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An B, Fan Y, Li W, Nie W, Nie H, Wang M, Feng J, Yao H, Zhang Y, Li X, Tian G. Discovery of potent and effective inhibitors containing sulfoxide structures targeting EML4-ALK rearrangement and EGFR mutant non-small cell lung cancer. Bioorg Chem 2023; 138:106653. [PMID: 37302317 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106653] [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: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
For non-small cell lung cancer patients with dual mutations in EGFR and ALK, there are currently no effective therapies. Consequently, novel EGFR/ALK dual-target inhibitors are urgently needed for the treatment of NSCLC. Here, we designed a series of highly effective small molecule dual inhibitors of ALK and EGFR. The biological evaluation highlighted that most of these new compounds could effectively inhibit both ALK and EGFR in enzymatic and cellular assays. Compound (+)-8l was investigated for its antitumor properties, and it was found that (+)-8l blocked the phosphorylation of EGFR and ALK induced by ligands and inhibited phosphorylation-ERK and phosphorylation-AKT induced by ligands. Furthermore, (+)-8l also induces apoptosis and G0/G1 cell cycle arrest in cancer cells and inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion. Notably, (+)-8l significantly suppressed tumor growth in the H1975 cell-inoculated xenograft model (20 mg/kg/d, TGI: 96.11%), PC9 cell-inoculated xenograft model (20 mg/kg/d, TGI: 96.61%) and EML4 ALK-Baf3 cell-inoculated xenograft model (30 mg/kg/d, TGI: 80.86%). These results highlight the differentiated potential of (+)-8l to inhibit ALK rearrangement and EGFR mutation in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baijiao An
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, PR China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Molecular Targeting and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment, Yantai, Shandong 264003, PR China
| | - Yangyang Fan
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, PR China
| | - Wei Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Wenyan Nie
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, PR China
| | - Haoran Nie
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, PR China
| | - Mengxuan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, PR China
| | - Jie Feng
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, PR China
| | - Han Yao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Yin Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, PR China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Molecular Targeting and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment, Yantai, Shandong 264003, PR China
| | - Xingshu Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Geng Tian
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, PR China; Shandong Technology Innovation Center of Molecular Targeting and Intelligent Diagnosis and Treatment, Yantai, Shandong 264003, PR China
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Sirico M, D’Angelo A, Gianni C, Casadei C, Merloni F, De Giorgi U. Current State and Future Challenges for PI3K Inhibitors in Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:703. [PMID: 36765661 PMCID: PMC9913212 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030703] [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: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (PKB/AKT)-mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) axis is a key signal transduction system that links oncogenes and multiple receptor classes which are involved in many essential cellular functions. Aberrant PI3K signalling is one of the most commonly mutated pathways in cancer. Consequently, more than 40 compounds targeting key components of this signalling network have been tested in clinical trials among various types of cancer. As the oncogenic activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway often occurs alongside mutations in other signalling networks, combination therapy should be considered. In this review, we highlight recent advances in the knowledge of the PI3K pathway and discuss the current state and future challenges of targeting this pathway in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Sirico
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy
| | - Alberto D’Angelo
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
- Department of Oncology, Royal United Hospital, Bath BA1 3NG, UK
| | - Caterina Gianni
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy
| | - Chiara Casadei
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy
| | - Filippo Merloni
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy
| | - Ugo De Giorgi
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy
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PD-L1/pS6 in Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) during Osimertinib Treatment in Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081893. [PMID: 36009440 PMCID: PMC9405335 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The PD-1/PD-L1 axis provides CTCs an escape route from the immune system. Phosphorylation of the ribosomal protein S6 is implicated in the same pathway, following mTOR activation. The aim of the study was to investigate the expression of PD-L1 and pS6 in CTCs from NSCLC patients under Osimertinib treatment at a single cell level. CTCs were isolated using ISET from NSCLC patients’ blood [37 at baseline, 25 after the 1st cycle, and 23 at the end of treatment (EOT)]. Staining was performed using immunofluorescence. Cytokeratin-positive (CK+) CTCs were detected in 62% of patients. CK+PD-L1+CD45− and CK+pS6+ phenotypes were detected in 38% and 41% of the patients at baseline, in 28% and 32% after 1st cycle, and in 30% and 35% at EOT, respectively. Spearman’s analysis revealed statistically significant correlations between PD-L1 and pS6 phenotypes at all time points. Survival analysis revealed that CK+pS6+ (p = 0.003) and CKlowpS6+ (p = 0.021) phenotypes after 1st cycle were related to significantly decreased one-year progression-free survival (PFS12m) and PFS, respectively. CK+PD-L1+CD45−phenotype at baseline and after 1st cycle showed a trend for decreased PFS12m. Increased expression of PD-L1/pS6 in CTCs of Osimertinib-treated NSCLC patients implies the activation of the corresponding pathway, which is potentially associated with poor clinical outcomes.
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Andrikopoulou A, Chatzinikolaou S, Panourgias E, Kaparelou M, Liontos M, Dimopoulos MA, Zagouri F. "The emerging role of capivasertib in breast cancer". Breast 2022; 63:157-167. [PMID: 35398754 PMCID: PMC9011110 DOI: 10.1016/j.breast.2022.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Over 50% of breast tumors harbor alterations in one or more genes of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway including PIK3CA mutations (31%), PTEN loss (34%), PTEN mutations (5%) and AKT1 mutations (3%). While PI3K and mTOR inhibitors are already approved in advanced breast cancer, AKT inhibitors have been recently developed as a new therapeutic approach. Capivasertib (AZD5363) is a novel, selective ATP-competitive pan-AKT kinase inhibitor that exerts similar activity against the three AKT isoforms, AKT1, AKT2, and AKT3. Preclinical studies demonstrated efficacy of capivasertib in breast cancer cell lines as a single agent or in combination with anti-HER2 agents and endocrine treatment, especially in tumors with PIK3CA or MTOR alterations. Phase I/II studies demonstrated greater efficacy when capivasertib was co-administered with paclitaxel, fulvestrant in hormone receptor (HR)-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer or olaparib. The recommended phase II dose of capivasertib as monotherapy was 480 mg bid on a 4-days-on, 3-days-off dosing schedule. Toxicity profile proved to be manageable with hyperglycemia (20–24%), diarrhea (14–17%) and maculopapular rash (11–16%) being the most common grade ≥3 adverse events. Ongoing Phase III trials of capivasertib in combination with fulvestrant (CAPItello-291), CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib (CAPItello-292) and paclitaxel (CAPItello- 290) will better clarify the therapeutic role of capivasertib in breast cancer. Phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt (PI3K/AKT) pathway is one of the most commonly altered pathways in breast cancer. Capivasertib (AZD5363) is a highly potent Akt kinase inhibitor with activity against the three isoforms AKT1, AKT2, and AKT3. Preclinical studies demonstrated efficacy of capivasertib either alone or in combination with anti-HER2 agents, chemotherapy and endocrine treatment. Dose-limiting toxicities include hyperglycemia (20–24%), diarrhea (14–17%) and maculopapular rash (11–16%). Capivasertib increased susceptibility to paclitaxel (PAKT, BEECH), fulvestrant (NCT01226316, FAKTION) or Olaparib (ComPAKT).
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Affiliation(s)
- Angeliki Andrikopoulou
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, Medical School, Athens, 11528, Greece.
| | | | - Evangelia Panourgias
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aretaieion hospital, 76, Vassilisis-Sofias Ave., 11528 Athens, Greece.
| | - Maria Kaparelou
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, Medical School, Athens, 11528, Greece.
| | - Michalis Liontos
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, Medical School, Athens, 11528, Greece.
| | | | - Flora Zagouri
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Alexandra Hospital, Medical School, Athens, 11528, Greece.
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Coker EA, Stewart A, Ozer B, Minchom A, Pickard L, Ruddle R, Carreira S, Popat S, O'Brien M, Raynaud F, de Bono J, Al-Lazikani B, Banerji U. Individualized Prediction of Drug Response and Rational Combination Therapy in NSCLC Using Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Studies of Acute Phosphoproteomic Changes. Mol Cancer Ther 2022; 21:1020-1029. [PMID: 35368084 PMCID: PMC9381105 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-21-0442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
We hypothesize that the study of acute protein perturbation in signal transduction by targeted anticancer drugs can predict drug sensitivity of these agents used as single agents and rational combination therapy. We assayed dynamic changes in 52 phosphoproteins caused by an acute exposure (1 hour) to clinically relevant concentrations of seven targeted anticancer drugs in 35 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines and 16 samples of NSCLC cells isolated from pleural effusions. We studied drug sensitivities across 35 cell lines and synergy of combinations of all drugs in six cell lines (252 combinations). We developed orthogonal machine-learning approaches to predict drug response and rational combination therapy. Our methods predicted the most and least sensitive quartiles of drug sensitivity with an AUC of 0.79 and 0.78, respectively, whereas predictions based on mutations in three genes commonly known to predict response to the drug studied, for example, EGFR, PIK3CA, and KRAS, did not predict sensitivity (AUC of 0.5 across all quartiles). The machine-learning predictions of combinations that were compared with experimentally generated data showed a bias to the highest quartile of Bliss synergy scores (P = 0.0243). We confirmed feasibility of running such assays on 16 patient samples of freshly isolated NSCLC cells from pleural effusions. We have provided proof of concept for novel methods of using acute ex vivo exposure of cancer cells to targeted anticancer drugs to predict response as single agents or combinations. These approaches could complement current approaches using gene mutations/amplifications/rearrangements as biomarkers and demonstrate the utility of proteomics data to inform treatment selection in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Coker
- Department of Data Science, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, United Kingdom
- Healx Ltd., Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Adam Stewart
- Division of Clinical Studies, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bugra Ozer
- Department of Data Science, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Healx Ltd., Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Minchom
- Division of Clinical Studies, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa Pickard
- Division of Clinical Studies, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth Ruddle
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Suzanne Carreira
- Division of Clinical Studies, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sanjay Popat
- Division of Clinical Studies, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mary O'Brien
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Florence Raynaud
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Johann de Bono
- Division of Clinical Studies, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bissan Al-Lazikani
- Department of Data Science, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Udai Banerji
- Division of Clinical Studies, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
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6
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A Crosstalk Between Dual-Specific Phosphatases and Dual-Specific Protein Kinases Can Be A Potential Therapeutic Target for Anti-cancer Therapy. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1275:357-382. [PMID: 33539023 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-49844-3_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
While protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) play an initiative role in growth factor-mediated cellular processes, protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) negatively regulates these processes, acting as tumor suppressors. Besides selective tyrosine dephosphorylation of PTKs via PTPs may affect oncogenic pathways during carcinogenesis. The PTP family contains a group of dual-specificity phosphatases (DUSPs) that regulate the activity of Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), which are key effectors in the control of cell growth, proliferation and survival. Abnormal MAPK signaling is critical for initiation and progression stages of carcinogenesis. Since depletion of DUSP-MAPK phosphatases (MKPs) can reduce tumorigenicity, altering MAPK signaling by DUSP-MKP inhibitors could be a novel strategy in anti-cancer therapy. Moreover, Cdc25A is, a DUSP and a key regulator of the cell cycle, promotes cell cycle progression by dephosphorylating and activating cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK). Cdc25A-CDK pathway is a novel mechanism in carcinogenesis. Besides the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase inhibitors or mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) inhibition in combination with the dual phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/mTOR or AKT kinase inhibitors are more effective in inhibiting the phosphorylation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1) and cap-dependent translation. Dual targeting of the Akt and mTOR signaling pathways regulates cellular growth, proliferation and survival. Like the Cdc2-like kinases (CLK), dual-specific tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinases (DYRKs) are essential for the regulation of cell fate. The crosstalk between dual-specific phosphatases and dual- specific protein kinases is a novel drug target for anti-cancer therapy. Therefore, the focus of this chapter involves protein kinase modules, critical biochemical checkpoints of cancer therapy and the synergistic effects of protein kinases and anti-cancer molecules.
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Xie X, Zhan C, Wang J, Zeng F, Wu S. An Activatable Nano-Prodrug for Treating Tyrosine-Kinase-Inhibitor-Resistant Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer and for Optoacoustic and Fluorescent Imaging. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2020; 16:e2003451. [PMID: 32815304 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202003451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer and the cause of high rate of mortality. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors are used to treat NSCLC, yet their curative effects are usually compromised by drug resistance. This study demonstrates a nanodrug for treating tyrosine-kinase-inhibitor-resistant NSCLC through inhibiting upstream and downstream EGFR signaling pathways. The main molecule of the nanodrug is synthesized by linking a tyrosine kinase inhibitor gefitinib and a near-infrared dye (NIR) on each side of a disulfide via carbonate bonds, and the nanodrug is then obtained through nanoparticle formation of the main molecule in aqueous medium and concomitant encapsulation of a serine threonine protein kinase (Akt) inhibitor celastrol. Upon administration, the nanodrug accumulates at the tumor region of NSCLC-bearing mice and releases the drugs for tumor inhibition, and the dye for fluorescence and optoacoustic imaging. Through suppressing the phosphorylation of upstream EGFR and downstream Akt in the EGFR pathway by gefitinib and celastrol, respectively, the nanodrug exhibits high inhibition efficacy against orthotopic NSCLC in mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Xie
- Biomedical Division, State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Luminescence from Molecular Aggregates, College of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Wushan Road 381, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Chenyue Zhan
- Biomedical Division, State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Luminescence from Molecular Aggregates, College of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Wushan Road 381, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Biomedical Division, State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Luminescence from Molecular Aggregates, College of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Wushan Road 381, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Fang Zeng
- Biomedical Division, State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Luminescence from Molecular Aggregates, College of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Wushan Road 381, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Shuizhu Wu
- Biomedical Division, State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Luminescence from Molecular Aggregates, College of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Wushan Road 381, Guangzhou, 510640, China
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Abstract
With the discovery of rapamycin 45 years ago, studies in the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) field started 2 decades before the identification of the mTOR kinase. Over the years, studies revealed that the mTOR signaling is a master regulator of homeostasis and integrates a variety of environmental signals to regulate cell growth, proliferation, and metabolism. Deregulation of mTOR signaling, particularly hyperactivation, frequently occurs in human tumors. Recent advances in molecular profiling have identified mutations or amplification of certain genes coding proteins involved in the mTOR pathway (eg, PIK3CA, PTEN, STK11, and RICTOR) as the most common reasons contributing to mTOR hyperactivation. These genetic alterations of the mTOR pathway are frequently observed in lung neoplasms and may serve as a target for personalized therapy. mTOR inhibitor monotherapy has met limited clinical success so far; however, rational drug combinations are promising to improve efficacy and overcome acquired resistance. A better understanding of mTOR signaling may have the potential to help translation of mTOR pathway inhibitors into the clinical setting.
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Ge Q, Cong P, Ji Y. Serous IFNA3 predicts unfavorable prognosis in lung cancer via abnormal activation of AKT signaling. IUBMB Life 2019; 71:1806-1814. [PMID: 31419016 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2152] [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: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
This study addresses the demand through datamining The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and elucidates mechanistic involvements of interferon alpha 8 (IFNA8) in lung cancer. The overall survival and disease-free survival of lung cancer patients in respect to IFNA8 expression level were analyzed. IFNA8 expression levels in both serum and tumor tissue were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The diagnostic value of serous IFNA8 in lung cancer was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Cell viability and proliferation were measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and Cell Counting Kit-8 assays. in vivo pro-tumor effect of IFNA8 was evaluated using xenograft tumor model. The metastasis-prone behaviors were determined by Transwell chamber assay and tail vein-injection in mice. Protein levels of p-AKT, total AKT, and endogenous reference actin were analyzed by western blot. We uncovered high IFNA8 associated with unfavorable overall survival and disease-free survival in lung cancer patients from TCGA. We further characterized the aberrant over-expression of IFNA8 in both peripheral blood and solid tumor from our clinical patient panel, and ROC analysis suggested its potential diagnostic value. Ectopic over-expression of IFNA8 promoted viability and proliferation in both A549 and H1299 cells in vitro and accelerated xenograft tumor growth in vivo. Furthermore, IFNA8 facilitated migration, invasion, and metastasis of A549 cells in vivo. Mechanistically, we disclosed the over-activation of AKT signaling in IFNA8-proficient A549 cells, inhibition of which completely abolished the pro-tumor effects of IFNA8. We have identified IFNA8 as a novel biomarker for either diagnostic or prognostic purpose in lung cancer, which is mechanistically associated with abnormal activation of AKT signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quanxu Ge
- Department of Radiology, Weihai Municipal Hospital, Weihai, China
| | - Peixia Cong
- Department of General Surgery, Weihai Municipal Hospital, Weihai, China
| | - Ying Ji
- Department of Healthcare, Weihai Municipal Hospital, Weihai, China
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Wang F, Wang W, Li J, Zhang J, Wang X, Wang M. Sulforaphane reverses gefitinib tolerance in human lung cancer cells via modulation of sonic hedgehog signaling. Oncol Lett 2017; 15:109-114. [PMID: 29285189 PMCID: PMC5738694 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.7293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Gefitinib is a targeted anticancer drug that was developed as an effective clinical therapy for lung cancer. Numerous patients develop gefitinib resistance in response to treatment. Sulforaphane (SFN) is present in cruciferous vegetables, and has been demonstrated to inhibit the malignant growth of various types of cancer cells. To investigate the role of SFN in gefitinib resistance, a gefitinib-tolerant PC9 (PC9GT) cell model was established by continually exposing PC9 cells to gefitinib. Cell viability was measured using a cell proliferation assay. Components of the sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway and markers of lung cancer stem cells were detected via western blotting. SFN markedly inhibited the proliferation of PC9GT and PC9 cells in a dose-dependent manner; combination SFN/gefitinib treatment also markedly decreased PC9GT cell proliferation, compared with SFN or gefitinib administered alone (P<0.05). Western blot analysis revealed that the expression of SHH, Smoothened (SMO), zinc finger protein GLI1 (GLI1), GLI2, CD133 and CD44 were upregulated in PC9GT cells, as compared with in PC9 cells. Furthermore, SFN markedly inhibited the expression of SHH, SMO and GLI1 in PC9GT and PC9 cells in a dose dependent manner, and SFN combined with gefitinib markedly inhibited the expression of SHH, SMO, GLI1, CD133 and CD44 in PC9GT cells when compared with SFN or gefitinib monotherapy. The results of the present study demonstrated that SFN inhibits the proliferation of gefitinib-tolerant lung cancer cells via modulation of the SHH signaling pathway. Therefore, combined SFN and gefitinib therapy may be an effective approach for the treatment of lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanping Wang
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P.R. China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnosis and Laboratory Medicine in Henan Province, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P.R. China
| | - Wenjun Wang
- Cancer Research Institute, Sun Yat-sen Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Junpeng Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P.R. China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P.R. China
| | - Xia Wang
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P.R. China
| | - Mingyong Wang
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P.R. China
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11
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Abstract
PI3K/AKT signalling is commonly disrupted in human cancers, with AKT being a central component of the pathway, influencing multiple processes that are directly involved in tumourigenesis. Targeting AKT is therefore a highly attractive anti-cancer strategy with multiple AKT inhibitors now in various stages of clinical development. In this review, we summarise the role and regulation of AKT signalling in normal cellular physiology. We highlight the mechanisms by which AKT signalling can be hyperactivated in cancers and discuss the past, present and future clinical strategies for AKT inhibition in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Udai Banerji
- Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London SM2 5PT, UK; The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 5NG, UK.
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12
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Zhang Q, Yang M, Qu Z, Zhou J, Jiang Q. Autophagy prevention sensitizes AKTi-1/2-induced anti-hepatocellular carcinoma cell activity in vitro and in vivo. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2016; 480:334-340. [PMID: 27756618 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.10.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2016] [Accepted: 10/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Molecule-targeted therapy has become the research focus for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Persistent PI3K-AKT activation is often detected in HCC, representing a valuable oncotarget for treatment. Here, we tested the anti-HCC activity by a potent AKT inhibitor: AKT inhibitor 1/2 (AKTi-1/2). In both established (HepG2 and Huh-7) and primary human HCC cells, treatment with AKTi-1/2 inhibited cell survival and proliferation, but induced cell apoptosis. AKTi-1/2 blocked AKT-mTOR activation, yet simultaneously provoked cytoprotective autophagy in HCC cells. The latter was evidenced by ATG-5 and Beclin-1 upregulation, p62 downregulation as well as LC3B-GFP puncta formation. Autophagy inhibition, via pharmacological inhibitors (3-methyladenine, ammonium chloride, and bafilomycin A1) or Beclin-1 siRNA knockdown, significantly potentiated AKTi-1/2-induced HepG2 cell death and apoptosis. In nude mice, AKTi-1/2 intraperitoneal injection inhibited HepG2 tumor growth. Significantly, its anti-tumor activity in vivo was further sensitized when combined with Beclin-1 shRNA knockdown in HepG2 tumors. Together, these results demonstrate that autophagy activation serves as a main resistance factor of AKTi-1/2 in HCC cells. Autophagy prevention therefore sensitizes AKTi-1/2-induced anti-HCC activity in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Manyi Yang
- National Hepatobiliary & Enteric Surgery Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhan Qu
- Department of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jixiang Zhou
- National Hepatobiliary & Enteric Surgery Research Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qin Jiang
- Department of Ultrasonography, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
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Moore J, Megaly M, MacNeil AJ, Klentrou P, Tsiani E. Rosemary extract reduces Akt/mTOR/p70S6K activation and inhibits proliferation and survival of A549 human lung cancer cells. Biomed Pharmacother 2016; 83:725-732. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2016.07.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Revised: 07/06/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
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14
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Tarozzi A, Marchetti C, Nicolini B, D'Amico M, Ticchi N, Pruccoli L, Tumiatti V, Simoni E, Lodola A, Mor M, Milelli A, Minarini A. Combined inhibition of the EGFR/AKT pathways by a novel conjugate of quinazoline with isothiocyanate. Eur J Med Chem 2016; 117:283-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2016.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Revised: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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15
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LIM HYUNSOOK, KANG YONGJUNG, SUNG BOKYUNG, KIM SEONHEE, KIM MINJEONG, KIM HYERIM, KIM SEONGJIN, CHOI YUNGHYUN, MOON HYUNGRYONG, CHUNG HAEYOUNG, KIM NAMDEUK. Novel dihydrobenzofuro[4,5-b][1,8]naphthyridin-6-one derivative, MHY-449, induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis via the downregulation of Akt in human lung cancer cells. Oncol Rep 2015; 34:2431-8. [DOI: 10.3892/or.2015.4208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 07/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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16
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Xu H, Li X, Ding W, Zeng X, Kong H, Wang H, Xie W. Deguelin induces the apoptosis of lung cancer cells through regulating a ROS driven Akt pathway. Cancer Cell Int 2015; 15:25. [PMID: 25741219 PMCID: PMC4349657 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-015-0166-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2014] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Duguelin is a rotenoid extracted from plants and has potent antitumor effects in vitro and in vivo. However, the mechanism underlying the antitumor effect remains unclear. Our preliminary study showed that Deguelin is effective to stimulate the generation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). In the current study, we evaluated the in vitro cytotoxicity of Deguelin against lung cancer cells and studied whether a ROS scavenger, N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), can reverse the inhibitory effect of Deguelin. Results We showed that the dose-dependent apoptotic inducing effect of Deguelin could be partially reversed by the co-administration of NAC. Moreover, Deguelin reduced the phosphorylation of Akt protein and induced the apoptotic protein Caspase-3 in a dose-dependent manner. Co-treatment with NAC partially attenuated this effect and rescued some cells from apoptosis. Conclusion Deguelin induces the apoptosis of cancer cells through a ROS driven Akt pathway, which could translate into a promising therapeutic for lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huae Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China ; Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300# Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029 People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaolin Li
- Department of Geriatric Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenqiu Ding
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300# Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029 People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoning Zeng
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300# Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029 People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Kong
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300# Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029 People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300# Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029 People's Republic of China
| | - Weiping Xie
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300# Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029 People's Republic of China
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