Constitutively active Akt1 cooperates with KRas(G12D) to accelerate in vivo pancreatic tumor onset and progression

Drugging the Undruggable and beyond: Emerging precision oncology approaches to target acquired resistance to KRAS G12C and KRAS G12D inhibitors

Development of mutant specific KRAS inhibitors validated KRAS as a 'druggable' target. However, excellent initial efficacy was eventually overshadowed by failure to exhibit sustained clinical response, primarily due to acquired resistance. Some targeted therapies like SOS1, SHP2, and MEK inhibitors, in combination with mutant KRAS G12C inhibitors (G12Ci), are currently under clinical investigation with evidences of improving efficacy. However, a deep understanding of the underlying molecular pathways behind the acquired resistance is still at a nascent stage. Recent preclinical studies have uncovered a role of novel proteins and pathways responsible for resistance and their inhibition demonstrated a robust anticancer efficacy in combination. Plethora of combination therapy approaches are now being proposed with emergence of AXL, ULK1, Tissue factor, farnesyltransferase, etc. as targets to counter G12Ci resistance. This review summarizes in a comprehensive manner, some of the novel combination modalities to overcome G12Ci resistance, based on current understanding and with great potential to hit clinical success. Along with G12C, KRAS G12D (G12D) was also considered a formidable foe, until the discovery of selective inhibitors. However, eventual clinical resistance can eclipse the early success and requires an in-depth understanding of resistance mechanisms. Evidences of G12Ci resistance can be exploited as probable combination strategies to tackle ensuing resistance to G12D inhibitors (G12Di), and can translate in superior clinical efficacy. Early preclinical studies of G12Di in combination with ERBB, SOS1, AKT and immune-checkpoints inhibitors indicate encouraging response. This review further describes some of the early affirmations on combination strategies with G12Di. We postulate to go beyond 'Drugging the Undruggable' with advanced combination approaches mitigating G12C and G12D inhibitor resistance.

Identification of Common miRNAs Differentially Expressed in Periodontitis and Pancreatic Cancer

BACKGROUND/AIM

Periodontitis is a prevalent multifactorial, oral infectious disease and is considered a high-risk factor for pancreatic cancer. Nevertheless, there is limited understanding of the underlying epigenetic mechanisms governing this relationship. The aim of this study was to identify dysregulated miRNAs associated with periodontitis and pancreatic cancer, along with their related genes, signaling pathways, and compounds.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

miRNA expression datasets for tissues affected by periodontitis and pancreatic cancer were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. miRNAs differentially expressed relative to normal tissues were detected, and those common to both datasets were determined. Further bioinformatics approaches were used to explore the association of common differentially expressed miRNAs with periodontitis and pancreatic cancer.

RESULTS

Twenty shared, differentially expressed miRNAs were identified; 14 exhibited similar expression patterns in both diseases. Among these common differentially expressed miRNAs, 10 were found to be overexpressed. hsa-miR-155, hsa-miR-186, hsa-miR-765, hsa-miR-211 and hsa-miR-375 were the top miRNA nodes in the gene network, with hsa-mir-155 being the sole miRNA node in the transcription factor network. Top candidate miRNA-dysregulated genes included superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), nuclear FMR1 interacting protein 2 (NUFIP2), SFT2 domain-containing 2 (SFT2D2), thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), and cyclin D1 (CCND1), while top dysregulated transcription factors were Argonaute RISC catalytic component 2 (AGO2), AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1), BCL6 transcription repressor (BCL6), breakpoint cluster region (BCR), and BRCA1 DNA repair associated (BRCA1). Relevant compounds for targeting these emerged, including 5-fluorouracil, gemcitabine, doxorubicin, ascorbate, diethylstilbestrol, and temozolomide.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests candidate molecular mechanisms linking periodontitis to pancreatic cancer, highlighting potential compounds that may target both diseases. These findings provide a foundation for guiding future fundamental and clinical research.

[Therapeutic mechanism of aqueous extract of Semiliquidambar cathayensis Chang root for pancreatic cancer: the active components, therapeutic targets and pathways]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the key targets and signaling pathways in the therapeutic mechanism of Semiliquidambar cathayensis Chang (SC) root against pancreatic cancer network pharmacology and molecular docking studies and cell experiments.

METHODS

The targets of SC and pancreatic cancer were predicted using the network pharmacological database, the protein-protein interaction network was constructed, and pathways, functional enrichment and molecular docking analyses were performed. CCK-8 assay was used to test the inhibitory effect of the aqueous extract of SC root on 8 cancer cell lines, and its effects on invasion, migration, proliferation, and apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells were evaluated. Western blotting was performed to verify the results of network pharmacology analysis.

RESULTS

We identified a total of 18 active components in SC, which regulated 21 potential key targets in pancreatic cancer. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses showed that these targets were involved mainly in the biological processes including protein phosphorylation, signal transduction, and apoptosis and participated in cancer signaling and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. Among the 8 cancer cell lines, The aqueous extract of SC root produced the most obvious inhibitory effect in pancreatic cancer cells, and significantly inhibited the invasion, migration, and proliferation and promoted apoptosis of pancreatic cancer Panc-1 cells (P < 0.05). Western blotting confirmed that SC significantly inhibited the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and AKT in Panc-1 cells (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The therapeutic effect of SC root against pancreatic cancer effects is mediated by its multiple components that act on different targets and pathways including the PI3K-Akt pathway.

Down-Regulation of AKT Proteins Slows the Growth of Mutant-KRAS Pancreatic Tumors

Serine/threonine kinase AKT isoforms play a well-established role in cell metabolism and growth. Most pancreatic adenocarcinomas (PDACs) harbor activation mutations of KRAS, which activates the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. However, AKT inhibitors are not effective in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. To better understand the role of AKT signaling in mutant-KRAS pancreatic tumors, this study utilized proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) and CRISPR-Cas9-genome editing to investigate AKT proteins. The PROTAC down-regulation of AKT proteins markedly slowed the growth of three pancreatic tumor cell lines harboring mutant KRAS. In contrast, the inhibition of AKT kinase activity alone had very little effect on the growth of these cell lines. The concurrent genetic deletion of all AKT isoforms (AKT1, AKT2, and AKT3) in the KPC (KrasG12D; Trp53R172H; Pdx1-Cre) pancreatic cancer cell line also dramatically slowed its growth in vitro and when orthotopically implanted in syngeneic mice. Surprisingly, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), but not epidermal growth factor (EGF), restored KPC cell growth in serum-deprived conditions, and the IGF-1 growth stimulation effect was AKT-dependent. The RNA-seq analysis of AKT1/2/3-deficient KPC cells suggested that reduced cholesterol synthesis may be responsible for the decreased response to IGF-1 stimulation. These results indicate that the presence of all three AKT isoforms supports pancreatic tumor cell growth, and the pharmacological degradation of AKT proteins may be more effective than AKT catalytic inhibitors for treating pancreatic cancer.

Down-regulation of AKT proteins slows the growth of mutant-KRAS pancreatic tumors

Serine/threonine kinase AKT isoforms play a well-established role in cell metabolism and growth. Most pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) harbors activation mutations of KRAS, which activates the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. However, AKT inhibitors are not effective in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. To better understand the role of AKT signaling in mutant-KRAS pancreatic tumors, this study utilizes proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) and CRISPR-Cas9-genome editing to investigate AKT proteins. PROTAC down-regulation of AKT proteins markedly slowed the growth of three pancreatic tumor cell lines harboring mutant KRAS. In contrast, inhibition of AKT kinase activity alone had very little effect on the growth of these cell lines. Concurrent genetic deletion of all AKT isoforms (AKT1, AKT2, and AKT3) in the KPC (KrasG12D; Trp53R172H; Pdx1-Cre) pancreatic cancer cell line also dramatically slowed its growth in vitro and when orthotopically implanted in syngeneic mice. Surprisingly, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), but not epidermal growth factor (EGF), restored KPC cell growth in serum-deprived conditions and the IGF-1 growth stimulation effect was AKT dependent. RNA-seq analysis of AKT1/2/3-deficient KPC cells suggested that reduced cholesterol synthesis may be responsible for the decreased response to IGF-1 stimulation. These results indicate that the presence of all three AKT isoforms supports pancreatic tumor cell growth and pharmacological degradation of AKT proteins may be more effective than AKT catalytic inhibitors for treating pancreatic cancer.

Dichotomous role of the serine/threonine kinase MAP4K4 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma onset and metastasis through control of AKT and ERK pathways

MAP4K4 is a serine/threonine kinase of the STE20 family involved in the regulation of actin cytoskeleton dynamics and cell motility. It has been proposed as a target of angiogenesis and inhibitors show potential in cardioprotection. MAP4K4 also mediates cell invasion in vitro, is overexpressed in various types of cancer, and is associated with poor patient prognosis. Recently, MAP4K4 has been shown to be overexpressed in pancreatic cancer, but its role in tumour initiation, progression, and metastasis is unknown. Here, using the KrasG12D Trp53R172H Pdx1-Cre (KPC) mouse model of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), we show that deletion of Map4k4 drives tumour initiation and progression. Moreover, we report that the acceleration of tumour onset is also associated with an overactivation of ERK and AKT, two major downstream effectors of KRAS, in vitro and in vivo. In contrast to the accelerated tumour onset caused by loss of MAP4K4, we observed a reduction in metastatic burden with both the KPC model and in an intraperitoneal transplant assay indicating a major role of MAP4K4 in metastatic seeding. In summary, our study sheds light on the dichotomous role of MAP4K4 in the initiation of PDAC onset, progression, and metastatic dissemination. It also identifies MAP4K4 as a possible druggable target against pancreatic cancer spread, but with the caveat that targeting MAP4K4 might accelerate early tumorigenesis. © 2024 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

The potential oncogenic effect of tissue-specific expression of JC polyoma T antigen in digestive epithelial cells

JC polyoma virus (JCPyV), a ubiquitous polyoma virus that commonly infects people, is identified as the etiologic factor for progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and has been closely linked to various human cancers. Transgenic mice of CAG-loxp-Laz-loxp T antigen were established. T-antigen expression was specifically activated in gastroenterological target cells with a LacZ deletion using a cre-loxp system. Gastric poorly-differentiated carcinoma was observed in T antigen-activated mice using K19-cre (stem-like cells) and PGC-cre (chief cells), but not Atp4b-cre (parietal cells) or Capn8-cre (pit cells) mice. Spontaneous hepatocellular and colorectal cancers developed in Alb-cre (hepatocytes)/T antigen and villin-cre (intestinal cells)/T antigen transgenic mice respectively. Gastric, colorectal, and breast cancers were observed in PGC-cre/T antigen mice. Pancreatic insulinoma and ductal adenocarcinoma, gastric adenoma, and duodenal cancer were detected in Pdx1-cre/T antigen mice. Alternative splicing of T antigen mRNA occurred in all target organs of these transgenic mice. Our findings suggest that JCPyV T antigen might contribute to gastroenterological carcinogenesis with respect to cell specificity. Such spontaneous tumor models provide good tools for investigating the oncogenic roles of T antigen in cancers of the digestive system.

Exploration of the System-Level Mechanisms of the Herbal Drug FDY003 for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment: A Network Pharmacological Investigation

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the most lethal cancer with the lowest survival rate globally. Although the prescription of herbal drugs against PC is gaining increasing attention, their polypharmacological therapeutic mechanisms are yet to be fully understood. Based on network pharmacology, we explored the anti-PC properties and system-level mechanisms of the herbal drug FDY003. FDY003 decreased the viability of human PC cells and strengthened their chemosensitivity. Network pharmacological analysis of FDY003 indicated the presence of 16 active phytochemical components and 123 PC-related pharmacological targets. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the PC-related targets of FDY003 participate in the regulation of cell growth and proliferation, cell cycle process, cell survival, and cell death. In addition, FDY003 was shown to target diverse key pathways associated with PC pathophysiology, namely, the PIK3-Akt, MAPK, FoxO, focal adhesion, TNF, p53, HIF-1, and Ras pathways. Our network pharmacological findings advance the mechanistic understanding of the anti-PC properties of FDY003 from a system perspective.

Induction of pancreatitis in mice with susceptibility to pancreatic cancer

Chronic inflammation is known to be associated with pancreatic cancer, however a complete picture regarding how these pathologies intersect is still being characterized. In vivo model systems are critical for the study of mechanisms underlying how inflammation accelerates neoplasia. Repeat injection of cerulein, a cholecystokinin (CCK) analog, is widely used to experimentally induce acute and chronic pancreatitis in vivo. Chronic cerulein administration into genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) with predisposition to pancreatic cancer can induce a pro-inflammatory immune response, pancreatic acinar cell damage, pancreatic stellate cell activation, and accelerate the onset of neoplasia. Here we provide a detailed protocol and insights into using cerulein to induce pancreatitis in GEMMs, and methods to experimentally assess inflammation and pancreatic neoplasia.

Biological Hallmarks and New Therapeutic Approaches for the Treatment of PDAC

Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the deadliest solid tumors and is estimated to become a leading cause of cancer-related death in coming years. Despite advances in surgical approaches and the emergence of new chemotherapy options, its poor prognosis has not improved in the last decades. The current treatment for PDAC is the combination of cytotoxic chemotherapy agents. However, PDAC shows resistance to many antineoplastic therapies with rapid progression. Although PDAC represents a heterogeneous disease, there are common alterations including oncogenic mutations of KRAS, and the frequent inactivation of different cell cycle regulators including the CDKN2A tumor suppressor gene. An emerging field of investigation focuses on inhibiting the function of proteins that suppress the immune checkpoint PD-1/PD-L1, with activation of the endogenous immune response. To date, all conventional immunotherapies have been less successful in patients with PDAC compared to other tumors. The need for new targets, associated with an extended molecular analysis of tumor samples could give new pharmacological options for the treatment of PDAC. It is, therefore, important to push for a broader molecular approach in PDAC research. Here, we provide a selected summary of emerging strategy options for targeting PDAC using CDK4/6 inhibitors, RAS inhibitors, and new drug combinations with immune checkpoint agents.

The molecular biology of pancreatic adenocarcinoma: translational challenges and clinical perspectives

Pancreatic cancer is an increasingly common cause of cancer mortality with a tight correspondence between disease mortality and incidence. Furthermore, it is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage with a very dismal prognosis. Due to the high heterogeneity, metabolic reprogramming, and dense stromal environment associated with pancreatic cancer, patients benefit little from current conventional therapy. Recent insight into the biology and genetics of pancreatic cancer has supported its molecular classification, thus expanding clinical therapeutic options. In this review, we summarize how the biological features of pancreatic cancer and its metabolic reprogramming as well as the tumor microenvironment regulate its development and progression. We further discuss potential biomarkers for pancreatic cancer diagnosis, prediction, and surveillance based on novel liquid biopsies. We also outline recent advances in defining pancreatic cancer subtypes and subtype-specific therapeutic responses and current preclinical therapeutic models. Finally, we discuss prospects and challenges in the clinical development of pancreatic cancer therapeutics.

Biological significance of KRAS mutant allele expression in ovarian endometriosis

KRAS is the most frequently mutated in ovarian endometriosis. However, it is unclear whether the KRAS mutant allele's mRNA is expressed and plays a biological role in ovarian endometriosis. Here, we performed mutation-specific RNA in situ hybridization to evaluate mutant allele expression of KRAS p.G12V, the most frequently detected mutation in ovarian endometriosis in our previous study, in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue (FFPE) samples of ovarian endometriosis, cancer cell lines, and ovarian cancers. First, we verified that mutant or wild-type allele of KRAS were expressed in all 5 cancer cell lines and 9 ovarian cancer cases corresponding to the mutation status. Next, we applied this assay to 26 ovarian endometriosis cases, and observed mutant allele expression of KRAS p.G12V in 10 cases. Mutant or wild-type allele of KRAS were expressed in line with mutation status in 12 available endometriosis cases for which KRAS gene sequence was determined. Comparison of clinical features between ovarian endometriosis with KRAS p.G12V mutant allele expression and with KRAS wild-type showed that KRAS p.G12V mutant allele expression was significantly associated with inflammation in ovarian endometriosis. Finally, we assessed the spatial distribution of KRAS mutant allele expression in 5 endometriosis cases by performing multiregional sampling. Intratumor heterogeneity of KRAS mutant allele expression was observed in two endometriosis cases, whereas the spatial distribution of KRAS p.G12V mutation signals were diffuse and homogenous in ovarian cancer. In conclusion, evaluation of oncogene mutant expression will be useful for clarifying the biological significance of oncogene mutations in benign tumors.

Common and differential features of liver and pancreatic cancers: molecular mechanism approach

AIM

The aim of this study was to introduce biomarkers commonly involved in pancreatic cancer metastasis to the liver.

BACKGROUND

The liver is affected by metastatic disease in pancreatic cancer.

METHODS

Two cancer biomarkers were distinguished through a STRING database protein query. The dysregulated proteins of the two cancers were included in 2 networks drawn by Cytoscape software v 3.2.7. 20 top nodes and achieved by the Network analyzer application of Cytoscape based on degree value. The common hub nodes were determined, and action maps were analyzed.

RESULTS

Among 20 hubs of each studied cancer, 18 common hub nodes (90% of hubs) were identified and screened by action maps. Four proteins, AKT1, CDKN2A, ERBB2, and IL6, were identified as common central proteins related to the two studied diseases.

CONCLUSION

AKT1, CDKN2A, ERBB2, and IL6 are common protein core of liver and pancreatic cancers, while STAT3, CASP3, NOTCH1, and CTNNB1 are possible differential proteins to discriminate these cancers.

κB-Ras and Ral GTPases regulate acinar to ductal metaplasia during pancreatic adenocarcinoma development and pancreatitis

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is associated with high mortality and therapy resistance. Here, we show that low expression of κB-Ras GTPases is frequently detected in PDAC and correlates with higher histologic grade. In a model of KRas^G12D-driven PDAC, loss of κB-Ras accelerates tumour development and shortens median survival. κB-Ras deficiency promotes acinar-to-ductal metaplasia (ADM) during tumour initiation as well as tumour progression through intrinsic effects on proliferation and invasion. κB-Ras proteins are also required for acinar regeneration after pancreatitis, demonstrating a general role in control of plasticity. Molecularly, upregulation of Ral GTPase activity and Sox9 expression underlies the observed phenotypes, identifying a previously unrecognized function of Ral signalling in ADM. Our results provide evidence for a tumour suppressive role of κB-Ras proteins and highlight low κB-Ras levels and consequent loss of Ral control as risk factors, thus emphasizing the necessity for therapeutic options that allow interference with Ral-driven signalling.

The molecular mechanisms of acinar-to-ductal metaplasia (ADM) in the course of pancreatitis and cancer development are unclear. Here, the authors show that loss of κB-Ras and consequent Ral activation promotes tumour initiation and progression through persistent ADM and enhanced cell proliferation

Identification of a novel IL-5 signaling pathway in chronic pancreatitis and crosstalk with pancreatic tumor cells

BACKGROUND

While inflammation is associated with pancreatic cancer, the underlying mechanisms leading to cancer initiation are still being delineated. Eosinophils may promote or inhibit tumor growth, although the specific role in pancreatic cancer has yet to be determined. Eosinophil-supporting cytokine interleukin-5 and receptor are likely to have a role, but the significance in the pancreatic cancer microenvironment is unknown.

METHODS

Genetically engineered Akt1^Myr/KRas^G12D and KRas^G12D mice were used to model changes induced by chronic inflammation. Tissue samples were collected to analyze the tumor microenvironment and infiltration of immune cells, whereas serum was collected to analyze cytokine and amylase activity in the inflammatory model. The expression of IL-5R and the effects of IL-5 were analyzed in human and murine tumor cells.

RESULTS

Compound Akt1^Myr/KRas^G12D mice, compared to single KRas^G12D or Akt1^Myr mice, exhibited increased tissue damage after repeat inductions of inflammation, and had accelerated tumor development and metastasis. M2 macrophages and newly identified eosinophils co-localized with fibrotic regions rather than infiltrating into tumors, consistent with immune cell privilege. The majority of eosinophils found in the pancreas of Akt1^Myr/KRas^G12D mice with chronic inflammation lacked the cytotoxic NKG2D marker. IL-5 expression was upregulated in pancreatic cells in response to inflammation, and then diminished in advanced lesions. Although not previously described in pancreatic tumors, IL-5Rα was increased during mouse pancreatic tumor progression and expressed in human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (7 of 7 by immunohistochemistry). IL-5 stimulated tumor cell migration and activation through STAT5 signaling, thereby suggesting an unreported tumor-promoting role for IL-5Rα in pancreatic cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic inflammation induces increased pancreatic cancer progression and immune cells such as eosinophils are attracted to areas of fibrosis. Results suggest that IL-5 in the pancreatic compartment stimulates increased IL-5Rα on ductal tumor cells to increase pancreatic tumor motility. Collectively, IL-5/IL-5Rα signaling in the mouse and human pancreatic tumors microenvironment is a novel mechanism to facilitate tumor progression. Additional file 1: Video Abstract.

The unconventional role of Akt1 in the advanced cancers and in diabetes-promoted carcinogenesis

Decades of research have elucidated the critical role of Akt isoforms in cancer as pro-tumorigenic and metastatic regulators through their specific effects on the cancer cells, tumor endothelial cells and the stromal cells. The pro-cancerous role of Akt isoforms through enhanced cell proliferation and suppression of apoptosis in cancer cells and the cells in the tumor microenvironment is considered a dogma. Intriguingly, studies also indicate that the Akt pathway is essential to protect the endothelial-barrier and prevent aberrant vascular permeability, which is also integral to tumor perfusion and metastasis. To complicate this further, a flurry of recent reports strongly indicates the metastasis suppressive role of Akt, Akt1 in particular in various cancer types. These reports emanated from different laboratories have elegantly demonstrated the paradoxical effect of Akt1 on cancer cell epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, invasion, tumor endothelial-barrier disruption, and cancer metastasis. Here, we emphasize on the specific role of Akt1 in mediating tumor cell-vasculature reciprocity during the advanced stages of cancers and discuss how Akt1 differentially regulates cancer metastasis through mechanisms distinct from its pro-tumorigenic effects. Since Akt is integral for insulin signaling, endothelial function, and metabolic regulation, we also attempt to shed some light on the specific effects of diabetes in modulating Akt pathway in the promotion of tumor growth and metastasis.

Increasing Upstream Chromatin Long-Range Interactions May Favor Induction of Circular RNAs in LysoPC-Activated Human Aortic Endothelial Cells

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are non-coding RNAs that form covalently closed continuous loops, and act as gene regulators in physiological and disease conditions. To test our hypothesis that proatherogenic lipid lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) induce a set of circRNAs in human aortic endothelial cell (HAEC) activation, we performed circRNA analysis by searching our RNA-Seq data from LPC-activated HAECs, and found: (1) LPC induces significant modulation of 77 newly characterized cirRNAs, among which 47 circRNAs (61%) are upregulated; (2) 34 (72%) out of 47 upregulated circRNAs are upregulated when the corresponding mRNAs are downregulated, suggesting that the majority of circRNAs are upregulated presumably via LPC-induced “abnormal splicing” when the canonical splicing for generation of corresponding mRNAs is suppressed; (3) Upregulation of 47 circRNAs is temporally associated with mRNAs-mediated LPC-upregulated cholesterol synthesis-SREBP2 pathway and LPC-downregulated TGF-β pathway; (4) Increase in upstream chromatin long-range interaction sites to circRNA related genes is associated with preferred circRNA generation over canonical splicing for mRNAs, suggesting that shifting chromatin long-range interaction sites from downstream to upstream may promote induction of a list of circRNAs in lysoPC-activated HAECs; (5) Six significantly changed circRNAs may have sponge functions for miRNAs; and (6) 74% significantly changed circRNAs contain open reading frames, suggesting that putative short proteins may interfere with the protein interaction-based signaling. Our findings have demonstrated for the first time that a new set of LPC-induced circRNAs may contribute to homeostasis in LPC-induced HAEC activation. These novel insights may lead to identifications of new therapeutic targets for treating metabolic cardiovascular diseases, inflammations, and cancers.

Difluoromethylornithine Combined with a Polyamine Transport Inhibitor Is Effective against Gemcitabine Resistant Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is highly chemo-resistant and has an extremely poor patient prognosis, with a survival rate at five years of <8%. There remains an urgent need for innovative treatments. Targeting polyamine biosynthesis through inhibition of ornithine decarboxylase with difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) has had mixed clinical success due to tumor escape via an undefined transport system, which imports exogenous polyamines and sustains intracellular polyamine pools. Here, we tested DFMO in combination with a polyamine transport inhibitor (PTI), Trimer44NMe, against Gemcitabine-resistant PDAC cells. DFMO alone and with Trimer44NMe significantly reduced PDAC cell viability by inducing apoptosis or diminishing proliferation. DFMO alone and with Trimer44NMe also inhibited in vivo orthotopic PDAC growth and resulted in decreased c-Myc expression, a readout of polyamine pathway dysfunction. Moreover, dual inhibition significantly prolonged survival of tumor-bearing mice. Collectively, these studies demonstrate that targeting polyamine biosynthesis and import pathways in PDAC can lead to increased survival in pancreatic cancer.

Controlling Directed Protein Interaction Networks in Cancer

Control theory is a well-established approach in network science, with applications in bio-medicine and cancer research. We build on recent results for structural controllability of directed networks, which identifies a set of driver nodes able to control an a-priori defined part of the network. We develop a novel and efficient approach for the (targeted) structural controllability of cancer networks and demonstrate it for the analysis of breast, pancreatic, and ovarian cancer. We build in each case a protein-protein interaction network and focus on the survivability-essential proteins specific to each cancer type. We show that these essential proteins are efficiently controllable from a relatively small computable set of driver nodes. Moreover, we adjust the method to find the driver nodes among FDA-approved drug-target nodes. We find that, while many of the drugs acting on the driver nodes are part of known cancer therapies, some of them are not used for the cancer types analyzed here; some drug-target driver nodes identified by our algorithms are not known to be used in any cancer therapy. Overall we show that a better understanding of the control dynamics of cancer through computational modelling can pave the way for new efficient therapeutic approaches and personalized medicine.

Critical role for arginase 2 in obesity-associated pancreatic cancer

Obesity is an established risk factor for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA). Despite recent identification of metabolic alterations in this lethal malignancy, the metabolic dependencies of obesity-associated PDA remain unknown. Here we show that obesity-driven PDA exhibits accelerated growth and a striking transcriptional enrichment for pathways regulating nitrogen metabolism. We find that the mitochondrial form of arginase (ARG2), which hydrolyzes arginine into ornithine and urea, is induced upon obesity, and silencing or loss of ARG2 markedly suppresses PDA. In vivo infusion of 15N-glutamine in obese mouse models of PDA demonstrates enhanced nitrogen flux into the urea cycle and infusion of 15N-arginine shows that Arg2 loss causes significant ammonia accumulation that results from the shunting of arginine catabolism into alternative nitrogen repositories. Furthermore, analysis of PDA patient tumors indicates that ARG2 levels correlate with body mass index (BMI). The specific dependency of PDA on ARG2 rather than the principal hepatic enzyme ARG1 opens a therapeutic window for obesity-associated pancreatic cancer.Obesity is an established risk factor for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA). Here the authors show that obesity induces the expression of the mitochondrial form of arginase ARG2 in PDA and that ARG2 silencing or loss results in ammonia accumulation and suppression of obesity-driven PDA tumor growth.

Acinar cell plasticity and development of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Acinar cells in the adult pancreas show high plasticity and can undergo transdifferentiation to a progenitor-like cell type with ductal characteristics. This process, termed acinar-to-ductal metaplasia (ADM), is an important feature facilitating pancreas regeneration after injury. Data from animal models show that cells that undergo ADM in response to oncogenic signalling are precursors for pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia lesions, which can further progress to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). As human pancreatic adenocarcinoma is often diagnosed at a stage of metastatic disease, understanding the processes that lead to its initiation is important for the discovery of markers for early detection, as well as options that enable an early intervention. Here, the critical determinants of acinar cell plasticity are discussed, in addition to the intracellular and extracellular signalling events that drive acinar cell metaplasia and their contribution to development of PDAC.

Potent effects of dioscin against pancreatic cancer via miR-149-3P-mediated inhibition of the Akt1 signalling pathway

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects and possible underlying mechanisms of dioscin against pancreatic cancer in vitro and in vivo.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

In vitro actions of dioscin on viability of ASPC-1 and PANC-1 cells, and in vivo effects to suppress the tumour growth of cell xenografts in nude mice were assessed. In addition, microRNA microarray analysis determined which microRNAs were affected by dioscin. The mechanisms underlying the actions of dioscin against pancreatic cancer were elucidated in terms of Akt1 and other proteins related to aopoptosis.

KEY RESULTS

Dioscin markedly induced apoptosis and significantly suppressed the tumour growth of ASPC-1 and PANC-1 cell xenografts, in nude mice. Total of 107 microRNAs with differential changes were found, in which miR-149-3P targeted with Akt1 was markedly up-regulated by dioscin. Further studies showed that dioscin significantly down-regulated Akt1 levels, and thus induced cell apoptosis by increasing the levels of Bax, Apaf-1, cleaved caspase-3/9, cleaved PARP, suppressing Bcl-2 levels, and causing cytochrome c release. The effects of an inhibitor of miR-149-3P and of siRNA of testicular Akt1 suggested that dioscin showed excellent activity against pancreatic cancer via miR- 149-3P-mediated inhibition of Akt1 signalling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Collectively, these findings confirmed the potent effects of dioscin against pancreatic cancer and also provided novel insights into the mechanisms of the compound as a potential candidate for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Noninvasive Bioluminescence Imaging of AKT Kinase Activity in Subcutaneous and Orthotopic NSCLC Xenografts: Correlation of AKT Activity with Tumor Growth Kinetics

Aberrant signaling through the AKT kinase mediates oncogenic phenotypes including cell proliferation, survival, and therapeutic resistance. Here, we utilize a bioluminescence reporter for AKT kinase activity (BAR) to noninvasively assess the therapeutic efficacy of the EGFR inhibitor erlotinib in KRAS-mutated lung cancer therapy. A549 non–small cell lung cancer cell line, engineered to express BAR, enabled the evaluation of compounds targeting the EGFR/PI3K/AKT pathway in vitro as well as in mouse models. We found that erlotinib treatment of resistant A549 subcutaneous and orthotopic xenografts resulted in significant AKT inhibition as determined by an 8- to 13-fold (P < .0001) increase in reporter activity 3 hours after erlotinib (100 mg/kg) administration compared to the control. This was confirmed by a 25% (P < .0001) decrease in pAKT ex vivo and a decrease in tumor growth. Treatment of the orthotopic xenograft with varying doses of erlotinib (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) revealed a dose- and time-dependent increase in reporter activity (10-, 12-, and 23-fold). Correspondingly, a decrease in phospho-AKT levels (0%, 16%, and 28%, respectively) and a decrease in the AKT dependent proliferation marker PCNA (0%, 50%, and 50%) were observed. We applied μ-CT imaging for noninvasive longitudinal quantification of lung tumor load which revealed a corresponding decrease in tumor growth in a dose-dependent manner. These findings demonstrate the utility of BAR to noninvasively monitor AKT activity in preclinical studies in response to AKT modulating agents. These results also demonstrate that BAR can be applied to study drug dosing, drug combinations, and treatment efficacy in orthotopic mouse lung tumor models.

Gold Nanoparticle Reprograms Pancreatic Tumor Microenvironment and Inhibits Tumor Growth

Altered tumor microenvironment (TME) arising from a bidirectional crosstalk between the pancreatic cancer cells (PCCs) and the pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) is implicated in the dismal prognosis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), yet effective strategies to disrupt the crosstalk is lacking. Here, we demonstrate that gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) inhibit proliferation and migration of both PCCs and PSCs by disrupting the bidirectional communication via alteration of the cell secretome. Analyzing the key proteins identified from a functional network of AuNP-altered secretome in PCCs and PSCs, we demonstrate that AuNPs impair secretions of major hub node proteins in both cell types and transform activated PSCs toward a lipid-rich quiescent phenotype. By reducing activation of PSCs, AuNPs inhibit matrix deposition, enhance angiogenesis, and inhibit tumor growth in an orthotopic co-implantation model in vivo. Auto- and heteroregulations of secretory growth factors/cytokines are disrupted by AuNPs resulting in reprogramming of the TME. By utilizing a kinase dead mutant of IRE1-α, we demonstrate that AuNPs alter the cellular secretome through the ER-stress-regulated IRE1-dependent decay pathway (RIDD) and identify endostatin and matrix metalloproteinase 9 as putative RIDD targets. Thus, AuNPs could potentially be utilized as a tool to effectively interrogate bidirectional communications in the tumor microenvironment, reprogram it, and inhibit tumor growth by its therapeutic function.

Prox1-Heterozygosis Sensitizes the Pancreas to Oncogenic Kras-Induced Neoplastic Transformation

The current paradigm of pancreatic neoplastic transformation proposes an initial step whereby acinar cells convert into acinar-to-ductal metaplasias, followed by progression of these lesions into neoplasias under sustained oncogenic activity and inflammation. Understanding the molecular mechanisms driving these processes is crucial to the early diagnostic and prevention of pancreatic cancer. Emerging evidence indicates that transcription factors that control exocrine pancreatic development could have either, protective or facilitating roles in the formation of preneoplasias and neoplasias in the pancreas. We previously identified that the homeodomain transcription factor Prox1 is a novel regulator of mouse exocrine pancreas development. Here we investigated whether Prox1 function participates in early neoplastic transformation using in vivo, in vitro and in silico approaches. We found that Prox1 expression is transiently re-activated in acinar cells undergoing dedifferentiation and acinar-to-ductal metaplastic conversion. In contrast, Prox1 expression is largely absent in neoplasias and tumors in the pancreas of mice and humans. We also uncovered that Prox1-heterozygosis markedly increases the formation of acinar-to-ductal-metaplasias and early neoplasias, and enhances features associated with inflammation, in mouse pancreatic tissues expressing oncogenic Kras. Furthermore, we discovered that Prox1-heterozygosis increases tissue damage and delays recovery from inflammation in pancreata of mice injected with caerulein. These results are the first demonstration that Prox1 activity protects pancreatic cells from acute tissue damage and early neoplastic transformation. Additional data in our study indicate that this novel role of Prox1 involves suppression of pathways associated with inflammatory responses and cell invasiveness.

Suppression of Tumor Growth and Muscle Wasting in a Transgenic Mouse Model of Pancreatic Cancer by the Novel Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor AR-42

PURPOSE

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the third leading cause of cancer death in the United States. This study was aimed at evaluating the efficacy of AR-42 (formerly OSU-HDAC42), a novel histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor currently in clinical trials, in suppressing tumor growth and/or cancer-induced muscle wasting in murine models of PDAC.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

The in vitro antiproliferative activity of AR-42 was evaluated in six human pancreatic cancer cell lines (AsPC-1, COLO-357, PANC-1, MiaPaCa-2, BxPC-3, SW1990). AsPC-1 subcutaneous xenograft and transgenic KP^fl/flC (LSL-Kras^G12D;Trp53^flox/flox;Pdx-1-Cre) mouse models of pancreatic cancer were used to evaluate the in vivo efficacy of AR-42 in suppressing tumor growth and/or muscle wasting.

RESULTS

Growth suppression in AR-42-treated cells was observed in all six human pancreatic cancer cell lines with dose-dependent modulation of proliferation and apoptotic markers, which was associated with the hallmark features of HDAC inhibition, including p21 upregulation and histone H3 hyperacetylation. Oral administration of AR-42 at 50 mg/kg every other day resulted in suppression of tumor burden in the AsPC-1 xenograft and KP^fl/flC models by 78% and 55%, respectively, at the end of treatment. Tumor suppression was associated with HDAC inhibition, increased apoptosis, and inhibition of proliferation. Additionally, AR-42 as a single agent preserved muscle size and increased grip strength in KP^fl/flC mice. Finally, the combination of AR-42 and gemcitabine in transgenic mice demonstrated a significant increase in survival than either agent alone.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that AR-42 represents a therapeutically promising strategy for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Chaperonin Containing TCP-1 Protein Level in Breast Cancer Cells Predicts Therapeutic Application of a Cytotoxic Peptide

PURPOSE

Metastatic disease is a leading cause of death for patients with breast cancer, driving the need for new therapies. CT20p is a peptide previously discovered by our group that displays cancer-specific cytotoxicity. To design the optimal therapeutic use of the peptide, we identified the intracellular target of CT20p in breast cancer cells, correlating expression patterns of the target with susceptibility to CT20p.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Using polymeric nanoparticles to deliver CT20p, we assessed cytoskeletal changes, cell migration, adhesion, and viability in cells treated with the peptide. Protein pull-down experiments, coupled to mass spectrometry, enabled identification of the peptide's intracellular target. Biochemical and histologic techniques validated target identity in human cell lines and breast cancer tissue microarrays and revealed susceptibility patterns to CT20p.

RESULTS

Chaperonin containing TCP-1 (CCT) was identified as the intracellular target of CT20p. Cancer cells susceptible to CT20p had increased CCT, and overexpression of CCTβ, a subunit of the CCT complex, enhanced susceptibility to CT20p. Susceptible cells displayed reduced tubulin, a substrate of CCT, and inhibition of migration upon CT20p treatment. CCTβ levels were higher in invasive ductal carcinomas than in cancer adjacent tissues and increased with breast cancer stage. Decreased breast cancer patient survival correlated with genomic alternations in CCTβ and higher levels of the chaperone.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased CCT protein in breast cancer cells underlies the cytotoxicity of CT20p. CCT is thus a potential target for therapeutic intervention and serves as a companion diagnostic to personalize the therapeutic use of CT20p for breast cancer treatment. Clin Cancer Res; 22(17); 4366-79. ©2016 AACR.

Prediabetes linked to excess glucagon in transgenic mice with pancreatic active AKT1

Protein kinase B/AKT has three isoforms (AKT1-3) and is renowned for its central role in the regulation of cell growth and proliferation, due to its constitutive activation in various cancers. AKT2, which is highly expressed in insulin-responsive tissues, has been identified as a primary regulator of glucose metabolism as Akt2 knockout mice (Akt2(-/-)) are glucose-intolerant and insulin-resistant. However, the role of AKT1 in glucose metabolism is not as clearly defined. We previously showed that mice with myristoylated Akt1 (AKT1(Myr)) expressed through a bicistronic Pdx1-TetA and TetO-MyrAkt1 system were susceptible to islet cell carcinomas, and in this study we characterized an early onset, prediabetic phenotype. Beginning at weaning (3 weeks of age), the glucose-intolerant AKT1(Myr) mice exhibited non-fasted hyperglycemia, which progressed to fasted hyperglycemia by 5 months of age. The glucose intolerance was attributed to a fasted hyperglucagonemia, and hepatic insulin resistance detectable by reduced phosphorylation of the insulin receptor following insulin injection into the inferior vena cava. In contrast, treatment with doxycycline diet to turn off the transgene caused attenuation of the non-fasted and fasted hyperglycemia, thus affirming AKT1 hyperactivation as the trigger. Collectively, this model highlights a novel glucagon-mediated mechanism by which AKT1 hyperactivation affects glucose homeostasis and provides an avenue to better delineate the molecular mechanisms responsible for diabetes mellitus and the potential association with pancreatic cancer.

Implication of PI3K/Akt pathway in pancreatic cancer: When PI3K isoforms matter?

Pancreatic cancer belongs to the incurable family of solid cancers. Despite of a recent better understanding its molecular biology, and an increased number of clinical trials, there is still a lack for innovative targeted therapies to fight this deadly malignancy. PI3K/Akt signalling is one of the most commonly deregulated signalling pathways in cancer, which explains the massive attention from many pharmaceutical companies over the ten past years on these signalling molecules. The already developed small molecule inhibitors are currently under clinical trial in various cancer types. Class I PI3Ks have 4 isoforms for which the role in physiology starts to be well described in the literature. Data are more unclear for their differential involvement in oncogenesis. In this review, we will discuss about the cognitive and therapeutic potential of targeting this signalling pathway and in particular Class I PI3K isoforms for pancreatic cancer treatment. Isoform-specificity of PI3K inhibitors are currently designed to achieve the same goal as pan-PI3K inhibitors but without potential adverse effects. We will discuss if such strategy is relevant in pancreatic adenocarcinoma.