While resistant cells induced tumor growth in NOD/SCID gamma mice despite JAK2 inhibition, JAK2/AXL inhibition largely prevented tumor progression. Because inhibitors of MAPK pathway kinases such as MEK are clinically used in other malignancies, we evaluated JAK2/MAPK inhibition with trametinib to interfere with AXL/MAPK-induced resistance. Tumor growth was halted similarly to JAK2/AXL inhibition and in a systemic cell line-derived mouse model, marrow infiltration was decreased supporting dependency on AXL/MAPK. CONCLUSIONS We report on a novel mechanism of AXL/MAPK-driven escape from type II JAK2 inhibition, which is targetable at different nodes. This highlights AXL as mediator of acquired resistance warranting inhibition to enhance sustainability of JAK2 inhibition in MPN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Codilupi
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jakub Szybinski
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefanie Arunasalam
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department for Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Hematology and Central Hematology Laboratory, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Jungius
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department for Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Hematology and Central Hematology Laboratory, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrew C. Dunbar
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program and Leukemia service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Simona Stivala
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sime Brkic
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Camille Albrecht
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department for Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Hematology and Central Hematology Laboratory, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lenka Vokalova
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department for Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Hematology and Central Hematology Laboratory, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Julie L. Yang
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program and Leukemia service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Katarzyna Buczak
- Proteomics Core Facility Biozentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nilabh Ghosh
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jakob R. Passweg
- Division of Hematology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alicia Rovo
- Department of Hematology and Central Hematology Laboratory, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anne Angelillo-Scherrer
- Department of Hematology and Central Hematology Laboratory, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Dmitry Pankov
- Immunology Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Stefan Dirnhofer
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ross L. Levine
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program and Leukemia service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Richard Koche
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program and Leukemia service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Sara C. Meyer
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department for Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Hematology and Central Hematology Laboratory, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Korovina I, Elser M, Borodins O, Seifert M, Willers H, Cordes N. β1 integrin mediates unresponsiveness to PI3Kα inhibition for radiochemosensitization of 3D HNSCC models. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 171:116217. [PMID: 38286037 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116217] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-α represents a key intracellular signal transducer involved in the regulation of key cell functions such as cell survival and proliferation. Excessive activation of PI3Kα is considered one of the major determinants of cancer therapy resistance. Despite preclinical and clinical evaluation of PI3Kα inhibitors in various tumor entities, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), it remains elusive how conventional radiochemotherapy can be enhanced by concurrent PI3K inhibitors and how PI3K deactivation mechanistically exerts its effects. Here, we investigated the radiochemosensitizing potential and adaptation mechanisms of four PI3K inhibitors, Alpelisib, Copanlisib, AZD8186, and Idelalisib in eight HNSCC models grown under physiological, three-dimensional matrix conditions. We demonstrate that Alpelisib, Copanlisib and AZD8186 but not Idelalisib enhance radio- and radiochemosensitivity in the majority of HNSCC cell models (= responders) in a manner independent of PIK3CA mutation status. However, Alpelisib promotes MAPK signaling in non-responders compared to responders without profound impact on Akt, NFκB, TGFβ, JAK/STAT signaling and DNA repair. Bioinformatic analyses identified unique gene mutations associated with extracellular matrix to be more frequent in non-responder cell models than in responders. Finally, we demonstrate that targeting of the cell adhesion molecule β1 integrin on top of Alpelisib sensitizes non-responders to radiochemotherapy. Taken together, our study demonstrates the sensitizing potential of Alpelisib and other PI3K inhibitors in HNSCC models and uncovers a novel β1 integrin-dependent mechanism that may prove useful in overcoming resistance to PI3K inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Korovina
- OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Institute of Radiooncology - OncoRay, Dresden, Germany
| | - Marc Elser
- OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Olegs Borodins
- OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Institute of Radiooncology - OncoRay, Dresden, Germany
| | - Michael Seifert
- Institute for Medical Informatics and Biometry (IMB), Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Henning Willers
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nils Cordes
- OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Institute of Radiooncology - OncoRay, Dresden, Germany; National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
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Chocarro-Calvo A, Jociles-Ortega M, García-Martinez JM, Louphrasitthiphol P, Garcia YV, Ramírez-Sánchez A, Chauhan J, Fiuza MC, Duran M, García-Jiménez C, Goding CR. Phenotype-specific melanoma uptake of fatty acid from human adipocytes activates AXL and CAV1-dependent β-catenin nuclear accumulation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.21.576568. [PMID: 38328032 PMCID: PMC10849526 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.21.576568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Phenotypic diversity of cancer cells within tumors generated through bi-directional interactions with the tumor microenvironment has emerged as a major driver of disease progression and therapy resistance. Nutrient availability plays a critical role in determining phenotype, but whether specific nutrients elicit different responses on distinct phenotypes is poorly understood. Here we show, using melanoma as a model, that only MITF Low undifferentiated cells, but not MITF High cells, are competent to drive lipolysis in human adipocytes. In contrast to MITF High melanomas, adipocyte-derived free fatty acids are taken up by undifferentiated MITF Low cells via a fatty acid transporter (FATP)-independent mechanism. Importantly, oleic acid (OA), a monounsaturated long chain fatty acid abundant in adipose tissue and lymph, reprograms MITF Low undifferentiated melanoma cells to a highly invasive state by ligand-independent activation of AXL, a receptor tyrosine kinase associated with therapy resistance in a wide range of cancers. AXL activation by OA then drives SRC-dependent formation and nuclear translocation of a β-catenin-CAV1 complex. The results highlight how a specific nutritional input drives phenotype-specific activation of a pro-metastasis program with implications for FATP-targeted therapies.
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Juan A, Segrelles C, del Campo-Balguerías A, Bravo I, Silva I, Peral J, Ocaña A, Clemente-Casares P, Alonso-Moreno C, Lorz C. Anti-EGFR conjugated nanoparticles to deliver Alpelisib as targeted therapy for head and neck cancer. Cancer Nanotechnol 2023. [DOI: 10.1186/s12645-023-00180-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most prevalent and deadly cancers worldwide. Even though surgical approaches, radiation therapy, and therapeutic agents are commonly used, the prognosis of this cancer remains poor, with a tendency towards recurrence and metastasis. Current targeted therapeutic options for these patients are limited to monoclonal antibodies against EGFR or PD-1 receptors. Thus, there is an urgent need to introduce new molecularly targeted therapies for treating head and neck SCC. EGFR can be used as a target to improve the ability of nanoparticles to bind to tumor cells and deliver chemotherapeutic agents. In fact, over 90% of head and neck SCCs overexpress EGFR, and other tumor types, such as colorectal and glioblastoma, show EGFR overexpression. The PI3K/mTOR signaling pathway is one of the most commonly altered oncogenic pathways in head and neck SCC. Alpelisib is a specific PI3Kα inhibitor indicated for PIK3CA mutant advanced breast cancer that showed promising activity in clinical trials in head and neck SCC. However, its use is associated with dose-limiting toxicities and treatment-related adverse effects.
Results
We generated polylactide (PLA) polymeric nanoparticles conjugated to anti-EGFR antibodies via chemical cross-linking to a polyethyleneimine (PEI) coating. Antibody-conjugated nanoparticles (ACNP) displayed low polydispersity and high stability. In vivo, ACNP showed increased tropism for EGFR-expressing head and neck tumors in a xenograft model compared to non-conjugated nanoparticles (NP). Alpelisib-loaded nanoparticles were homogeneous, stable, and showed a sustained drug release profile. Encapsulated Alpelisib inhibited PI3K pathway activation in the different cell lines tested that included wild type and altered PIK3CA. Alpelisib-NP and Alpelisib-ACNP decreased by 25 times the half-maximal inhibitory concentration compared to the free drug and increased the bioavailability of the drug in the cells. Herein we propose an efficient strategy to treat head and neck SCC based on nanotechnology.
Conclusions
Anti-EGFR-conjugated polymeric nanoparticles are an effective delivery system to increase drug efficiency and bioavailability in head and neck cancer cells. This strategy can help reduce drug exposure in disease-free organs and decrease drug-associated unwanted side effects.
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8
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Adam-Artigues A, Arenas EJ, Arribas J, Prat A, Cejalvo JM. AXL - a new player in resistance to HER2 blockade. Cancer Treat Rev 2023; 121:102639. [PMID: 37864955 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2023.102639] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
HER2 is a driver in solid tumors, mainly breast, oesophageal and gastric cancer, through activation of oncogenic signaling pathways such as PI3K or MAPK. HER2 overexpression associates with aggressive disease and poor prognosis. Despite targeted anti-HER2 therapy has improved outcomes and is the current standard of care, resistance emerge in some patients, requiring additional therapeutic strategies. Several mechanisms, including the upregulation of receptors tyrosine kinases such as AXL, are involved in resistance. AXL signaling leads to cancer cell proliferation, survival, migration, invasion and angiogenesis and correlates with poor prognosis. In addition, AXL overexpression accompanied by a mesenchymal phenotype result in resistance to chemotherapy and targeted therapies. Preclinical studies show that AXL drives anti-HER2 resistance and metastasis through dimerization with HER2 and activation of downstream pathways in breast cancer. Moreover, AXL inhibition restores response to HER2 blockade in vitro and in vivo. Limited data in gastric and oesophageal cancer also support these evidences. Furthermore, AXL shows a strong value as a prognostic and predictive biomarker in HER2+ breast cancer patients, adding a remarkable translational relevance. Therefore, current studies enforce the potential of co-targeting AXL and HER2 to overcome resistance and supports the use of AXL inhibitors in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Enrique J Arenas
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, Spain; Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Spain.
| | - Joaquín Arribas
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Spain; Preclinical Research Program, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Spain; Cancer Research Program, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, Spain; Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Spain.
| | - Aleix Prat
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Spain; Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Spain; SOLTI Breast Cancer Research Group, Spain.
| | - Juan Miguel Cejalvo
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Spain; Preclinical Research Program, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Spain; Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de València, Spain.
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9
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Razak ARA, Wang HM, Chang JY, Ahn MJ, Munster P, Blumenschein G, Solomon B, Lim DWT, Hong RL, Pfister D, Saba NF, Lee SH, van Herpen C, Quadt C, Bootle D, Blumenstein L, Demanse D, Delord JP. A Phase 1b/2 Study of Alpelisib in Combination with Cetuximab in Patients with Recurrent or Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Target Oncol 2023; 18:853-868. [PMID: 37875771 PMCID: PMC10663259 DOI: 10.1007/s11523-023-00997-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alpelisib in combination with cetuximab showed synergistic anti-tumour activity in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) models. OBJECTIVES The recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) was determined in a phase 1b dose-escalation study. Phase 2 evaluated anti-tumour activity with a randomised part in cetuximab-naïve patients and a non-randomised part in cetuximab-resistant patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS Alpelisib was administered in 28 d cycles as whole tablets, suspension from crushed tablets or suspension from dispersible tablets in patients with platinum-resistant, recurrent/metastatic HNSCC. RESULTS The RP2D determined for alpelisib was 300 mg/d. Alpelisib-cetuximab achieved an overall response rate of 25% and 9.9% and disease control rate of 75% and 43.7% in phase 1b and phase 2 studies, respectively. Median progression-free survival (PFS) per central review was 86 d for combination treatment and 87 d for cetuximab monotherapy (unadjusted HR 1.12; 95% CI 0.69-1.82; P > 0.05). When adjusted for baseline covariates [sum of longest diameters from central data, haemoglobin and white blood cell (WBC), the results favoured combination treatment (adjusted HR 0.54; 95% CI 0.30-0.97; P = 0.039). PFS per investigator assessment resulted in an unadjusted HR of 0.76 (95% CI 0.49-1.19; P > 0.05) favouring combination treatment. The median PFS in cetuximab-resistant patients was 3.9 months. CONCLUSIONS The addition of alpelisib to cetuximab did not demonstrate a PFS benefit in cetuximab-naïve patients with advanced HNSCC. The alpelisib-cetuximab combination showed moderate activity in cetuximab-resistant patients, with a consistent safety profile. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01602315; EudraCT 2011-006017-34.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albiruni R Abdul Razak
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada.
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, UHN Princess Margaret Hospital, 610 University Avenue, Toronto, Canada.
| | | | | | - Myung-Ju Ahn
- Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Pamela Munster
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - George Blumenschein
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | | | | | - David Pfister
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nabil F Saba
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Se-Hoon Lee
- Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jean-Pierre Delord
- Clinical Research Unit, Institut Claudius Regaud, IUCT-Oncopole, Toulouse, France
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10
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DeRyckere D, Huelse JM, Earp HS, Graham DK. TAM family kinases as therapeutic targets at the interface of cancer and immunity. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2023; 20:755-779. [PMID: 37667010 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-023-00813-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Novel treatment approaches are needed to overcome innate and acquired mechanisms of resistance to current anticancer therapies in cancer cells and the tumour immune microenvironment. The TAM (TYRO3, AXL and MERTK) family receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are potential therapeutic targets in a wide range of cancers. In cancer cells, TAM RTKs activate signalling pathways that promote cell survival, metastasis and resistance to a variety of chemotherapeutic agents and targeted therapies. TAM RTKs also function in innate immune cells, contributing to various mechanisms that suppress antitumour immunity and promote resistance to immune-checkpoint inhibitors. Therefore, TAM antagonists provide an unprecedented opportunity for both direct and immune-mediated therapeutic activity provided by inhibition of a single target, and are likely to be particularly effective when used in combination with other cancer therapies. To exploit this potential, a variety of agents have been designed to selectively target TAM RTKs, many of which have now entered clinical testing. This Review provides an essential guide to the TAM RTKs for clinicians, including an overview of the rationale for therapeutic targeting of TAM RTKs in cancer cells and the tumour immune microenvironment, a description of the current preclinical and clinical experience with TAM inhibitors, and a perspective on strategies for continued development of TAM-targeted agents for oncology applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah DeRyckere
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Paediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Justus M Huelse
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Paediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - H Shelton Earp
- Department of Medicine, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Douglas K Graham
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Department of Paediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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11
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Creixell M, Taylor SD, Gerritsen J, Bae SY, Jiang M, Augustin T, Loui M, Boixo C, Creixell P, White FM, Meyer AS. Dissecting signaling regulators driving AXL-mediated bypass resistance and associated phenotypes by phosphosite perturbations. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.20.563266. [PMID: 37961516 PMCID: PMC10634689 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.20.563266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK)-targeted therapies are often effective but invariably limited by drug resistance. A major mechanism of acquired resistance involves "bypass" switching to alternative pathways driven by non-targeted RTKs that restore proliferation. One such RTK is AXL whose overexpression, frequently observed in bypass resistant tumors, drives both cell survival and associated malignant phenotypes such as epithelial-to-mesenchymal (EMT) transition and migration. However, the signaling molecules and pathways eliciting these responses have remained elusive. To explore these coordinated effects, we generated a panel of mutant lung adenocarcinoma PC9 cell lines in which each AXL intracellular tyrosine residue was mutated to phenylalanine. By integrating measurements of phosphorylation signaling and other phenotypic changes associated with resistance through multivariate modeling, we mapped signaling perturbations to specific resistant phenotypes. Our results suggest that AXL signaling can be summarized into two clusters associated with progressive disease and poor clinical outcomes in lung cancer patients. These clusters displayed favorable Abl1 and SFK motifs and their phosphorylation was consistently decreased by dasatinib. High-throughput kinase specificity profiling showed that AXL likely activates the SFK cluster through FAK1 which is known to complex with Src. Moreover, the SFK cluster overlapped with a previously established focal adhesion kinase (FAK1) signature conferring EMT-mediated erlotinib resistance in lung cancer cells. Finally, we show that downstream of this kinase signaling, AXL and YAP form a positive feedback loop that sustains drug tolerant persister cells. Altogether, this work demonstrates an approach for dissecting signaling regulators by which AXL drives erlotinib resistance-associated phenotypic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Creixell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles
| | - Scott D. Taylor
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles
| | - Jacqueline Gerritsen
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge MA, USA; Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge MA, USA; Center for Precision Cancer Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge MA, USA
| | - Song Yi Bae
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles
| | - Mingxuan Jiang
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, United Kingdom
| | - Teresa Augustin
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, United Kingdom
| | - Michelle Loui
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles
| | - Carmen Boixo
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles
| | - Pau Creixell
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, United Kingdom
| | - Forest M White
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge MA, USA; Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge MA, USA; Center for Precision Cancer Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge MA, USA
| | - Aaron S Meyer
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Los Angeles; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles
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12
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Smith AE, Chan S, Wang Z, McCloskey A, Reilly Q, Wang JZ, Patel HV, Koshizuka K, Soifer HS, Kessler L, Dayoub A, Villaflor V, Adkins DR, Bruce JY, Ho AL, Perez CA, Hanna GJ, Gascó Hernández A, Saunders A, Dale S, Gutkind JS, Burrows F, Malik S. Tipifarnib Potentiates the Antitumor Effects of PI3Kα Inhibition in PIK3CA- and HRAS-Dysregulated HNSCC via Convergent Inhibition of mTOR Activity. Cancer Res 2023; 83:3252-3263. [PMID: 37339176 PMCID: PMC10543974 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-0282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Outcomes for patients with recurrent/metastatic (R/M) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are poor, with median overall survival (OS) ranging from 6 to 18 months. For those who progress on standard-of-care (chemo)immunotherapy, treatment options are limited, necessitating the development of rational therapeutic strategies. Toward this end, we targeted the key HNSCC drivers PI3K-mTOR and HRAS via the combination of tipifarnib, a farnesyltransferase (FTase) inhibitor, and alpelisib, a PI3Kα inhibitor, in multiple molecularly defined subsets of HNSCC. Tipifarnib synergized with alpelisib at the level of mTOR in PI3Kα- or HRAS-dependent HNSCCs, leading to marked cytotoxicity in vitro and tumor regression in vivo. On the basis of these findings, the KURRENT-HN trial was launched to evaluate the effectiveness of this combination in PIK3CA-mutant/amplified and/or HRAS-overexpressing R/M HNSCC. Preliminary evidence supports the clinical activity of this molecular biomarker-driven combination therapy. Combined alpelisib and tipifarnib has potential to benefit >45% of patients with R/M HNSCC. By blocking feedback reactivation of mTORC1, tipifarnib may prevent adaptive resistance to additional targeted therapies, enhancing their clinical utility. SIGNIFICANCE The mechanistically designed, biomarker-matched strategy of combining alpelisib and tipifarnib is efficacious in PIK3CA- and HRAS-dysregulated head and neck squamous carcinoma and could improve outcomes for many patients with recurrent, metastatic disease. See related commentary by Lee et al., p. 3162.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Zhiyong Wang
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | | | | | | | | | - Keiichi Koshizuka
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Alan L. Ho
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Cesar A. Perez
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute at Florida Cancer Specialists, Orlando, Florida
| | | | | | | | | | - J. Silvio Gutkind
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
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13
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Jia W, Luo S, Guo H, Kong D. Development of PI3Kα inhibitors for tumor therapy. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:8587-8604. [PMID: 36221910 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2132293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway is well known to be involved in cell growth, proliferation, metabolism and other cellular physiological processes. Abnormal activation of this pathway is closely related to tumorigenesis and metastasis. As the starting node of the pathway, PI3K is known to contain 4 isoforms, including PI3Kα, a heterodimer composed of the catalytic subunit p110α and the regulatory subunit p85. PIK3CA, which encodes p110α, is frequently mutated in cancer, especially breast cancer. Abnormal activation of PI3Kα promotes cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis; therefore, PI3Kα has become a key target for the development of anticancer drugs. The hinge region and the region of the mutation site in the PI3Kα protein are important for designing PI3Kα-specific inhibitors. As the group shared by the most PI3Kα-specific inhibitors reported thus far, carboxamide can produce hydrogen bonds with Gln859 and Ser854. Gln859 is specific to the p110α protein in producing hydrogen bond interactions with PI3Kα-specific inhibitors and this is a key point for designing PI3Kα inhibitors. To date, alpelisib is the only PI3Kα inhibitor approved for the treatment of breast cancer. Several other PI3Kα inhibitors are under evaluation in clinical trials. In this review, we briefly describe PI3Kα and its role in tumorigenesis, summarize the clinical trial results of some PI3Kα inhibitors as well as the synthetic routes of alpelisib, and finally give our proposal for the development of novel PI3Kα inhibitors for tumor therapy. HighlightsWe summarize the progress of PI3Kα and PI3Kα inhibitors in cancer from the second half of the 20th century to the present.We describe the clinical trial results of PI3Kα inhibitors as well as the synthetic routes of the only approved PI3Kα inhibitor alpelisib.Crystal structure of alpelisib bound to the PI3Kα receptor binding domain.This review gives proposal for the development of novel PI3Kα inhibitors and will serve as a complementary summary to other reviews in the research field of PI3K inhibitors.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqing Jia
- Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Shuyu Luo
- School of Stomatology, Hospital of Stomatology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Han Guo
- Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Dexin Kong
- Tianjin Key Laboratory on Technologies Enabling Development of Clinical Therapeutics and Diagnostics, School of Pharmacy, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
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14
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Burstyn-Cohen T, Fresia R. TAM receptors in phagocytosis: Beyond the mere internalization of particles. Immunol Rev 2023; 319:7-26. [PMID: 37596991 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13267] [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: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK constitute the TAM family of receptor tyrosine kinases, activated by their ligands GAS6 and PROS1. TAMs are necessary for adult homeostasis in the immune, nervous, reproductive, skeletal, and vascular systems. Among additional cellular functions employed by TAMs, phagocytosis is central for tissue health. TAM receptors are dominant in providing phagocytes with the molecular machinery necessary to engulf diverse targets, including apoptotic cells, myelin debris, and portions of live cells in a phosphatidylserine-dependent manner. Simultaneously, TAMs drive the release of anti-inflammatory and tissue repair molecules. Disruption of the TAM-driven phagocytic pathway has detrimental consequences, resulting in autoimmunity, male infertility, blindness, and disrupted vascular integrity, and which is thought to contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. Although structurally and functionally redundant, the TAM receptors and ligands underlie complex signaling cascades, of which several key aspects are yet to be elucidated. We discuss similarities and differences between TAMs and other phagocytic pathways, highlight future directions and how TAMs can be harnessed therapeutically to modulate phagocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tal Burstyn-Cohen
- The Institute for Biomedical and Oral Research, Faculty of Dental Medicine, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Roberta Fresia
- The Institute for Biomedical and Oral Research, Faculty of Dental Medicine, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
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15
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Wang J, Al-Majid D, Brenner JC, Smith JD. Mutant HRas Signaling and Rationale for Use of Farnesyltransferase Inhibitors in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Target Oncol 2023; 18:643-655. [PMID: 37665491 DOI: 10.1007/s11523-023-00993-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are often associated with poor outcomes, due at least in part to the limited number of treatment options available for those patients who develop recurrent and/or metastatic disease (R/M HNSCC). Even with the recent validation and approval of immunotherapies in the first-line setting for these patients, the need for the development of new and alternative precision medicine strategies with survival benefit is clear. Oncogenic alterations in the HRAS (Harvey rat sarcoma virus) proto-oncogene are seen in approximately 4-8% of R/M HNSCC tumors. Recently, several preclinical and clinical advancements have been made in the implementation of small-molecule inhibitors that block post-translational farnesylation of HRas, thereby abrogating its downstream oncogenic activity. In this review, we focus on the biology of wild-type and mutant HRas signaling in HNSCC, and rationale for use and outcomes of farnesyltransferase inhibitors in patients with HRAS-mutant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayu Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Dana Al-Majid
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan, MSRB III 1150 W. Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - J Chad Brenner
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan, MSRB III 1150 W. Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Joshua D Smith
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan, MSRB III 1150 W. Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
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16
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Badarni M, Gabbay S, Elkabets M, Rotblat B. Gene Expression and Drug Sensitivity Analysis of Mitochondrial Chaperones Reveals That HSPD1 and TRAP1 Expression Correlates with Sensitivity to Inhibitors of DNA Replication and Mitosis. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:988. [PMID: 37508418 PMCID: PMC10376793 DOI: 10.3390/biology12070988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria-critical metabolic hubs in eukaryotic cells-are involved in a wide range of cellular functions, including differentiation, proliferation, and death. Mitochondria import most of their proteins from the cytosol in a linear form, after which they are folded by mitochondrial chaperones. However, despite extensive research, the extent to which the function of particular chaperones is essential for maintaining specific mitochondrial and cellular functions remains unknown. In particular, it is not known whether mitochondrial chaperones influence the sensitivity to drugs used in the treatment of cancers. By mining gene expression and drug sensitivity data for cancer cell lines from publicly available databases, we identified mitochondrial chaperones whose expression is associated with sensitivity to oncology drugs targeting particular cellular pathways in a cancer-type-dependent manner. Importantly, we found the expression of TRAP1 and HSPD1 to be associated with sensitivity to inhibitors of DNA replication and mitosis. We confirmed experimentally that the expression of HSPD1 is associated with an increased sensitivity of ovarian cancer cells to drugs targeting mitosis and a reduced sensitivity to drugs promoting apoptosis. Taken together, our results support a model in which particular mitochondrial pathways hinge upon specific mitochondrial chaperones and provide the basis for understanding selectivity in mitochondrial chaperone-substrate specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Badarni
- Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Shani Gabbay
- National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Life Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Moshe Elkabets
- Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Barak Rotblat
- National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Life Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
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17
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Pidkovka N, Belkhiri A. Altered expression of AXL receptor tyrosine kinase in gastrointestinal cancers: a promising therapeutic target. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1079041. [PMID: 37469409 PMCID: PMC10353021 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1079041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers that include all cancers of the digestive tract organs are generally associated with obesity, lack of exercising, smoking, poor diet, and heavy alcohol consumption. Treatment of GI cancers typically involves surgery followed by chemotherapy and/or radiation. Unfortunately, intrinsic or acquired resistance to these therapies underscore the need for more effective targeted therapies that have been proven in other malignancies. The aggressive features of GI cancers share distinct signaling pathways that are connected to each other by the overexpression and activation of AXL receptor tyrosine kinase. Several preclinical and clinical studies involving anti-AXL antibodies and small molecule AXL kinase inhibitors to test their efficacy in solid tumors, including GI cancers, have been recently carried out. Therefore, AXL may be a promising therapeutic target for overcoming the shortcomings of standard therapies in GI cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataliya Pidkovka
- Department of Health Science, South College, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Abbes Belkhiri
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
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18
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Alkhatib DZR, Thi Kim Truong T, Fujii S, Hasegawa K, Nagano R, Tajiri Y, Kiyoshima T. Stepwise activation of p63 and the MEK/ERK pathway induces the expression of ARL4C to promote oral squamous cell carcinoma cell proliferation. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 246:154493. [PMID: 37141698 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Carcinogenesis is a multistep process wherein cells accumulate multiple genetic alterations and progress to a more malignant phenotype. It has been proposed that sequential accumulation of gene abnormalities in specific genes drives the transition from non-tumorous epithelia through a preneoplastic lesion/benign tumor to cancer. Histologically, oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) progresses in multiple ordered steps that begin with mucosal epithelial cell hyperplasia, which is followed by dysplasia, carcinoma in situ and invasive carcinoma. It is therefore hypothesized that genetic alteration-mediated multistep carcinogenesis would be involved in the development of OSCC; however, the detailed molecular mechanisms are unknown. We clarified the comprehensive gene expression patterns and carried out an enrichment analysis using DNA microarray data from a pathological specimen of OSCC (including a non-tumor region, carcinoma in situ lesion and invasive carcinoma lesion). The expression of numerous genes and signal activation were altered in the development of OSCC. Among these, the p63 expression was increased and the MEK/ERK-MAPK pathway was activated in carcinoma in situ lesion and in invasive carcinoma lesion. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that p63 was initially upregulated in carcinoma in situ and ERK was sequentially activated in invasive carcinoma lesions in OSCC specimens. ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF)-like 4c (ARL4C), the expression of which is reportedly induced by p63 and/or the MEK/ERK-MAPK pathway in OSCC cells, has been shown to promote tumorigenesis. Immunohistochemically, in OSCC specimens, ARL4C was more frequently detected in tumor lesions, especially in invasive carcinoma lesions, than in carcinoma in situ lesions. Additionally, ARL4C and phosphorylated ERK were frequently merged in invasive carcinoma lesions. Loss-of-function experiments using inhibitors and siRNAs revealed that p63 and MEK/ERK-MAPK cooperatively induce the expression of ARL4C and cell growth in OSCC cells. These results suggest that the stepwise activation of p63 and MEK/ERK-MAPK contributes to OSCC tumor cell growth through regulation of ARL4C expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dania Zuhier Ragheb Alkhatib
- Laboratory of Oral Pathology, Division of Maxillofacial Diagnostic and Surgical Sciences, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Thinh Thi Kim Truong
- Laboratory of Oral Pathology, Division of Maxillofacial Diagnostic and Surgical Sciences, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Fujii
- Laboratory of Oral Pathology, Division of Maxillofacial Diagnostic and Surgical Sciences, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; Dento-craniofacial Development and Regeneration Research Center, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan.
| | - Kana Hasegawa
- Laboratory of Oral Pathology, Division of Maxillofacial Diagnostic and Surgical Sciences, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Ryoko Nagano
- Laboratory of Oral Pathology, Division of Maxillofacial Diagnostic and Surgical Sciences, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; Department of Endodontology and Operative Dentistry, Division of Oral Rehabilitation, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Yudai Tajiri
- Laboratory of Oral Pathology, Division of Maxillofacial Diagnostic and Surgical Sciences, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; Department of Dentistry and Oral Surgery, National Hospital Organization, Fukuokahigashi Medical Center, 1-1-1 Chidori, Koga, Fukuoka 811-3195, Japan
| | - Tamotsu Kiyoshima
- Laboratory of Oral Pathology, Division of Maxillofacial Diagnostic and Surgical Sciences, Faculty of Dental Science, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
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19
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Zhai X, Pu D, Wang R, Zhang J, Lin Y, Wang Y, Zhai N, Peng X, Zhou Q, Li L. Gas6/AXL pathway: immunological landscape and therapeutic potential. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1121130. [PMID: 37265798 PMCID: PMC10231434 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1121130] [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: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a disease with ecological and evolutionary unity, which seriously affects the survival and quality of human beings. Currently, many reports have suggested Gas6 plays an important role in cancer. Binding of gas6 to TAM receptors is associated with the carcinogenetic mechanisms of multiple malignancies, such as in breast cancer, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, non-small cell lung cancer, melanoma, prostate cancer, etc., and shortened overall survival. It is accepted that the Gas6/TAM pathway can promote the malignant transformation of various types of cancer cells. Gas6 has the highest affinity for Axl, an important member of the TAM receptor family. Knockdown of the TAM receptors Axl significantly affects cell cycle progression in tumor cells. Interestingly, Gas6 also has an essential function in the tumor microenvironment. The Gas6/AXL pathway regulates angiogenesis, immune-related molecular markers and the secretion of certain cytokines in the tumor microenvironment, and also modulates the functions of a variety of immune cells. In addition, evidence suggests that the Gas6/AXL pathway is involved in tumor therapy resistance. Recently, multiple studies have begun to explore in depth the importance of the Gas6/AXL pathway as a potential tumor therapeutic target as well as its broad promise in immunotherapy; therefore, a timely review of the characteristics of the Gas6/AXL pathway and its value in tumor treatment strategies is warranted. This comprehensive review assessed the roles of Gas6 and AXL receptors and their associated pathways in carcinogenesis and cancer progression, summarized the impact of Gas6/AXL on the tumor microenvironment, and highlighted the recent research progress on the relationship between Gas6/AXL and cancer drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqian Zhai
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Dan Pu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Rulan Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiabi Zhang
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, College of Health, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Yiyun Lin
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, MD Anderson Cancer Center UT Health, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Yuqing Wang
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Ni Zhai
- Neurosurgery Intensive Care Unit, The 987th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Baoji, Shanxi, China
| | - Xuan Peng
- Department of Pathophysiology, Hubei Minzu University, Enshi, Hubei, China
| | - Qinghua Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lu Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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20
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Aguayo F, Perez-Dominguez F, Osorio JC, Oliva C, Calaf GM. PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway in HPV-Driven Head and Neck Carcinogenesis: Therapeutic Implications. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12050672. [PMID: 37237486 DOI: 10.3390/biology12050672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
High-risk human papillomaviruses (HR-HPVs) are the causal agents of cervical, anogenital and a subset of head and neck carcinomas (HNCs). Indeed, oropharyngeal cancers are a type of HNC highly associated with HR-HPV infections and constitute a specific clinical entity. The oncogenic mechanism of HR-HPV involves E6/E7 oncoprotein overexpression for promoting cell immortalization and transformation, through the downregulation of p53 and pRB tumor suppressor proteins, among other cellular targets. Additionally, E6/E7 proteins are involved in promoting PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway alterations. In this review, we address the relationship between HR-HPV and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway activation in HNC with an emphasis on its therapeutic importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Aguayo
- Departamento de Biomedicina, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Tarapacá, Arica 1000000, Chile
| | - Francisco Perez-Dominguez
- Laboratorio de Oncovirología, Programa de Virología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380000, Chile
| | - Julio C Osorio
- Laboratorio de Oncovirología, Programa de Virología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380000, Chile
| | - Carolina Oliva
- Laboratorio de Oncovirología, Programa de Virología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380000, Chile
| | - Gloria M Calaf
- Instituto de Alta Investigación, Universidad de Tarapacá, Arica 1000000, Chile
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21
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Alves LB, Moura AC, Amorim Dos Santos J, Borges GA, Guerra ENS. Pharmacological PI3K inhibition in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A systematic review. Toxicol In Vitro 2023; 88:105558. [PMID: 36681288 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2023.105558] [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: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This systematic review aimed to investigate the in vitro and in vivo effects of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Considering the role of PI3K and its downstream effectors in cell proliferation, invasion, and survival, it is reasonable to expect that treatment with PI3K inhibitors could control HNSCC onset and progression. Thus, the research question for our review was whether pharmacological inhibition of PI3K affects HNSCC progression. METHODS In vitro and in vivo studies were selected from six databases. We collected data regarding cell viability, apoptosis, and the regulation of protein expression levels from in vitro studies. For the in vivo studies, we analyzed the reduction in tumor size or gene and protein expression. RESULTS The included studies showed reduced cell proliferation and apoptosis after treatment with PI3K inhibitors. PI3K inhibitors in combination with other drugs had an enhanced anticancer effects compared to those of single-drug treatments. CONCLUSIONS The results support the potential of PI3K inhibitors as candidates for clinical trials in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- L B Alves
- Laboratory of Oral Histopathology, School of Health Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - A C Moura
- Laboratory of Oral Histopathology, School of Health Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - J Amorim Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Oral Histopathology, School of Health Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - G A Borges
- Department of Oral Medicine and Periodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - E N S Guerra
- Laboratory of Oral Histopathology, School of Health Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil.
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22
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Ye Y, Huang Z, Zhang M, Li J, Zhang Y, Lou C. Synergistic therapeutic potential of alpelisib in cancers (excluding breast cancer): Preclinical and clinical evidences. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 159:114183. [PMID: 36641927 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114183] [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: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway is well-known for its important role in cancer growth, proliferation and migration. The activation of PI3K pathway is always connected with endocrine resistance and poor prognosis in cancers. Alpelisib, a selective inhibitor of PI3K, has been demonstrated to be effective in combination with endocrine therapy in HR+ PIK3CA-mutated advanced breast cancer in preclinical and clinical trials. Recently, the synergistic effects of alpelisib combined with targeted agents have been widely reported in PIK3CA-mutated cancer cells, such as breast, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), cervical, liver, pancreatic and lung cancer. However, previous reviews mainly focused on the pharmacological activities of alpelisib in breast cancer. The synergistic therapeutic potential of alpelisib in other cancers has not yet been well reviewed. In this review, an extensive study of related literatures (published until December 20, 2022) regarding the anti-cancer functions and synergistic effects of alpelisib was carried out through the databases. Useful information was extracted. We summarized the preclinical and clinical studies of alpelisib in combination with targeted anti-cancer agents in cancer treatment (excluding breast cancer). The combinations of alpelisib and other targeted agents significantly improved the therapeutic efficacy both in preclinical and clinical studies. Unfortunately, synergistic therapies still could not effectively avoid the possible toxicities and adverse events during treatment. Finally, some prospects for the combination studies in cancer treatment were provided in the paper. Taken together, this review provided valuable information for alpelisib in preclinical and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhao Ye
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
| | - Zhiyu Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
| | - Maoqing Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
| | - Jiayue Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
| | - Yiqiong Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
| | - Chenghua Lou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
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23
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Bertucci A, Bertucci F, Gonçalves A. Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase (PI3K) Inhibitors and Breast Cancer: An Overview of Current Achievements. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15051416. [PMID: 36900211 PMCID: PMC10001361 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15051416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway is one of the most altered pathways in human cancers, and it plays a central role in cellular growth, survival, metabolism, and cellular mobility, making it a particularly interesting therapeutic target. Recently, pan-inhibitors and then selective p110α subunit inhibitors of PI3K were developed. Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer in women and, despite therapeutic progress in recent years, advanced breast cancers remain incurable and early breast cancers are at risk of relapse. Breast cancer is divided in three molecular subtypes, each with its own molecular biology. However, PI3K mutations are found in all breast cancer subtypes in three main "hotspots". In this review, we report the results of the most recent and main ongoing studies evaluating pan-PI3K inhibitors and selective PI3K inhibitors in each breast cancer subtype. In addition, we discuss the future of their development, the various potential mechanisms of resistance to these inhibitors and the ways to circumvent them.
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24
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Nasimian A, Al Ashiri L, Ahmed M, Duan H, Zhang X, Rönnstrand L, Kazi JU. A Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Sensitivity Prediction Model Identifies AXL Dependency in Leukemia. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043830. [PMID: 36835239 PMCID: PMC9959897 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite incredible progress in cancer treatment, therapy resistance remains the leading limiting factor for long-term survival. During drug treatment, several genes are transcriptionally upregulated to mediate drug tolerance. Using highly variable genes and pharmacogenomic data for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), we developed a drug sensitivity prediction model for the receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor sorafenib and achieved more than 80% prediction accuracy. Furthermore, by using Shapley additive explanations for determining leading features, we identified AXL as an important feature for drug resistance. Drug-resistant patient samples displayed enrichment of protein kinase C (PKC) signaling, which was also identified in sorafenib-treated FLT3-ITD-dependent AML cell lines by a peptide-based kinase profiling assay. Finally, we show that pharmacological inhibition of tyrosine kinase activity enhances AXL expression, phosphorylation of the PKC-substrate cyclic AMP response element binding (CREB) protein, and displays synergy with AXL and PKC inhibitors. Collectively, our data suggest an involvement of AXL in tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance and link PKC activation as a possible signaling mediator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Nasimian
- Division of Translational Cancer Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, 22381 Lund, Sweden
- Lund Stem Cell Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden
| | - Lina Al Ashiri
- Division of Translational Cancer Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, 22381 Lund, Sweden
- Lund Stem Cell Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden
| | - Mehreen Ahmed
- Division of Translational Cancer Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, 22381 Lund, Sweden
- Lund Stem Cell Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden
| | - Hongzhi Duan
- Division of Translational Cancer Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, 22381 Lund, Sweden
- Lund Stem Cell Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden
| | - Xiaoyue Zhang
- Division of Translational Cancer Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, 22381 Lund, Sweden
- Lund Stem Cell Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden
| | - Lars Rönnstrand
- Division of Translational Cancer Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, 22381 Lund, Sweden
- Lund Stem Cell Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Radiation Physics, Skåne University Hospital, 22185 Lund, Sweden
| | - Julhash U. Kazi
- Division of Translational Cancer Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, 22381 Lund, Sweden
- Lund Stem Cell Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, 22184 Lund, Sweden
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +46-462226407
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25
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Li Q, Tie Y, Alu A, Ma X, Shi H. Targeted therapy for head and neck cancer: signaling pathways and clinical studies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:31. [PMID: 36646686 PMCID: PMC9842704 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01297-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer (HNC) is malignant, genetically complex and difficult to treat and is the sixth most frequent cancer, with tobacco, alcohol and human papillomavirus being major risk factors. Based on epigenetic data, HNC is remarkably heterogeneous, and treatment remains challenging. There is a lack of significant improvement in survival and quality of life in patients with HNC. Over half of HNC patients experience locoregional recurrence or distal metastasis despite the current multiple traditional therapeutic strategies and immunotherapy. In addition, resistance to chemotherapy, radiotherapy and some targeted therapies is common. Therefore, it is urgent to explore more effective and tolerable targeted therapies to improve the clinical outcomes of HNC patients. Recent targeted therapy studies have focused on identifying promising biomarkers and developing more effective targeted therapies. A well understanding of the pathogenesis of HNC contributes to learning more about its inner association, which provides novel insight into the development of small molecule inhibitors. In this review, we summarized the vital signaling pathways and discussed the current potential therapeutic targets against critical molecules in HNC, as well as presenting preclinical animal models and ongoing or completed clinical studies about targeted therapy, which may contribute to a more favorable prognosis of HNC. Targeted therapy in combination with other therapies and its limitations were also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingfang Li
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Tie
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Aqu Alu
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuelei Ma
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Huashan Shi
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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26
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Ooki A, Osumi H, Chin K, Watanabe M, Yamaguchi K. Potent molecular-targeted therapies for advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2023; 15:17588359221138377. [PMID: 36872946 PMCID: PMC9978325 DOI: 10.1177/17588359221138377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Esophageal cancer (EC) remains a public health concern with a high mortality and disease burden worldwide. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a predominant histological subtype of EC that has unique etiology, molecular profiles, and clinicopathological features. Although systemic chemotherapy, including cytotoxic agents and immune checkpoint inhibitors, is the main therapeutic option for recurrent or metastatic ESCC patients, the clinical benefits are limited with poor prognosis. Personalized molecular-targeted therapies have been hampered due to the lack of robust treatment efficacy in clinical trials. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop effective therapeutic strategies. In this review, we summarize the molecular profiles of ESCC based on the findings of pivotal comprehensive molecular analyses, highlighting potent therapeutic targets for establishing future precision medicine for ESCC patients, with the most recent results of clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Ooki
- Department of Gastroenterological Chemotherapy, Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, 3-8-31 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-8550, Japan
| | - Hiroki Osumi
- Department of Gastroenterological Chemotherapy, Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keisho Chin
- Department of Gastroenterological Chemotherapy, Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masayuki Watanabe
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kensei Yamaguchi
- Department of Gastroenterological Chemotherapy, Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
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27
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Wang G, Ouyang B, Jing F, Dai X. GBA inhibition suppresses ovarian cancer growth, survival and receptor tyrosine kinase AXL-mediated signaling pathways. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY AND THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 27:21-29. [PMID: 36575930 PMCID: PMC9806639 DOI: 10.4196/kjpp.2023.27.1.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The poor outcome of advanced ovarian cancer under conventional therapy necessitates new strategies to improve therapeutic efficacy. β-glucosidase (encoded by GBA) is a lysosomal enzyme and is involved in sphingolipids metabolism. Recent studies revealed that β-glucosidase plays a role in cancer development and chemoresistance. In this work, we systematically evaluated the expression and role of GBA in ovarian cancer. Our work demonstrates that inhibition of β-glucosidase has therapeutic potential for ovarian cancer. Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis database, western blot and immunohistochemistry analyses of patient samples demonstrated that GBA mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly increased in ovarian cancer compared to normal tissues. Functional studies using gain-of- function and loss-of-function approaches demonstrated that GBA overexpression did not affect growth and migration but alleviated cisplatin's efficacy in ovarian cancer cells. In addition, GBA depletion resulted in growth inhibition, apoptosis induction, and enhancement of cisplatin's efficacy. Of note, we found that GBA inhibition specifically decreased receptor tyrosine kinase AXL level, leading to the suppression of AXL-mediated signaling pathways. Our data suggest that GBA represents a promising target to inhibit AXL signaling and overcome cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Wuhan Third Hospital-Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430064, China
| | - Baisha Ouyang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Taikang Tongji (Wuhan) Hospital, Wuhan 430050, China
| | - Fang Jing
- Department of Gynecology, Wuhan Third Hospital-Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430064, China
| | - Xiaoyan Dai
- Department of Gynecology, Wuhan Third Hospital-Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430064, China,Correspondence Xiaoyan Dai, E-mail:
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28
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Xu X, Wang Y, Bai Y, Lu J, Guo Y, Wang X, Rong L, Tang J, Ma X, Ma J, Zhang L. Identifying key mutations of radioresponsive genes in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1001173. [PMID: 36119057 PMCID: PMC9478485 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1001173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Radiotherapy plays an important effect on the standard therapy of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, the efficacy of the therapy is limited and a few patients do not achieve satisfactory treatment results due to the existence of radiation resistance. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the potential predictive biomarkers and treatment targets for ESCC. Methods We performed the whole-exome sequencing to determine the germline and somatic mutations in ESCC. Functional enrichment and pathway-based protein-protein interaction analyses were used to ascertain potential regulatory networks. Cell survival and cell death after treatment with radiotherapy were determined by CCK-8 and LDH release assays in ESCC cells. The correlations of NOTCH1 and tumor immune infiltration were also analyzed in ESCC. Results Our results showed that 344 somatic and 65 germline differentially mutated genes were detected to be radiosensitivity-related loci. The tumor mutational burdens (TMB) or microsatellite instability (MSI) were not significantly correlated with the response to radiotherapy in ESCC patients. Pathway-based protein-protein interaction analyses implied several hub genes with most nodes (such as PIK3CA, NOTCH1, STAT3 and KDR). The in vitro studies showed that the knockdown of NOTCH1 inhibited cell survival and rendered more cell death after the treatment with radiotherapy in ESCC cells, while NOTCH1 overexpression had the opposite effects. Moreover, NOTCH1, frequently up-regulated in ESCC, was negatively correlated with activated B cell and immature dendritic cell in ESCC. High expression of NOTCH1 was accompanied with the low levels of some immunotherapy-related cells, including CD8(+) T cells and NK cells. Conclusions These results indicate the differences of the germline mutations and somatic mutations between the radiosensitive and radioresistence groups in ESCC and imply that NOTCH1 plays important roles in regulating the radiosensitivity of ESCC. The findings might provide the biomarkers and potential treatment targets for improving the sensitivity to radiotherapy in ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Xu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuming Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongrui Bai
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Lu
- Department of Research, Medical Laboratory of Nantong Zhongke, Nantong, China
| | - Yuntao Guo
- Department of Bioinformatics, Medical Laboratory of Nantong Zhongke, Nantong, China
| | - Xiaohang Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Rong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianmin Tang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiumei Ma
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Ma
- Eye Institute, Eye & Ear, Nose, and Throat Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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29
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Cao T, Cui Y, Wang Y, Wu L, Yu K, Chen K, Xia J, Li Y, Wang ZP, Ma J. CACNA1C-AS2 inhibits cell proliferation and suppresses cell migration and invasion via targeting FBXO45 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways in glioma. Apoptosis 2022; 27:979-991. [PMID: 36038736 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-022-01764-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Glioma is the most common brain cancer with a poor prognosis, and its underlying molecular mechanisms still needs to be further explored. In the current study, we discovered that an antisense lncRNA, CACNA1C-AS2, suppressed growth, migration and invasion of glioma cells, suggesting that CACNA1C-AS2 functions as a tumor suppressor. Furthermore, we found that CACNA1C-AS2 negatively regulated Fbxo45 protein expression in glioma cells. Impressively, extensive experimental results revealed that Fbxo45 accelerated growth, migration and invasion of glioma cells. Clinically, increased Fbxo45 expression was observed in 75 human glioma tissue samples. Moreover, in vivo experiments also demonstrated that Fbxo45 overexpression enhanced tumor growth in mice. Especially, we further identified that Fbxo45 activated mTORC1 rather than mTORC2 through PI3K/AKT signaling to promote cell growth and motility in glioma cells. Rescue experiments also exhibited that CACNA1C-AS2 inhibited cell growth and motility partly through down-regulating Fbxo45 expression in glioma. Our results provide the novel insights into the critical role of CACNA1C-AS2/Fbxo45/mTOR axis involved in regulating glioma tumorigenesis and progression, and further indicate that CACNA1C-AS2 and Fbxo45 may be the potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Cao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233004, Anhui, China.,Bengbu Medical College Key Laboratory of Cancer Research and Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233030, Anhui, China
| | - Yue Cui
- Bengbu Medical College Key Laboratory of Cancer Research and Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233030, Anhui, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fuyang People's Hospital, Fuyang, 236001, Anhui, China
| | - Yingying Wang
- Bengbu Medical College Key Laboratory of Cancer Research and Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233030, Anhui, China
| | - Linhui Wu
- Bengbu Medical College Key Laboratory of Cancer Research and Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233030, Anhui, China.,Clinical Laboratory Center, Lu'an People's Hospital, The Lu'an Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Lu'an, 237000, Anhui, China
| | - Ke Yu
- Bengbu Medical College Key Laboratory of Cancer Research and Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233030, Anhui, China
| | - Kai Chen
- Bengbu Medical College Key Laboratory of Cancer Research and Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233030, Anhui, China
| | - Jun Xia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Laboratory Medicine, Bengbu Medical College, 2600 Donghai Street, Bengbu, 233030, Anhui, China
| | - Yuyun Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, School of Laboratory Medicine, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233030, Anhui, China
| | - Zhiwei Peter Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Laboratory Medicine, Bengbu Medical College, 2600 Donghai Street, Bengbu, 233030, Anhui, China. .,Center of Scientific Research, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Jia Ma
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Laboratory Medicine, Bengbu Medical College, 2600 Donghai Street, Bengbu, 233030, Anhui, China.
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Velázquez-Lam E, Tome-Amat J, Segrelles C, Yuste-Calvo C, Asensio S, Peral J, Ponz F, Lorz C. Antitumor applications of polyphenol-conjugated turnip mosaic virus-derived nanoparticles. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2022; 17:999-1012. [PMID: 36004616 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2022-0067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Filamentous plant virus-derived nanoparticles are biodegradable and noninfectious to humans. Their structure is also amenable to chemical modifications. They constitute an appealing material for biomedical applications including imaging and drug delivery. We had previously used turnip mosaic virus-derived nanoparticles (TuMV-NPs) to increase antibody-sensing in vivo, to prevent biofilm formation and to build biological nanoscaffolds. Materials & methods: We analyzed TuMV-NP biodistribution and tumor homing using in vivo imaging. We studied in vitro the interaction with human cancer cell lines and the antiproliferative effect of epigallocatechin gallate-functionalized TuMV-NPs. Results & conclusion: TuMV-NPs are efficiently internalized by human cells and show good tumor homing. The antiproliferative effect of epigallocatechin gallate-TuMV-NPs suggests that they could offer a potential anticancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edith Velázquez-Lam
- Centro de Biotecnología y Genómica de Plantas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid-Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (CBGP, UPM-INIA/CSIC), Campus Montegancedo, 28223, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jaime Tome-Amat
- Centro de Biotecnología y Genómica de Plantas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid-Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (CBGP, UPM-INIA/CSIC), Campus Montegancedo, 28223, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Segrelles
- Molecular Oncology Unit, CIEMAT (ed 70A), 28040, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), 28041, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Yuste-Calvo
- Centro de Biotecnología y Genómica de Plantas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid-Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (CBGP, UPM-INIA/CSIC), Campus Montegancedo, 28223, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Asensio
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), 28041, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge Peral
- Molecular Oncology Unit, CIEMAT (ed 70A), 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Ponz
- Centro de Biotecnología y Genómica de Plantas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid-Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (CBGP, UPM-INIA/CSIC), Campus Montegancedo, 28223, Madrid, Spain
| | - Corina Lorz
- Molecular Oncology Unit, CIEMAT (ed 70A), 28040, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), 28041, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029, Madrid, Spain
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Das A, Bhattacharya B, Roy S. Decrypting a path based approach for identifying the interplay between PI3K and GSK3 signaling cascade from the perspective of cancer. Genes Dis 2022; 9:868-888. [PMID: 35685456 PMCID: PMC9170611 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2021.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of those leading diseases worldwide, which takes millions of lives every year. Researchers are continuously looking for specific approaches to eradicate the deadly disease, ensuring minimal adverse effects along with more therapeutic significance. Targeting of different aberrantly regulated signaling pathways, involved in cancer, is surely one of the revolutionary chemotherapeutic approach. In this instance, GSK3 and PI3K signaling cascades are considered as important role player for both the oncogenic activation and inactivation which further leads to cancer proliferation and metastasis. In this review, we have discussed the potential role of GSK3 and PI3K signaling in cancer, and we further established the crosstalk between PI3K and GSK3 signaling, through showcasing their cross activation, cross inhibition and convergence pathways in association with cancer. We also exhibited the effect of GSK3 on the efficacy of PI3K inhibitors to overcome the drug resistance and preventing the cell proliferation, metastasis in a combinatorial way with GSK3 inhibitors for a better treatment strategy in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhijit Das
- Department of Pharmacology, NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata- Group of Institutions, Kolkata 700053, India
| | - Barshana Bhattacharya
- Department of Pharmacology, NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata- Group of Institutions, Kolkata 700053, India
| | - Souvik Roy
- Department of Pharmacology, NSHM Knowledge Campus, Kolkata- Group of Institutions, Kolkata 700053, India
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Xing H, Gao M, Wang Y, Zhang X, Shi J, Wang X, Liu X, Ma Q, Kong X, Yang C, Ding J, Meng L. Genome-wide gain-of-function screening identifies EZH2 mediating resistance to PI3Kα inhibitors in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e835. [PMID: 35604910 PMCID: PMC9126361 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphoinositide‐3 kinase alpha (PI3Kα) has been confirmed to be a potential therapeutic target for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), while the potency of PI3Kα inhibitors is often attenuated by concurrent oncogenic signalling pathways. We performed genome‐wide gain‐of‐function screening with a CRISPR‐SAM library and identified enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) rendering ESCC cells resistant to the PI3Kα inhibitor CYH33. Enhanced expression of EZH2 frequently occurs in ESCC and is related to poor prognosis. Overexpression of full‐length EZH2 but not methyltransferase‐deficient EZH2 conferred resistance to CYH33, while downregulating EZH2 expression restored sensitivity. EZH2 expression was negatively related to the activity of CYH33 against the proliferation of ESCC cell lines and patient‐derived cells. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that EZH2 abrogated CYH33‐mediated cell cycle regulation. EZH2 epigenetically suppressed the transcription of CDKN1A, promoting RB phosphorylation and cell cycle progression. Concurrently targeting EZH2 significantly potentiated CYH33 to inhibit the growth of ESCC cells and patient‐derived xenografts accompanied by enhanced cell cycle arrest. Taken together, our study demonstrated that an EZH2‐p21‐RB axis remodeled cell cycle regulation and rendered resistance to PI3Kα inhibitors in ESCC. Simultaneously targeting PI3Kα and EZH2 may provide an effective strategy for ESCC therapy with high expression of EZH2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Xing
- Division of Anti-tumor Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Mengshi Gao
- Division of Anti-tumor Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuxiang Wang
- Division of Anti-tumor Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Division of Anti-tumor Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiajie Shi
- Division of Anti-tumor Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Division of Anti-tumor Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xueling Liu
- Division of Anti-tumor Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingyang Ma
- Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangyin Kong
- Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunhao Yang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Ding
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Division of Anti-tumor Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Linghua Meng
- Division of Anti-tumor Pharmacology, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Adam-Artigues A, Arenas EJ, Martínez-Sabadell A, Brasó-Maristany F, Cervera R, Tormo E, Hernando C, Martínez MT, Carbonell-Asins J, Simón S, Poveda J, Moragón S, Zazo S, Martínez D, Rovira A, Burgués O, Rojo F, Albanell J, Bermejo B, Lluch A, Prat A, Arribas J, Eroles P, Cejalvo JM. Targeting HER2-AXL heterodimerization to overcome resistance to HER2 blockade in breast cancer. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabk2746. [PMID: 35594351 PMCID: PMC9122332 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abk2746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Anti-HER2 therapies have markedly improved prognosis of HER2-positive breast cancer. However, different mechanisms play a role in treatment resistance. Here, we identified AXL overexpression as an essential mechanism of trastuzumab resistance. AXL orchestrates epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and heterodimerizes with HER2, leading to activation of PI3K/AKT and MAPK pathways in a ligand-independent manner. Genetic depletion and pharmacological inhibition of AXL restored trastuzumab response in vitro and in vivo. AXL inhibitor plus trastuzumab achieved complete regression in trastuzumab-resistant patient-derived xenograft models. Moreover, AXL expression in HER2-positive primary tumors was able to predict prognosis. Data from the PAMELA trial showed a change in AXL expression during neoadjuvant dual HER2 blockade, supporting its role in resistance. Therefore, our study highlights the importance of targeting AXL in combination with anti-HER2 drugs across HER2-amplified breast cancer patients with high AXL expression. Furthermore, it unveils the potential value of AXL as a druggable prognostic biomarker in HER2-positive breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Enrique J. Arenas
- Preclinical Research Program, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona 08035, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
| | - Alex Martínez-Sabadell
- Preclinical Research Program, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona 08035, Spain
| | - Fara Brasó-Maristany
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | | | - Eduardo Tormo
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia 46010, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
| | - Cristina Hernando
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia 46010, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de València, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - María Teresa Martínez
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia 46010, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de València, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | | | - Soraya Simón
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de València, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - Jesús Poveda
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de València, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - Santiago Moragón
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de València, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - Sandra Zazo
- Department of Pathology, IIS Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Débora Martínez
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Ana Rovira
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona 08003, Spain
- Cancer Research Program, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Octavio Burgués
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia 46010, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de València, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - Federico Rojo
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
- Department of Pathology, IIS Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Joan Albanell
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona 08003, Spain
- Cancer Research Program, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona 08003, Spain
- Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Barcelona 08002, Spain
| | - Begoña Bermejo
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia 46010, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de València, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - Ana Lluch
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia 46010, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de València, Valencia 46010, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - Aleix Prat
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
- SOLTI Breast Cancer Research Group, Barcelona 08008, Spain
| | - Joaquín Arribas
- Preclinical Research Program, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona 08035, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
- Cancer Research Program, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona 08003, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona 08193, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona 08010, Spain
| | - Pilar Eroles
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia 46010, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
- Department of Physiology, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - Juan Miguel Cejalvo
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia 46010, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de València, Valencia 46010, Spain
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Two-Front War on Cancer-Targeting TAM Receptors in Solid Tumour Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14102488. [PMID: 35626092 PMCID: PMC9140196 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In recent years, many studies have shown the importance of TAM kinases in both normal and neoplastic cells. In this review, we present and discuss the role of the TAM family (AXL, MERTK, TYRO3) of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) as a dual target in cancer, due to their intrinsic roles in tumour cell survival, migration, chemoresistance, and their immunosuppressive roles in the tumour microenvironment. This review presents the potential of TAMs as emerging therapeutic targets in cancer treatment, focusing on the distinct structures of TAM receptor tyrosine kinases. We analyse and compare different strategies of TAM inhibition, for a full perspective of current and future battlefields in the war with cancer. Abstract Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are transmembrane receptors that bind growth factors and cytokines and contain a regulated kinase activity within their cytoplasmic domain. RTKs play an important role in signal transduction in both normal and malignant cells, and their encoding genes belong to the most frequently affected genes in cancer cells. The TAM family proteins (TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK) are involved in diverse biological processes: immune regulation, clearance of apoptotic cells, platelet aggregation, cell proliferation, survival, and migration. Recent studies show that TAMs share overlapping functions in tumorigenesis and suppression of antitumour immunity. MERTK and AXL operate in innate immune cells to suppress inflammatory responses and promote an immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment, while AXL expression correlates with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, metastasis, and motility in tumours. Therefore, TAM RTKs represent a dual target in cancer due to their intrinsic roles in tumour cell survival, migration, chemoresistance, and their immunosuppressive roles in the tumour microenvironment (TME). In this review, we discuss the potential of TAMs as emerging therapeutic targets in cancer treatment. We critically assess and compare current approaches to target TAM RTKs in solid tumours and the development of new inhibitors for both extra- and intracellular domains of TAM receptor kinases.
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Immunosuppressive cells in cancer: mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:61. [PMID: 35585567 PMCID: PMC9118588 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01282-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies like the adoptive transfer of gene-engineered T cells and immune checkpoint inhibitors are novel therapeutic modalities for advanced cancers. However, some patients are refractory or resistant to these therapies, and the mechanisms underlying tumor immune resistance have not been fully elucidated. Immunosuppressive cells such as myeloid-derived suppressive cells, tumor-associated macrophages, tumor-associated neutrophils, regulatory T cells (Tregs), and tumor-associated dendritic cells are critical factors correlated with immune resistance. In addition, cytokines and factors secreted by tumor cells or these immunosuppressive cells also mediate the tumor progression and immune escape of cancers. Thus, targeting these immunosuppressive cells and the related signals is the promising therapy to improve the efficacy of immunotherapies and reverse the immune resistance. However, even with certain success in preclinical studies or in some specific types of cancer, large perspectives are unknown for these immunosuppressive cells, and the related therapies have undesirable outcomes for clinical patients. In this review, we comprehensively summarized the phenotype, function, and potential therapeutic targets of these immunosuppressive cells in the tumor microenvironment.
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Targeting the Axl and mTOR Pathway Synergizes Immunotherapy and Chemotherapy to Butylidenephthalide in a Recurrent GBM. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:3236058. [PMID: 35646111 PMCID: PMC9132698 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3236058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background. The role of inherent tumor heterogeneity and an immunosuppressive microenvironment in therapeutic resistance has been determined to be of importance for the better management of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Some studies have suggested that combined drugs with divergent mechanisms may be promising in treating recurrent GBM. Methods. Intracranial sustained (Z)-n-butylidenephthalide [(Z)-BP] delivery through Cerebraca Wafers (CWs) to eliminate unresectable brain tumors was combined with the administration of temozolomide (TMZ), pembrolizumab, and cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells for treating a patient with recurrent glioblastoma. Neurological adverse events and wound healing delay were monitored for estimating tolerance and efficacy. Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology criteria were applied to evaluate progression-free survival (PFS); further, the molecular characteristics of GBM tissues were analyzed, and the underlying mechanism was investigated using primary culture. Results. Intracerebral (Z)-BP in residual tumors could not only inhibit cancer stem cells but also increase interferon gamma levels in serum, which then led to the regression of GBM and an immune-responsive microenvironment. Targeting receptor tyrosine kinases, including Axl and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and inhibiting the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) through (Z)-BP were determined to synergize CIK cells in the presence of pembrolizumab and TMZ in recurrent GBM. Therefore, this well-tolerated regimen could simultaneously block multiple cancer pathways, which allowed extended PFS and improved quality of life for 22 months. Conclusion. Given the several unique functions of (Z)-BP, greater sensitivity of chemotherapy and the synergism of pembrolizumab and CIK cells could have affected the excellent prognosis seen in this patient with recurrent GBM.
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Gu Z, Shi C, Li J, Han Y, Sun B, Zhang W, Wu J, Zhou G, Ye W, Li J, Zhang Z, Zhou R. Palbociclib-based high-throughput combination drug screening identifies synergistic therapeutic options in HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. BMC Med 2022; 20:175. [PMID: 35546399 PMCID: PMC9097351 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-022-02373-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deregulation of cell-cycle pathway is ubiquitously observed in human papillomavirus negative (HPVneg) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Despite being an attractive target, CDK4/6 inhibition using palbociclib showed modest or conflicting results as monotherapy or in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy or cetuximab in HPVneg HNSCC. Thus, innovative agents to augment the efficacy of palbociclib in HPVneg HNSCC would be welcomed. METHODS A collection of 162 FDA-approved and investigational agents was screened in combinatorial matrix format, and top combinations were validated in a broader panel of HPVneg HNSCC cell lines. Transcriptional profiling was conducted to explore the molecular mechanisms of drug synergy. Finally, the most potent palbociclib-based drug combination was evaluated and compared with palbociclib plus cetuximab or cisplatin in a panel of genetically diverse HPVneg HNSCC cell lines and patient-derived xenograft models. RESULTS Palbociclib displayed limited efficacy in HPVneg HNSCC as monotherapy. The high-throughput combination drug screening provided a comprehensive palbociclib-based drug-drug interaction dataset, whereas significant synergistic effects were observed when palbociclib was combined with multiple agents, including inhibitors of the PI3K, EGFR, and MEK pathways. PI3K pathway inhibitors significantly reduced cell proliferation and induced cell-cycle arrest in HPVneg HNSCC cell lines when combined with palbociclib, and alpelisib (a PI3Kα inhibitor) was demonstrated to show the most potent synergy with particularly higher efficacy in HNSCCs bearing PIK3CA alterations. Notably, when compared with cisplatin and cetuximab, alpelisib exerted stronger synergism in a broader panel of cell lines. Mechanistically, RRM2-dependent epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) induced by palbociclib, was attenuated by alpelisib and cetuximab rather than cisplatin. Subsequently, PDX models with distinct genetic background further validated that palbociclib plus alpelisib had significant synergistic effects in models harboring PIK3CA amplification. CONCLUSIONS This study provides insights into the systematic combinatory effect associated with CDK4/6 inhibition and supports further initiation of clinical trials using the palbociclib plus alpelisib combination in HPVneg HNSCC with PIK3CA alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyue Gu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai, 200011, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, China.,Research Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Chaoji Shi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai, 200011, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, China.,Research Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Jiayi Li
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai, 200011, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Yong Han
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai, 200011, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, China.,Research Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Bao Sun
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai, 200011, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, China.,Department of Oral Pathology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Wuchang Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai, 200011, China.,Laboratory of Oral Microbiota and Systemic Diseases Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Jing Wu
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai, 200011, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Guoyu Zhou
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai, 200011, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Weimin Ye
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai, 200011, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Jiang Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai, 200011, China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, China. .,Department of Oral Pathology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Zhiyuan Zhang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai, 200011, China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, China. .,Research Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Rong Zhou
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai, 200011, China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, China. .,Research Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, 200011, China.
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Huang R, Dai Q, Yang R, Duan Y, Zhao Q, Haybaeck J, Yang Z. A Review: PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway and Its Regulated Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factors May Be a Potential Therapeutic Target in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:817916. [PMID: 35574327 PMCID: PMC9096244 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.817916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a malignant tumor developing from the esophageal squamous epithelium, and is the most common histological subtype of esophageal cancer (EC). EC ranks 10th in morbidity and sixth in mortality worldwide. The morbidity and mortality rates in China are both higher than the world average. Current treatments of ESCC are surgical treatment, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy plus surgical resection is recommended for advanced patients. However, it does not work in the significant promotion of overall survival (OS) after such therapy. Research on targeted therapy in ESCC mainly focus on EGFR and PD-1, but neither of the targeted drugs can significantly improve the 3-year and 5-year survival rates of disease. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is an important survival pathway in tumor cells, associated with its aggressive growth and malignant progression. Specifically, proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, and so on. Related genetic alterations of this pathway have been investigated in ESCC, such as PI3K, AKT and mTOR-rpS6K. Therefore, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway seems to have the capability to serve as research hotspot in the future. Currently, various inhibitors are being tested in cells, animals, and clinical trials, which targeting at different parts of this pathway. In this work, we reviewed the research progress on the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway how to influence biological behaviors in ESCC, and discussed the interaction between signals downstream of this pathway, especially eukaryotic translation initiation factors (eIFs) and the development and progression of ESCC, to provide reference for the identification of new therapeutic targets in ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Huang
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Qiong Dai
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Ruixue Yang
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Yi Duan
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Qi Zhao
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Johannes Haybaeck
- Institute of Pathology, Neuropathology and Molecular Pathology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Diagnostic & Research Center for Molecular BioMedicine, Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Zhihui Yang
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
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At a crossroads: how to translate the roles of PI3K in oncogenic and metabolic signalling into improvements in cancer therapy. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2022; 19:471-485. [PMID: 35484287 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-022-00633-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Numerous agents targeting various phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway components, including PI3K, AKT and mTOR, have been tested in oncology clinical trials, resulting in regulatory approvals for the treatment of selected patients with breast cancer, certain other solid tumours or particular haematological malignancies. However, given the prominence of PI3K signalling in cancer and the crucial role of this pathway in linking cancer growth with metabolism, these clinical results could arguably be improved upon. In this Review, we discuss past and present efforts to overcome the somewhat limited clinical efficacy of PI3Kα pathway inhibitors, including optimization of inhibitor specificity, patient selection and biomarkers across cancer types, with a focus on breast cancer, as well as identification and abrogation of signalling-related and metabolic mechanisms of resistance, and interventions to improve management of prohibitive adverse events. We highlight the advantages and limitations of laboratory-based model systems used to study the PI3K pathway, and propose technologies and experimental inquiries to guide the future clinical deployment of PI3K pathway inhibitors in the treatment of cancer.
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40
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Engelsen AST, Lotsberg ML, Abou Khouzam R, Thiery JP, Lorens JB, Chouaib S, Terry S. Dissecting the Role of AXL in Cancer Immune Escape and Resistance to Immune Checkpoint Inhibition. Front Immunol 2022; 13:869676. [PMID: 35572601 PMCID: PMC9092944 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.869676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The development and implementation of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICI) in clinical oncology have significantly improved the survival of a subset of cancer patients with metastatic disease previously considered uniformly lethal. However, the low response rates and the low number of patients with durable clinical responses remain major concerns and underscore the limited understanding of mechanisms regulating anti-tumor immunity and tumor immune resistance. There is an urgent unmet need for novel approaches to enhance the efficacy of ICI in the clinic, and for predictive tools that can accurately predict ICI responders based on the composition of their tumor microenvironment. The receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) AXL has been associated with poor prognosis in numerous malignancies and the emergence of therapy resistance. AXL is a member of the TYRO3-AXL-MERTK (TAM) kinase family. Upon binding to its ligand GAS6, AXL regulates cell signaling cascades and cellular communication between various components of the tumor microenvironment, including cancer cells, endothelial cells, and immune cells. Converging evidence points to AXL as an attractive molecular target to overcome therapy resistance and immunosuppression, supported by the potential of AXL inhibitors to improve ICI efficacy. Here, we review the current literature on the prominent role of AXL in regulating cancer progression, with particular attention to its effects on anti-tumor immune response and resistance to ICI. We discuss future directions with the aim to understand better the complex role of AXL and TAM receptors in cancer and the potential value of this knowledge and targeted inhibition for the benefit of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnete S. T. Engelsen
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Maria L. Lotsberg
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Raefa Abou Khouzam
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Jean-Paul Thiery
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou, China
- Inserm, UMR 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Villejuif, France
| | - James B. Lorens
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Salem Chouaib
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
- Inserm, UMR 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Villejuif, France
- Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Faculty of Medicine, University Paris Sud, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Stéphane Terry
- Inserm, UMR 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy, Villejuif, France
- Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Faculty of Medicine, University Paris Sud, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Research Department, Inovarion, Paris, France
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41
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FOXO transcriptional activity is associated with response to chemoradiation in EAC. J Transl Med 2022; 20:183. [PMID: 35468793 PMCID: PMC9036728 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03376-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study we aimed to investigate signaling pathways that drive therapy resistance in esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Paraffin-embedded material was analyzed in two patient cohorts: (i) 236 EAC patients with a primary tumor biopsy and corresponding post neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) resection; (ii) 66 EAC patients with resection and corresponding recurrence. Activity of six key cancer-related signaling pathways was inferred using the Bayesian inference method. When assessing pre- and post-nCRT samples, lower FOXO transcriptional activity was observed in poor nCRT responders compared to good nCRT responders (p = 0.0017). This poor responder profile was preserved in recurrences compared to matched resections (p = 0.0007). PI3K pathway activity, inversely linked with FOXO activity, was higher in CRT poor responder cell lines compared to CRT good responders. Poor CRT responder cell lines could be sensitized to CRT using PI3K inhibitors. To conclude, by using a novel method to measure signaling pathway activity on clinically available material, we identified an association of low FOXO transcriptional activity with poor response to nCRT. Targeting this pathway sensitized cells for nCRT, underlining its feasibility to select appropriate targeted therapies.
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42
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Pedicona F, Casado P, Hijazi M, Gribben JG, Rouault-Pierre K, Cutillas PR. Targeting the lysine-specific demethylase 1 rewires kinase networks and primes leukemia cells for kinase inhibitor treatment. Sci Signal 2022; 15:eabl7989. [PMID: 35439021 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.abl7989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Most tumor types either fail to respond or become resistant to kinase inhibitors, often because of compensatory prosurvival pathways in the cancer cell's broader signaling circuitry. Here, we found that intrinsic resistance to kinase inhibitors in cultured primary acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells may be overcome by reshaping kinase networks into topologies that confer drug sensitivity. We identified several antagonists of chromatin-modifying enzymes that sensitized AML cell lines to kinase inhibitors. Of these, we confirmed that inhibitors of the lysine-specific demethylase (LSD1; also known as KDM1A) rewired kinase signaling in AML cells in a way that increased the activity of the kinase MEK and that broadly suppressed the activity of other kinases and feedback loops. As a result, AML cell lines and about half of primary human AML samples were primed for sensitivity to the MEK inhibitor trametinib. Primary human cells with KRAS mutations and those with high MEK pathway activity were the best responders to sequential treatment with LSD1 inhibitors then trametinib, whereas those with NRAS mutations and high mTOR activity were poor responders. Overall, our study reveals the MEK pathway as a mechanism of resistance to LSD1 inhibitors in AML and shows a way to modulate kinase network circuitry to potentially overcome therapeutic resistance to kinase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Pedicona
- Cell Signaling and Proteomics Group, Centre for Cancer Genomics and Computational Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Pedro Casado
- Cell Signaling and Proteomics Group, Centre for Cancer Genomics and Computational Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Maruan Hijazi
- Cell Signaling and Proteomics Group, Centre for Cancer Genomics and Computational Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - John G Gribben
- Centre for Haemato-Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Kevin Rouault-Pierre
- Centre for Haemato-Oncology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Pedro R Cutillas
- Cell Signaling and Proteomics Group, Centre for Cancer Genomics and Computational Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
- Alan Turing Institute, British Library, 2QR, 96 Euston Road, London NW1 2DB, UK
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43
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van Aalen EA, Wouters SFA, Verzijl D, Merkx M. Bioluminescent RAPPID Sensors for the Single-Step Detection of Soluble Axl and Multiplex Analysis of Cell Surface Cancer Biomarkers. Anal Chem 2022; 94:6548-6556. [PMID: 35438976 PMCID: PMC9069438 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c00297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Early diagnosis of
cancer is essential for the efficacy of treatment.
Our group recently developed RAPPID, a bioluminescent immunoassay
platform capable of measuring a wide panel of biomarkers directly
in solution. Here, we developed and systematically screened different
RAPPID sensors for sensitive detection of the soluble fraction of
Axl (sAxl), a cell surface receptor that is overexpressed in several
types of cancer. The best-performing RAPPID sensor, with a limit of
detection of 8 pM and a >9-fold maximal change in
emission
ratio, was applied to measure Axl in three different contexts: clinically
relevant sAxl levels (∼0.5 and ∼1 nM) in diluted blood
plasma, proteolytically cleaved Axl in the cell culture medium of
A431 and HeLa cancer cells, and Axl on the membrane of A431 cells.
We further extended the sensor toolbox by developing dual-color RAPPID
for simultaneous detection of Axl and EGFR on A431 and HeLa cells,
as well as an AND-gate RAPPID that measures the concurrent presence
of these two cell surface receptors on the same cell. These new RAPPID
sensors provide attractive alternatives for more laborious protein
detection and quantification methods such as FACS and immunostainings,
due to their simple practical implantation and low intrinsic background
signal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva A van Aalen
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands.,Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Simone F A Wouters
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands.,Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | | | - Maarten Merkx
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands.,Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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44
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Cooke M, Kazanietz MG. Overarching roles of diacylglycerol signaling in cancer development and antitumor immunity. Sci Signal 2022; 15:eabo0264. [PMID: 35412850 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.abo0264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Diacylglycerol (DAG) is a lipid second messenger that is generated in response to extracellular stimuli and channels intracellular signals that affect mammalian cell proliferation, survival, and motility. DAG exerts a myriad of biological functions through protein kinase C (PKC) and other effectors, such as protein kinase D (PKD) isozymes and small GTPase-regulating proteins (such as RasGRPs). Imbalances in the fine-tuned homeostasis between DAG generation by phospholipase C (PLC) enzymes and termination by DAG kinases (DGKs), as well as dysregulation in the activity or abundance of DAG effectors, have been widely associated with tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. DAG is also a key orchestrator of T cell function and thus plays a major role in tumor immunosurveillance. In addition, DAG pathways shape the tumor ecosystem by arbitrating the complex, dynamic interaction between cancer cells and the immune landscape, hence representing powerful modifiers of immune checkpoint and adoptive T cell-directed immunotherapy. Exploiting the wide spectrum of DAG signals from an integrated perspective could underscore meaningful advances in targeted cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Cooke
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.,Department of Medicine, Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19141, USA
| | - Marcelo G Kazanietz
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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45
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Luo Q, Du R, Liu W, Huang G, Dong Z, Li X. PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway: Role in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Regulatory Mechanisms and Opportunities for Targeted Therapy. Front Oncol 2022; 12:852383. [PMID: 35392233 PMCID: PMC8980269 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.852383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), is the most common type of esophageal cancer worldwide, mainly occurring in the Asian esophageal cancer belt, including northern China, Iran, and parts of Africa. Phosphatidlinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is one of the most important cellular signaling pathways, which plays a crucial role in the regulation of cell growth, differentiation, migration, metabolism and proliferation. In addition, mutations in some molecules of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway are closely associated with survival and prognosis in ESCC patients. A large number of studies have found that there are many molecules in ESCC that can regulate the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Overexpression of these molecules often causes aberrant activation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Currently, several effective PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway inhibitors have been developed, which can play anticancer roles either alone or in combination with other inhibitors. This review mainly introduces the general situation of ESCC, the composition and function of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, and regulatory factors that interact with PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Meanwhile, mutations and inhibitors of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in ESCC are also elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Luo
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ruijuan Du
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenting Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guojing Huang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zigang Dong
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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46
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Tissue Microarray Analyses Suggest Axl as a Predictive Biomarker in HPV-Negative Head and Neck Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14071829. [PMID: 35406601 PMCID: PMC8997923 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14071829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Despite many efforts, no predictive biomarkers that could guide clinical decision making and personalized treatment have been established for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. We propose that high expression of the tyrosine kinase receptor Axl identifies patients as being at enhanced risk for treatment failure under surgery alone and, hence, should be treated by primary or adjuvant radiotherapy. Abstract The receptor tyrosine kinase Axl is described to promote migration, metastasis and resistance against molecular targeting, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy in various tumor entities, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Since clinical data on Axl and its ligand Gas6 in HNSCC are sparse, we assessed the association of Axl and Gas6 expression with patient survival in a single center retrospective cohort in a tissue microarray format. Expression was evaluated manually using an established algorithm and correlated with clinicopathological parameters and patient survival. A number of 362 samples yielded interpretable staining, which did not correlate with T- and N-stage. Protein expression levels were not associated with the survival of patients with p16-positive oropharyngeal SCC. In HPV-negative tumors, Axl expression did not impact patients treated with primary or adjuvant radio(chemo)therapy, but was significantly associated with inferior overall and recurrence-free survival in patients treated with surgery alone. Gas6 was a positive predictor of survival in patients whose treatment included radiotherapy. Associations remained significant in multivariable analysis. Our data question a meaningful contribution of the Axl/Gas6 pathway to radio-resistance in HNSCC and instead suggest that strong Axl expression identifies tumors requiring adjuvant radio(chemo)therapy after surgery.
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47
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Heynen GJJE, Lisek K, Vogel R, Wulf-Goldenberg A, Alcaniz J, Montaudon E, Marangoni E, Birchmeier W. Targeting SHP2 phosphatase in breast cancer overcomes RTK-mediated resistance to PI3K inhibitors. Breast Cancer Res 2022; 24:23. [PMID: 35365185 PMCID: PMC8974145 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-022-01521-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background PI3K signaling is frequently activated in breast cancer and is targeted by PI3K inhibitors. However, resistance of tumor cells to PI3K inhibition, often mediated by activated receptor tyrosine kinases, is commonly observed and reduces the potency of PI3K inhibitors. Therefore, new treatment strategies to overcome resistance to PI3K inhibitors are urgently needed to boost their efficacy. The phosphatase SHP2, which plays a crucial role in mediating signal transduction between receptor tyrosine kinases and both the PI3K and MAPK pathways, is a potential target for combination treatment. Methods We tested combinations of PI3K and SHP2 inhibitors in several experimental breast cancer models that are resistant to PI3K inhibition. Using cell culturing, biochemical and genetic approaches, we evaluated tumor cell proliferation and signaling output in cells treated with PI3K and SHP2 inhibitors. Results Combination treatment with PI3K and SHP2 inhibitors counteracted both acquired and intrinsic breast cancer cell resistance to PI3K inhibition that is mediated by activated receptor tyrosine kinases. Dual PI3K and SHP2 inhibition blocked proliferation and led to sustained inactivation of PI3K and MAPK signaling, where resistant cells rapidly re-activated these pathways upon PI3K inhibitor monotreatment. In addition, we demonstrate that overexpression of SHP2 induced resistance to PI3K inhibition, and that SHP2 was frequently activated during the development of PI3K inhibitor resistance after prolonged treatment of sensitive cells. Conclusions Our results highlight the importance of SHP2 as a player in resistance to PI3K inhibitors. Combination treatment with PI3K and SHP2 inhibitors could pave the way for significant improvements in therapies for breast cancer. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13058-022-01521-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guus J J E Heynen
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) in the Helmholtz Society, Campus Berlin-Buch, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Kamil Lisek
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) in the Helmholtz Society, Campus Berlin-Buch, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Regina Vogel
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) in the Helmholtz Society, Campus Berlin-Buch, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Annika Wulf-Goldenberg
- Experimental and Pharmacological Oncology (EPO), Campus Berlin-Buch, Building 82, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Joshua Alcaniz
- Experimental and Pharmacological Oncology (EPO), Campus Berlin-Buch, Building 82, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Elodie Montaudon
- Preclinical Investigation Laboratory, Institut Curie, 20 Rue d'Ulm, 75248, Paris, France
| | - Elisabetta Marangoni
- Preclinical Investigation Laboratory, Institut Curie, 20 Rue d'Ulm, 75248, Paris, France
| | - Walter Birchmeier
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) in the Helmholtz Society, Campus Berlin-Buch, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125, Berlin, Germany
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48
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Zammarchi F, Havenith KEG, Chivers S, Hogg P, Bertelli F, Tyrer P, Janghra N, Reinert HW, Hartley JA, van Berkel PH. Preclinical Development of ADCT-601, a Novel Pyrrolobenzodiazepine Dimer-based Antibody-drug Conjugate Targeting AXL-expressing Cancers. Mol Cancer Ther 2022; 21:582-593. [PMID: 35086955 PMCID: PMC9377743 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-21-0715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
AXL, a tyrosine kinase receptor that is overexpressed in many solid and hematologic malignancies, facilitates cancer progression and is associated with poor clinical outcomes. Importantly, drug-induced expression of AXL results in resistance to conventional chemotherapy and targeted therapies. Together with its presence on multiple cell types in the tumor immune microenvironment, these features make it an attractive therapeutic target for AXL-expressing malignancies. ADCT-601 (mipasetamab uzoptirine) is an AXL-targeted antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) comprising a humanized anti-AXL antibody site specifically conjugated using GlycoConnect technology to PL1601, which contains HydraSpace, a Val-Ala cleavable linker and the potent pyrrolobenzodiazepine (PBD) dimer cytotoxin SG3199. This study aimed to validate the ADCT-601 mode of action and evaluate its efficacy in vitro and in vivo, as well as its tolerability and pharmacokinetics. ADCT-601 bound to both soluble and membranous AXL, and was rapidly internalized by AXL-expressing tumor cells, allowing release of PBD dimer, DNA interstrand cross-linking, and subsequent cell killing. In vivo, ADCT-601 had potent and durable antitumor activity in a wide variety of human cancer xenograft mouse models, including patient-derived xenograft models with heterogeneous AXL expression where ADCT-601 antitumor activity was markedly superior to an auristatin-based comparator ADC. Notably, ADCT-601 had antitumor activity in a monomethyl auristatin E-resistant lung-cancer model and synergized with the PARP inhibitor olaparib in a BRCA1-mutated ovarian cancer model. ADCT-601 was well tolerated at doses of up to 6 mg/kg and showed excellent stability in vivo. These preclinical results warrant further evaluation of ADCT-601 in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Zammarchi
- ADC Therapeutics (UK) Limited, London, United Kingdom.,Corresponding Author: Francesca Zammarchi, Imperial College White City Campus, ADC Therapeutics (UK) Limited, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom. E-mail:
| | | | - Simon Chivers
- ADC Therapeutics (UK) Limited, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Hogg
- ADC Therapeutics (UK) Limited, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Peter Tyrer
- AstraZeneca (MedImmune/Spirogen), Cambridge, United Kingdom
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49
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Majumder A, Hosseinian S, Stroud M, Adhikari E, Saller JJ, Smith MA, Zhang G, Agarwal S, Creixell M, Meyer BS, Kinose F, Bowers K, Fang B, Stewart PA, Welsh EA, Boyle TA, Meyer AS, Koomen JM, Haura EB. Integrated Proteomics-Based Physical and Functional Mapping of AXL Kinase Signaling Pathways and Inhibitors Define Its Role in Cell Migration. Mol Cancer Res 2022; 20:542-555. [PMID: 35022314 PMCID: PMC8983558 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-21-0275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
To better understand the signaling complexity of AXL, a member of the tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) receptor tyrosine kinase family, we created a physical and functional map of AXL signaling interactions, phosphorylation events, and target-engagement of three AXL tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). We assessed AXL protein complexes using proximity-dependent biotinylation (BioID), effects of AXL TKI on global phosphoproteins using mass spectrometry, and target engagement of AXL TKI using activity-based protein profiling. BioID identifies AXL-interacting proteins that are mostly involved in cell adhesion/migration. Global phosphoproteomics show that AXL inhibition decreases phosphorylation of peptides involved in phosphatidylinositol-mediated signaling and cell adhesion/migration. Comparison of three AXL inhibitors reveals that TKI RXDX-106 inhibits pAXL, pAKT, and migration/invasion of these cells without reducing their viability, while bemcentinib exerts AXL-independent phenotypic effects on viability. Proteomic characterization of these TKIs demonstrates that they inhibit diverse targets in addition to AXL, with bemcentinib having the most off-targets. AXL and EGFR TKI cotreatment did not reverse resistance in cell line models of erlotinib resistance. However, a unique vulnerability was identified in one resistant clone, wherein combination of bemcentinib and erlotinib inhibited cell viability and signaling. We also show that AXL is overexpressed in approximately 30% to 40% of nonsmall but rarely in small cell lung cancer. Cell lines have a wide range of AXL expression, with basal activation detected rarely. IMPLICATIONS Our study defines mechanisms of action of AXL in lung cancers which can be used to establish assays to measure drug targetable active AXL complexes in patient tissues and inform the strategy for targeting it's signaling as an anticancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anurima Majumder
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Sina Hosseinian
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Mia Stroud
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Emma Adhikari
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - James J. Saller
- Department of Pathology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Matthew A. Smith
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Guolin Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Shruti Agarwal
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | | | - Benjamin S. Meyer
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Fumi Kinose
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Kiah Bowers
- Department of Proteomics and Metabolomics Core, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Bin Fang
- Department of Proteomics and Metabolomics Core, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Paul A. Stewart
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Shared Resource, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Eric A. Welsh
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Shared Resource, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Theresa A. Boyle
- Department of Pathology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | | | - John M. Koomen
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Eric B. Haura
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612
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Komatsu M, Nakamura K, Takeda T, Chiwaki F, Banno K, Aoki D, Takeshita F, Sasaki H. Aurora kinase blockade drives de novo addiction of cervical squamous cell carcinoma to druggable EGFR signalling. Oncogene 2022; 41:2326-2339. [DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02256-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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