1
|
Lu Y, Cao Y, Guo X, Gao Y, Chen X, Zhang Z, Ge Z, Chu D. Notch-Targeted Therapeutic in Colorectal Cancer by Notch1 Attenuation Via Tumor Microenvironment-Responsive Cascade DNA Delivery. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2400797. [PMID: 38726796 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202400797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
The Notch signaling is a key molecular pathway that regulates cell fate and development. Aberrant Notch signaling can lead to carcinogenesis and progression of malignant tumors. However, current therapies targeting Notch pathway lack specificity and induce high toxicity. In this report, a tumor microenvironment-responsive and injectable hydrogel is designed to load plasmid DNA complexes as a cascade gene delivery system to achieve precise Notch-targeted gene therapy of colorectal cancer (CRC). The hydrogels are prepared through cross-linking between phenylboric acid groups containing poly(oligo(ethylene glycol)methacrylate) (POEGMA) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), used to load the complexes between plasmid DNA encoding short hairpin RNAs of Notch1 (shNotch1) and fluorinated polyamidoamine (PAMAM-F) (PAMAM-F/shNotch1). In response to low pH and H2O2 in tumor microenvironment, the hydrogel can be dissociated and release the complexes for precise delivery of shNotch1 into tumor cells and inhibit Notch1 activity to suppress malignant biological behaviors of CRC. In the subcutaneous tumor model of CRC, PAMAM-F/shNotch1-loaded hydrogels can accurately attenuate Notch1 activity and significantly inhibit tumor growth without affecting Notch signal in adjacent normal tissues. Therefore, this therapeutic system can precisely inhibit Notch1 signal in CRC with high responsiveness and low toxicity, providing a promising Notch-targeted gene therapeutic for human malignancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Yufei Cao
- School of Chemistry, Engineering Research Center of Energy Storage Materials and Devices, Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, China
| | - Xiaowen Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Yijie Gao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Xue Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Zixi Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Zhishen Ge
- School of Chemistry, Engineering Research Center of Energy Storage Materials and Devices, Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, China
| | - Dake Chu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang M, Yu F, Zhang Y, Li P. Novel insights into Notch signaling in tumor immunity: potential targets for cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1352484. [PMID: 38444855 PMCID: PMC10912471 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1352484] [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: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Notch signaling pathway is a highly conserved system of cell-to-cell communication that participates in various biological processes, such as stem cell maintenance, cell fate decision, cell proliferation and death during homeostasis and development. Dysregulation of Notch signaling has been associated with many aspects of cancer biology, such as maintenance of cancer stem-like cells (CSCs), cancer cell metabolism, angiogenesis and tumor immunity. Particularly, Notch signaling can regulate antitumor or pro-tumor immune cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Currently, Notch signaling has drawn significant attention in the therapeutic development of cancer treatment. In this review, we focus on the role of Notch signaling pathway in remodeling tumor immune microenvironment. We describe the impact of Notch signaling on the efficacy of cancer immunotherapies. Furthermore, we summarize the results of relevant preclinical and clinical trials of Notch-targeted therapeutics and discuss the challenges in their clinical application in cancer therapy. An improved understanding of the involvement of Notch signaling in tumor immunity will open the door to new options in cancer immunotherapy treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Man Wang
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | | | | | - Peifeng Li
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, College of Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Feng M, Santhanam RK, Xing H, Zhou M, Jia H. Inhibition of γ-secretase/Notch pathway as a potential therapy for reversing cancer drug resistance. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 220:115991. [PMID: 38135129 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115991] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The mechanism of tumor drug resistance is complex and may involve stem cell maintenance, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, the activation of survival signaling pathways, transporter protein expression, and tumor microenvironment remodeling, all of which are linked to γ-secretase/Notch signaling. Increasing evidence has shown that the activation of the γ-secretase/Notch pathway is a key driver of cancer progression and drug resistance development and that γ-secretase inhibitors (GSIs) may be the most promising agents for reversing chemotherapy resistance of tumors by targeting the γ-secretase/Notch pathway. Here, we systematically summarize the roles in supporting γ-secretase/Notch activation-associated transformation of cancer cells into cancer stem cells, promotion of the EMT process, PI3K/Akt, MEK/ERK and NF-κB activation, enhancement of ABC transporter protein expression, and TME alteration in mediating tumor drug resistance. Subsequently, we analyze the mechanism of GSIs targeting the γ-secretase/Notch pathway to reverse tumor drug resistance and propose the outstanding advantages of GSIs in treating breast cancer drug resistance over other tumors. Finally, we emphasize that the development of GSIs for reversing tumor drug resistance is promising.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mei Feng
- Science and Experimental Research Center of Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang 110034, China; Shenyang Key Laboratory of Vascular Biology, Shenyang 110034, China
| | - Ramesh Kumar Santhanam
- Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, University Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Huan Xing
- Science and Experimental Research Center of Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang 110034, China
| | - Mingsheng Zhou
- Science and Experimental Research Center of Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang 110034, China; Shenyang Key Laboratory of Vascular Biology, Shenyang 110034, China.
| | - Hui Jia
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang 110034, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Li D, Park Y, Hemati H, Liu X. Cell aggregation activates small GTPase Rac1 and induces CD44 cleavage by maintaining lipid raft integrity. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105377. [PMID: 37866630 PMCID: PMC10692920 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105377] [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: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipid rafts are highly ordered membrane domains that are enriched in cholesterol and glycosphingolipids and serve as major platforms for signal transduction. Cell detachment from the extracellular matrix (ECM) triggers lipid raft disruption and anoikis, which is a barrier for cancer cells to metastasize. Compared to single circulating tumor cells (CTCs), our recent studies have demonstrated that CD44-mediatd cell aggregation enhances the stemness, survival and metastatic ability of aggregated cells. Here, we investigated whether and how lipid rafts are involved in CD44-mediated cell aggregation. We found that cell detachment, which mimics the condition when tumor cells detach from the ECM to metastasize, induced lipid raft disruption in single cells, but lipid raft integrity was maintained in aggregated cells. We further found that lipid raft integrity in aggregated cells was required for Rac1 activation to prevent anoikis. In addition, CD44 and γ-secretase coexisted at lipid rafts in aggregated cells, which promoted CD44 cleavage and generated CD44 intracellular domain (CD44 ICD) to enhance stemness of aggregated cells. Consequently, lipid raft disruption inhibited Rac1 activation, CD44 ICD generation, and metastasis. Our findings reveal two new pathways regulated by CD44-mediated cell aggregation via maintaining lipid raft integrity. These findings also suggest that targeting cell aggregation-mediated pathways could be a novel therapeutic strategy to prevent CTC cluster-initiated metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dong Li
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Younhee Park
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Hami Hemati
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Xia Liu
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Song C, Zhang J, Xu C, Gao M, Li N, Geng Q. The critical role of γ-secretase and its inhibitors in cancer and cancer therapeutics. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:5089-5103. [PMID: 37928268 PMCID: PMC10620818 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.87334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
As a multi-substrate transmembrane protease, γ-secretase exists widely in various cells. It controls multiple important cellular activities through substrate cleavage. γ-secretase inhibitors (GSIs) play a role in cancer inhibition by blocking Notch cleavage, and are considered as potential therapeutic strategies for cancer. Currently, GSIs have encouraging performance in preclinical models, yet this success does not translate well in clinical trials. In recent years, a number of breakthrough discoveries have shown us the promise of targeting γ-secretase for the treatment of cancer. Here, we integrate a large amount of data from γ-secretase and its inhibitors and cancer in nearly 30 years, comb and discuss the close connection between γ-secretase and cancer, as well as the potential and problems of current GSIs in cancer treatment. We analyze the possible reasons for the failure performance of current GSIs in clinical trials, and make recommendations for future research areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Congkuan Song
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinjin Zhang
- Department of Emergency, Taihe Hospital, Shiyan, China
| | - Chenzhen Xu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Minglang Gao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qing Geng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Vigolo M, Urech C, Lamy S, Monticone G, Zabaleta J, Hossain F, Wyczechowska D, Del Valle L, O’Regan RM, Miele L, Lehal R, Majumder S. The Efficacy of CB-103, a First-in-Class Transcriptional Notch Inhibitor, in Preclinical Models of Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3957. [PMID: 37568775 PMCID: PMC10416998 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The efficacy of CB-103 was evaluated in preclinical models of both ER+ and TNBC. Furthermore, the therapeutic efficacy of combining CB-103 with fulvestrant in ER+ BC and paclitaxel in TNBC was determined. METHODS CB-103 was screened in combination with a panel of anti-neoplastic drugs. We evaluated the anti-tumor activity of CB-103 with fulvestrant in ESR1-mutant (Y537S), endocrine-resistant BC xenografts. In the same model, we examined anti-CSC activity in mammosphere formation assays for CB-103 alone or in combination with fulvestrant or palbociclib. We also evaluated the effect of CB-103 plus paclitaxel on primary tumors and CSC in a GSI-resistant TNBC model HCC1187. Comparisons between groups were performed with a two-sided unpaired Students' t-test. A one-way or two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post-analysis was performed to analyze the in vivo efficacy study results. THE RESULTS CB-103 showed synergism with fulvestrant in ER+ cells and paclitaxel in TNBC cells. CB-103 combined with fulvestrant or paclitaxel potently inhibited mammosphere formation in both models. Combination of CB-103 and fulvestrant significantly reduced tumor volume in an ESR1-mutant, the endocrine-resistant BC model. In a GSI-resistant TNBC model, CB-103 plus paclitaxel significantly delayed tumor growth compared to paclitaxel alone. CONCLUSION our data indicate that CB-103 is an attractive candidate for clinical investigation in endocrine-resistant, recurrent breast cancers with biomarker-confirmed Notch activity in combination with SERDs and/or CDKis and in TNBCs with biomarker-confirmed Notch activity in combination with taxane-containing chemotherapy regimens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michele Vigolo
- Cellestia Biotech AG, 4057 Basel, Switzerland; (M.V.); (C.U.); (S.L.)
| | - Charlotte Urech
- Cellestia Biotech AG, 4057 Basel, Switzerland; (M.V.); (C.U.); (S.L.)
| | - Sebastien Lamy
- Cellestia Biotech AG, 4057 Basel, Switzerland; (M.V.); (C.U.); (S.L.)
| | - Giulia Monticone
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (G.M.); (F.H.); (L.M.)
| | - Jovanny Zabaleta
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| | - Fokhrul Hossain
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (G.M.); (F.H.); (L.M.)
| | - Dorota Wyczechowska
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| | - Luis Del Valle
- Department of Pathology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| | - Ruth M. O’Regan
- Department of Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA;
| | - Lucio Miele
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (G.M.); (F.H.); (L.M.)
| | - Rajwinder Lehal
- Cellestia Biotech AG, 4057 Basel, Switzerland; (M.V.); (C.U.); (S.L.)
| | - Samarpan Majumder
- Department of Genetics, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (G.M.); (F.H.); (L.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gudsoorkar P, Wanchoo R, Jhaveri KD. Nirogacestat and Hypophosphatemia. Kidney Int Rep 2023; 8:1478. [PMID: 37441471 PMCID: PMC10334393 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2023.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Prakash Gudsoorkar
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Clinical Advancement, Research and Education (C.A.R.E.) Program, University of Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Rimda Wanchoo
- Division of Kidney Diseases and Hypertension, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Great Neck, New York, USA
| | - Kenar D. Jhaveri
- Division of Kidney Diseases and Hypertension, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Great Neck, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Deshotels L, Safa FM, Saba NS. NOTCH Signaling in Mantle Cell Lymphoma: Biological and Clinical Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10280. [PMID: 37373427 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210280] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite major progress in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) therapeutics, MCL remains a deadly disease with a median survival not exceeding four years. No single driver genetic lesion has been described to solely give rise to MCL. The hallmark translocation t(11;14)(q13;q32) requires additional genetic alterations for the malignant transformation. A short list of recurrently mutated genes including ATM, CCND1, UBR5, TP53, BIRC3, NOTCH1, NOTCH2, and TRAF2 recently emerged as contributors to the pathogenesis of MCL. Notably, NOTCH1 and NOTCH2 were found to be mutated in multiple B cell lymphomas, including 5-10% of MCL, with most of these mutations occurring within the PEST domain of the protein. The NOTCH genes play a critical role in the early and late phases of normal B cell differentiation. In MCL, mutations in the PEST domain stabilize NOTCH proteins, rendering them resistant to degradation, which subsequently results in the upregulation of genes involved in angiogenesis, cell cycle progression, and cell migration and adhesion. At the clinical level, mutated NOTCH genes are associated with aggressive features in MCL, such as the blastoid and pleomorphic variants, a shorter response to treatment, and inferior survival. In this article, we explore in detail the role of NOTCH signaling in MCL biology and the ongoing efforts toward targeted therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leigh Deshotels
- Section of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Deming Department of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Firas M Safa
- Service d'hématologie, Centre Hospitalier du Mans, 72037 Le Mans, France
| | - Nakhle S Saba
- Section of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Deming Department of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Li J, Goh ELK, He J, Li Y, Fan Z, Yu Z, Yuan P, Liu DX. Emerging Intrinsic Therapeutic Targets for Metastatic Breast Cancer. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:697. [PMID: 37237509 PMCID: PMC10215321 DOI: 10.3390/biology12050697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is now the most common cancer worldwide, and it is also the main cause of cancer-related death in women. Survival rates for female breast cancer have significantly improved due to early diagnosis and better treatment. Nevertheless, for patients with advanced or metastatic breast cancer, the survival rate is still low, reflecting a need for the development of new therapies. Mechanistic insights into metastatic breast cancer have provided excellent opportunities for developing novel therapeutic strategies. Although high-throughput approaches have identified several therapeutic targets in metastatic disease, some subtypes such as triple-negative breast cancer do not yet have an apparent tumor-specific receptor or pathway to target. Therefore, exploring new druggable targets in metastatic disease is a high clinical priority. In this review, we summarize the emerging intrinsic therapeutic targets for metastatic breast cancer, including cyclin D-dependent kinases CDK4 and CDK6, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, the insulin/IGF1R pathway, the EGFR/HER family, the JAK/STAT pathway, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARP), TROP-2, Src kinases, histone modification enzymes, activated growth factor receptors, androgen receptors, breast cancer stem cells, matrix metalloproteinases, and immune checkpoint proteins. We also review the latest development in breast cancer immunotherapy. Drugs that target these molecules/pathways are either already FDA-approved or currently being tested in clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Li
- The Centre for Biomedical and Chemical Sciences, School of Science, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Eyleen L. K. Goh
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Faculty, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308232, Singapore
| | - Ji He
- The Centre for Biomedical and Chemical Sciences, School of Science, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Yan Li
- The Centre for Biomedical and Chemical Sciences, School of Science, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Zhimin Fan
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Zhigang Yu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250033, China;
| | - Peng Yuan
- Department of VIP Medical Services, National Cancer Centre/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Dong-Xu Liu
- The Centre for Biomedical and Chemical Sciences, School of Science, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Tian Y, Zhang P, Mou Y, Yang W, Zhang J, Li Q, Dou X. Silencing Notch4 promotes tumorigenesis and inhibits metastasis of triple-negative breast cancer via Nanog and Cdc42. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:148. [PMID: 37149651 PMCID: PMC10164131 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01450-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Elucidation of individual Notch protein biology in specific cancer is crucial to develop safe, effective, and tumor-selective Notch-targeting therapeutic reagents for clinical use [1]. Here, we explored the Notch4 function in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). We found that silencing Notch4 enhanced tumorigenic ability in TNBC cells via upregulating Nanog expression, a pluripotency factor of embryonic stem cells. Intriguingly, silencing Notch4 in TNBC cells suppressed metastasis via downregulating Cdc42 expression, a key molecular for cell polarity formation. Notably, downregulation of Cdc42 expression affected Vimentin distribution, but not Vimentin expression to inhibit EMT shift. Collectively, our results show that silencing Notch4 enhances tumorigenesis and inhibits metastasis in TNBC, indicating that targeting Notch4 may not be a potential strategy for drug discovery in TNBC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Tian
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 550004, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- Clinical Research Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 550004, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Peipei Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 550004, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- Clinical Research Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 550004, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Yajun Mou
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 550004, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- Clinical Research Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 550004, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Wenxiu Yang
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 550004, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Junhong Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 550004, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Qing Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 550004, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Xiaowei Dou
- Clinical Research Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, 550004, Guiyang, Guizhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Jiang N, Hu Y, Wang M, Zhao Z, Li M. The Notch Signaling Pathway Contributes to Angiogenesis and Tumor Immunity in Breast Cancer. BREAST CANCER: TARGETS AND THERAPY 2022; 14:291-309. [PMID: 36193236 PMCID: PMC9526507 DOI: 10.2147/bctt.s376873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer in women is the first leading tumor in terms of incidence worldwide. Some subtypes of BC lack distinct molecular targets and exhibit therapeutic resistance; these patients have a poor prognosis. Thus, the search for new molecular targets is an ongoing challenge for BC therapy. The Notch signaling pathway is found in both vertebrates and invertebrates, and it is a highly conserved in the evolution of the species, controlling cellular fates such as death, proliferation, and differentiation. Numerous studies have shown that improper activation of Notch signaling may lead to excessive cell proliferation and cancer, with tumor-promoting and tumor-suppressive effects in various carcinomas. Thus, inhibitors of Notch signaling are actively being investigated for the treatment of various tumors. The role of Notch signaling in BC has been widely studied in recent years. There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that Notch signaling has a pro-oncogenic role in BC, and the tumor-promoting effect is largely a result of the diverse nature of tumor immunity. Immunological abnormality is also a factor involved in the pathogenesis of BC, suggesting that Notch signaling could be a target for BC immunotherapies. Furthermore, angiogenesis is essential for BC growth and metastasis, and the Notch signaling pathway has been implicated in angiogenesis, so studying the role of Notch signaling in BC angiogenesis will provide new prospects for the treatment of BC. We summarize the potential roles of the current Notch signaling pathway and its inhibitors in BC angiogenesis and the immune response in this review and describe the pharmacological targets of Notch signaling in BC, which may serve as a theoretical foundation for future research into exploring this pathway for novel BC therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nina Jiang
- Department of Oncology, the Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ye Hu
- Department of Oncology, the Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, People’s Republic of China
| | - Meiling Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, the Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zuowei Zhao
- Department of Breast Surgery, the Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Zuowei Zhao, Department of Breast Surgery, the Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-0411-84671291, Fax +86-0411-84671230, Email
| | - Man Li
- Department of Oncology, the Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, People’s Republic of China
- Man Li, Department of Oncology, the Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-0411-84671291, Fax +86-0411-84671230, Email
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
γ-secretase inhibitors augment efficacy of BCMA-targeting bispecific antibodies against multiple myeloma cells without impairing T-cell activation and differentiation. Blood Cancer J 2022; 12:118. [PMID: 35973981 PMCID: PMC9381512 DOI: 10.1038/s41408-022-00716-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We here defined the impacts of γ-secretase inhibitors (GSIs) on T-cell-dependent BCMA-specific multiple myeloma (MM) cell lysis and immunomodulatory effects induced by bispecific antibodies (BisAbs). GSIs-induced membrane BCMA (mBCMA) accumulation reached near maximum within 4 h and sustained over 42h-study period on MM cell lines and patient MM cells. GSIs, i.e., 2 nM LY-411575 or 1 μM DAPT, robustly increased mBCMA densities on CD138+ but not CD3+ patient cells, concomitantly with minimum soluble/shed BCMA (sBCMA) in 1 day-culture supernatants. In ex vivo MM-T-cell co-cultures, GSIs overcame sBCMA-inhibited MM cell lysis and further enhanced autologous patient MM cell lysis induced by BCMAxCD3 BisAbs, accompanied by significantly enhanced cytolytic markers (CD107a, IFNγ, IL2, and TNFα) in patient T cells. In longer 7 day-co-cultures, LY-411575 minimally affected BCMAxCD3 BisAb (PL33)-induced transient expression of checkpoint (PD1, TIGIT, TIM3, LAG3) and co-stimulatory (41BB, CD28) proteins, as well as time-dependent increases in % effector memory/central memory subsets and CD8/CD4 ratios in patient T cells. Importantly, LY41157 rapidly cleared sBCMA from circulation of MM-bearing NSG mice reconstituted with human T cells and significantly enhanced anti-MM efficacy of PL33 with prolonged host survival. Taken together, these results further support ongoing combination BCMA-targeting immunotherapies with GSI clinical studies to improve patient outcome.
Collapse
|
13
|
Small molecules targeting γ-secretase and their potential biological applications. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 232:114169. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|