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Rueda A, Serna N, Mangues R, Villaverde A, Unzueta U. Targeting the chemokine receptor CXCR4 for cancer therapies. Biomark Res 2025; 13:68. [PMID: 40307933 PMCID: PMC12044942 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-025-00778-y] [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: 02/03/2025] [Accepted: 04/13/2025] [Indexed: 05/02/2025] Open
Abstract
The C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) has emerged as a key molecular biomarker for cancer therapies due to its critical role in tumor progression and metastases by displaying a stem cells phenotype. Its overexpression has been observed in more than 20 types of cancers, including solid tumors and hematological malignancies, and it is often associated with tumor aggressiveness and poor prognosis. Being initially recognized as a co-receptor involved in HIV infection, numerous CXCR4-targeting ligands and antagonists, including small molecules, peptides and biologics have been identified over the past decades. While only few of them have been used in the context of cancer therapies, recent biotechnological advancements using CXCR4 as a molecular target are showing significant potential to revolutionize future cancer therapies. Therefore, this review highlights the biotechnological innovations developed for cancer therapy and diagnosis by targeting the chemokine receptor CXCR4. It also discusses future perspectives on emerging therapeutic strategies, ranging from the use of small molecule inhibitors that block receptor signaling to cutting-edge nanocarriers designed for the targeted delivery of innovative drugs and proteins into cancer stem cells, aiming at cell-selective precision nanomedicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariana Rueda
- Institut de Recerca Sant Pau (IR SANT PAU), Sant Quintí 77 - 79, Barcelona, 08041, Spain
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, 28029, Spain
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC Sant Pau), 08041, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Naroa Serna
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, 28029, Spain
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Ramon Mangues
- Institut de Recerca Sant Pau (IR SANT PAU), Sant Quintí 77 - 79, Barcelona, 08041, Spain.
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, 28029, Spain.
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC Sant Pau), 08041, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Antonio Villaverde
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, 28029, Spain.
- Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain.
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193, Spain.
| | - Ugutz Unzueta
- Institut de Recerca Sant Pau (IR SANT PAU), Sant Quintí 77 - 79, Barcelona, 08041, Spain.
- CIBER de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, 28029, Spain.
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC Sant Pau), 08041, Barcelona, Spain.
- Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, 08193, Spain.
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Liu M, Chen X, Ding H, Shu Q, Zheng Y, Chen Y, Cai L. Comparison of [ 18F]FDG and [ 68 Ga]pentixafor PET/CT in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma. Mol Imaging Biol 2024; 26:658-667. [PMID: 38627276 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-024-01913-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to explore the feasibility of [68 Ga]pentixafor positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). PROCEDURES This prospective study included patients with NPC who underwent [68 Ga]pentixafor PET/CT and 2-[18F]fuoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose ([18F]FDG) PET/CT within one week between November 2022 and March 2023. The [68 Ga]pentixafor and [18F]FDG uptakes in primary and metastatic lesions were measured and compared. RESULTS Twenty-five participants (21 patients for initial stage and four patients for recurrence detection) were enrolled in our study. The participants underwent [18F]FDG PET/CT and [68 Ga]pentixafor PET/CT. [68 Ga]pentixafor PET/CT had the same detection rate as [18F]FDG for primary tumor (96% vs. 96%). The [68 Ga]pentixafor maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax) and target-to-background ratio (TBR) of primary tumors were lower than those of [18F]FDG (SUVmax: 8.13 ± 2.78 vs. 14.25 ± 6.45; P < 0.01; TBR: 5.17 ± 2.14 vs. 9.81 ± 5.30, P < 0.01). The difference between tumor volume of [68 Ga]pentixafor (TVpentixafor) and tumor volume of [18F]FDG (TVFDG) showed no significance (median: 16.01 vs. 9.56, P = 0.332). In the detection of suspected metastatic cervical lymph nodes (CLNs), [68 Ga]pentixafor PET possessed a lower SUVmax than [18F]FDG PET/CT (SUVmax: 6.86 ± 2.63 vs. 10.39 ± 5.28, P < 0.01), but there was no significant difference in the detection rate between [68 Ga]pentixafor and [18F]FDG PET/CT (96 vs. 98, P = 0.613). CONCLUSIONS [68 Ga]pentixafor is a promising imaging tracer for detecting primary and metastatic NPC. [68 Ga]pentixafor PET/CT is comparable to [18F]FDG PET/CT in the detection rate of primary tumors and metastatic cervical lymph nodes in nasopharyngeal carcinoma, but [68 Ga]pentixafor uptake was heterogeneous. [68 Ga]pentixafor PET/CT may help select patients most likely to benefit from CXCR4-directed endoradiotherapy. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NO ChiCTR2200065902.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengna Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Haoyuan Ding
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Qiaoqiao Shu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Yun Zheng
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.
| | - Yue Chen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Liang Cai
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.
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3
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Abbasifard M, Bagherzadeh K, Khorramdelazad H. The story of clobenpropit and CXCR4: can be an effective drug in cancer and autoimmune diseases? Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1410104. [PMID: 39070795 PMCID: PMC11272485 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1410104] [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: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Clobenpropit is a histamine H3 receptor antagonist and has developed as a potential therapeutic drug due to its ability to inhibit CXCR4, a chemokine receptor involved in autoimmune diseases and cancer pathogenesis. The CXCL12/CXCR4 axis involves several biological phenomena, including cell proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, inflammation, and metastasis. Accordingly, inhibiting CXCR4 can have promising clinical outcomes in patients with malignancy or autoimmune disorders. Based on available knowledge, Clobenpropit can effectively regulate the release of monocyte-derived inflammatory cytokine in autoimmune diseases such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), presenting a potential targeted target with possible advantages over current therapeutic approaches. This review summarizes the intricate interplay between Clobenpropit and CXCR4 and the molecular mechanisms underlying their interactions, comprehensively analyzing their impact on immune regulation. Furthermore, we discuss preclinical and clinical investigations highlighting the probable efficacy of Clobenpropit for managing autoimmune diseases and cancer. Through this study, we aim to clarify the immunomodulatory role of Clobenpropit and its advantages and disadvantages as a novel therapeutic opportunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitra Abbasifard
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Ali-Ibn Abi-Talib Hospital, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Kowsar Bagherzadeh
- Eye Research Center, The Five Senses Health Institute, Rassoul Akram Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Khorramdelazad
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
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Kraus S, Dierks A, Rasche L, Kertels O, Kircher M, Schirbel A, Zovko J, Steinbrunn T, Tibes R, Wester HJ, Buck AK, Einsele H, Kortüm KM, Rosenwald A, Lapa C. 68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT for Detection of Chemokine Receptor CXCR4 Expression in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms. J Nucl Med 2022; 63:96-99. [PMID: 34049979 PMCID: PMC8717205 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.121.262206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) is an attractive target for cancer diagnosis and treatment, as it is overexpressed in many solid and hematologic malignancies. This study investigated the feasibility of CXCR4-directed imaging with PET/CT using 68Ga-pentixafor to visualize and quantify disease involvement in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). Methods: Twelve patients with MPNs (4 with primary myelofibrosis, 6 with essential thrombocythemia, and 2 with polycythemia vera) and 5 controls underwent 68Ga-pentixafor PET/CT. Imaging findings were compared with immunohistochemical stainings, laboratory data, and splenic volume. Results:68Ga-pentixafor PET/CT was visually positive in 12 of 12 patients, and CXCR4 target specificity could be confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. A significantly higher tracer uptake could be detected in the bone marrow of MPN patients (SUVmean, 6.45 ± 2.34 vs. 4.44 ± 1.24). Dynamic changes in CXCR4 expression determined by 68Ga-pentixafor PET/CT corresponded with treatment response. Conclusion:68Ga-pentixafor PET/CT represents a novel diagnostic tool to noninvasively detect and quantify the extent of disease involvement in MPNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Kraus
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Dierks
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Nuclear Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Leo Rasche
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Olivia Kertels
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Malte Kircher
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Nuclear Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Schirbel
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Josip Zovko
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Torsten Steinbrunn
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Raoul Tibes
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Hans-Jürgen Wester
- Pharmaceutical Radiochemistry, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; and
| | - Andreas K Buck
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Hermann Einsele
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - K Martin Kortüm
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Constantin Lapa
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany;
- Nuclear Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
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5
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Su L, Hu Z, Yang YG. Role of CXCR4 in the progression and therapy of acute leukaemia. Cell Prolif 2021; 54:e13076. [PMID: 34050566 PMCID: PMC8249790 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
CXCR4 is expressed on leukaemia cells and haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), and its ligand stromal-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) is produced abundantly by stromal cells in the bone marrow (BM). The SDF-1/CXCR4 axis plays important roles in homing to and retention in the protective BM microenvironment of malignant leukaemia cells and normal HSCs. CXCR4 expression is regulated by multiple mechanisms and the level of CXCR4 expression on leukaemia cells has prognostic indications in patients with acute leukaemia. CXCR4 antagonists can mobilize leukaemia cells from BM to circulation, which render them effectively eradicated by chemotherapeutic agents, small molecular inhibitors or hypomethylating agents. Therefore, such combinational therapies have been tested in clinical trials. However, new evidence emerged that drug-resistant leukaemia cells were not affected by CXCR4 antagonists, and the migration of certain leukaemia cells to the leukaemia niche was independent of SDF-1/CXCR4 axis. In this review, we summarize the role of CXCR4 in progression and treatment of acute leukaemia, with a focus on the potential of CXCR4 as a therapeutic target for acute leukaemia. We also discuss the potential value of using CXCR4 antagonists as chemosensitizer for conditioning regimens and immunosensitizer for graft-vs-leukaemia effects of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Su
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, China.,International Center of Future Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Department of Hematology, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zheng Hu
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, China
| | - Yong-Guang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration & Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, The First Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, China.,International Center of Future Science, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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6
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Kwon D, Lozada J, Zhang Z, Zeisler J, Poon R, Zhang C, Roxin Á, Lin KS, Perrin D, Benard F. High-Contrast CXCR4-Targeted 18F-PET Imaging Using a Potent and Selective Antagonist. Mol Pharm 2020; 18:187-197. [PMID: 33253591 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.0c00785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) is highly expressed in cancers, contributing to proliferation, metastasis, and a poor prognosis. The noninvasive imaging of CXCR4 can enable the detection and characterization of aggressive cancers with poor outcomes. Currently, no 18F-labeled CXCR4 positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracer has demonstrated imaging contrast comparable to [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor, a CXCR4-targeting radioligand. We, therefore, aimed to develop a high-contrast CXCR4-targeting radiotracer by incorporating a hydrophilic linker and trifluoroborate radioprosthesis to LY2510924, a known CXCR4 antagonist. A carboxy-ammoniomethyl-trifluoroborate (PepBF3) moiety was conjugated to the LY2510924-derived peptide possessing a triglutamate linker via amide bond formation to obtain BL08, whereas an alkyne ammoniomethyl-trifluoroborate (AMBF3) moiety was conjugated using the copper-catalyzed [3+2] cycloaddition click reaction to obtain BL09. BL08 and BL09 were radiolabeled with [18F]fluoride ion using 18F-19F isotope exchange. Pentixafor was radiolabeled with [68Ga]GaCl3. Side-by-side PET imaging and biodistribution studies were performed on immunocompromised mice bearing Daudi Burkitt lymphoma xenografts. The biodistribution of [18F]BL08 and [18F]BL09 showed tumor uptake at 2 h postinjection (p.i.) (5.67 ± 1.25%ID/g and 5.83 ± 0.92%ID/g, respectively), which were concordant with the results of PET imaging. [18F]BL08 had low background activity, providing tumor-to-blood, -muscle, and -liver ratios of 72 ± 20, 339 ± 81, and 14 ± 3 (2 h p.i.), respectively. [18F]BL09 behaved similarly, with ratios of 64 ± 20, 239 ± 72, and 17 ± 3 (2 h p.i.), respectively. This resulted in high-contrast visualization of tumors on PET imaging for both radiotracers. [18F]BL08 exhibited lower kidney uptake (2.2 ± 0.5%ID/g) compared to [18F]BL09 (7.6 ± 1.0%ID/g) at 2 h p.i. [18F]BL08 and [18F]BL09 demonstrated higher tumor-to-blood, -muscle, and -liver ratios compared to [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor (18.9 ± 2.7, 95.4 ± 36.7, and 5.9 ± 0.7 at 2 h p.i., respectively). In conclusion, [18F]BL08 and [18F]BL09 enable high-contrast visualization of CXCR4 expression in Daudi xenografts. Based on high tumor-to-organ ratios, [18F]BL08 may prove a valuable new tool for CXCR4-targeted PET imaging with potential for translation. The use of a PepBF3 moiety is a new approach for the orthogonal conjugation of organotrifluoroborates for 18F-labeling of peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Kwon
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer, Vancouver V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Jerome Lozada
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Zhengxing Zhang
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer, Vancouver V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Jutta Zeisler
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer, Vancouver V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Richel Poon
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Chengcheng Zhang
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer, Vancouver V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Áron Roxin
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer, Vancouver V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Kuo-Shyan Lin
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer, Vancouver V5Z 1L3, Canada.,Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - David Perrin
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Francois Benard
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer, Vancouver V5Z 1L3, Canada.,Department of Radiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver V5Z 1M9, Canada
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The Signaling Duo CXCL12 and CXCR4: Chemokine Fuel for Breast Cancer Tumorigenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12103071. [PMID: 33096815 PMCID: PMC7590182 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12103071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Breast cancer remains the most common malignancy in women. In this review, we explore the role of the CXCL12/CXCR4 pathway in breast cancer. We show that the CXCL12/CXCR4 cascade is involved in nearly every aspect of breast cancer tumorigenesis including proliferation, cell motility and distant metastasis. Moreover, we summarize current knowledge about the CXCL12/CXCR4-targeted therapies. Due to the critical roles of this pathway in breast cancer and other malignancies, we believe that audiences in different fields will find this overview helpful. Abstract The CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling pathway has emerged in the recent years as a key player in breast cancer tumorigenesis. This pathway controls many aspects of breast cancer development including cancer cell proliferation, motility and metastasis to all target organs. Moreover, the CXCL12/CXCR4 cascade affects both immune and stromal cells, creating tumor-supporting microenvironment. In this review, we examine state-of-the-art knowledge about detrimental roles of the CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling, discuss its therapeutic potential and suggest further research directions beneficial both for basic research and personalized medicine in breast cancer.
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Li Y, Wang H, Wang J, Sun B, Li L. Chemokine receptor 4 expression is correlated with the occurrence and prognosis of gastric cancer. FEBS Open Bio 2020; 10:1149-1161. [PMID: 32306562 PMCID: PMC7262922 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.12864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is a common tumor with a low 5-year survival rate. The chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) protein contributes to the progression and prognosis of GC, but the relationship between CXCR4 and immune infiltration, somatic copy number alteration (SCNA), tumor purity, tumor mutation burden (TMB), cytolytic activity (CYT), and drug sensitivity in GC is poorly understood. This study aimed to systematically explore the role of CXCR4 in GC. Microarray and RNA-seq data were collected from the Gene Expression Omnibus and The Cancer Genome Atlas. Our analysis shows that CXCR4 is correlated with various types of immune cells. Patients with high CXCR4 expression had a higher fraction of B cells and CD8+ T cells, and a lower fraction of CD4+ T cells. In addition, high CXCR4 expression was associated with more advanced tumor stage, worse prognosis and higher stromal score, immune score, and cytolytic activity (P < 0.05). High CXCR4 expression also correlated with lower tumor purity and TMB. In summary, our analyses suggest that CXCR4 may affect the progression and prognosis of GC by influencing immune infiltration, TMB, CYT, tumor purity, and drug sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- Department of GastrointestinalShandong provincial hospital affiliated to Shandong universityJinanChina
| | - Hong‐Chang Wang
- Department of GastrointestinalShandong provincial hospital affiliated to Shandong universityJinanChina
| | - Jin‐Shen Wang
- Department of GastrointestinalShandong provincial hospital affiliated to Shandong universityJinanChina
| | - Bo Sun
- Department of GastrointestinalShandong provincial hospital affiliated to Shandong universityJinanChina
| | - Le‐Ping Li
- Department of GastrointestinalShandong provincial hospital affiliated to Shandong universityJinanChina
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9
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Jiang Q, Sun Y, Liu X. CXCR4 as a prognostic biomarker in gastrointestinal cancer: a meta-analysis. Biomarkers 2019; 24:510-516. [PMID: 31244335 DOI: 10.1080/1354750x.2019.1637941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Background: CXCR4 is a member of the C-X-C chemokine receptor family, which is associated with multiple types of cancer. Although it has been widely reported, the prognostic value of CXCR4 expression in gastrointestinal (GI) cancer remains controversial. Methods: A meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the relationship between CXCR4 and prognosis of patients with GI cancer. Subgroup analysis was also performed according to tumour subtypes and heterogeneity test. Results: A total of 24 studies including 3637 cases suggested that overexpression of CXCR4 is significantly associated with overall survival (OS) for patients with GI cancer (HR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.45-2.03, p = 0.000). Subgroup analysis also indicated that high CXCR4 expression in oesophagus, gastric and colorectal cancer all predicted a worse prognosis (HR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.26-1.84, p = 0.001 for oesophagus cancer; HR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.10-2.30, p = 0.015 for gastric cancer; HR = 2.21, 95% CI = 1.56-3.14, p = 0.000 for colorectal cancer). Conclusions: CXCR4 may serve as a prognostic indicator in GI cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingtao Jiang
- a Department of Medicine, Jiangsu Health Vocational College , Nanjing , China
| | - Yun Sun
- b Center for Disease Prevention and Control of Changzhou , Changzhou , China
| | - Xin Liu
- c Institute of Occupational Disease Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Prevention and Control , Nanjing , China
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10
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Lin Y, Lin Y, Lin X, Sun X, Luo K. Combination of PET and CXCR4-Targeted Peptide Molecule Agents for Noninvasive Tumor Monitoring. J Cancer 2019; 10:3420-3426. [PMID: 31293645 PMCID: PMC6603417 DOI: 10.7150/jca.31087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Precision medicine is emphasizing not only at individual but also at disease molecule level in modern medicine. Therefore, target-specific molecular agents are crucial for precise diagnosis and treatment. We developed a peptide agent that binds a critical chemokine receptor-CXCR4 and could be used to detect tumor status. Confocal images showed binding of the peptide agent to human osteosarcoma cells. Clinical gold-standard molecular imaging agent PET showed tumors had high glucose metabolism, CT showed that these xenograft tumors were calcified and displayed hypervascularity. Peptide imaging demonstrated that these tumors were CXCR4 positive. However, Western blot protein analysis revealed a discordance between the tumor and the CXCR4 targeted agent, suggesting that small changes in peptide sequences have profound effect on binding to their targets. We also demonstrated the molecular screening by modifying the peptide sequence and thereby altering the binding properties of the agent. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that small molecule peptide agents can be used as an additional diagnostic tool for precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizi Lin
- Department of Radiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Yi Lin
- Department of Radiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Xiao Lin
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Xiaotian Sun
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clinic of August First Film Studio,301 Hospital, NO.1 Liuli Bridge, Beijing, China
| | - Kun Luo
- Department of Radiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
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Liu N, Wan Q, Cheng Z, Chen Y. Radionuclide-Labeled Peptides for Imaging and Treatment of CXCR4- Overexpressing Malignant Tumors. Curr Top Med Chem 2019; 19:17-32. [PMID: 30706786 DOI: 10.2174/1568026619666190201094952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2018] [Revised: 12/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Malignant tumors are a major cause of death. The lack of methods that provide an early diagnosis and adequate treatment of cancers is the main obstacle to precision medicine. The C-X-C chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) is overexpressed in various tumors and plays a key role in tumor pathogenesis. Therefore, CXCR4-targeted molecular imaging can quickly and accurately detect and quantify CXCR4 abnormalities in real time. The expression level and activation status of CXCR4 are very important for screening susceptible populations and providing an accurate diagnosis and optimal treatment. In view of the fact that radionuclide-labeled peptides have become widely used for the diagnosis and treatment of tumors, this manuscript reviews the potential of different radionuclide-labeled peptide inhibitors for the targeted imaging of CXCR4- positive tumors and targeted treatment. The article also discusses the specificity and in vivo distribution of radionuclide-labeled peptide inhibitors, and translation of these inhibitors to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25, Taiping St, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China.,Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, No.25, Taiping St, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Qiang Wan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25, Taiping St, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China.,Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, No.25, Taiping St, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Zhen Cheng
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer Early Detection, Department of Radiology and Bio-X Program, 1201 Welch Road, Lucas Expansion, P095 Stanford University, California, United States
| | - Yue Chen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25, Taiping St, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China.,Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, No.25, Taiping St, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
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