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Zheng D, Elnegiry AA, Luo C, Bendahou MA, Xie L, Bell D, Takahashi Y, Hanna E, Mias GI, Tsoi MF, Gu B. Brd4::Nutm1 fusion gene initiates NUT carcinoma in vivo. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202402602. [PMID: 38724194 PMCID: PMC11082452 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202402602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
NUT carcinoma (NC) is an aggressive cancer with no effective treatment. About 70% of NUT carcinoma is associated with chromosome translocation events that lead to the formation of a BRD4::NUTM1 fusion gene. Because the BRD4::NUTM1 gene is unequivocally cytotoxic when ectopically expressed in cell lines, questions remain on whether the fusion gene can initiate NC. Here, we report the first genetically engineered mouse model for NUT carcinoma that recapitulates the human t(15;19) chromosome translocation in mice. We demonstrated that the mouse t(2;17) syntenic chromosome translocation, forming the Brd4::Nutm1 fusion gene, could induce aggressive carcinomas in mice. The tumors present histopathological and molecular features similar to human NC, with enrichment of undifferentiated cells. Similar to the reports of human NC incidence, Brd4::Nutm1 can induce NC from a broad range of tissues with a strong phenotypical variability. The consistent induction of poorly differentiated carcinoma demonstrated a strong reprogramming activity of BRD4::NUTM1. The new mouse model provided a critical preclinical model for NC that will lead to better understanding and therapy development for NC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dejin Zheng
- https://ror.org/05hs6h993 Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- https://ror.org/05hs6h993 Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Ahmed A Elnegiry
- https://ror.org/05hs6h993 Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- https://ror.org/05hs6h993 Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Home Institution: Department of Cytology and Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aswan University, Aswan, Egypt
| | - Chenxiang Luo
- https://ror.org/05hs6h993 Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- https://ror.org/05hs6h993 Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Home Institution: Center for Reproductive Medicine and Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Mohammed Amine Bendahou
- Infection Biology and Cancer Biology Program, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Liangqi Xie
- Infection Biology and Cancer Biology Program, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Diana Bell
- City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Pathology, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Yoko Takahashi
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ehab Hanna
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - George I Mias
- https://ror.org/05hs6h993 Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- https://ror.org/05hs6h993 Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Nature Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Mayra F Tsoi
- https://ror.org/05hs6h993 Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Bin Gu
- https://ror.org/05hs6h993 Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- https://ror.org/05hs6h993 Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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2
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Wang Y, Liu S, Wang Y, Li B, Liang J, Chen Y, Tang B, Yu S, Wang H. KDM5B promotes SMAD4 loss-driven drug resistance through activating DLG1/YAP to induce lipid accumulation in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:252. [PMID: 38789418 PMCID: PMC11126577 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-02020-4] [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: 02/25/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Inactivated suppressor of mothers against decapentaplegic homolog (SMAD) 4 significantly affects cancer development in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, the contribution of smad4 loss to drug resistance in PDAC is largely undetermined. In the present study, we reported that the loss of SMAD4 endows PDAC cells the ability to drug resistance through upregulating histone lysine demethylase, Lysine-Specific Demethylase 5B (KDM5B, also known as JARID1B or PLU1). Upregulated KDM5B was found in PDAC, associated with poor prognosis and recurrence of PDAC patients. Upregulated KDM5B promotes PDAC tumor malignancy, i.e. cancer cells stemness and drug resistance in vitro and in vivo, while KDM5B knockout exerts opposite effects. Mechanistically, loss of Smad4-mediated upregulation of KDM5B promotes drug resistance through inhibiting the discs-large homolog 1 (DLG1), thereby facilitating nuclear translocation of YAP to induce de novo lipogenesis. Moreover, m6A demethylase FTO is involved in the upregulation of KDM5B by maintaining KDM5B mRNA stability. Collectively, the present study suggested FTO-mediated KDM5B stabilization in the context of loss of Smad4 activate DLG1/YAP1 pathway to promote tumorigenesis by reprogramming lipid accumulation in PDAC. Our study confirmed that the KDM5B-DLG1-YAP1 pathway axis plays a crucial role in the genesis and progression of PDAC, and KDM5B was expected to become a target for the treatment of PDAC. The schematic diagram of KDM5B-DLG1-YAP pathway axis in regulating drug resistance of PDAC to gemcitabine (GEM). In the context of SMAD4 loss PDAC cells, FTO-mediated stabilization and upregulation of KDM5B promotes drug resistance through directly targeting DLG1 to promote YAP1 translocation to nucleus to induce de novo lipogenesis (DNL).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumin Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, P. R. China
- Pharmaceutical College Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, P. R. China
| | - Shiqian Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, P. R. China
| | - Yan Wang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Disease Research & Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, P. R. China
| | - Baibei Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, P. R. China
| | - Jiaming Liang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, P. R. China
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, P. R. China
| | - Bo Tang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, P. R. China.
| | - Shuiping Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, P. R. China.
| | - Hongquan Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, P. R. China.
- Pharmaceutical College Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, P. R. China.
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3
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Cho CJ, Brown JW, Mills JC. Origins of cancer: ain't it just mature cells misbehaving? EMBO J 2024:10.1038/s44318-024-00099-0. [PMID: 38773319 DOI: 10.1038/s44318-024-00099-0] [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: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
A pervasive view is that undifferentiated stem cells are alone responsible for generating all other cells and are the origins of cancer. However, emerging evidence demonstrates fully differentiated cells are plastic, can be coaxed to proliferate, and also play essential roles in tissue maintenance, regeneration, and tumorigenesis. Here, we review the mechanisms governing how differentiated cells become cancer cells. First, we examine the unique characteristics of differentiated cell division, focusing on why differentiated cells are more susceptible than stem cells to accumulating mutations. Next, we investigate why the evolution of multicellularity in animals likely required plastic differentiated cells that maintain the capacity to return to the cell cycle and required the tumor suppressor p53. Finally, we examine an example of an evolutionarily conserved program for the plasticity of differentiated cells, paligenosis, which helps explain the origins of cancers that arise in adults. Altogether, we highlight new perspectives for understanding the development of cancer and new strategies for preventing carcinogenic cellular transformations from occurring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles J Cho
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jeffrey W Brown
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jason C Mills
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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4
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Chang Y, Chen Q, Li H, Xu J, Tan M, Xiong X, Sun Y. The UBE2F-CRL5 ASB11-DIRAS2 axis is an oncogene and tumor suppressor cascade in pancreatic cancer cells. Dev Cell 2024; 59:1317-1332.e5. [PMID: 38574733 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2024.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
UBE2F, a neddylation E2, neddylates CUL5 to activate cullin-RING ligase-5, upon coupling with neddylation E3 RBX2/SAG. Whether and how UBE2F controls pancreatic tumorigenesis is previously unknown. Here, we showed that UBE2F is essential for the growth of human pancreatic cancer cells with KRAS mutation. In the mouse KrasG12D pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) model, Ube2f deletion suppresses cerulein-induced pancreatitis, and progression of acinar-to-ductal metaplasia (ADM) and pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia. Mechanistically, Ube2f deletion inactivates the Mapk-c-Myc signals via blocking ubiquitylation of Diras2, a substrate of CRL5Asb11 E3 ligase. Biologically, DIRAS2 suppresses growth and survival of human pancreatic cancer cells harboring mutant KRAS, and Diras2 deletion largely rescues the phenotypes induced by Ube2f deletion. Collectively, Ube2f or Diras2 plays a tumor-promoting or tumor-suppressive role in the mouse KrasG12D PDAC model, respectively. The UBE2F-CRL5ASB11 axis could serve as a valid target for pancreatic cancer, whereas the levels of UBE2F or DIRAS2 may serve as prognostic biomarkers for PDAC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chang
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education), The Second Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310029, China; Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Qian Chen
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education), The Second Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310029, China; Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China
| | - Hua Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jie Xu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Mingjia Tan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Xiufang Xiong
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education), The Second Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310029, China; Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China
| | - Yi Sun
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education), The Second Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310029, China; Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China; Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Hangzhou 310009, China; Leading Innovative and Entrepreneur Team Introduction Program of Zhejiang, Hangzhou, China; Research Center for Life Science and Human Health, Binjiang Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
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5
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Vendramini-Costa DB, Francescone R, Franco-Barraza J, Luong T, Graves M, de Aquino AM, Steele N, Gardiner JC, Dos Santos SAA, Ogier C, Malloy E, Borghaei L, Martinez E, Zhigarev DI, Tan Y, Lee H, Zhou Y, Cai KQ, Klein-Szanto AJ, Wang H, Andrake M, Dunbrack RL, Campbell K, Cukierman E. Netrin G1 Ligand is a new stromal immunomodulator that promotes pancreatic cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.15.594354. [PMID: 38798370 PMCID: PMC11118300 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.15.594354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Understanding pancreatic cancer biology is fundamental for identifying new targets and for developing more effective therapies. In particular, the contribution of the stromal microenvironment to pancreatic cancer tumorigenesis requires further exploration. Here, we report the stromal roles of the synaptic protein Netrin G1 Ligand (NGL-1) in pancreatic cancer, uncovering its pro-tumor functions in cancer-associated fibroblasts and in immune cells. We observed that the stromal expression of NGL-1 inversely correlated with patients' overall survival. Moreover, germline knockout (KO) mice for NGL-1 presented decreased tumor burden, with a microenvironment that is less supportive of tumor growth. Of note, tumors from NGL-1 KO mice produced less immunosuppressive cytokines and displayed an increased percentage of CD8 + T cells than those from control mice, while preserving the physical structure of the tumor microenvironment. These effects were shown to be mediated by NGL-1 in both immune cells and in the local stroma, in a TGF-β-dependent manner. While myeloid cells lacking NGL-1 decreased the production of immunosuppressive cytokines, NGL-1 KO T cells showed increased proliferation rates and overall polyfunctionality compared to control T cells. CAFs lacking NGL-1 were less immunosuppressive than controls, with overall decreased production of pro-tumor cytokines and compromised ability to inhibit CD8 + T cells activation. Mechanistically, these CAFs downregulated components of the TGF-β pathway, AP-1 and NFAT transcription factor families, resulting in a less tumor-supportive phenotype. Finally, targeting NGL-1 genetically or using a functionally antagonistic small peptide phenocopied the effects of chemotherapy, while modulating the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), rather than eliminating it. We propose NGL-1 as a new local stroma and immunomodulatory molecule, with pro-tumor roles in pancreatic cancer. Statement of Significance Here we uncovered the pro-tumor roles of the synaptic protein NGL-1 in the tumor microenvironment of pancreatic cancer, defining a new target that simultaneously modulates tumor cell, fibroblast, and immune cell functions. This study reports a new pathway where NGL-1 controls TGF-β, AP-1 transcription factor members and NFAT1, modulating the immunosuppressive microenvironment in pancreatic cancer. Our findings highlight NGL-1 as a new stromal immunomodulator in pancreatic cancer.
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6
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Schulz B, Leitner E, Schreiber T, Lindner T, Schwarz R, Aboutara N, Ma Y, Escobar HM, Palme R, Hinz B, Vollmar B, Zechner D. Sex Matters-Insights from Testing Drug Efficacy in an Animal Model of Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1901. [PMID: 38791980 PMCID: PMC11120498 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16101901] [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: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Preclinical studies rarely test the efficacy of therapies in both sexes. The field of oncology is no exception in this regard. In a model of syngeneic, orthotopic, metastasized pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma we evaluated the impact of sex on pathological features of this disease as well as on the efficacy and possible adverse side effects of a novel, small molecule-based therapy inhibiting KRAS:SOS1, MEK1/2 and PI3K signaling in male and female C57BL/6J mice. Male mice had less tumor infiltration of CD8-positive cells, developed bigger tumors, had more lung metastasis and a lower probability of survival compared to female mice. These more severe pathological features in male animals were accompanied by higher distress at the end of the experiment. The evaluated inhibitors BI-3406, trametinib and BKM120 showed synergistic effects in vitro. This combinatorial therapy reduced tumor weight more efficiently in male animals, although the drug concentrations were similar in the tumors of both sexes. These results underline the importance of sex-specific preclinical research and at the same time provide a solid basis for future studies with the tested compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Schulz
- Rudolf-Zenker-Institute of Experimental Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (B.S.)
| | - Emily Leitner
- Rudolf-Zenker-Institute of Experimental Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (B.S.)
| | - Tim Schreiber
- Rudolf-Zenker-Institute of Experimental Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (B.S.)
| | - Tobias Lindner
- Core Facility Multimodal Small Animal Imaging, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany;
| | - Rico Schwarz
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Nadine Aboutara
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Yixuan Ma
- Department of Medicine Clinic III, Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Hugo Murua Escobar
- Department of Medicine Clinic III, Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Rupert Palme
- Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Burkhard Hinz
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Brigitte Vollmar
- Rudolf-Zenker-Institute of Experimental Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (B.S.)
| | - Dietmar Zechner
- Rudolf-Zenker-Institute of Experimental Surgery, Rostock University Medical Center, 18057 Rostock, Germany; (B.S.)
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7
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Shrestha H, Rädler PD, Dennaoui R, Wicker MN, Rajbhandari N, Sun Y, Peck AR, Vistisen K, Triplett AA, Beydoun R, Sterneck E, Saur D, Rui H, Wagner KU. The Janus kinase 1 is critical for pancreatic cancer initiation and progression. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114202. [PMID: 38733583 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114202] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-6 (IL-6)-class inflammatory cytokines signal through the Janus tyrosine kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway and promote the development of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC); however, the functions of specific intracellular signaling mediators in this process are less well defined. Using a ligand-controlled and pancreas-specific knockout in adult mice, we demonstrate in this study that JAK1 deficiency prevents the formation of KRASG12D-induced pancreatic tumors, and we establish that JAK1 is essential for the constitutive activation of STAT3, whose activation is a prominent characteristic of PDAC. We identify CCAAT/enhancer binding protein δ (C/EBPδ) as a biologically relevant downstream target of JAK1 signaling, which is upregulated in human PDAC. Reinstating the expression of C/EBPδ was sufficient to restore the growth of JAK1-deficient cancer cells as tumorspheres and in xenografted mice. Collectively, the findings of this study suggest that JAK1 executes important functions of inflammatory cytokines through C/EBPδ and may serve as a molecular target for PDAC prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hridaya Shrestha
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine and Tumor Biology Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Patrick D Rädler
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine and Tumor Biology Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Rayane Dennaoui
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine and Tumor Biology Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Madison N Wicker
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine and Tumor Biology Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Nirakar Rajbhandari
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Yunguang Sun
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Amy R Peck
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Kerry Vistisen
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine and Tumor Biology Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Aleata A Triplett
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Rafic Beydoun
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine and Tumor Biology Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI 48201, USA; Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Esta Sterneck
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Signaling, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Dieter Saur
- Division of Translational Cancer Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany; Translational Cancer Research and Institute of Experimental Cancer Therapy, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Hallgeir Rui
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Kay-Uwe Wagner
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine and Tumor Biology Program, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
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8
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Tonelli C, Yordanov GN, Hao Y, Deschênes A, Hinds J, Belleau P, Klingbeil O, Brosnan E, Doshi A, Park Y, Hruban RH, Vakoc CR, Dobin A, Preall J, Tuveson DA. A mucus production programme promotes classical pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Gut 2024; 73:941-954. [PMID: 38262672 PMCID: PMC11088527 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2023-329839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The optimal therapeutic response in cancer patients is highly dependent upon the differentiation state of their tumours. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is a lethal cancer that harbours distinct phenotypic subtypes with preferential sensitivities to standard therapies. This study aimed to investigate intratumour heterogeneity and plasticity of cancer cell states in PDA in order to reveal cell state-specific regulators. DESIGN We analysed single-cell expression profiling of mouse PDAs, revealing intratumour heterogeneity and cell plasticity and identified pathways activated in the different cell states. We performed comparative analysis of murine and human expression states and confirmed their phenotypic diversity in specimens by immunolabeling. We assessed the function of phenotypic regulators using mouse models of PDA, organoids, cell lines and orthotopically grafted tumour models. RESULTS Our expression analysis and immunolabeling analysis show that a mucus production programme regulated by the transcription factor SPDEF is highly active in precancerous lesions and the classical subtype of PDA - the most common differentiation state. SPDEF maintains the classical differentiation and supports PDA transformation in vivo. The SPDEF tumour-promoting function is mediated by its target genes AGR2 and ERN2/IRE1β that regulate mucus production, and inactivation of the SPDEF programme impairs tumour growth and facilitates subtype interconversion from classical towards basal-like differentiation. CONCLUSIONS Our findings expand our understanding of the transcriptional programmes active in precancerous lesions and PDAs of classical differentiation, determine the regulators of mucus production as specific vulnerabilities in these cell states and reveal phenotype switching as a response mechanism to inactivation of differentiation states determinants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Tonelli
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, USA
| | | | - Yuan Hao
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, USA
| | - Astrid Deschênes
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, USA
| | - Juliene Hinds
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, USA
| | - Pascal Belleau
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, USA
| | - Olaf Klingbeil
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, USA
| | - Erin Brosnan
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, USA
| | - Abhishek Doshi
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, USA
| | - Youngkyu Park
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, USA
| | - Ralph H Hruban
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Alexander Dobin
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, USA
| | - Jonathan Preall
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, USA
| | - David A Tuveson
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, USA
- Lustgarten Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, USA
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9
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Decker-Farrell AR, Sastra SA, Harimoto T, Hasselluhn MC, Palermo CF, Ballister ER, Badgley MA, Danino T, Olive KP. "Tumor-selective treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer with an engineered, probiotic living drug". BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.02.592216. [PMID: 38746175 PMCID: PMC11092568 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.02.592216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) poses significant challenges for effective treatment, with systemic chemotherapy often proving inadequate due to poor drug delivery and the tumor's immunosuppressive microenvironment. Engineered bacteria present a novel approach to target PDAC, leveraging their ability to colonize tumors and deliver therapeutic payloads. Here, we engineered probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) to produce the pore-forming Theta toxin (Nis-Theta) and evaluated its efficacy in a preclinical model of PDAC. Probiotic administration resulted in selective colonization of tumor tissue, leading to improved overall survival compared to standard chemotherapy. Moreover, this strain exhibited cytotoxic effects on both primary and distant tumor lesions while sparing normal tissues. Importantly, treatment also modulated the tumor microenvironment by increasing anti-tumor immune cell populations and reducing immunosuppressive markers. These findings demonstrate the potential of engineered probiotic bacteria as a safe and effective therapeutic approach for PDAC, offering promise for improved patient outcomes.
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10
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Parte S, Kaur AB, Nimmakayala RK, Ogunleye AO, Chirravuri R, Vengoji R, Leon F, Nallasamy P, Rauth S, Alsafwani ZW, Lele S, Cox JL, Bhat I, Singh S, Batra SK, Ponnusamy MP. Cancer-Associated Fibroblast Induces Acinar-to-Ductal Cell Transdifferentiation and Pancreatic Cancer Initiation Via LAMA5/ITGA4 Axis. Gastroenterology 2024; 166:842-858.e5. [PMID: 38154529 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2023.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by desmoplastic stroma surrounding most tumors. Activated stromal fibroblasts, namely cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), play a major role in PDAC progression. We analyzed whether CAFs influence acinar cells and impact PDAC initiation, that is, acinar-to-ductal metaplasia (ADM). ADM connection with PDAC pathophysiology is indicated, but not yet established. We hypothesized that CAF secretome might play a significant role in ADM in PDAC initiation. METHODS Mouse and human acinar cell organoids, acinar cells cocultured with CAFs and exposed to CAF-conditioned media, acinar cell explants, and CAF cocultures were examined by means of quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, RNA sequencing, immunoblotting, and confocal microscopy. Data from liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry analysis of CAF-conditioned medium and RNA sequencing data of acinar cells post-conditioned medium exposure were integrated using bioinformatics tools to identify the molecular mechanism for CAF-induced ADM. Using confocal microscopy, immunoblotting, and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis, we validated the depletion of a key signaling axis in the cell line, acinar explant coculture, and mouse cancer-associated fibroblasts (mCAFs). RESULTS A close association of acino-ductal markers (Ulex europaeus agglutinin 1, amylase, cytokeratin-19) and mCAFs (α-smooth muscle actin) in LSL-KrasG12D/+; LSL-Trp53R172H/+; Pdx1Cre (KPC) and LSL-KrasG12D/+; Pdx1Cre (KC) autochthonous progression tumor tissue was observed. Caerulein treatment-induced mCAFs increased cytokeratin-19 and decreased amylase in wild-type and KC pancreas. Likewise, acinar-mCAF cocultures revealed the induction of ductal transdifferentiation in cell line, acinar-organoid, and explant coculture formats in WT and KC mice pancreas. Proteomic and transcriptomic data integration revealed a novel laminin α5/integrinα4/stat3 axis responsible for CAF-mediated acinar-to-ductal cell transdifferentiation. CONCLUSIONS Results collectively suggest the first evidence for CAF-influenced acino-ductal phenotypic switchover, thus highlighting the tumor microenvironment role in pancreatic carcinogenesis inception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seema Parte
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Annant B Kaur
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Rama Krishna Nimmakayala
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Ayoola O Ogunleye
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Ramakanth Chirravuri
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Raghupathy Vengoji
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Frank Leon
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Palanisamy Nallasamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Sanchita Rauth
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Zahraa Wajih Alsafwani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Subodh Lele
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Jesse L Cox
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Ishfaq Bhat
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraksa
| | - Shailender Singh
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraksa
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska.
| | - Moorthy P Ponnusamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska.
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11
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Dutta D, Ray P, De A, Ghosh A, Hazra RS, Ghosh P, Banerjee S, Diaz FJ, Upadhyay SP, Quadir M, Banerjee SK. pH-responsive targeted nanoparticles release ERK-inhibitor in the hypoxic zone and sensitize free gemcitabine in mutant K-Ras-addicted pancreatic cancer cells and mouse model. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297749. [PMID: 38687749 PMCID: PMC11060587 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic options for managing Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), one of the deadliest types of aggressive malignancies, are limited and disappointing. Therefore, despite suboptimal clinical effects, gemcitabine (GEM) remains the first-line chemotherapeutic drug in the clinic for PDAC treatment. The therapeutic limitations of GEM are primarily due to poor bioavailability and the development of chemoresistance resulting from the addiction of mutant-K-RAS/AKT/ERK signaling-mediated desmoplastic barriers with a hypoxic microenvironment. Several new therapeutic approaches, including nanoparticle-assisted drug delivery, are being investigated by us and others. This study used pH-responsive nanoparticles encapsulated ERK inhibitor (SCH772984) and surface functionalized with tumor-penetrating peptide, iRGD, to target PDAC tumors. We used a small molecule, SCH772984, to target ERK1 and ERK2 in PDAC and other cancer cells. This nanocarrier efficiently released ERKi in hypoxic and low-pH environments. We also found that the free-GEM, which is functionally weak when combined with nanoencapsulated ERKi, led to significant synergistic treatment outcomes in vitro and in vivo. In particular, the combination approaches significantly enhanced the GEM effect in PDAC growth inhibition and prolonged survival of the animals in a genetically engineered KPC (LSL-KrasG12D/+/LSL-Trp53R172H/+/Pdx-1-Cre) pancreatic cancer mouse model, which is not observed in a single therapy. Mechanistically, we anticipate that the GEM efficacy was increased as ERKi blocks desmoplasia by impairing the production of desmoplastic regulatory factors in PDAC cells and KPC mouse tumors. Therefore, 2nd generation ERKi (SCH 772984)-iRGD-pHNPs are vital for the cellular response to GEM and denote a promising therapeutic target in PDAC with mutant K-RAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debasmita Dutta
- Department of Coatings and Polymeric Materials, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, United States of America
| | - Priyanka Ray
- Department of Coatings and Polymeric Materials, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, United States of America
| | - Archana De
- Cancer Research Unit, VA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO, United States of America
| | - Arnab Ghosh
- Cancer Research Unit, VA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO, United States of America
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States of America
| | - Raj Shankar Hazra
- Department of Coatings and Polymeric Materials, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, United States of America
| | - Pratyusha Ghosh
- Department of Coatings and Polymeric Materials, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, United States of America
- Cancer Research Unit, VA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO, United States of America
| | - Snigdha Banerjee
- Cancer Research Unit, VA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO, United States of America
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States of America
| | - Francisco J. Diaz
- Department of Biostatistics & Data Science, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States of America
| | - Sunil P. Upadhyay
- Cancer Research Unit, VA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO, United States of America
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States of America
| | - Mohiuddin Quadir
- Department of Coatings and Polymeric Materials, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, United States of America
| | - Sushanta K. Banerjee
- Cancer Research Unit, VA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO, United States of America
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States of America
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12
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Lupo F, Pezzini F, Pasini D, Fiorini E, Adamo A, Veghini L, Bevere M, Frusteri C, Delfino P, D'agosto S, Andreani S, Piro G, Malinova A, Wang T, De Sanctis F, Lawlor RT, Hwang CI, Carbone C, Amelio I, Bailey P, Bronte V, Tuveson D, Scarpa A, Ugel S, Corbo V. Axon guidance cue SEMA3A promotes the aggressive phenotype of basal-like PDAC. Gut 2024:gutjnl-2023-329807. [PMID: 38670629 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2023-329807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The dysregulation of the axon guidance pathway is common in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), yet our understanding of its biological relevance is limited. Here, we investigated the functional role of the axon guidance cue SEMA3A in supporting PDAC progression. DESIGN We integrated bulk and single-cell transcriptomic datasets of human PDAC with in situ hybridisation analyses of patients' tissues to evaluate SEMA3A expression in molecular subtypes of PDAC. Gain and loss of function experiments in PDAC cell lines and organoids were performed to dissect how SEMA3A contributes to define a biologically aggressive phenotype. RESULTS In PDAC tissues, SEMA3A is expressed by stromal elements and selectively enriched in basal-like/squamous epithelial cells. Accordingly, expression of SEMA3A in PDAC cells is induced by both cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic determinants of the basal-like phenotype. In vitro, SEMA3A promotes cell migration as well as anoikis resistance. At the molecular level, these phenotypes are associated with increased focal adhesion kinase signalling through canonical SEMA3A-NRP1 axis. SEMA3A provides mouse PDAC cells with greater metastatic competence and favours intratumoural infiltration of tumour-associated macrophages and reduced density of T cells. Mechanistically, SEMA3A functions as chemoattractant for macrophages and skews their polarisation towards an M2-like phenotype. In SEMA3Ahigh tumours, depletion of macrophages results in greater intratumour infiltration by CD8+T cells and better control of the disease from antitumour treatment. CONCLUSIONS Here, we show that SEMA3A is a stress-sensitive locus that promotes the malignant phenotype of basal-like PDAC through both cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Lupo
- Department of Engineering for Innovation Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Francesco Pezzini
- Department of Engineering for Innovation Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Davide Pasini
- Department of Engineering for Innovation Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Elena Fiorini
- Department of Engineering for Innovation Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Annalisa Adamo
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Lisa Veghini
- Department of Engineering for Innovation Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Michele Bevere
- ARC-Net Research Centre, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Pietro Delfino
- Department of Diagnostic and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCSS San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Sabrina D'agosto
- Department of Diagnostic and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Human Technopole, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Andreani
- ARC-Net Research Centre, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Würzburg, Wurzburg, Germany
| | - Geny Piro
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Antonia Malinova
- Department of Engineering for Innovation Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Tian Wang
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | | | - Chang-Il Hwang
- Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, UC Davis Department of Microbiology, Davis, California, USA
| | - Carmine Carbone
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Ivano Amelio
- Division of Systems Toxicology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Peter Bailey
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - David Tuveson
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, USA
| | - Aldo Scarpa
- ARC-Net Research Centre, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Department of Diagnostic and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Stefano Ugel
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Corbo
- Department of Engineering for Innovation Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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13
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van der Heijden ME, Brown AM, Kizek DJ, Sillitoe RV. Cerebellar nuclei cells produce distinct pathogenic spike signatures in mouse models of ataxia, dystonia, and tremor. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.05.07.539767. [PMID: 37214855 PMCID: PMC10197583 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.07.539767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The cerebellum contributes to a diverse array of motor conditions including ataxia, dystonia, and tremor. The neural substrates that encode this diversity are unclear. Here, we tested whether the neural spike activity of cerebellar output neurons is distinct between movement disorders with different impairments, generalizable across movement disorders with similar impairments, and capable of causing distinct movement impairments. Using in vivo awake recordings as input data, we trained a supervised classifier model to differentiate the spike parameters between mouse models for ataxia, dystonia, and tremor. The classifier model correctly assigned mouse phenotypes based on single neuron signatures. Spike signatures were shared across etiologically distinct but phenotypically similar disease models. Mimicking these pathophysiological spike signatures with optogenetics induced the predicted motor impairments in otherwise healthy mice. These data show that distinct spike signatures promote the behavioral presentation of cerebellar diseases.
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14
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Ayoub M, Faris C, Juranovic T, Chela H, Daglilar E. The Use of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Does Not Increase the Risk of Pancreatic Cancer: A U.S.-Based Cohort Study. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1625. [PMID: 38730578 PMCID: PMC11082986 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16091625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND GLP-1 RAs are widely used for T2DM treatment due to their cardiorenal and metabolic benefits. This study examines the risk of pancreatic cancer with GLP-1 RA use in patients with T2DM. METHODS We analyzed TriNetX's deidentified research database using the U.S. Collaborative Network comprising 62 healthcare organizations across the U.S.A. Patients with T2DM were split into two cohorts: one receiving GLP-1 RAs, and one not receiving GLP-1 RAs. We excluded patients with known risk factors for pancreatic cancer, including pancreatic cysts, a personal or family history of BRCA1, BRCA2, CDKN2A, KRAS, MEN1, MLH1, MSH2, NOTCH1, PALB2, PMS2, and PRSS1S genes, family history of pancreatic cancer, and VHL syndrome. Using a 1:1 propensity score-matching model based on baseline characteristics and comorbidities, we created comparable cohorts. We then compared the rate of pancreatic cancer between the two cohorts at a 7-year interval. RESULTS Out of 7,146,015 identified patients with T2DM, 10.3% were on a GLP-1 RA and 89.7% were not. Post-PSM, 721,110 patients were in each group. Patients on GLP-1 RAs had a 0.1% risk compared to a 0.2% risk of pancreatic cancer in the 7-year timeframe. CONCLUSION The use of GLP-1 RAs in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) does not appear to substantially elevate the risk of pancreatic cancer; in fact, it may potentially exert a protective effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Ayoub
- Department of Internal Medicine, Charleston Area Medical Center, West Virginia University, Charleston, WV 25304, USA;
| | - Carol Faris
- Department of General Surgery, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25755, USA;
| | - Tajana Juranovic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Charleston Area Medical Center, West Virginia University, Charleston, WV 25304, USA;
| | - Harleen Chela
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Charleston Area Medical Center, West Virginia University, Charleston, WV 25304, USA
| | - Ebubekir Daglilar
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Charleston Area Medical Center, West Virginia University, Charleston, WV 25304, USA
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15
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Waldron RT, Lugea A, Chang HH, Su HY, Quiros C, Lewis MS, Che M, Ramanujan VK, Rozengurt E, Eibl G, Pandol SJ. Upregulated Matrisomal Proteins and Extracellular Matrix Mechanosignaling Underlie Obesity-Associated Promotion of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1593. [PMID: 38672675 PMCID: PMC11048773 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16081593] [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: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Diet-induced obesity (DIO) promotes pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in mice expressing KRasG12D in the pancreas (KC mice), but the precise mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we performed multiplex quantitative proteomic and phosphoproteomic analysis by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and further bioinformatic and spatial analysis of pancreas tissues from control-fed versus DIO KC mice after 3, 6, and 9 months. Normal pancreatic parenchyma and associated proteins were steadily eliminated and the novel proteins, phosphoproteins, and signaling pathways associated with PDAC tumorigenesis increased until 6 months, when most males exhibited cancer, but females did not. Differentially expressed proteins and phosphoproteins induced by DIO revealed the crucial functional role of matrisomal proteins, which implies the roles of upstream regulation by TGFβ, extracellular matrix-receptor signaling to downstream PI3K-Akt-mTOR-, MAPK-, and Yap/Taz activation, and crucial effects in the tumor microenvironment such as metabolic alterations and signaling crosstalk between immune cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and tumor cells. Staining tissues from KC mice localized the expression of several prognostic PDAC biomarkers and elucidated tumorigenic features, such as robust macrophage infiltration, acinar-ductal metaplasia, mucinous PanIN, distinct nonmucinous atypical flat lesions (AFLs) surrounded by smooth muscle actin-positive CAFs, invasive tumors with epithelial-mesenchymal transition arising close to AFLs, and expanding deserted areas by 9 months. We next used Nanostring GeoMX to characterize the early spatial distribution of specific immune cell subtypes in distinct normal, stromal, and PanIN areas. Taken together, these data richly contextualize DIO promotion of Kras-driven PDAC tumorigenesis and provide many novel insights into the signaling pathways and processes involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard T. Waldron
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Aurelia Lugea
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Hui-Hua Chang
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Hsin-Yuan Su
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Crystal Quiros
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Michael S. Lewis
- Department of Medicine and Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, VA Greater Los Angeles Health System, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90073, USA;
| | - Mingtian Che
- Biobank and Research Pathology Resource, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - V. Krishnan Ramanujan
- Biobank and Research Pathology Resource, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Enrique Rozengurt
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Guido Eibl
- Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Stephen J. Pandol
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
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16
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Silva LGDO, Lemos FFB, Luz MS, Rocha Pinheiro SL, Calmon MDS, Correa Santos GL, Rocha GR, de Melo FF. New avenues for the treatment of immunotherapy-resistant pancreatic cancer. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:1134-1153. [PMID: 38660642 PMCID: PMC11037047 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i4.1134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is characterized by its extremely aggressive nature and ranks 14th in the number of new cancer cases worldwide. However, due to its complexity, it ranks 7th in the list of the most lethal cancers worldwide. The pathogenesis of PC involves several complex processes, including familial genetic factors associated with risk factors such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, chronic pancreatitis, and smoking. Mutations in genes such as KRAS, TP53, and SMAD4 are linked to the appearance of malignant cells that generate pancreatic lesions and, consequently, cancer. In this context, some therapies are used for PC, one of which is immunotherapy, which is extremely promising in various other types of cancer but has shown little response in the treatment of PC due to various resistance mechanisms that contribute to a drop in immunotherapy efficiency. It is therefore clear that the tumor microenvironment (TME) has a huge impact on the resistance process, since cellular and non-cellular elements create an immunosuppressive environment, characterized by a dense desmoplastic stroma with cancer-associated fibroblasts, pancreatic stellate cells, extracellular matrix, and immunosuppressive cells. Linked to this are genetic mutations in TP53 and immunosuppressive factors that act on T cells, resulting in a shortage of CD8+ T cells and limited expression of activation markers such as interferon-gamma. In this way, finding new strategies that make it possible to manipulate resistance mechanisms is necessary. Thus, techniques such as the use of TME modulators that block receptors and stromal molecules that generate resistance, the use of genetic manipulation in specific regions, such as microRNAs, the modulation of extrinsic and intrinsic factors associated with T cells, and, above all, therapeutic models that combine these modulation techniques constitute the promising future of PC therapy. Thus, this study aims to elucidate the main mechanisms of resistance to immunotherapy in PC and new ways of manipulating this process, resulting in a more efficient therapy for cancer patients and, consequently, a reduction in the lethality of this aggressive cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fabian Fellipe Bueno Lemos
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Marcel Silva Luz
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Samuel Luca Rocha Pinheiro
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Mariana dos Santos Calmon
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Lima Correa Santos
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Reis Rocha
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Fabrício Freire de Melo
- Instituto Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Vitória da Conquista 45029-094, Bahia, Brazil
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17
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Fu J, Ling J, Li CF, Tsai CL, Yin W, Hou J, Chen P, Cao Y, Kang Y, Sun Y, Xia X, Jiang Z, Furukawa K, Lu Y, Wu M, Huang Q, Yao J, Hawke DH, Pan BF, Zhao J, Huang J, Wang H, Bahassi EIM, Stambrook PJ, Huang P, Fleming JB, Maitra A, Tainer JA, Hung MC, Lin C, Chiao PJ. Nardilysin-regulated scission mechanism activates polo-like kinase 3 to suppress the development of pancreatic cancer. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3149. [PMID: 38605037 PMCID: PMC11009390 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47242-3] [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: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) develops through step-wise genetic and molecular alterations including Kras mutation and inactivation of various apoptotic pathways. Here, we find that development of apoptotic resistance and metastasis of KrasG12D-driven PDAC in mice is accelerated by deleting Plk3, explaining the often-reduced Plk3 expression in human PDAC. Importantly, a 41-kDa Plk3 (p41Plk3) that contains the entire kinase domain at the N-terminus (1-353 aa) is activated by scission of the precursor p72Plk3 at Arg354 by metalloendopeptidase nardilysin (NRDC), and the resulting p32Plk3 C-terminal Polo-box domain (PBD) is removed by proteasome degradation, preventing the inhibition of p41Plk3 by PBD. We find that p41Plk3 is the activated form of Plk3 that regulates a feed-forward mechanism to promote apoptosis and suppress PDAC and metastasis. p41Plk3 phosphorylates c-Fos on Thr164, which in turn induces expression of Plk3 and pro-apoptotic genes. These findings uncover an NRDC-regulated post-translational mechanism that activates Plk3, establishing a prototypic regulation by scission mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Fu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Jianhua Ling
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Ching-Fei Li
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Chi-Lin Tsai
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Wenjuan Yin
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Junwei Hou
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Ping Chen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yu Cao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Ya'an Kang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yichen Sun
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Xianghou Xia
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Zhou Jiang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Kenei Furukawa
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yu Lu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Qian Huang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jun Yao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - David H Hawke
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Bih-Fang Pan
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jun Zhao
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jiaxing Huang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Huamin Wang
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Cancer Biology Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - E I Mustapha Bahassi
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Cincinnati Cancer Institute, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
| | - Peter J Stambrook
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Cincinnati Cancer Institute, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
| | - Peng Huang
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, China
| | - Jason B Fleming
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Anirban Maitra
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Cancer Biology Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - John A Tainer
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Mien-Chie Hung
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Research Center for Cancer Biology, Cancer Biology and Precision Therapeutics Center, and Center for Molecular Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 406, Taiwan
| | - Chunru Lin
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Cancer Biology Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Paul J Chiao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Cancer Biology Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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18
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Spadafora V, Pryce BR, Oles A, Talbert EE, Romeo M, Vaena S, Berto S, Ostrowski MC, Wang DJ, Guttridge DC. Optimization of a mouse model of pancreatic cancer to simulate the human phenotypes of metastasis and cachexia. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:414. [PMID: 38570770 PMCID: PMC10993462 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12104-0] [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: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) presents with a high mortality rate. Two important features of PDAC contribute to this poor outcome. The first is metastasis which occurs in ~ 80% of PDAC patients. The second is cachexia, which compromises treatment tolerance for patients and reduces their quality of life. Although various mouse models of PDAC exist, recapitulating both metastatic and cachectic features have been challenging. METHODS Here, we optimize an orthotopic mouse model of PDAC by altering several conditions, including the subcloning of parental murine PDAC cells, implantation site, number of transplanted cells, and age of recipient mice. We perform spatial profiling to compare primary and metastatic immune microenvironments and RNA sequencing to gain insight into the mechanisms of muscle wasting in PDAC-induced cachexia, comparing non-metastatic to metastatic conditions. RESULTS These modifications extend the time course of the disease and concurrently increase the rate of metastasis to approximately 70%. Furthermore, reliable cachexia endpoints are achieved in both PDAC mice with and without metastases, which is reminiscent of patients. We also find that cachectic muscles from PDAC mice with metastasis exhibit a similar transcriptional profile to muscles derived from mice and patients without metastasis. CONCLUSION Together, this model is likely to be advantageous in both advancing our understanding of the mechanism of PDAC cachexia, as well as in the evaluation of novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Spadafora
- Department of Pediatrics, Darby Children's Research Institute, 416, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Benjamin R Pryce
- Department of Pediatrics, Darby Children's Research Institute, 416, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Alexander Oles
- Department of Pediatrics, Darby Children's Research Institute, 416, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Erin E Talbert
- Department of Health and Human Physiology, and the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa, 52242, USA
| | - Martin Romeo
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Silvia Vaena
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Stefano Berto
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Michael C Ostrowski
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - David J Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Darby Children's Research Institute, 416, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.
| | - Denis C Guttridge
- Department of Pediatrics, Darby Children's Research Institute, 416, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.
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19
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Melisi D, Casalino S, Pietrobono S, Quinzii A, Zecchetto C, Merz V. Integration of liposomal irinotecan in the first-line treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer: try to do not think about the white bear. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2024; 16:17588359241234487. [PMID: 38584763 PMCID: PMC10996353 DOI: 10.1177/17588359241234487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The approval of novel therapeutic agents remains widely reliant on evidence derived from large phase III randomized controlled trials. Liposomal irinotecan (ONIVYDE®) stands out as the only drug that has demonstrated improved survival both as a first-line therapy in combination with oxaliplatin and 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin (5FU/LV) (NALIRIFOX) compared to the standard gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel in the NAPOLI3 trial, and as a second-line treatment in combination with 5FU/LV compared to the standard 5FU/LV in the NAPOLI1 trial. However, just as the white bear of the Dostoevsky's paradox, the judgment of these results is invariably distracted by the intrusive thought of how different they might be if compared to similar regimens containing standard-free irinotecan as FOLFIRINOX or FOLFIRI, respectively. Here, we present and thoroughly discuss the evidence encompassing the pharmacologic, preclinical, and clinical development of liposomal irinotecan that can dispel any intrusive thoughts and foster a rational and well-considered judgment of this agent and its potential integration into the therapeutic strategies for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Melisi
- Investigational Cancer Therapeutics Clinical Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, Verona, Italy
- Digestive Molecular Clinical Oncology Research Unit, University of Verona, Piazzale L.A. Scuro, 10, Verona 37134, Italy
| | - Simona Casalino
- Digestive Molecular Clinical Oncology Research Unit, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Silvia Pietrobono
- Digestive Molecular Clinical Oncology Research Unit, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Alberto Quinzii
- Digestive Molecular Clinical Oncology Research Unit, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Camilla Zecchetto
- Digestive Molecular Clinical Oncology Research Unit, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Valeria Merz
- Digestive Molecular Clinical Oncology Research Unit, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Medical Oncology Unit, Santa Chiara Hospital, Trento, Italy
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20
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Middonti E, Astanina E, Vallariello E, Hoza RM, Metovic J, Spadi R, Cristiano C, Papotti M, Allavena P, Novelli F, Parab S, Cappello P, Scarpa A, Lawlor R, Di Maio M, Arese M, Bussolino F. A neuroligin-2-YAP axis regulates progression of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia. EMBO Rep 2024; 25:1886-1908. [PMID: 38413734 PMCID: PMC11014856 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-024-00104-x] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a tumor with a dismal prognosis that arises from precursor lesions called pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasias (PanINs). Progression from low- to high-grade PanINs is considered as tumor initiation, and a deeper understanding of this switch is needed. Here, we show that synaptic molecule neuroligin-2 (NLGN2) is expressed by pancreatic exocrine cells and plays a crucial role in the regulation of contact inhibition and epithelial polarity, which characterize the switch from low- to high-grade PanIN. NLGN2 localizes to tight junctions in acinar cells, is diffusely distributed in the cytosol in low-grade PanINs and is lost in high-grade PanINs and in a high percentage of advanced PDACs. Mechanistically, NLGN2 is necessary for the formation of the PALS1/PATJ complex, which in turn induces contact inhibition by reducing YAP function. Our results provide novel insights into NLGN2 functions outside the nervous system and can be used to model PanIN progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Middonti
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10043, Orbassano, Italy.
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-IRCCS-FPO, 10060, Candiolo, Italy.
| | - Elena Astanina
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10043, Orbassano, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-IRCCS-FPO, 10060, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Edoardo Vallariello
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10043, Orbassano, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-IRCCS-FPO, 10060, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Roxana Maria Hoza
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10043, Orbassano, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-IRCCS-FPO, 10060, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Jasna Metovic
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10043, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Rosella Spadi
- SC Oncologia Medica, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Carmen Cristiano
- SC Oncologia Medica, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Mauro Papotti
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10043, Orbassano, Italy
- Division of Pathology at Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Paola Allavena
- IRCCS, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, 20089, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Francesco Novelli
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, 10126, Torino, Italy
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Center for Experimental Research and Medical Studies, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, 10126, Torino, Italy
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, 10125, Torino, Italy
| | - Sushant Parab
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10043, Orbassano, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-IRCCS-FPO, 10060, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Paola Cappello
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, 10126, Torino, Italy
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Center for Experimental Research and Medical Studies, Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, 10126, Torino, Italy
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Torino, 10125, Torino, Italy
| | - Aldo Scarpa
- Applied Research Center (ARC-NET), University of Verona, 37134, Verona, Italy
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Rita Lawlor
- Applied Research Center (ARC-NET), University of Verona, 37134, Verona, Italy
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Massimo Di Maio
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10043, Orbassano, Italy
- Medical Oncology, Ordine Mauriziano Hospital, 10128, Torino, Italy
| | - Marco Arese
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10043, Orbassano, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-IRCCS-FPO, 10060, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Federico Bussolino
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10043, Orbassano, Italy.
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-IRCCS-FPO, 10060, Candiolo, Italy.
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21
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Fukuda J, Kosuge S, Satoh Y, Sekiya S, Yamamura R, Ooshio T, Hirata T, Sato R, Hatanaka KC, Mitsuhashi T, Nakamura T, Matsuno Y, Hatanaka Y, Hirano S, Sonoshita M. Concurrent targeting of GSK3 and MEK as a therapeutic strategy to treat pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Cancer Sci 2024; 115:1333-1345. [PMID: 38320747 PMCID: PMC11007052 DOI: 10.1111/cas.16100] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal malignancies worldwide. However, drug discovery for PDAC treatment has proven complicated, leading to stagnant therapeutic outcomes. Here, we identify Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) as a therapeutic target through a whole-body genetic screening utilizing a '4-hit' Drosophila model mimicking the PDAC genotype. Reducing the gene dosage of GSK3 in a whole-body manner or knocking down GSK3 specifically in transformed cells suppressed 4-hit fly lethality, similar to Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK), the therapeutic target in PDAC we have recently reported. Consistently, a combination of the GSK3 inhibitor CHIR99021 and the MEK inhibitor trametinib suppressed the phosphorylation of Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) as well as the growth of orthotopic human PDAC xenografts in mice. Additionally, reducing PLK1 genetically in 4-hit flies rescued their lethality. Our results reveal a therapeutic vulnerability in PDAC that offers a treatment opportunity for patients by inhibiting multiple targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junki Fukuda
- Division of Biomedical Oncology, Institute for Genetic MedicineHokkaido UniversitySapporoJapan
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery IIHokkaido University Faculty of MedicineSapporoJapan
| | - Shinya Kosuge
- Division of Biomedical Oncology, Institute for Genetic MedicineHokkaido UniversitySapporoJapan
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery IIHokkaido University Faculty of MedicineSapporoJapan
| | - Yusuke Satoh
- Division of Biomedical Oncology, Institute for Genetic MedicineHokkaido UniversitySapporoJapan
| | - Sho Sekiya
- Division of Biomedical Oncology, Institute for Genetic MedicineHokkaido UniversitySapporoJapan
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery IIHokkaido University Faculty of MedicineSapporoJapan
| | - Ryodai Yamamura
- Division of Biomedical Oncology, Institute for Genetic MedicineHokkaido UniversitySapporoJapan
| | - Takako Ooshio
- Division of Biomedical Oncology, Institute for Genetic MedicineHokkaido UniversitySapporoJapan
| | - Taiga Hirata
- Division of Biomedical Oncology, Institute for Genetic MedicineHokkaido UniversitySapporoJapan
| | - Reo Sato
- Division of Biomedical Oncology, Institute for Genetic MedicineHokkaido UniversitySapporoJapan
| | - Kanako C. Hatanaka
- Center for Development of Advanced DiagnosticsHokkaido University HospitalSapporoJapan
| | - Tomoko Mitsuhashi
- Department of Surgical PathologyHokkaido University HospitalSapporoJapan
| | - Toru Nakamura
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery IIHokkaido University Faculty of MedicineSapporoJapan
| | - Yoshihiro Matsuno
- Department of Surgical PathologyHokkaido University HospitalSapporoJapan
| | - Yutaka Hatanaka
- Center for Development of Advanced DiagnosticsHokkaido University HospitalSapporoJapan
- Research Division of Genome Companion DiagnosticsHokkaido University HospitalSapporoJapan
| | - Satoshi Hirano
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery IIHokkaido University Faculty of MedicineSapporoJapan
| | - Masahiro Sonoshita
- Division of Biomedical Oncology, Institute for Genetic MedicineHokkaido UniversitySapporoJapan
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22
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Lloyd EG, Henríquez JA, Biffi G. Modelling the micro- and macro- environment of pancreatic cancer: from patients to pre-clinical models and back. Dis Model Mech 2024; 17:dmm050624. [PMID: 38639944 PMCID: PMC11051978 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050624] [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] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal malignancy with very low survival rates. Over the past 50 years, improvements in PDAC survival have significantly lagged behind the progress made in other cancers. PDAC's dismal prognosis is due to typical late-stage diagnosis combined with lack of effective treatments and complex mechanisms of disease. We propose that improvements in survival are partly hindered by the current focus on largely modelling and targeting PDAC as one disease, despite it being heterogeneous. Implementing new disease-representative pre-clinical mouse models that capture this complexity could enable the development of transformative therapies. Specifically, these models should recapitulate human PDAC late-stage biology, heterogeneous genetics, extensive non-malignant stroma, and associated risk factors and comorbidities. In this Perspective, we focus on how pre-clinical mouse models could be improved to exemplify key features of PDAC micro- and macro- environments, which would drive clinically relevant patient stratification, tailored treatments and improved survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloise G. Lloyd
- University of Cambridge, Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Joaquín Araos Henríquez
- University of Cambridge, Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Giulia Biffi
- University of Cambridge, Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK
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23
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Juin A, Spence HJ, Machesky LM. Dichotomous role of the serine/threonine kinase MAP4K4 in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma onset and metastasis through control of AKT and ERK pathways. J Pathol 2024; 262:454-466. [PMID: 38229581 DOI: 10.1002/path.6248] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Laura M Machesky
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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24
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Hu J, Jiang J, Xu B, Li Y, Wang B, He S, Ren X, Shi B, Zhang X, Zheng H, Hua B, Liu R. Bioinformatics analyses of infiltrating immune cell participation on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma progression and in vivo experiment of the therapeutic effect of Shuangshen granules. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 322:117590. [PMID: 38113986 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Shuangshen granules (SSG), a nationally patented Chinese medicinal formula, including Panax quinquefolium L., Panax notoginseng (Burkill) F. H. Chen, and Cordyceps sinensis (Berk.) Sacc., has demonstrated remarkable therapeutic effects on pancreatic cancer in clinical treatment for nearly 10 years. Previous pharmacological researches have found that its main components, including ginsenosides and cordycepin have anticancer or preventive effects on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), which may be associated with immune metabolism. However, the underlying pharmacological mechanism of SSG in the truncation effect of PDAC progression is still unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY To comprehensively understand the infiltrating immune cells during the different stages of the PDAC development chain and search for immune-related biomarkers that could potentially serve as drug targets through bioinformatic analysis. Meanwhile, the truncation effect of SSG on PDAC progression was also investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS The gene expression profiles at different PDAC developmental stages, including normal pancreas, pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN), and PDAC, were retrieved from the GEO database. The GEO2R tool was used to identify differentially expressed genes among the three groups. Functional enrichment analysis was performed with the GSEA software and Metascape platform. The CIBERSORT algorithm evaluated immune cell infiltration in the three groups, and immune-related biomarkers were identified. Correlation analysis was employed to examine the association between immune cells and the biomarkers. One of these biomarkers was selected for immunohistochemistry validation in human samples. Lastly, the effectiveness of SSG against PDAC progression and the influence on the selected biomarker were validated in vivo. The underlying pharmacological mechanisms were also explored. RESULTS One dataset was obtained, where the functional enrichment of DEGs primarily involved immune effector processes and cytokine production of immune cells. The differential immune cells reflected during the progression from PanIN to PDAC were B memory cells, monocytes, M2 macrophages, and activated dendritic cells. The upregulation of ACTA2 was closely associated with M2 macrophage regulation. The immunohistochemistry on human samples validated significant differences in ACTA2 expression levels as the PDAC progressed. Moreover, animal experiments revealed that the national patented drug SSG ameliorated the pathological changes, decreased the expression of ACTA2 and its functional protein α-smooth muscle actin during PDAC progression. The underlying pharmacological mechanism was related to the regulation of macrophage polarization and downregulation of TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS The immunosuppressive environment changes during the PDAC progression. ACTA2 is a potential immuned-target for drug prevention of PDAC, while SSG could be a promising drug candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Hu
- Department of Oncology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Juling Jiang
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bowen Xu
- Department of Oncology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Li
- Department of Oncology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bei Wang
- China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shulin He
- Department of Oncology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoling Ren
- Department of Oncology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bolun Shi
- Department of Oncology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xing Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Honggang Zheng
- Department of Oncology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Baojin Hua
- Department of Oncology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Rui Liu
- Department of Oncology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
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25
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Rodriguez-Tirado C, Sosa MS. How much do we know about the metastatic process? Clin Exp Metastasis 2024:10.1007/s10585-023-10248-0. [PMID: 38520475 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-023-10248-0] [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: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Cancer cells can leave their primary sites and travel through the circulation to distant sites, where they lodge as disseminated cancer cells (DCCs), even during the early and asymptomatic stages of tumor progression. In experimental models and clinical samples, DCCs can be detected in a non-proliferative state, defined as cellular dormancy. This state can persist for extended periods until DCCs reawaken, usually in response to niche-derived reactivation signals. Therefore, their clinical detection in sites like lymph nodes and bone marrow is linked to poor survival. Current cancer therapy designs are based on the biology of the primary tumor and do not target the biology of the dormant DCC population and thus fail to eradicate the initial or subsequent waves of metastasis. In this brief review, we discuss the current methods for detecting DCCs and highlight new strategies that aim to target DCCs that constitute minimal residual disease to reduce or prevent metastasis formation. Furthermore, we present current evidence on the relevance of DCCs derived from early stages of tumor progression in metastatic disease and describe the animal models available for their study. We also discuss our current understanding of the dissemination mechanisms utilized by genetically less- and more-advanced cancer cells, which include the functional analysis of intermediate or hybrid states of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Finally, we raise some intriguing questions regarding the clinical impact of studying the crosstalk between evolutionary waves of DCCs and the initiation of metastatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Rodriguez-Tirado
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
- Department of Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
- Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
- Cancer Dormancy and Tumor Microenvironment Institute/Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
- Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
| | - Maria Soledad Sosa
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
- Department of Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
- Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
- Cancer Dormancy and Tumor Microenvironment Institute/Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
- Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
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26
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Stanton SE, Castle PE, Finn OJ, Sei S, Emens LA. Advances and challenges in cancer immunoprevention and immune interception. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e007815. [PMID: 38519057 PMCID: PMC10961508 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007815] [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] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Invasive cancers typically evade immune surveillance through profound local and systemic immunosuppression, preventing their elimination or control. Targeting immune interventions to prevent or intercept premalignant lesions, before significant immune dysregulation has occurred, may be a more successful strategy. The field of cancer immune interception and prevention is nascent, and the scientific community has been slow to embrace this potentially most rational approach to reducing the global burden of cancer. This may change due to recent promising advances in cancer immunoprevention including the use of vaccines for the prevention of viral cancers, the use of cancer-associated antigen vaccines in the setting of precancers, and the development of cancer-preventative vaccines for high-risk individuals who are healthy but carry cancer-associated heritable genetic mutations. Furthermore, there is increasing recognition of the importance of cancer prevention and interception by national cancer organizations. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) recently released the National Cancer Plan, which includes cancer prevention among the top priorities of the institute. The NCI's Division of Cancer Prevention has been introducing new funding opportunities for scientists with an interest in the field of cancer prevention: The Cancer Prevention-Interception Targeted Agent Discovery Program and The Cancer Immunoprevention Network. Moreover, the Human Tumor Atlas Network is spearheading the development of a precancer atlas to better understand the biology of pre-invasive changes, including the tissue microenvironment and the underlying genetics that drive carcinogenesis. These data will inform the development of novel immunoprevention/immuno-interception strategies. International cancer foundations have also started recognizing immunoprevention and immune interception with the American Association for Cancer Research, Cancer Research UK and the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer each implementing programming focused on this area. This review will present recent advances, opportunities, and challenges in the emerging field of cancer immune prevention and immune interception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasha E Stanton
- Cancer Immunoprevention Laboratory, Earle A Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Philip E Castle
- Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Olivera J Finn
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Shizuko Sei
- Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
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27
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Linehan A, O’Reilly M, McDermott R, O’Kane GM. Targeting KRAS mutations in pancreatic cancer: opportunities for future strategies. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1369136. [PMID: 38576709 PMCID: PMC10991798 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1369136] [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: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Targeting the RAS pathway remains the holy grail of precision oncology. In the case of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC), 90-92% harbor mutations in the oncogene KRAS, triggering canonical MAPK signaling. The smooth structure of the altered KRAS protein without a binding pocket and its affinity for GTP have, in the past, hampered drug development. The emergence of KRASG12C covalent inhibitors has provided renewed enthusiasm for targeting KRAS. The numerous pathways implicated in RAS activation do, however, lead to the development of early resistance. In addition, the dense stromal niche and immunosuppressive microenvironment dictated by oncogenic KRAS can influence treatment responses, highlighting the need for a combination-based approach. Given that mutations in KRAS occur early in PDAC tumorigenesis, an understanding of its pleiotropic effects is key to progress in this disease. Herein, we review current perspectives on targeting KRAS with a focus on PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Linehan
- Department of Medical Oncology, St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mary O’Reilly
- Department of Medical Oncology, St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ray McDermott
- Department of Medical Oncology, St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Grainne M. O’Kane
- Department of Medical Oncology, St James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
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28
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Cheng C, Hu J, Mannan R, Bhattacharyya R, Rossiter NJ, Magnuson B, Wisniewski JP, Zheng Y, Xiao L, Li C, Awad D, He T, Bao Y, Zhang Y, Cao X, Wang Z, Mehra R, Morlacchi P, Sahai V, di Magliano MP, Shah YM, Ding K, Qiao Y, Lyssiotis CA, Chinnaiyan AM. Targeting PIKfyve-driven lipid homeostasis as a metabolic vulnerability in pancreatic cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.18.585580. [PMID: 38562800 PMCID: PMC10983929 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.18.585580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) subsists in a nutrient-deregulated microenvironment, making it particularly susceptible to treatments that interfere with cancer metabolism12. For example, PDAC utilizes and is dependent on high levels of autophagy and other lysosomal processes3-5. Although targeting these pathways has shown potential in preclinical studies, progress has been hampered by the challenge of identifying and characterizing favorable targets for drug development6. Here, we characterize PIKfyve, a lipid kinase integral to lysosomal functioning7, as a novel and targetable vulnerability in PDAC. In human patient and murine PDAC samples, we discovered that PIKFYVE is overexpressed in PDAC cells compared to adjacent normal cells. Employing a genetically engineered mouse model, we established the essential role of PIKfyve in PDAC progression. Further, through comprehensive metabolic analyses, we found that PIKfyve inhibition obligated PDAC to upregulate de novo lipid synthesis, a relationship previously undescribed. PIKfyve inhibition triggered a distinct lipogenic gene expression and metabolic program, creating a dependency on de novo lipid metabolism pathways, by upregulating genes such as FASN and ACACA. In PDAC, the KRAS-MAPK signaling pathway is a primary driver of de novo lipid synthesis, specifically enhancing FASN and ACACA levels. Accordingly, the simultaneous targeting of PIKfyve and KRAS-MAPK resulted in the elimination of tumor burden in a syngeneic orthotopic model and tumor regression in a xenograft model of PDAC. Taken together, these studies suggest that disrupting lipid metabolism through PIKfyve inhibition induces synthetic lethality in conjunction with KRAS-MAPK-directed therapies for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caleb Cheng
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jing Hu
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, PRC
| | - Rahul Mannan
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Rupam Bhattacharyya
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Nicholas J Rossiter
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Brian Magnuson
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jasmine P Wisniewski
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yang Zheng
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lanbo Xiao
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Chungen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, PRC
| | - Dominik Awad
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Tongchen He
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PRC
| | - Yi Bao
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yuping Zhang
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Xuhong Cao
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Zhen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, PRC
| | - Rohit Mehra
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Vaibhav Sahai
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Marina Pasca di Magliano
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yatrik M Shah
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ke Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, PRC
| | - Yuanyuan Qiao
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Costas A Lyssiotis
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Arul M Chinnaiyan
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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29
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Pollin G, Mathison AJ, de Assuncao TM, Thomas A, Zeighami L, Salmonson A, Liu H, Urrutia G, Vankayala P, Pandol SJ, Zimmermann MT, Iovanna J, Jin VX, Urrutia R, Lomberk G. EHMT2 Inactivation in Pancreatic Epithelial Cells Shapes the Transcriptional Landscape and Inflammation Response of the Whole Pancreas. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.14.584700. [PMID: 38529489 PMCID: PMC10962735 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.14.584700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
The Euchromatic Histone Methyl Transferase Protein 2 (EHMT2), also known as G9a, deposits transcriptionally repressive chromatin marks that play pivotal roles in the maturation and homeostasis of multiple organs. Recently, we have shown that EHMT2 inactivation alters growth and immune gene expression networks, antagonizing KRAS-mediated pancreatic cancer initiation and promotion. Here, we elucidate the essential role of EHMT2 in maintaining a transcriptional landscape that protects organs from inflammation. Comparative RNA-seq studies between normal postnatal and young adult pancreatic tissue from EHMT2 conditional knockout animals ( EHMT2 fl/fl ) targeted to the exocrine pancreatic epithelial cells ( Pdx1-Cre and P48 Cre/+ ), reveal alterations in gene expression networks in the whole organ related to injury-inflammation-repair, suggesting an increased predisposition to damage. Thus, we induced an inflammation repair response in the EHMT2 fl/fl pancreas and used a data science-based approach to integrate RNA-seq-derived pathways and networks, deconvolution digital cytology, and spatial transcriptomics. We also analyzed the tissue response to damage at the morphological, biochemical, and molecular pathology levels. The EHMT2 fl/fl pancreas displays an enhanced injury-inflammation-repair response, offering insights into fundamental molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in this process. More importantly, these data show that conditional EHMT2 inactivation in exocrine cells reprograms the local environment to recruit mesenchymal and immunological cells needed to mount an increased inflammatory response. Mechanistically, this response is an enhanced injury-inflammation-repair reaction with a small contribution of specific EHMT2-regulated transcripts. Thus, this new knowledge extends the mechanisms underlying the role of the EHMT2-mediated pathway in suppressing pancreatic cancer initiation and modulating inflammatory pancreatic diseases.
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30
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Felchle H, Brunner V, Groll T, Walther CN, Nefzger SM, Zaurito AE, Silva MG, Gissibl J, Topping GJ, Lansink Rotgerink L, Saur D, Steiger K, Combs SE, Tschurtschenthaler M, Fischer JC. Novel Tumor Organoid-Based Mouse Model to Study Image Guided Radiation Therapy of Rectal Cancer After Noninvasive and Precise Endoscopic Implantation. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2024; 118:1094-1104. [PMID: 37875245 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Preoperative (neoadjuvant) radiation therapy (RT) is an essential part of multimodal rectal cancer therapy. Recently, total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT), which combines simultaneous radiochemotherapy with additional courses of chemotherapy, has emerged as an effective approach. TNT achieves a pathologic complete remission in approximately 30% of resected patients, opening avenues for treatment strategies that avoid radical organ resection. Furthermore, recent studies have demonstrated that anti-programmed cell death protein 1 immunotherapy can induce clinical complete responses in patients with specific genetic alterations. There is significant potential to enhance outcomes through intensifying, personalizing, and de-escalating treatment approaches. However, the heterogeneous response rates to RT or TNT and strategies to sensitize patients without specific genetic changes to immunotherapy remain poorly understood. METHODS AND MATERIALS We developed a novel orthotopic mouse model of rectal cancer based on precisely defined endoscopic injections of tumor organoids that reflect tumor heterogeneity. Subsequently, we employed endoscopic- and computed tomography-guided RT and validated rectal tumor growth and response rates to therapy using small-animal magnetic resonance imaging and endoscopic follow-up. RESULTS Rectal tumor formation was successfully induced in all mice after 2 organoid injections. Clinically relevant RT regimens with 5 × 5 Gy significantly delayed clinical signs of tumor progression and significantly improved survival. Consistent with human disease, rectal tumor progression correlated with the development of liver and lung metastases. Notably, long-term survivors after RT showed no evidence of tumor recurrence, as demonstrated by in vivo radiologic tumor staging and histopathologic examination. CONCLUSIONS Our novel mouse model combines orthotopic tumor growth via noninvasive and precise rectal organoid injection and small-animal RT. This model holds significant promise for investigating the effect of tumor cell-intrinsic aspects, genetic alterations of the host, and exogenous factors (eg, nutrition or microbiota) on RT outcomes. Furthermore, it allows for the exploration of combination therapies involving chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or novel targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Felchle
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Valentina Brunner
- Translational Cancer Research and Institute of Experimental Cancer Therapy, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Tanja Groll
- Comparative Experimental Pathology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Caroline N Walther
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sophie M Nefzger
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Antonio E Zaurito
- Translational Cancer Research and Institute of Experimental Cancer Therapy, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Miguel G Silva
- Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; Institute of Molecular Oncology and Functional Genomics, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Julia Gissibl
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Geoffrey J Topping
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Laura Lansink Rotgerink
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Dieter Saur
- Translational Cancer Research and Institute of Experimental Cancer Therapy, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner-site Munich and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katja Steiger
- Comparative Experimental Pathology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner-site Munich and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stephanie E Combs
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner-site Munich and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Helmholtz Zentrum München, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Markus Tschurtschenthaler
- Translational Cancer Research and Institute of Experimental Cancer Therapy, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; Center for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM), School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner-site Munich and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Julius C Fischer
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
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31
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Hebert JD, Xu H, Tang YJ, Ruiz PA, Detrick C, Wang J, Hughes NW, Donosa O, Andrejka L, Karmakar S, Aboiralor I, Cong L, Sage J, Petrov DA, Winslow MM. Modeling the genomic complexity of human cancer using Cas12a mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.07.583774. [PMID: 38496463 PMCID: PMC10942438 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.07.583774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Somatic genome editing in mouse models has increased our understanding of the in vivo effects of genetic alterations in areas ranging from neuroscience to cancer biology and beyond. However, existing models have been restricted in their ability to create multiple targeted edits, which has limited investigations into complex genetic interactions that underlie development, homeostasis, and disease. To accelerate and expand the generation of complex genotypes in somatic cells, we generated transgenic mice with Cre-regulated and constitutive expression of enhanced Acidaminococcus sp. Cas12a (enAsCas12a), an RNA-guided endonuclease with unique attributes that enable simple targeting of multiple genes. In these mice, enAsCas12a-mediated somatic genome editing robustly generated compound genotypes, as exemplified by the initiation of oncogene-negative lung adenocarcinoma, small-cell lung cancer, and a canonical genotype of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, all driven by homozygous inactivation of trios of tumor suppressor genes. We further integrated these modular crRNA arrays with clonal barcoding to quantify the size and number of tumors with each array. These Cas12a alleles will enable the rapid generation of disease models and broadly facilitate the high-throughput investigation of coincident genomic alterations in somatic cells in vivo .
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32
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Petterson J, Mustafa D, Bandaru S, Eklund EÄ, Hallqvist A, Sayin VI, Gagné A, Fagman H, Akyürek LM. Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma In Situ and Minimally Invasive Adenocarcinomas in European Patients Have Less KRAS and More EGFR Mutations Compared to Advanced Adenocarcinomas. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2959. [PMID: 38474205 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052959] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary adenocarcinoma (ADC) is a very diverse disease, both genetically and histologically, which displays extensive intratumor heterogeneity with numerous acquired mutations. ADC is the most common type of lung cancer and is believed to arise from adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) which then progresses to minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA). In patients of European ethnicity, we analyzed genetic mutations in AIS (n = 10) and MIA (n = 18) and compared the number of genetic mutations with advanced ADC (n = 2419). Using next-generation sequencing, the number of different mutations detected in both AIS (87.5%) and MIA (94.5%) were higher (p < 0.001) than in advanced ADC (53.7%). In contrast to the high number of mutations in Kirsten rat sarcoma virus gene (KRAS) in advanced ADC (34.6%), there was only one case of AIS with KRAS G12C mutation (3.5%; p < 0.001) and no cases of MIA with KRAS mutation (p < 0.001). In contrast to the modest prevalence of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations in advanced ADC (15.0%), the fraction of EGFR mutant cases was higher in both in AIS (22.2%) and MIA (59.5%; p < 0.001). The EGFR exon 19 deletion mutation was more common in both MIA (50%; n = 6/12) and ADC (41%; n = 149/363), whereas p.L858R was more prevalent in AIS (75%; n = 3/4). In contrast to pulmonary advanced ADC, KRAS driver mutations are less common, whereas mutations in EGFR are more common, in detectable AIS and MIA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennie Petterson
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Västra Götalandsregionen, 413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Dyar Mustafa
- Department of Medical Chemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska Academy, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska Academy, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sashidar Bandaru
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Västra Götalandsregionen, 413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ella Äng Eklund
- Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska Academy, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Västra Götalandsregionen, 413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Andreas Hallqvist
- Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska Academy, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Västra Götalandsregionen, 413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Volkan I Sayin
- Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska Academy, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, 413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, 413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Andréanne Gagné
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Henrik Fagman
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Västra Götalandsregionen, 413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska Academy, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska Academy, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Levent M Akyürek
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Västra Götalandsregionen, 413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska Academy, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
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Lee MJ, Cho JY, Bae S, Jung HS, Kang CM, Kim SH, Choi HJ, Lee CK, Kim H, Jo D, Paik YK. Inhibition of the Alternative Complement Pathway May Cause Secretion of Factor B, Enabling an Early Detection of Pancreatic Cancer. J Proteome Res 2024; 23:985-998. [PMID: 38306169 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.3c00695] [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] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
This study aims to elucidate the cellular mechanisms behind the secretion of complement factor B (CFB), known for its dual roles as an early biomarker for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and as the initial substrate for the alternative complement pathway (ACP). Using parallel reaction monitoring analysis, we confirmed a consistent ∼2-fold increase in CFB expression in PDAC patients compared with that in both healthy donors (HD) and chronic pancreatitis (CP) patients. Elevated ACP activity was observed in CP and other benign conditions compared with that in HD and PDAC patients, suggesting a functional link between ACP and PDAC. Protein-protein interaction analyses involving key complement proteins and their regulatory factors were conducted using blood samples from PDAC patients and cultured cell lines. Our findings revealed a complex control system governing the ACP and its regulatory factors, including Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) mutation, adrenomedullin (AM), and complement factor H (CFH). Particularly, AM emerged as a crucial player in CFB secretion, activating CFH and promoting its predominant binding to C3b over CFB. Mechanistically, our data suggest that the KRAS mutation stimulates AM expression, enhancing CFH activity in the fluid phase through binding. This heightened AM-CFH interaction conferred greater affinity for C3b over CFB, potentially suppressing the ACP cascade. This sequence of events likely culminated in the preferential release of ductal CFB into plasma during the early stages of PDAC. (Data set ID PXD047043.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Jung Lee
- Yonsei Proteome Research Center, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, South Korea
| | - Jin-Young Cho
- Yonsei Proteome Research Center, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, South Korea
| | - Sumi Bae
- JW BioScience Corp., 38 Gwacheon-daero, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do 13840, South Korea
| | - Hye Soo Jung
- JW BioScience Corp., 38 Gwacheon-daero, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do 13840, South Korea
| | - Chang Moo Kang
- Department of Surgery, Division of HBP Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, South Korea
| | - Sung Hyun Kim
- Department of Surgery, Division of HBP Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, South Korea
| | - Hye Jin Choi
- Division of Medical Oncology, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, South Korea
| | - Choong-Kun Lee
- Division of Medical Oncology, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, South Korea
| | - Hoguen Kim
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, South Korea
| | - Daewoong Jo
- Cellivery R&D Institute, Cellivery Therapeutics, Inc., Seoul 03929, Korea
| | - Young-Ki Paik
- Yonsei Proteome Research Center, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, South Korea
- Cellivery R&D Institute, Cellivery Therapeutics, Inc., Seoul 03929, Korea
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Zheng C, Wang J, Wang J, Zhang Q, Liang T. Cell of Origin of Pancreatic cancer: Novel Findings and Current Understanding. Pancreas 2024; 53:e288-e297. [PMID: 38277420 DOI: 10.1097/mpa.0000000000002301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) stands as one of the most lethal diseases globally, boasting a grim 5-year survival prognosis. The origin cell and the molecular signaling pathways that drive PDAC progression are not entirely understood. This review comprehensively outlines the categorization of PDAC and its precursor lesions, expounds on the creation and utility of genetically engineered mouse models used in PDAC research, compiles a roster of commonly used markers for pancreatic progenitors, duct cells, and acinar cells, and briefly addresses the mechanisms involved in the progression of PDAC. We acknowledge the value of precise markers and suitable tracing tools to discern the cell of origin, as it can facilitate the creation of more effective models for PDAC exploration. These conclusions shed light on our existing understanding of foundational genetically engineered mouse models and focus on the origin and development of PDAC.
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Santofimia-Castaño P, Fraunhoffer N, Liu X, Bessone IF, di Magliano MP, Audebert S, Camoin L, Estaras M, Brenière M, Modesti M, Lomberk G, Urrutia R, Soubeyran P, Neira JL, Iovanna J. Targeting NUPR1-dependent stress granules formation to induce synthetic lethality in Kras G12D-driven tumors. EMBO Mol Med 2024; 16:475-505. [PMID: 38360999 PMCID: PMC10940650 DOI: 10.1038/s44321-024-00032-2] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
We find that NUPR1, a stress-associated intrinsically disordered protein, induced droplet formation via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). NUPR1-driven LLPS was crucial for the creation of NUPR1-dependent stress granules (SGs) in pancreatic cancer cells since genetic or pharmacological inhibition by ZZW-115 of NUPR1 activity impeded SGs formation. The KrasG12D mutation induced oncogenic stress, NUPR1 overexpression, and promoted SGs development. Notably, enforced NUPR1 expression induced SGs formation independently of mutated KrasG12D. Mechanistically, KrasG12D expression strengthened sensitivity to NUPR1 inactivation, inducing cell death, activating caspase 3 and releasing LDH. Remarkably, ZZW-115-mediated SG-formation inhibition hampered the development of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanINs) in Pdx1-cre;LSL-KrasG12D (KC) mice. ZZW-115-treatment of KC mice triggered caspase 3 activation, DNA fragmentation, and formation of the apoptotic bodies, leading to cell death, specifically in KrasG12D-expressing cells. We further demonstrated that, in developed PanINs, short-term ZZW-115 treatment prevented NUPR1-associated SGs presence. Lastly, a four-week ZZW-115 treatment significantly reduced the number and size of PanINs in KC mice. This study proposes that targeting NUPR1-dependent SGs formation could be a therapeutic approach to induce cell death in KrasG12D-dependent tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Santofimia-Castaño
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille, France.
| | - Nicolas Fraunhoffer
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille, France
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO), Facultad de Medicina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Xi Liu
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille, France
| | - Ivan Fernandez Bessone
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille, France
| | | | - Stephane Audebert
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille, France
| | - Luc Camoin
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille, France
| | - Matias Estaras
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille, France
| | - Manon Brenière
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille, France
| | - Mauro Modesti
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille, France
| | - Gwen Lomberk
- Division of Research, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Raul Urrutia
- Genomic Science and Precision Medicine Center (GSPMC), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Philippe Soubeyran
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille, France
| | - Jose Luis Neira
- IDIBE, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Edificio Torregaitán, Avda. del Ferrocarril s/n, 03202, Elche, Alicante, Spain
- Instituto de Biocomputación y Física de Sistemas Complejos (BIFI), Universidad de Zaragoza, 50018, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Juan Iovanna
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR 7258, Aix-Marseille Université and Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Parc Scientifique et Technologique de Luminy, 163 Avenue de Luminy, 13288, Marseille, France.
- Equipe Labellisée La Ligue, 2022, Marseille, France.
- Hospital de Alta Complejidad El Cruce, Florencio Varela, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- University Arturo Jauretche, Florencio Varela, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Turner KM, Wilson GC, Patel SH, Ahmad SA. ASO Practice Guidelines Series: Management of Resectable, Borderline Resectable, and Locally Advanced Pancreas Cancer. Ann Surg Oncol 2024; 31:1884-1897. [PMID: 37980709 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-023-14585-y] [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: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is an aggressive disease marked by high rates of both local and distant failure. In the minority of patients with potentially resectable disease, multimodal treatment paradigms have allowed for prolonged survival in an increasingly larger pool of well-selected patients. Therefore, it is critical for surgical oncologists to be abreast of current guideline recommendations for both surgical management and multimodal therapy for pancreas cancer. We discuss these guidelines, as well as the underlying data supporting these positions, to offer surgical oncologists a framework for managing patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M Turner
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Gregory C Wilson
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Sameer H Patel
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Syed A Ahmad
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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Ely ZA, Mathey-Andrews N, Naranjo S, Gould SI, Mercer KL, Newby GA, Cabana CM, Rideout WM, Jaramillo GC, Khirallah JM, Holland K, Randolph PB, Freed-Pastor WA, Davis JR, Kulstad Z, Westcott PMK, Lin L, Anzalone AV, Horton BL, Pattada NB, Shanahan SL, Ye Z, Spranger S, Xu Q, Sánchez-Rivera FJ, Liu DR, Jacks T. A prime editor mouse to model a broad spectrum of somatic mutations in vivo. Nat Biotechnol 2024; 42:424-436. [PMID: 37169967 PMCID: PMC11120832 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-023-01783-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Genetically engineered mouse models only capture a small fraction of the genetic lesions that drive human cancer. Current CRISPR-Cas9 models can expand this fraction but are limited by their reliance on error-prone DNA repair. Here we develop a system for in vivo prime editing by encoding a Cre-inducible prime editor in the mouse germline. This model allows rapid, precise engineering of a wide range of mutations in cell lines and organoids derived from primary tissues, including a clinically relevant Kras mutation associated with drug resistance and Trp53 hotspot mutations commonly observed in pancreatic cancer. With this system, we demonstrate somatic prime editing in vivo using lipid nanoparticles, and we model lung and pancreatic cancer through viral delivery of prime editing guide RNAs or orthotopic transplantation of prime-edited organoids. We believe that this approach will accelerate functional studies of cancer-associated mutations and complex genetic combinations that are challenging to construct with traditional models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zackery A Ely
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Nicolas Mathey-Andrews
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Santiago Naranjo
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Samuel I Gould
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Kim L Mercer
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Gregory A Newby
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Christina M Cabana
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - William M Rideout
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Grissel Cervantes Jaramillo
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Katie Holland
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biology, Angelo State University, San Angelo, TX, USA
| | - Peyton B Randolph
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - William A Freed-Pastor
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jessie R Davis
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Zachary Kulstad
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Peter M K Westcott
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Huntington, NY, USA
| | - Lin Lin
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Andrew V Anzalone
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Brendan L Horton
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Nimisha B Pattada
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sean-Luc Shanahan
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Zhongfeng Ye
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Stefani Spranger
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Qiaobing Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA
| | - Francisco J Sánchez-Rivera
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - David R Liu
- Merkin Institute of Transformative Technologies in Healthcare, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Tyler Jacks
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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Trinh VQH, Ankenbauer KE, Liu J, Batardiere M, Maurer HC, Copeland C, Wong J, Ben-Levy O, Torbit SM, Jarvis B, Revetta F, Ivanov S, Jyotsana N, Makino Y, Ruelas AM, Means AL, Maitra A, Tan MCB, DelGiorno KE. Oncogenic GNAS drives a gastric pylorus program in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.25.581948. [PMID: 38464029 PMCID: PMC10925208 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.25.581948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms (IPMNs) are cystic lesions and bona fide precursors for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Recently, we showed that acinar to ductal metaplasia, an injury repair program, is characterized by a transcriptomic program similar to gastric spasmolytic polypeptide expressing metaplasia (SPEM), suggesting common mechanisms of reprogramming between the stomach and pancreas. The aims of this study were to assay IPMN for pyloric markers and to identify molecular drivers of this program. DESIGN We analyzed RNA-seq studies of IPMN for pyloric markers, which were validated by immunostaining in patient samples. Cell lines expressing Kras G12D +/- GNAS R201C were manipulated to identify distinct and overlapping transcriptomic programs driven by each oncogene. A PyScenic-based regulon analysis was performed to identify molecular drivers in the pancreas. Expression of candidate drivers was evaluated by RNA-seq and immunostaining. RESULTS Pyloric markers were identified in human IPMN. GNAS R201C drove expression of these markers in cell lines and siRNA targeting of GNAS R201C or Kras G12D demonstrates that GNAS R201C amplifies a mucinous, pyloric phenotype. Regulon analysis identified a role for transcription factors SPDEF, CREB3L1, and CREB3L4, which are expressed in patient samples. siRNA-targeting of Spdef inhibited mucin production. CONCLUSION De novo expression of a SPEM phenotype has been identified in pancreatitis and a pyloric phenotype in Kras G12D -driven PanIN and Kras G12D ;GNAS R201C -driven IPMN, suggesting common mechanisms of reprogramming between these lesions and the stomach. A transition from a SPEM to pyloric phenotype may reflect disease progression and/or oncogenic mutation. IPMN-specific GNAS R201C amplifies a mucinous phenotype, in part, through SPDEF.
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Yang Y, Wang J, Wan J, Cheng Q, Cheng Z, Zhou X, Wang O, Shi K, Wang L, Wang B, Zhu X, Chen J, Feng D, Liu Y, Jahan-Mihan Y, Haddock AN, Edenfield BH, Peng G, Hohenstein JD, McCabe CE, O'Brien DR, Wang C, Ilyas SI, Jiang L, Torbenson MS, Wang H, Nakhleh RE, Shi X, Wang Y, Bi Y, Gores GJ, Patel T, Ji B. PTEN Deficiency Induces an Extrahepatic Cholangitis-Cholangiocarcinoma Continuum via Aurora kinase A in Mice. J Hepatol 2024:S0168-8278(24)00138-7. [PMID: 38428643 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The PTEN-AKT pathway is frequently altered in extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (eCCA). We aim to evaluate the role of PTEN in the pathogenesis of eCCA and find novel therapies for this disease. METHODS The Pten gene in the biliary epithelial cells were genetically deleted using the Cre-loxp system. The pathologies were evaluated both macroscopically and histologically. The characteristics were further analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC), RT-PCR, cell culture, and RNAseq. Some features were compared to those in human eCCA samples. Further mechanistic studies utilized the conditional knockout of Trp53 and Aurora kinase A (Aurka) genes. Experimental therapy was tested using an Aurka inhibitor. RESULTS We observed that genetic deletion of the Pten gene in the extrahepatic biliary epithelium and peri-ductal glands initiated sclerosing cholangitis-like lesions in mice, resulting in enlarged and distorted extrahepatic bile ducts in mice as early as one month old. Histologically, these lesions exhibited increased epithelial proliferation, inflammatory cell infiltration, and fibrosis. With aging, the lesions progressed from low-grade dysplasia to invasive carcinoma. Trp53 inactivation further accelerated the disease progression, potentially through downregulating senescence. Further mechanistic studies showed that both human and mouse eCCA showed high expressions of AURKA. Notably, the genetic deletion of Aurka completely eliminated Pten deficiency-induced extrahepatic bile duct lesions. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of Aurka alleviated disease progression. CONCLUSIONS Pten deficiency in extrahepatic cholangiocytes and peribiliary glands led to a cholangitis-to-cholangiocarcinoma continuum through an Aurka-dependent manner. These findings offer new insights into preventive and therapeutic interventions for extrahepatic CCA. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS The aberrant PTEN-PI3K-AKT signaling pathway is commonly observed in human extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (eCCA), a disease with a poor prognosis. In our study, we developed a mouse model mimicking cholangitis to eCCA progression by conditionally deleting the Pten gene via Pdx1-Cre in epithelial cells and peribiliary glands of the extrahepatic biliary duct. The conditional Pten deletion in these cells led to cholangitis, which gradually advanced to dysplasia, ultimately resulting in eCCA. The loss of Pten heightened Akt signaling, cell proliferation, inflammation, fibrosis, DNA damage, epigenetic signaling, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cell dysplasia, and cellular senescence. Genetic deletion or pharmacological inhibition of Aurka successfully halted the disease progression. This model shall be valuable for testing novel therapies and unraveling the mechanisms of eCCA tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Jiale Wang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Jianhua Wan
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Qianqian Cheng
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Zenong Cheng
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Xueli Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Oliver Wang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Kelvin Shi
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Lingxiang Wang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Xiaohui Zhu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Jiaxiang Chen
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Dongfeng Feng
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | | | - Ashley N Haddock
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | | | - Guang Peng
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Chantal E McCabe
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Daniel R O'Brien
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Sumera I Ilyas
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Liuyan Jiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Michael S Torbenson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Huamin Wang
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Raouf E Nakhleh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Xuemei Shi
- Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, South Carolina, USA
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Yan Bi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Gregory J Gores
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Tushar Patel
- Department of Transplantation, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Baoan Ji
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA.
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Wei D, Wang L, Zuo X, Maitra A, Bresalier RS. A Small Molecule with Big Impact: MRTX1133 Targets the KRASG12D Mutation in Pancreatic Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:655-662. [PMID: 37831007 PMCID: PMC10922474 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-2098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
KRAS mutations drive oncogenic alterations in numerous cancers, particularly in human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). About 93% of PDACs have KRAS mutations, with G12D (∼42% of cases) and G12V (∼32% of cases) being the most common. The recent approval of sotorasib (AMG510), a small-molecule, covalent, and selective KRASG12C inhibitor, for treating patients with non-small cell lung cancer represents a breakthrough in KRAS targeted therapy. However, there is a need to develop other much-needed KRAS-mutant inhibitors for PDAC therapy. Notably, Mirati Therapeutics recently developed MRTX1133, a small-molecule, noncovalent, and selective KRASG12D inhibitor through extensive structure-based drug design. MRTX1133 has demonstrated potent in vitro and in vivo antitumor efficacy against KRASG12D-mutant cancer cells, especially in PDAC, leading to its recent initiation of a phase I/II clinical trial. Here, we provide a summary of the recent advancements related to the use of MRTX1133 for treating KRASG12D-mutant PDAC, focusing on its efficacy and underlying mechanistic actions. In addition, we discuss potential challenges and future directions for MRTX1133 therapy for PDAC, including overcoming intrinsic and acquired drug resistance, developing effective combination therapies, and improving MRTX1133's oral bioavailability and target spectrum. The promising results obtained from preclinical studies suggest that MRTX1133 could revolutionize the treatment of PDAC, bringing about a paradigm shift in its management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daoyan Wei
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Liang Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Xiangsheng Zuo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Anirban Maitra
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, Sheikh Ahmed Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Robert S. Bresalier
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030
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Ishida CT, Myers SL, Shao W, McGuire MR, Liu C, Kubota CS, Ewachiw TE, Mukhopadhyay D, Ke S, Wang H, Rasheed ZA, Anders RA, Espenshade PJ. SREBP-dependent regulation of lipid homeostasis is required for progression and growth of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.04.578802. [PMID: 38370699 PMCID: PMC10871233 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.04.578802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming is a necessary component of oncogenesis and cancer progression that solid tumors undergo when their growth outstrips local nutrient supply. The supply of lipids such as cholesterol and fatty acids is required for continued tumor cell proliferation, and oncogenic mutations stimulate de novo lipogenesis to support tumor growth. Sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP) transcription factors control cellular lipid homeostasis by activating genes required for lipid synthesis and uptake. SREBPs have been implicated in the progression of multiple cancers, including brain, breast, colon, liver, and prostate. However, the role the SREBP pathway and its central regulator SREBP cleavage activating protein (SCAP) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has not been studied in detail. Here, we demonstrated that pancreas-specific knockout of Scap has no effect on mouse pancreas development or function, allowing for examination of the role for Scap in the murine KPC model of PDAC. Notably, heterozygous loss of Scap prolonged survival in KPC mice, and homozygous loss of Scap impaired PDAC tumor progression. Using subcutaneous and orthotopic xenograft models, we showed that S CAP is required for human PDAC tumor growth. Mechanistically, chemical or genetic inhibition of the SREBP pathway prevented PDAC cell growth under low serum conditions due to a lack of lipid supply. Highlighting the clinical importance of this pathway, the SREBP pathway is broadly required for cancer cell growth, SREBP target genes are upregulated in human PDAC tumors, and increased expression of SREBP targets genes is associated with poor survival in PDAC patients. Collectively, these results demonstrate that SCAP and the SREBP pathway activity are essential for PDAC cell and tumor growth in vitro and in vivo , identifying SCAP as a potential therapeutic target for PDAC. SIGNIFICANCE Our findings demonstrate that SREBP pathway activation is a critical part of the metabolic reprogramming that occurs in PDAC development and progression. Therefore, targeting the SREBP pathway has significant therapeutic potential.
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Darrigrand JF, Salowka A, Torres-Cano A, Tapia-Rojo R, Zhu T, Garcia-Manyes S, Spagnoli FM. Acinar-ductal cell rearrangement drives branching morphogenesis of the murine pancreas in an IGF/PI3K-dependent manner. Dev Cell 2024; 59:326-338.e5. [PMID: 38237591 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.12.011] [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: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
During organ formation, progenitor cells need to acquire different cell identities and organize themselves into distinct structural units. How these processes are coordinated and how tissue architecture(s) is preserved despite the dramatic cell rearrangements occurring in developing organs remain unclear. Here, we identified cellular rearrangements between acinar and ductal progenitors as a mechanism to drive branching morphogenesis in the pancreas while preserving the integrity of the acinar-ductal functional unit. Using ex vivo and in vivo mouse models, we found that pancreatic ductal cells form clefts by protruding and pulling on the acinar basement membrane, which leads to acini splitting. Newly formed acini remain connected to the bifurcated branches generated by ductal cell rearrangement. Insulin growth factor (IGF)/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway finely regulates this process by controlling pancreatic ductal tissue fluidity, with a simultaneous impact on branching and cell fate acquisition. Together, our results explain how acinar structure multiplication and branch bifurcation are synchronized during pancreas organogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Francois Darrigrand
- Centre for Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, King's College London, London, Great Maze Pond, SE1 9RT London, UK
| | - Anna Salowka
- Centre for Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, King's College London, London, Great Maze Pond, SE1 9RT London, UK
| | - Alejo Torres-Cano
- Centre for Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, King's College London, London, Great Maze Pond, SE1 9RT London, UK
| | - Rafael Tapia-Rojo
- Department of Physics, London Centre for Nanotechnology, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Tong Zhu
- Department of Physics, Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, Centre for the Physical Science of Life and London Centre for Nanotechnology, King's College London, London, UK; Single-Molecule Mechanobiology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Sergi Garcia-Manyes
- Department of Physics, Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, Centre for the Physical Science of Life and London Centre for Nanotechnology, King's College London, London, UK; Single-Molecule Mechanobiology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Francesca M Spagnoli
- Centre for Gene Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, King's College London, London, Great Maze Pond, SE1 9RT London, UK.
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Salu P, Reindl KM. Advancements in Preclinical Models of Pancreatic Cancer. Pancreas 2024; 53:e205-e220. [PMID: 38206758 PMCID: PMC10842038 DOI: 10.1097/mpa.0000000000002277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Pancreatic cancer remains one of the deadliest of all cancer types with a 5-year overall survival rate of just 12%. Preclinical models available for understanding the disease pathophysiology have evolved significantly in recent years. Traditionally, commercially available 2-dimensional cell lines were developed to investigate mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance. However, these cells grow as monolayer cultures that lack heterogeneity and do not effectively represent tumor biology. Developing patient-derived xenografts and genetically engineered mouse models led to increased cellular heterogeneity, molecular diversity, and tissues that histologically represent the original patient tumors. However, these models are relatively expensive and very timing consuming. More recently, the advancement of fast and inexpensive in vitro models that better mimic disease conditions in vivo are on the rise. Three-dimensional cultures like organoids and spheroids have gained popularity and are considered to recapitulate complex disease characteristics. In addition, computational genomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomic models are being developed to simulate pancreatic cancer progression and predict better treatment strategies. Herein, we review the challenges associated with pancreatic cancer research and available analytical models. We suggest that an integrated approach toward using these models may allow for developing new strategies for pancreatic cancer precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Salu
- From the Department of Biological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
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Xu J, Roe J, Lee E, Tonelli C, Ji KY, Younis OW, Somervile TD, Yao M, Milazzo JP, Tiriac H, Kolarzyk AM, Lee E, Grem JL, Lazenby AJ, Grunkemeyer JA, Hollingsworth MA, Grandgenett PM, Borowsky AD, Park Y, Vakoc CR, Tuveson DA, Hwang C. Engrailed-1 Promotes Pancreatic Cancer Metastasis. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2308537. [PMID: 38110836 PMCID: PMC10853725 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202308537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Engrailed-1 (EN1) is a critical homeodomain transcription factor (TF) required for neuronal survival, and EN1 expression has been shown to promote aggressive forms of triple negative breast cancer. Here, it is reported that EN1 is aberrantly expressed in a subset of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) patients with poor outcomes. EN1 predominantly repressed its target genes through direct binding to gene enhancers and promoters, implicating roles in the activation of MAPK pathways and the acquisition of mesenchymal cell properties. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments demonstrated that EN1 promoted PDA transformation and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. The findings nominate the targeting of EN1 and downstream pathways in aggressive PDA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihao Xu
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of California DavisDavisCA95616USA
- Comprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of California DavisSacramentoCA95817USA
| | - Jae‐Seok Roe
- Department of BiochemistryYonsei UniversitySeoul03722South Korea
- Cold Spring Harbor LaboratoryCold Spring HarborNY11724USA
| | - EunJung Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of California DavisDavisCA95616USA
- Cold Spring Harbor LaboratoryCold Spring HarborNY11724USA
- Lustgarten Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Research LaboratoryCold Spring HarborNY11724USA
| | - Claudia Tonelli
- Cold Spring Harbor LaboratoryCold Spring HarborNY11724USA
- Lustgarten Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Research LaboratoryCold Spring HarborNY11724USA
| | - Keely Y. Ji
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of California DavisDavisCA95616USA
| | - Omar W. Younis
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of California DavisDavisCA95616USA
| | | | - Melissa Yao
- Cold Spring Harbor LaboratoryCold Spring HarborNY11724USA
- Lustgarten Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Research LaboratoryCold Spring HarborNY11724USA
| | | | - Herve Tiriac
- Cold Spring Harbor LaboratoryCold Spring HarborNY11724USA
- Lustgarten Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Research LaboratoryCold Spring HarborNY11724USA
| | - Anna M. Kolarzyk
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical EngineeringCornell UniversityIthacaNY14853USA
| | - Esak Lee
- Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical EngineeringCornell UniversityIthacaNY14853USA
| | - Jean L. Grem
- Department of MedicineUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNE68198USA
| | - Audrey J. Lazenby
- Department of MedicineUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNE68198USA
| | | | | | | | - Alexander D. Borowsky
- Department of PathologySchool of MedicineUniversity of California DavisSacramentoCA95817USA
| | - Youngkyu Park
- Cold Spring Harbor LaboratoryCold Spring HarborNY11724USA
- Lustgarten Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Research LaboratoryCold Spring HarborNY11724USA
| | | | - David A. Tuveson
- Cold Spring Harbor LaboratoryCold Spring HarborNY11724USA
- Lustgarten Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Research LaboratoryCold Spring HarborNY11724USA
| | - Chang‐Il Hwang
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of California DavisDavisCA95616USA
- Comprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of California DavisSacramentoCA95817USA
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Hasselluhn MC, Schlösser D, Versemann L, Schmidt GE, Ulisse M, Oschwald J, Zhang Z, Hamdan F, Xiao H, Kopp W, Spitalieri J, Kellner C, Schneider C, Reutlinger K, Nagarajan S, Steuber B, Sastra SA, Palermo CF, Appelhans J, Bohnenberger H, Todorovic J, Kostyuchek I, Ströbel P, Bockelmann A, König A, Ammer-Herrmenau C, Schmidleitner L, Kaulfuß S, Wollnik B, Hahn SA, Neesse A, Singh SK, Bastians H, Reichert M, Sax U, Olive KP, Johnsen SA, Schneider G, Ellenrieder V, Hessmann E. An NFATc1/SMAD3/cJUN Complex Restricted to SMAD4-Deficient Pancreatic Cancer Guides Rational Therapies. Gastroenterology 2024; 166:298-312.e14. [PMID: 37913894 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2023.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The highly heterogeneous cellular and molecular makeup of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) not only fosters exceptionally aggressive tumor biology, but contradicts the current concept of one-size-fits-all therapeutic strategies to combat PDAC. Therefore, we aimed to exploit the tumor biological implication and therapeutic vulnerabilities of a clinically relevant molecular PDAC subgroup characterized by SMAD4 deficiency and high expression of the nuclear factor of activated T cells (SMAD4-/-/NFATc1High). METHODS Transcriptomic and clinical data were analyzed to determine the prognostic relevance of SMAD4-/-/NFATc1High cancers. In vitro and in vivo oncogenic transcription factor complex formation was studied by immunoprecipitation, proximity ligation assays, and validated cross model and species. The impact of SMAD4 status on therapeutically targeting canonical KRAS signaling was mechanistically deciphered and corroborated by genome-wide gene expression analysis and genetic perturbation experiments, respectively. Validation of a novel tailored therapeutic option was conducted in patient-derived organoids and cells and transgenic as well as orthotopic PDAC models. RESULTS Our findings determined the tumor biology of an aggressive and chemotherapy-resistant SMAD4-/-/NFATc1High subgroup. Mechanistically, we identify SMAD4 deficiency as a molecular prerequisite for the formation of an oncogenic NFATc1/SMAD3/cJUN transcription factor complex, which drives the expression of RRM1/2. RRM1/2 replenishes nucleoside pools that directly compete with metabolized gemcitabine for DNA strand incorporation. Disassembly of the NFATc1/SMAD3/cJUN complex by mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling inhibition normalizes RRM1/2 expression and synergizes with gemcitabine treatment in vivo to reduce the proliferative index. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that PDAC characterized by SMAD4 deficiency and oncogenic NFATc1/SMAD3/cJUN complex formation exposes sensitivity to a mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling inhibition and gemcitabine combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie C Hasselluhn
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Denise Schlösser
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Lennart Versemann
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Geske E Schmidt
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Clinical Research Unit KFO5002, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Maria Ulisse
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Clinical Research Unit KFO5002, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Joana Oschwald
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Clinical Research Unit KFO5002, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Clinical Research Unit KFO5002, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Feda Hamdan
- Gene Regulatory Mechanisms and Molecular Epigenetics Laboratory, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Harry Xiao
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Waltraut Kopp
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Clinical Research Unit KFO5002, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Jessica Spitalieri
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Clinical Research Unit KFO5002, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Christin Kellner
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Clinical Research Unit KFO5002, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Carolin Schneider
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Kristina Reutlinger
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Sankari Nagarajan
- Manchester Breast Centre and Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Division of Molecular and Cellular Function, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin Steuber
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Stephen A Sastra
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Carmine F Palermo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Jennifer Appelhans
- Clinical Research Unit KFO5002, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Hanibal Bohnenberger
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Jovan Todorovic
- Clinical Research Unit KFO5002, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Irina Kostyuchek
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Philipp Ströbel
- Clinical Research Unit KFO5002, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Aiko Bockelmann
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Alexander König
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Christoph Ammer-Herrmenau
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Clinical Research Unit KFO5002, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Laura Schmidleitner
- Medical Clinic and Polyclinic II, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany; Translational Pancreatic Research Cancer Center, Medical Clinic and Polyclinic II, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Silke Kaulfuß
- Clinical Research Unit KFO5002, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Bernd Wollnik
- Clinical Research Unit KFO5002, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Cluster of Excellence Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells, University of Goettingen, Germany
| | - Stephan A Hahn
- Ruhr University Bochum, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Molecular Gastrointestinal Oncology, Bochum, Germany
| | - Albrecht Neesse
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Clinical Research Unit KFO5002, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Shiv K Singh
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Clinical Research Unit KFO5002, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Holger Bastians
- Clinical Research Unit KFO5002, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Department of Molecular Oncology, Section for Cellular Oncology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Maximilian Reichert
- Medical Clinic and Polyclinic II, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany; Translational Pancreatic Research Cancer Center, Medical Clinic and Polyclinic II, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (a partnership between Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum and University Hospital Klinikum Rechts der Isar), Munich, Germany; Center for Protein Assemblies, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany; Center for Organoid Systems and Tissue Engineering, Technical University Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Ulrich Sax
- Clinical Research Unit KFO5002, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Department of Medical Informatics, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Kenneth P Olive
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Steven A Johnsen
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Robert Bosch Center for Tumor Diseases, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Günter Schneider
- Clinical Research Unit KFO5002, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center, Lower Saxony, Goettingen and Hannover, Germany
| | - Volker Ellenrieder
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Clinical Research Unit KFO5002, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center, Lower Saxony, Goettingen and Hannover, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Hessmann
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Clinical Research Unit KFO5002, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center, Lower Saxony, Goettingen and Hannover, Germany.
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Sun J, Wang Y, Fu H, Kang F, Song J, Xu M, Ning G, Wang J, Wang W, Wang Q. Mettl3-Mediated m6A Methylation Controls Pancreatic Bipotent Progenitor Fate and Islet Formation. Diabetes 2024; 73:237-249. [PMID: 37963393 DOI: 10.2337/db23-0360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
The important role of m6A RNA modification in β-cell function has been established; however, how it regulates pancreatic development and endocrine differentiation remains unknown. Here, we generated transgenic mice lacking RNA methyltransferase-like 3 (Mettl3) specifically in Pdx1+ pancreatic progenitor cells and found the mice with the mutation developed hyperglycemia and hypoinsulinemia at age 2 weeks, along with an atrophic pancreas, reduced islet mass, and abnormal increase in ductal formation. At embryonic day 15.5, Mettl3 deletion had caused a significant loss of Ngn3+ endocrine progenitor cells, which was accompanied by increased Sox9+ ductal precursor cells. We identified histone deacetylase 1 (Hdac1) as the critical direct m6A target in bipotent progenitors, the degeneration of which caused abnormal activation of the Wnt/Notch signaling pathway and blocked endocrine differentiation. This transformation could be manipulated in embryonic pancreatic culture in vitro through regulation of the Mettl3-Hdac1-Wnt/Notch signaling axis. Our finding that Mettl3 determines endocrine lineage by modulating Hdac1 activity during the transition of bipotent progenitors might help in the development of targeted endocrine cell protocols for diabetes treatment. ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajun Sun
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Endocrine Tumor, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanqiu Wang
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Endocrine Tumor, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Fu
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Endocrine Tumor, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fuyun Kang
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Endocrine Tumor, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaxi Song
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Endocrine Tumor, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Xu
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Endocrine Tumor, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guang Ning
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Endocrine Tumor, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Wang
- International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiqing Wang
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Endocrine Tumor, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qidi Wang
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Key Laboratory for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases of the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Endocrine Tumor, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Sino-French Research Center for Life Sciences and Genomics, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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47
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Fleming Martinez AK, Storz P. Protein kinase D1 - A targetable mediator of pancreatic cancer development. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2024; 1871:119646. [PMID: 38061566 PMCID: PMC10872883 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2023.119646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Members of the Protein kinase D (PKD) kinase family each play important cell-specific roles in the regulation of normal pancreas functions. In pancreatic diseases PKD1 is the most widely characterized isoform with roles in pancreatitis and in induction of pancreatic cancer and its progression. PKD1 expression and activation increases in pancreatic acinar cells through macrophage secreted factors, Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) signaling, and reactive oxygen species (ROS), driving the formation of precancerous lesions. In precancerous lesions PKD1 regulates cell survival, growth, senescence, and generation of doublecortin like kinase 1 (DCLK1)-positive cancer stem cells (CSCs). Within tumors, regulation by PKD1 includes chemoresistance, apoptosis, proliferation, CSC features, and the Warburg effect. Thus, PKD1 plays a critical role throughout pancreatic disease initiation and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter Storz
- Department of Cancer Biology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
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Foote JB, Mattox TE, Keeton AB, Chen X, Smith FT, Berry KL, Holmes T, Wang J, Huang CH, Ward AB, Hardy C, Fleten KG, Flatmark K, Yoon KJ, Sarvesh S, Ganji PN, Maxuitenko Y, Valiyaveettil J, Carstens JL, Buchsbaum DJ, Yang J, Zhou G, Nurmemmedov E, Babic I, Gaponenko V, Abdelkarim H, Mitra AK, Boyd MR, Manne U, Bae S, El-Rayes BF, Piazza GA. A Novel Pan-RAS Inhibitor with a Unique Mechanism of Action Blocks Tumor Growth in Mouse Models of GI Cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.05.17.541233. [PMID: 38328254 PMCID: PMC10849544 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.17.541233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Here we characterize a novel pan-RAS inhibitor, ADT-007, that potently and selectively inhibited the growth of histologically diverse cancer cell lines with mutant or activated RAS irrespective of the RAS mutation or isozyme. Growth inhibition was dependent on activated RAS and associated with reduced GTP-RAS levels and MAPK/AKT signaling. ADT-007 bound RAS in lysates from sensitive cells with sub-nanomolar EC 50 values but did not bind RAS in lysates from insensitive cells with low activated RAS. Insensitivity to ADT-007 was attributed to metabolic deactivation by UGT-mediated glucuronidation, providing a detoxification mechanism to protect normal cells from pan-RAS inhibition. Molecular modeling and experiments using recombinant RAS revealed that ADT-007 binds RAS in a nucleotide-free conformation to block GTP activation. Local injection of ADT-007 strongly inhibited tumor growth in syngeneic immune competent and xenogeneic immune deficient mouse models of colorectal and pancreatic cancer and activated innate and adaptive immunity in the tumor microenvironment. SIGNIFICANCE ADT-007 is a novel pan-RAS inhibitor with a unique mechanism of action having potential to circumvent resistance to mutant-specific KRAS inhibitors and activate antitumor immunity. The findings support further development of ADT-007 analogs and/or prodrugs with oral bioavailability as a generalizable monotherapy or combined with immunotherapy for RAS mutant cancers. BACKGROUND It is projected that colorectal cancer (CRC) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) will cause 52,580 and 49,830 deaths in the US in 2023, respectively (1). The 5-year survival rates for CRC and PDA are 65% and 12%, respectively (1). Over 50% of CRC and 90% of PDA patients harbor mutations in KRAS genes that are associated with poor prognosis, making the development of novel KRAS inhibitors an urgent unmet medical need (2).
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Duan X, Zhang T, Feng L, de Silva N, Greenspun B, Wang X, Moyer J, Martin ML, Chandwani R, Elemento O, Leach SD, Evans T, Chen S, Pan FC. A pancreatic cancer organoid platform identifies an inhibitor specific to mutant KRAS. Cell Stem Cell 2024; 31:71-88.e8. [PMID: 38151022 PMCID: PMC11022279 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
KRAS mutations, mainly G12D and G12V, are found in more than 90% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cases. The success of drugs targeting KRASG12C suggests the potential for drugs specifically targeting these alternative PDAC-associated KRAS mutations. Here, we report a high-throughput drug-screening platform using a series of isogenic murine pancreatic organoids that are wild type (WT) or contain common PDAC driver mutations, representing both classical and basal PDAC phenotypes. We screened over 6,000 compounds and identified perhexiline maleate, which can inhibit the growth and induce cell death of pancreatic organoids carrying the KrasG12D mutation both in vitro and in vivo and primary human PDAC organoids. scRNA-seq analysis suggests that the cholesterol synthesis pathway is upregulated specifically in the KRAS mutant organoids, including the key cholesterol synthesis regulator SREBP2. Perhexiline maleate decreases SREBP2 expression levels and reverses the KRAS mutant-induced upregulation of the cholesterol synthesis pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohua Duan
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA; Center for Genomic Health, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Tuo Zhang
- Genomics Resources Core Facility, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Lingling Feng
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA; Key Laboratory of Pesticide and Chemical Biology (CCNU), Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, Hubei 430079, China
| | - Neranjan de Silva
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Benjamin Greenspun
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA; Center for Genomic Health, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Xing Wang
- Genomics Resources Core Facility, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jenna Moyer
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - M Laura Martin
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rohit Chandwani
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA; Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Olivier Elemento
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Steven D Leach
- Dartmouth Cancer Center, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Todd Evans
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA; Center for Genomic Health, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA.
| | - Shuibing Chen
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA; Center for Genomic Health, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA.
| | - Fong Cheng Pan
- Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Ave., New York, NY 10065, USA.
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50
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Yan W, Menjivar RE, Bonilla ME, Steele NG, Kemp SB, Du W, Donahue KL, Brown K, Carpenter ES, Avritt FR, Irizarry-Negron VM, Yang S, Burns WR, Zhang Y, di Magliano MP, Bednar F. Notch Signaling Regulates Immunosuppressive Tumor-Associated Macrophage Function in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancer Immunol Res 2024; 12:91-106. [PMID: 37931247 PMCID: PMC10842043 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-23-0037] [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: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) continues to have a dismal prognosis. The poor survival of patients with PDA has been attributed to a high rate of early metastasis and low efficacy of current therapies, which partly result from its complex immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Previous studies from our group and others have shown that tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) are instrumental in maintaining immunosuppression in PDA. Here, we explored the role of Notch signaling, a key regulator of immune response, within the PDA microenvironment. We identified Notch pathway components in multiple immune cell types within human and mouse pancreatic cancer. TAMs, the most abundant immune cell population in the tumor microenvironment, expressed high levels of Notch receptors, with cognate ligands such as JAG1 expressed on tumor epithelial cells, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts. TAMs with activated Notch signaling expressed higher levels of immunosuppressive mediators, suggesting that Notch signaling plays a role in macrophage polarization within the PDA microenvironment. Genetic inhibition of Notch in myeloid cells led to reduced tumor size and decreased macrophage infiltration in an orthotopic PDA model. Combination of pharmacologic Notch inhibition with PD-1 blockade resulted in increased cytotoxic T-cell infiltration, tumor cell apoptosis, and smaller tumor size. Our work implicates macrophage Notch signaling in the establishment of immunosuppression and indicates that targeting the Notch pathway may improve the efficacy of immune-based therapies in patients with PDA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yan
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Rosa E. Menjivar
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Monica E. Bonilla
- Cancer Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Nina G. Steele
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Samantha B. Kemp
- Molecular and Cellular Pathology Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Wenting Du
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Katelyn L. Donahue
- Cancer Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Kristee Brown
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Eileen S. Carpenter
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI 48109, USA
| | - Faith R. Avritt
- College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | | | - Sion Yang
- College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - William R. Burns
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Yaqing Zhang
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Marina Pasca di Magliano
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Filip Bednar
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Cancer Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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