1
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Liang LY, Geoghegan ND, Mlodzianoski M, Leis A, Whitehead LW, Surudoi MG, Young SN, Janes P, Shepherd D, Ghosal D, Rogers KL, Murphy JM, Lucet IS. Co-clustering of EphB6 and ephrinB1 in trans restrains cancer cell invasion. Commun Biol 2024; 7:461. [PMID: 38627519 PMCID: PMC11021433 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06118-4] [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: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
EphB6 is an understudied ephrin receptor tyrosine pseudokinase that is downregulated in multiple types of metastatic cancers. Unlike its kinase-active counterparts which autophosphorylate and transmit signals upon intercellular interaction, little is known about how EphB6 functions in the absence of intrinsic kinase activity. Here, we unveil a molecular mechanism of cell-cell interaction driven by EphB6. We identify ephrinB1 as a cognate ligand of EphB6 and show that in trans interaction of EphB6 with ephrinB1 on neighboring cells leads to the formation of large co-clusters at the plasma membrane. These co-clusters exhibit a decreased propensity towards endocytosis, suggesting a unique characteristic for this type of cell-cell interaction. Using lattice light-sheet microscopy, 3D structured illumination microscopy and cryo-electron tomography techniques, we show that co-clustering of EphB6 and ephrinB1 promotes the formation of double-membrane tubular structures between cells. Importantly, we also demonstrate that these intercellular structures stabilize cell-cell adhesion, leading to a reduction in the invasive behavior of cancer cells. Our findings rationalize a role for EphB6 pseudokinase as a tumor suppressor when interacting with its ligands in trans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lung-Yu Liang
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute for Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Niall D Geoghegan
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute for Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Michael Mlodzianoski
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute for Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Andrew Leis
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute for Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Lachlan W Whitehead
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute for Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Minglyanna G Surudoi
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute for Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Samuel N Young
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute for Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Peter Janes
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute and La Trobe School of Cancer Medicine, Level 5, ONJ Centre, 145 Studley Rd, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia
| | - Doulin Shepherd
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Debnath Ghosal
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- ARC Centre for Cryo-electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Kelly L Rogers
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute for Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - James M Murphy
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute for Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
| | - Isabelle S Lucet
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute for Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
- ARC Centre for Cryo-electron Microscopy of Membrane Proteins, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
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2
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Pastena P, Perera H, Martinino A, Kartsonis W, Giovinazzo F. Unraveling Biomarker Signatures in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review for Targeted Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2559. [PMID: 38473804 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052559] [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: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the most aggressive subtypes of breast cancer, marked by poor outcomes and dismal prognosis. Due to the absence of targetable receptors, chemotherapy still represents the main therapeutic option. Therefore, current research is now focusing on understanding the specific molecular pathways implicated in TNBC, in order to identify novel biomarker signatures and develop targeted therapies able to improve its clinical management. With the aim of identifying novel molecular features characterizing TNBC, elucidating the mechanisms by which these molecular biomarkers are implicated in the tumor development and progression, and assessing the impact on cancerous cells following their inhibition or modulation, we conducted a literature search from the earliest works to December 2023 on PubMed, Scopus, and Web Of Science. A total of 146 studies were selected. The results obtained demonstrated that TNBC is characterized by a heterogeneous molecular profile. Several biomarkers have proven not only to be characteristic of TNBC but also to serve as potential effective therapeutic targets, holding the promise of a new era of personalized treatments able to improve its prognosis. The pre-clinical findings that have emerged from our systematic review set the stage for further investigation in forthcoming clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Pastena
- Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, Brookhaven, NY 11794, USA
| | - Hiran Perera
- Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, Brookhaven, NY 11794, USA
| | | | - William Kartsonis
- Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, Brookhaven, NY 11794, USA
| | - Francesco Giovinazzo
- Department of Surgery, Saint Camillus Hospital, 31100 Treviso, Italy
- Department of Surgery, UniCamillus-Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, 00131 Rome, Italy
- Department of Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
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3
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Rubinfeld H, Cohen ZR, Bendavid U, Fichman-Horn S, Levy-Barda A, David C, Melamed P, Shimon I. Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular receptor B6 is highly expressed in non-functioning pituitary neuroendocrine tumors and its expression correlates with tumor size. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:297. [PMID: 38341842 PMCID: PMC10859332 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-09186-7] [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: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular (EPH) receptors are the largest known family of receptor tyrosine kinases characterized in humans. These proteins are involved in tissue organization, synaptic plasticity, vascular development and the progression of various diseases including cancer. The Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular receptor tyrosine kinase member EphB6 is a pseudokinase which has not attracted an equivalent amount of interest as its enzymatically-active counterparts. The aim of this study was to assess the expression of EphB6 in pituitary tumors. METHODS AND RESULTS Human normal pituitaries and pituitary tumors were examined for EphB6 mRNA expression using real-time PCR and for EphB6 protein by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. EphB6 was highly expressed in non-functioning pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (NF-PitNETs) versus the normal pituitary and GH-secreting PitNETs. EphB6 mRNA expression was correlated with tumor size. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest EphB6 aberrant expression in NF-PitNETs. Future studies are warranted to determine the role and significance of EphB6 in NF-PitNETs tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadara Rubinfeld
- Institute of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism and Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Campus, 49100, Petach Tikva, Israel
- School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Zvi R Cohen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
- School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Uzi Bendavid
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | | | - Adva Levy-Barda
- Biobank, Department of Pathology, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Cfir David
- Faculty of Biology, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Philippa Melamed
- Faculty of Biology, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ilan Shimon
- Institute of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism and Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Campus, 49100, Petach Tikva, Israel.
- School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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4
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Pasquale EB. Eph receptors and ephrins in cancer progression. Nat Rev Cancer 2024; 24:5-27. [PMID: 37996538 PMCID: PMC11015936 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-023-00634-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Evidence implicating Eph receptor tyrosine kinases and their ephrin ligands (that together make up the 'Eph system') in cancer development and progression has been accumulating since the discovery of the first Eph receptor approximately 35 years ago. Advances in the past decade and a half have considerably increased the understanding of Eph receptor-ephrin signalling mechanisms in cancer and have uncovered intriguing new roles in cancer progression and drug resistance. This Review focuses mainly on these more recent developments. I provide an update on the different mechanisms of Eph receptor-ephrin-mediated cell-cell communication and cell autonomous signalling, as well as on the interplay of the Eph system with other signalling systems. I further discuss recent advances in elucidating how the Eph system controls tumour expansion, invasiveness and metastasis, supports cancer stem cells, and drives therapy resistance. In addition to functioning within cancer cells, the Eph system also mediates the reciprocal communication between cancer cells and cells of the tumour microenvironment. The involvement of the Eph system in tumour angiogenesis is well established, but recent findings also demonstrate roles in immune cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts and the extracellular matrix. Lastly, I discuss strategies under evaluation for therapeutic targeting of Eph receptors-ephrins in cancer and conclude with an outlook on promising future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena B Pasquale
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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Colucci M, Trivieri N, Mencarelli G, De Santis E, Sansico F, Tamiro F, Visioli A, Barile C, Pracella R, Rossi G, Binda E, Giambra V. A functional role of Ephrin type-B receptor 6 (EPHB6) in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Biomark Res 2023; 11:92. [PMID: 37858274 PMCID: PMC10588013 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-023-00531-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
T-cell lymphoblastic acute leukemia (T-ALL) is an aggressive blood cancer, characterized by restricted cellular subsets with enriched leukemia initiating cells (LICs). Recently, Ephrin receptors (Eph) were described to be highly expressed in cancer stem cells. Here, using public RNA-Seq datasets of human T-ALL, we reported that EphB6 was the only member within the Eph family overexpressed in over 260 samples. We also found the highest level of EphB6 in a minor cell subpopulation within bulk tumors of patient-derived xenografts, obtained through the injection of primary patient biopsy material into immunocompromised NOD-Scid/IL2Rγc-/- (NSG) mice. Interestingly, this EphB6 positive (EphB6+) subset showed an enriched LIC activity after in vivo transplantation into NSG mice. Additionally, gene expression data at the single-cell level of primary patients' leukemic cells revealed that EphB6 + cells were significantly selected in minimal residual disease up to 30 days from the standard treatments and characterized by high levels of markers related to cell proliferation and poor clinical outcome, such as CCNB1 and KIF20A. Taken together, our data suggest that EphB6 supports LICs' maintenance and progression in T-ALL and, thus, targeting EphB6 + cells could be therapeutically relevant for the treatment of T-ALL patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Colucci
- Hematopathology Unit, Institute for Stem Cell Biology, Regenerative Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics (ISBReMIT), Fondazione IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza", Viale Padre Pio, 7, 71013, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy
| | - Nadia Trivieri
- Cancer Stem Cells Unit, Institute for Stem Cell Biology, Regenerative Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics (ISBReMIT), Fondazione IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza", Viale Padre Pio, 7, 71013, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy
| | - Gandino Mencarelli
- Cancer Stem Cells Unit, Institute for Stem Cell Biology, Regenerative Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics (ISBReMIT), Fondazione IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza", Viale Padre Pio, 7, 71013, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy
| | - Elisabetta De Santis
- Hematopathology Unit, Institute for Stem Cell Biology, Regenerative Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics (ISBReMIT), Fondazione IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza", Viale Padre Pio, 7, 71013, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy
| | - Francesca Sansico
- Hematopathology Unit, Institute for Stem Cell Biology, Regenerative Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics (ISBReMIT), Fondazione IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza", Viale Padre Pio, 7, 71013, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy
| | - Francesco Tamiro
- Hematopathology Unit, Institute for Stem Cell Biology, Regenerative Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics (ISBReMIT), Fondazione IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza", Viale Padre Pio, 7, 71013, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy
| | | | - Chiara Barile
- Cancer Stem Cells Unit, Institute for Stem Cell Biology, Regenerative Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics (ISBReMIT), Fondazione IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza", Viale Padre Pio, 7, 71013, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy
| | - Riccardo Pracella
- Cancer Stem Cells Unit, Institute for Stem Cell Biology, Regenerative Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics (ISBReMIT), Fondazione IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza", Viale Padre Pio, 7, 71013, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy
| | - Giovanni Rossi
- Department of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplant Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, Viale Cappuccini, 1, 71013, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy
| | - Elena Binda
- Cancer Stem Cells Unit, Institute for Stem Cell Biology, Regenerative Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics (ISBReMIT), Fondazione IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza", Viale Padre Pio, 7, 71013, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy.
| | - Vincenzo Giambra
- Hematopathology Unit, Institute for Stem Cell Biology, Regenerative Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics (ISBReMIT), Fondazione IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza", Viale Padre Pio, 7, 71013, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy.
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Hao Y, Li R, Min Y. Platinum-Based Twin Drug Modulates Tumor-Infiltrating Immune Cells to Improve Immune Checkpoint Blockade Therapy. J Med Chem 2023; 66:13607-13621. [PMID: 37728887 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Chemoimmunotherapy is an area of active research and development with a growing body of evidence supporting its potential benefits for the treatment of cancer. However, chemotherapy components of chemoimmunotherapy have several limitations, including systemic toxicity and poor performance in reversing the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Here, we designed a twin drug, MROP, complexed with all-trans retinoic acid and oxaliplatin, and showed that the twin drug significantly enhanced the synergetic therapeutic efficacy with anti-PD-1 in a colorectal cancer mouse model. We demonstrated by mechanistic analyses of tumor tissue that the combination of anti-PD-1 and MROP induced immunogenic cell death and regulated tumor-infiltrating immune cells, including the polarization of tumor-associated macrophages toward type 1, a reduction in myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and a significant increase in the proportion of T cells, particularly CD8+ T cells. This paper provides a promising strategy for cancer treatment and new insight into the mechanism of chemoimmunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhao Hao
- Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Yuanzeng Min
- Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Anhui Provincial Hospital, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
- CAS Key Lab of Soft Matter Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
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7
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Jia X, Zhang D, Zhou C, Yan Z, Jiang Z, Xie L, Jiang J. Eph receptor B6 shapes a cold immune microenvironment, inhibiting anti-cancer immunity and immunotherapy response in bladder cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1175183. [PMID: 37637034 PMCID: PMC10450340 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1175183] [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: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The role of Eph receptors and related ephrin (EFN) ligands (as the largest family of transmembrane-bound RTKs) in immunomodulation in many types of cancer, especially bladder cancer (BLCA), is scarcely known. Methods A pan-cancer dataset was retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to explore the relation between Eph receptor/EFN ligand family genes and immunomodulators and tumor-infiltrated immune cells (TIICs). Local BLCA, GSE32894, and GSE31684 cohorts were applied to validate. The IMvigor210 cohort was employed to explore the relationship between EPHB6 and immunotherapy response. Moreover, association between EPHB6 and molecular subtype was investigated to explore potential therapeutic strategies. Immunohistochemical staining of CD8 and CD68 was performed to validate the correlation between EPHB6 and TIICs. Results The pan-cancer analysis revealed variations in the immunological effects of Eph receptor/EFN ligand family genes across different types of cancer. EPHB6 expression negatively correlated with the expression of the majority of immunomodulators (including HLA and immune checkpoints), and CD8 T cells and macrophages in both the TCGA-BLCA and validation BLCA cohorts, shaping a cold immune microenvironment with inhibited immunity. In the IMvigor210 cohort, patients with high-EPHB6 highly correlated with a non-inflamed, low PD-L1 expression immune phenotype, and correspondingly, with less responders to immunotherapy. The high-EPHB6 group, enriched with the basal subtype, presented significantly fewer TP53 and more FGFR3 genomic alterations. Finally, a novel EPHB6-related Genes signature, with reliable and robust ability in prognosis prediction, was constructed. Conclusions This study comprehensively investigated the immunological effects of Eph receptor/EFN ligand family genes pan-cancer, and specially identified the immunosuppressive role of EPHB6 in BLCA. Furthermore, EPHB6 may predict the molecular subtype and prognosis of BLCA, and serve as a novel therapeutic target to improve the sensitivity of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Jia
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Urology, Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo Hospital of Zhejiang University, Ningbo, China
| | - Dongxu Zhang
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Urology, Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo Hospital of Zhejiang University, Ningbo, China
| | - Cheng Zhou
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Urology, Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo Hospital of Zhejiang University, Ningbo, China
| | - Zejun Yan
- Department of Urology, Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo Hospital of Zhejiang University, Ningbo, China
| | - Zhaohui Jiang
- Department of Urology, Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo Hospital of Zhejiang University, Ningbo, China
| | - Liping Xie
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junhui Jiang
- Department of Urology, Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo Hospital of Zhejiang University, Ningbo, China
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8
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Hanover G, Vizeacoumar FS, Banerjee SL, Nair R, Dahiya R, Osornio-Hernandez AI, Morales AM, Freywald T, Himanen JP, Toosi BM, Bisson N, Vizeacoumar FJ, Freywald A. Integration of cancer-related genetic landscape of Eph receptors and ephrins with proteomics identifies a crosstalk between EPHB6 and EGFR. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112670. [PMID: 37392382 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112670] [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: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Eph receptors and their ephrin ligands are viewed as promising targets for cancer treatment; however, targeting them is hindered by their context-dependent functionalities. To circumvent this, we explore molecular landscapes underlying their pro- and anti-malignant activities. Using unbiased bioinformatics approaches, we construct a cancer-related network of genetic interactions (GIs) of all Ephs and ephrins to assist in their therapeutic manipulation. We also apply genetic screening and BioID proteomics and integrate them with machine learning approaches to select the most relevant GIs of one Eph receptor, EPHB6. This identifies a crosstalk between EPHB6 and EGFR, and further experiments confirm the ability of EPHB6 to modulate EGFR signaling, enhancing the proliferation of cancer cells and tumor development. Taken together, our observations show EPHB6 involvement in EGFR action, suggesting its targeting might be beneficial in EGFR-dependent tumors, and confirm that the Eph family genetic interactome presented here can be effectively exploited in developing cancer treatment approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glinton Hanover
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Royal University Hospital, Room 2841, 103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0W8, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Saskatchewan, GA20 Health Sciences, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Frederick S Vizeacoumar
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Royal University Hospital, Room 2841, 103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0W8, Canada
| | - Sara L Banerjee
- Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, PROTEO and Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Quebec-Université Laval, Division Oncologie, 9 Rue McMahon, Québec, QC G1R 3S3, Canada
| | - Raveena Nair
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Royal University Hospital, Room 2841, 103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0W8, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Saskatchewan, GA20 Health Sciences, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Renuka Dahiya
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Royal University Hospital, Room 2841, 103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0W8, Canada
| | - Ana I Osornio-Hernandez
- Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, PROTEO and Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Quebec-Université Laval, Division Oncologie, 9 Rue McMahon, Québec, QC G1R 3S3, Canada
| | - Alain Morejon Morales
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Royal University Hospital, Room 2841, 103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0W8, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Saskatchewan, GA20 Health Sciences, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Tanya Freywald
- Cancer Research, Saskatchewan Cancer Agency and Division of Oncology, University of Saskatchewan, 4D30.2 Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada
| | - Juha P Himanen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, 20500 Turku, Finland
| | - Behzad M Toosi
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Nicolas Bisson
- Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, PROTEO and Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Quebec-Université Laval, Division Oncologie, 9 Rue McMahon, Québec, QC G1R 3S3, Canada.
| | - Franco J Vizeacoumar
- Cancer Research, Saskatchewan Cancer Agency and Division of Oncology, University of Saskatchewan, 4D30.2 Health Sciences Building, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5, Canada.
| | - Andrew Freywald
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Royal University Hospital, Room 2841, 103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0W8, Canada.
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9
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Aarhus TI, Bjørnstad F, Wolowczyk C, Larsen KU, Rognstad L, Leithaug T, Unger A, Habenberger P, Wolf A, Bjørkøy G, Pridans C, Eickhoff J, Klebl B, Hoff BH, Sundby E. Synthesis and Development of Highly Selective Pyrrolo[2,3- d]pyrimidine CSF1R Inhibitors Targeting the Autoinhibited Form. J Med Chem 2023; 66:6959-6980. [PMID: 37191268 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor (CSF1R) is a receptor tyrosine kinase that controls the differentiation and maintenance of most tissue-resident macrophages, and the inhibition of CSF1R has been suggested as a possible therapy for a range of human disorders. Herein, we present the synthesis, development, and structure-activity relationship of a series of highly selective pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines, showing subnanomolar enzymatic inhibition of this receptor and with excellent selectivity toward other kinases in the platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) family. The crystal structure of the protein and 23 revealed that the binding conformation of the protein is DFG-out-like. The most promising compounds in this series were profiled for cellular potency and subjected to pharmacokinetic profiling and in vivo stability, indicating that this compound class could be relevant in a potential disease setting. Additionally, these compounds inhibited primarily the autoinhibited form of the receptor, contrasting the behavior of pexidartinib, which could explain the exquisite selectivity of these structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Ihle Aarhus
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Frithjof Bjørnstad
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Camilla Wolowczyk
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | | | - Line Rognstad
- Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Trygve Leithaug
- Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Anke Unger
- Lead Discovery Center GmbH, Otto-Hahn-Straße 15, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Peter Habenberger
- Lead Discovery Center GmbH, Otto-Hahn-Straße 15, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Alexander Wolf
- Lead Discovery Center GmbH, Otto-Hahn-Straße 15, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Geir Bjørkøy
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Clare Pridans
- University of Edinburgh Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, U.K
| | - Jan Eickhoff
- Lead Discovery Center GmbH, Otto-Hahn-Straße 15, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Bert Klebl
- Lead Discovery Center GmbH, Otto-Hahn-Straße 15, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Bård H Hoff
- Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Eirik Sundby
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491 Trondheim, Norway
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10
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Aarhus TI, Eickhoff J, Klebl B, Unger A, Boros J, Choidas A, Zischinsky ML, Wolowczyk C, Bjørkøy G, Sundby E, Hoff BH. A highly selective purine-based inhibitor of CSF1R potently inhibits osteoclast differentiation. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 255:115344. [PMID: 37141705 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) plays an important role in the regulation of many inflammatory processes, and overexpression of the kinase is implicated in several disease states. Identifying selective, small-molecule inhibitors of CSF1R may be a crucial step toward treating these disorders. Through modelling, synthesis, and a systematic structure-activity relationship study, we have identified a number of potent and highly selective purine-based inhibitors of CSF1R. The optimized 6,8-disubstituted antagonist, compound 9, has enzymatic IC50 of 0.2 nM, and displays a strong affinity toward the autoinhibited form of CSF1R, contrasting that of other previously reported inhibitors. As a result of its binding mode, the inhibitor shows excellent selectivity (Selectivity score: 0.06), evidenced by profiling towards a panel of 468 kinases. In cell-based assays, this inhibitor shows dose-dependent blockade of CSF1-mediated downstream signalling in murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (IC50 = 106 nM) as well as disruption of osteoclast differentiation at nanomolar levels. In vivo experiments, however, indicate that improve metabolic stability is needed in order to further progress this compound class.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Ihle Aarhus
- Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Høgskoleringen 5, NO-7491, Trondheim, Norway; Lead Discovery Center GmbH (LDC), Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, 44227, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Jan Eickhoff
- Lead Discovery Center GmbH (LDC), Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, 44227, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Bert Klebl
- Lead Discovery Center GmbH (LDC), Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, 44227, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Anke Unger
- Lead Discovery Center GmbH (LDC), Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, 44227, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Joanna Boros
- Lead Discovery Center GmbH (LDC), Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, 44227, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Axel Choidas
- Lead Discovery Center GmbH (LDC), Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, 44227, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Mia-Lisa Zischinsky
- Lead Discovery Center GmbH (LDC), Otto-Hahn-Strasse 15, 44227, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Camilla Wolowczyk
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491, Trondheim, Norway; Centre of Molecular Inflammation Research, Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Geir Bjørkøy
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491, Trondheim, Norway; Centre of Molecular Inflammation Research, Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Eirik Sundby
- Department of Material Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), NO-7491, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Bård Helge Hoff
- Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Høgskoleringen 5, NO-7491, Trondheim, Norway.
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11
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Lau A, Le N, Nguyen C, Kandpal RP. Signals transduced by Eph receptors and ephrin ligands converge on MAP kinase and AKT pathways in human cancers. Cell Signal 2023; 104:110579. [PMID: 36572189 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2022.110579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Eph receptors, the largest known family of receptor tyrosine kinases, and ephrin ligands have been implicated in a variety of human cancers. The novel bidirectional signaling events initiated by binding of Eph receptors to their cognate ephrin ligands modulate many cellular processes such as proliferation, metastasis, angiogenesis, invasion, and apoptosis. The relationships between the abundance of a unique subset of Eph receptors and ephrin ligands with associated cellular processes indicate a key role of these molecules in tumorigenesis. The combinatorial expression of these molecules converges on MAP kinase and/or AKT/mTOR signaling pathways. The intracellular target proteins of the initial signal may, however, vary in some cancers. Furthermore, we have also described the commonality of up- and down-regulation of individual receptors and ligands in various cancers. The current state of research in Eph receptors illustrates MAP kinase and mTOR pathways as plausible targets for therapeutic interventions in various cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Lau
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, United States of America
| | - Nghia Le
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, United States of America
| | - Claudia Nguyen
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, United States of America
| | - Raj P Kandpal
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, United States of America.
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12
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Xu H, Zhang F, Gao X, Zhou Q, Zhu L. Fate decisions of breast cancer stem cells in cancer progression. Front Oncol 2022; 12:968306. [PMID: 36046046 PMCID: PMC9420991 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.968306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer has a marked recurrence and metastatic trait and is one of the most prevalent malignancies affecting women’s health worldwide. Tumor initiation and progression begin after the cell goes from a quiescent to an activated state and requires different mechanisms to act in concert to regulate t a specific set of spectral genes for expression. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been proven to initiate and drive tumorigenesis due to their capability of self-renew and differentiate. In addition, CSCs are believed to be capable of causing resistance to anti-tumor drugs, recurrence and metastasis. Therefore, exploring the origin, regulatory mechanisms and ultimate fate decision of CSCs in breast cancer outcomes has far-reaching clinical implications for the development of breast cancer stem cell (BCSC)-targeted therapeutic strategies. In this review, we will highlight the contribution of BCSCs to breast cancer and explore the internal and external factors that regulate the fate of BCSCs.
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13
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Nikas I, Giaginis C, Petrouska K, Alexandrou P, Michail A, Sarantis P, Tsourouflis G, Danas E, Pergaris A, Politis PK, Nakopoulou L, Theocharis S. EPHA2, EPHA4, and EPHA7 Expression in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12020366. [PMID: 35204461 PMCID: PMC8871500 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12020366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Ongoing research continues to elucidate the complex role of ephrin receptors (EPHs) and their ligands (ephrins) in breast cancer pathogenesis, with their varying expression patterns implied to have an important impact on patients’ outcome. The current study aims to investigate the clinical significance of EPHA2, EPHA4, and EPHA7 expression in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cases. EPHA2, EPHA4, and EPHA7 protein expression was assessed immunohistochemically on formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) TNBC tissue sections from 52 TNBC patients and correlated with key clinicopathologic parameters and patients’ survival data (overall survival (OS); disease-free survival (DFS)). EPHA2, EPHA4, and EPHA7 expression was further examined in TNBC cell lines. EPHA2 overexpression was observed in 26 (50%) of the TNBC cases, who exhibited a shorter OS and DFS than their low-expression counterparts, with EPHA2 representing an independent prognostic factor for OS and DFS (p = 0.0041 and p = 0.0232, respectively). EPHA4 overexpression was associated with lymph node metastasis in TNBC patients (p = 0.0546). Alterations in EPHA2, EPHA4, and EPHA7 expression levels were also noted in the examined TNBC cell lines. Our study stresses that EPHA2 expression constitutes a potential prognostic factor for TNBC patients. Given the limited treatment options and poorer outcome that accompany the TNBC subtype, EPHA2 could also pose as a target for novel, more personalized, and effective therapeutic approaches for those patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilias Nikas
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (I.N.); (K.P.); (P.A.); (P.S.); (E.D.); (A.P.); (L.N.)
- School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 2404, Cyprus
| | - Constantinos Giaginis
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, School of Environment, University of Aegean, Myrina, 811 00 Lemnos, Greece;
| | - Kalliopi Petrouska
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (I.N.); (K.P.); (P.A.); (P.S.); (E.D.); (A.P.); (L.N.)
| | - Paraskevi Alexandrou
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (I.N.); (K.P.); (P.A.); (P.S.); (E.D.); (A.P.); (L.N.)
| | - Artemis Michail
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou Str., 115 27 Athens, Greece; (A.M.); (P.K.P.)
| | - Panagiotis Sarantis
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (I.N.); (K.P.); (P.A.); (P.S.); (E.D.); (A.P.); (L.N.)
| | - Gerasimos Tsourouflis
- Second Department of Propedeutic Surgery, Laikon Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece;
| | - Eugene Danas
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (I.N.); (K.P.); (P.A.); (P.S.); (E.D.); (A.P.); (L.N.)
| | - Alexandros Pergaris
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (I.N.); (K.P.); (P.A.); (P.S.); (E.D.); (A.P.); (L.N.)
| | - Panagiotis K. Politis
- Center for Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 4 Soranou Efesiou Str., 115 27 Athens, Greece; (A.M.); (P.K.P.)
| | - Lydia Nakopoulou
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (I.N.); (K.P.); (P.A.); (P.S.); (E.D.); (A.P.); (L.N.)
| | - Stamatios Theocharis
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 27 Athens, Greece; (I.N.); (K.P.); (P.A.); (P.S.); (E.D.); (A.P.); (L.N.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: + 30-210-7462178; Fax: + 30-210-7456259
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14
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Razi Soofiyani S, Ahangari H, Soleimanian A, Babaei G, Ghasemnejad T, Safavi SE, Eyvazi S, Tarhriz V. The role of circadian genes in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer. Gene 2021; 804:145894. [PMID: 34418469 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2021.145894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most frequent cancer in human beings and is also the major cause of death among the other gastrointestinal cancers. The exact mechanisms of CRC development in most patients remains unclear. So far, several genetically, environmental and epigenetically risk factors have been identified for CRC development. The circadian rhythm is a 24-h rhythm that drives several biologic processes. The circadian system is guided by a central pacemaker which is located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the hypothalamus. Circadian rhythm is regulated by circadian clock genes, cytokines and hormones like melatonin. Disruptions in biological rhythms are known to be strongly associated with several diseases, including cancer. The role of the different circadian genes has been verified in various cancers, however, the pathways of different circadian genes in the pathogenesis of CRC are less investigated. Identification of the details of the pathways in CRC helps researchers to explore new therapies for the malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saiedeh Razi Soofiyani
- Clinical Research Development Unit of Sina Educational, Research and Treatment Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Molecular Medicine Research Center, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hossein Ahangari
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Science, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Alireza Soleimanian
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ghader Babaei
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Tohid Ghasemnejad
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Seyed Esmaeil Safavi
- Faculty of Veternary Medicine, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran; Biotechnology Research Center, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Shirin Eyvazi
- Biotechnology Research Center, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Biology, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Vahideh Tarhriz
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Biomedicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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15
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Ephrin Receptors (Ephs) Expression in Thymic Epithelial Tumors: Prognostic Implications and Future Therapeutic Approaches. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11122265. [PMID: 34943502 PMCID: PMC8700455 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11122265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Ephrin receptors (Ephs) are receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) implicated in tissue development and homeostasis, and they are aberrantly expressed in tumors. Here, immunohistochemical Eph type-A and -B expression in thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) was assessed and correlated with clinicopathological parameters. Tissue microarrays from 98 TETs were stained for EphA1, -A2, -A4 -A6, -B1, -B2, -B4 and -B6. The relationship between neoplastic and lymphoid cell immunoreactivity score (H-score), histopathological parameters (Pearson’s test) and survival of 35 patients (Mantel-Cox model) was explored. Epithelial-rich subtypes showed higher EphA6 cytoplasmic H-score (B2/B3, carcinoma) (p < 0.001) and stronger EphA4 H-score (B3, carcinoma) (p = 0.011). The immature T-cells, especially in subtypes AB/B1, had higher EphB6 H-score than carcinoma-associated mature lymphocytes (p < 0.001); carcinomas had higher lymphocytic EphB1 H-score (p = 0.026). Higher lymphocytic and lower epithelial EphB6 H-score correlated with Masaoka stage ≤II (p = 0.043, p = 0.010, respectively). All cases showed variable epithelial and lymphocytic EphA2 expression, but clinicopathological associations were not reached. Our study confirmed that Eph type-A and -B expression in TETs is associated with established prognostic parameters, i.e., tumor subtype and Masaoka stage, although correlation with patient survival was not reached. Such findings suggest involvement of these RTKs in thymic neoplasia, as well as their potential utility as treatment targets.
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16
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Liang LY, Roy M, Horne CR, Sandow JJ, Surudoi M, Dagley LF, Young SN, Dite T, Babon JJ, Janes PW, Patel O, Murphy JM, Lucet IS. The intracellular domains of the EphB6 and EphA10 receptor tyrosine pseudokinases function as dynamic signalling hubs. Biochem J 2021; 478:3351-3371. [PMID: 34431498 PMCID: PMC8454701 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20210572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
EphB6 and EphA10 are two poorly characterised pseudokinase members of the Eph receptor family, which collectively serves as mediators of contact-dependent cell-cell communication to transmit extracellular cues into intracellular signals. As per their active counterparts, EphB6 and EphA10 deregulation is strongly linked to proliferative diseases. However, unlike active Eph receptors, whose catalytic activities are thought to initiate an intracellular signalling cascade, EphB6 and EphA10 are classified as catalytically dead, raising the question of how non-catalytic functions contribute to Eph receptor signalling homeostasis. In this study, we have characterised the biochemical properties and topology of the EphB6 and EphA10 intracellular regions comprising the juxtamembrane (JM) region, pseudokinase and SAM domains. Using small-angle X-ray scattering and cross-linking-mass spectrometry, we observed high flexibility within their intracellular regions in solution and a propensity for interaction between the component domains. We identified tyrosine residues in the JM region of EphB6 as EphB4 substrates, which can bind the SH2 domains of signalling effectors, including Abl, Src and Vav3, consistent with cellular roles in recruiting these proteins for downstream signalling. Furthermore, our finding that EphB6 and EphA10 can bind ATP and ATP-competitive small molecules raises the prospect that these pseudokinase domains could be pharmacologically targeted to counter oncogenic signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lung-Yu Liang
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute or Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Michael Roy
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute or Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Christopher R. Horne
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute or Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Jarrod J. Sandow
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute or Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Minglyanna Surudoi
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute or Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Laura F. Dagley
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute or Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Samuel N. Young
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute or Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Toby Dite
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute or Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Jeffrey J. Babon
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute or Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Peter W. Janes
- Tumour Targeting Program, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute and La Trobe School of Cancer Medicine, Level 5, ONJ Centre, 145 Studley Rd, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
| | - Onisha Patel
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute or Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - James M. Murphy
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute or Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Isabelle S. Lucet
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute or Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
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17
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Yi C, Zhang X, Li H, Chen G, Zeng B, Li Y, Wang C, He Y, Chen X, Huang Z, Yu D. EPHB4 Regulates the Proliferation and Metastasis of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma through the HMGB1/NF-κB Signalling Pathway. J Cancer 2021; 12:5999-6011. [PMID: 34539874 PMCID: PMC8425198 DOI: 10.7150/jca.59331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Malignant proliferation and cervical lymphatic metastasis restrict the prognosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Erythropoietin-producing human hepatocellular B4 (EPHB4) regulates a series of tumour functions involving tumourigenesis, cancer cell attachment and metastasis. However, the mechanism of EphB4 regulating the malignant progression of OSCC has not been fully elucidated. Methods: EPHB4 expression was analysed in 65 OSCC samples and adjacent noncancerous tissues through immunohistochemistry (IHC). siRNA and overexpression plasmids were transfected into OSCC cells to modify EPHB4 expression, and then, regulatory functions were explored in vitro and in vivo. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and mass spectrometry were applied to detect proteins interacting with EPHB4. Subsequently, protein stability assays and NF-κB pathway inhibition assays were used to verify the regulation of EPHB4, high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation. Results: EPHB4 was found to be highly expressed in OSCC tissues, which was related to tumour stage and lymphatic metastasis and resulted in a poor prognosis. Cellular experiments and mouse tongue xenograft models further confirmed that high EPHB4 expression promoted the proliferation and metastasis of OSCC tumours. Mechanistically, co-IP and mass spectrometry studies indicated that EPHB4 could bind to HMGB1 and maintain HMGB1 stability. Downregulation of HMGB1 inhibited the proliferation and metastasis of OSCC cells and inhibited NF-κB phosphorylation activation but did not affect EPHB4 expression. Conclusion: This study revealed the mechanism by which EPHB4 promotes the proliferation and metastasis of OSCC by activating the HMGB1-mediated NF-κB signalling pathway, which can be exploited as a novel marker or therapeutic target to control metastasis and improve the survival rate of OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Yi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University. Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, 510055
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology. Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, 510055
| | - Xiliu Zhang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University. Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, 510055
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology. Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, 510055
| | - Hongyu Li
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University. Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, 510055
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology. Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, 510055
| | - Guanhui Chen
- Department of Stomatology, the Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen. Guangdong, China, 518107
| | - Binghui Zeng
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University. Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, 510055
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology. Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, 510055
| | - Yiming Li
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University. Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, 510055
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology. Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, 510055
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University. Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, 510055
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology. Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, 510055
| | - Yi He
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University. Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, 510055
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology. Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, 510055
| | - Xun Chen
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University. Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, 510055
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology. Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, 510055
| | - Zixian Huang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, 510120
| | - Dongsheng Yu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University. Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, 510055
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology. Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, 510055
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18
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The EphB6 Receptor: Kinase-Dead but Very Much Alive. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158211. [PMID: 34360976 PMCID: PMC8347583 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The Eph receptor tyrosine kinase member EphB6 is a pseudokinase, and similar to other pseudoenzymes has not attracted an equivalent amount of interest as its enzymatically-active counterparts. However, a greater appreciation for the role pseudoenzymes perform in expanding the repertoire of signals generated by signal transduction systems has fostered more interest in the field. EphB6 acts as a molecular switch that is capable of modulating the signal transduction output of Eph receptor clusters. Although the biological effects of EphB6 activity are well defined, the molecular mechanisms of EphB6 function remain enigmatic. In this review, we use a comparative approach to postulate how EphB6 acts as a scaffold to recruit adaptor proteins to an Eph receptor cluster and how this function is regulated. We suggest that the evolutionary repurposing of EphB6 into a kinase-independent molecular switch in mammals has involved repurposing the kinase activation loop into an SH3 domain-binding site. In addition, we suggest that EphB6 employs the same SAM domain linker and juxtamembrane domain allosteric regulatory mechanisms that are used in kinase-positive Eph receptors to regulate its scaffold function. As a result, although kinase-dead, EphB6 remains a strategically active component of Eph receptor signaling.
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Dai M, Yan G, Wang N, Daliah G, Edick AM, Poulet S, Boudreault J, Ali S, Burgos SA, Lebrun JJ. In vivo genome-wide CRISPR screen reveals breast cancer vulnerabilities and synergistic mTOR/Hippo targeted combination therapy. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3055. [PMID: 34031411 PMCID: PMC8144221 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23316-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients exhibit poor survival outcomes and lack effective targeted therapies. Using unbiased in vivo genome-wide CRISPR screening, we interrogated cancer vulnerabilities in TNBC and identified an interplay between oncogenic and tumor suppressor pathways. This study reveals tumor regulatory functions for essential components of the mTOR and Hippo pathways in TNBC. Using in vitro drug matrix synergy models and in vivo patient-derived xenografts, we further establish the therapeutic relevance of our findings and show that pharmacological inhibition of mTORC1/2 and oncoprotein YAP efficiently reduces tumorigenesis in TNBC. At the molecular level, we find that while verteporfin-induced YAP inhibition leads to apoptosis, torin1-mediated mTORC1/2 inhibition promotes macropinocytosis. Torin1-induced macropinocytosis further facilitates verteporfin uptake, thereby greatly enhancing its pro-apoptotic effects in cancer cells. Overall, our study underscores the power and robustness of in vivo CRISPR genome-wide screens in identifying clinically relevant and innovative therapeutic modalities in cancer. Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) lack effective therapies. Here, through an in vivo genome-wide CRISPR screen in TNBCs, the authors identify tumorigenic functions for components of the mTORC1/2 complex and of the YAP/Hippo pathway, and demonstrate that pharmacological inhibition of mTOR and YAP reduces tumour growth in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiou Dai
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Cancer Research Program, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Gang Yan
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Cancer Research Program, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Ni Wang
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Cancer Research Program, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Girija Daliah
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Cancer Research Program, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Ashlin M Edick
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, Canada
| | - Sophie Poulet
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Cancer Research Program, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Julien Boudreault
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Cancer Research Program, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Suhad Ali
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Cancer Research Program, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sergio A Burgos
- Department of Animal Science, McGill University, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, Canada.,Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Metabolic Disorders and Complications Program, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-Jacques Lebrun
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Cancer Research Program, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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20
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Mason EO, Goldgur Y, Robev D, Freywald A, Nikolov DB, Himanen JP. Structure of the EphB6 receptor ectodomain. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0247335. [PMID: 33770085 PMCID: PMC7997048 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Eph receptors are the largest group amongst the receptor tyrosine kinases and are divided into two subgroups, A and B, based on ligand binding specificities and sequence conservation. Through ligand-induced and ligand-independent activities, Ephs play central roles in diverse biological processes, including embryo development, regulation of neuronal signaling, immune responses, vasculogenesis, as well as tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. The Eph extracellular regions (ECDs) are constituted of multiple domains, and previous structural studies of the A class receptors revealed how they interact with ephrin ligands and simultaneously mediate Eph-Eph clustering necessary for biological activity. Specifically, EphA structures highlighted a model, where clustering of ligand-bound receptors relies on two distinct receptor/receptor interfaces. Interestingly, most unliganded A class receptors also form an additional, third interface, between the ligand binding domain (LBD) and the fibronectin III domain (FN3) of neighboring molecules. Structures of B-class Eph ECDs, on the other hand, have never been reported. To further our understanding of Eph receptor function, we crystallized the EphB6-ECD and determined its three-dimensional structure using X-ray crystallography. EphB6 has important functions in both normal physiology and human malignancies and is especially interesting because this atypical receptor innately lacks kinase activity and our understanding of the mechanism of action is still incomplete. Our structural data reveals the overall EphB6-ECD architecture and shows EphB6-LBD/FN3 interactions similar to those observed for the unliganded A class receptors, suggesting that these unusual interactions are of general importance to the Eph group. We also observe unique structural features, which likely reflect the atypical signaling properties of EphB6, namely the need of co-receptor(s) for this kinase-inactive Eph. These findings provide new valuable information on the structural organization and mechanism of action of the B-class Ephs, and specifically EphB6, which in the future will assist in identifying clinically relevant targets for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia O. Mason
- Structural Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Yehuda Goldgur
- Structural Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Dorothea Robev
- Structural Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Andrew Freywald
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Dimitar B. Nikolov
- Structural Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail: (DBN); (JPH)
| | - Juha P. Himanen
- Structural Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail: (DBN); (JPH)
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21
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Zangrossi M, Romani P, Chakravarty P, Ratcliffe CD, Hooper S, Dori M, Forcato M, Bicciato S, Dupont S, Sahai E, Montagner M. EphB6 Regulates TFEB-Lysosomal Pathway and Survival of Disseminated Indolent Breast Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1079. [PMID: 33802447 PMCID: PMC7959459 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13051079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Late relapse of disseminated cancer cells is a common feature of breast and prostate tumors. Several intrinsic and extrinsic factors have been shown to affect quiescence and reawakening of disseminated dormant cancer cells (DDCCs); however, the signals and processes sustaining the survival of DDCCs in a foreign environment are still poorly understood. We have recently shown that crosstalk with lung epithelial cells promotes survival of DDCCs of estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast tumors. By using a lung organotypic system and in vivo dissemination assays, here we show that the TFEB-lysosomal axis is activated in DDCCs and that it is modulated by the pro-survival ephrin receptor EphB6. TFEB lysosomal direct targets are enriched in DDCCs in vivo and correlate with relapse in ER+ breast cancer patients. Direct coculture of DDCCs with alveolar type I-like lung epithelial cells and dissemination in the lung drive lysosomal accumulation and EphB6 induction. EphB6 contributes to survival, TFEB transcriptional activity, and lysosome formation in DDCCs in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, signaling from EphB6 promotes the proliferation of surrounding lung parenchymal cells in vivo. Our data provide evidence that EphB6 is a key factor in the crosstalk between disseminated dormant cancer cells and the lung parenchyma and that the TFEB-lysosomal pathway plays an important role in the persistence of DDCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Zangrossi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Viale G. Colombo, 3, 35126 Padua, Italy; (M.Z.); (P.R.); (S.D.)
| | - Patrizia Romani
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Viale G. Colombo, 3, 35126 Padua, Italy; (M.Z.); (P.R.); (S.D.)
| | - Probir Chakravarty
- Bioinformatics Platform, Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK;
| | - Colin D.H. Ratcliffe
- Tumor Cell Biology Lab, Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK; (C.D.H.R.); (S.H.)
| | - Steven Hooper
- Tumor Cell Biology Lab, Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK; (C.D.H.R.); (S.H.)
| | - Martina Dori
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Giuseppe Campi, 287, 41125 Modena, Italy; (M.D.); (M.F.); (S.B.)
| | - Mattia Forcato
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Giuseppe Campi, 287, 41125 Modena, Italy; (M.D.); (M.F.); (S.B.)
| | - Silvio Bicciato
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Giuseppe Campi, 287, 41125 Modena, Italy; (M.D.); (M.F.); (S.B.)
| | - Sirio Dupont
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Viale G. Colombo, 3, 35126 Padua, Italy; (M.Z.); (P.R.); (S.D.)
| | - Erik Sahai
- Tumor Cell Biology Lab, Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK; (C.D.H.R.); (S.H.)
| | - Marco Montagner
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, Viale G. Colombo, 3, 35126 Padua, Italy; (M.Z.); (P.R.); (S.D.)
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22
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McCullough D, Atofanei C, Knight E, Trim SA, Trim CM. Kinome scale profiling of venom effects on cancer cells reveals potential new venom activities. Toxicon 2020; 185:129-146. [PMID: 32682827 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The search for novel and relevant cancer therapeutics is continuous and ongoing. Cancer adaptations, resulting in therapeutic treatment failures, fuel this continuous necessity for new drugs to novel targets. Recently, researchers have started to investigate the effect of venoms and venom components on different types of cancer, investigating their mechanisms of action. Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) comprise a family of highly conserved and functionally important druggable targets for cancer therapy. This research exploits the novelty of complex venom mixtures to affect phosphorylation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and related RTK family members, dually identifying new activities and unexplored avenues for future cancer and venom research. Six whole venoms from diverse species taxa, were evaluated for their ability to illicit changes in the phosphorylated expression of a panel of 49 commonly expressed RTKs. The triple negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-468 was treated with optimised venom doses, pre-determined by SDS PAGE and Western blot analysis. The phosphorylated expression levels of 49 RTKs in response to the venoms were assessed with the use of Human Phospho-RTK Arrays and analysed using ImageLab 5.2.1 analysis software (BioRad). Inhibition of EGFR phosphorylation occurred with treatment of venom from Acanthoscurria geniculata (Theraphosidae), Heterometrus swammerdami (Scorpionidae), Crotalus durissus vegrandis (Crotalidae) and Naja naja (Elapidae). Western green mamba Dendroaspis viridis venom increased EGFR phosphorylation. Eph, HGFR and HER were the most affected receptor families by venoms. Whilst the importance of these changes in terms of effect on MDA-MB-468 cells' long-term viability and functionality are still unclear, the findings present exciting opportunities for further investigation as potential drug targets in cancer and as tools to understand better how these pathways interact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle McCullough
- School of Human and Life Sciences, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, CT1 1QU, UK
| | - Cristina Atofanei
- School of Human and Life Sciences, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, CT1 1QU, UK
| | - Emily Knight
- School of Human and Life Sciences, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, CT1 1QU, UK; Life Sciences Industry Liaison laboratory, Canterbury Christ Church University, Discovery Park, Sandwich, Kent, CT13 9FF, UK
| | - Steven A Trim
- Venomtech Ltd., Discovery Park, Sandwich, Kent, CT13 9FF, UK
| | - Carol M Trim
- School of Human and Life Sciences, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, CT1 1QU, UK.
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23
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Shrestha S, Byrne DP, Harris JA, Kannan N, Eyers PA. Cataloguing the dead: breathing new life into pseudokinase research. FEBS J 2020; 287:4150-4169. [PMID: 32053275 PMCID: PMC7586955 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Pseudoenzymes are present within many, but not all, known enzyme families and lack one or more conserved canonical amino acids that help define their catalytically active counterparts. Recent findings in the pseudokinase field confirm that evolutionary repurposing of the structurally defined bilobal protein kinase fold permits distinct biological functions to emerge, many of which rely on conformational switching, as opposed to canonical catalysis. In this analysis, we evaluate progress in evaluating several members of the 'dark' pseudokinome that are pertinent to help drive this expanding field. Initially, we discuss how adaptions in erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular carcinoma (Eph) receptor tyrosine kinase domains resulted in two vertebrate pseudokinases, EphA10 and EphB6, in which co-evolving sequences generate new motifs that are likely to be important for both nucleotide binding and catalysis-independent signalling. Secondly, we discuss how conformationally flexible Tribbles pseudokinases, which have radiated in the complex vertebrates, control fundamental aspects of cell signalling that may be targetable with covalent small molecules. Finally, we show how species-level adaptions in the duplicated canonical kinase protein serine kinase histone (PSKH)1 sequence have led to the appearance of the pseudokinase PSKH2, whose physiological role remains mysterious. In conclusion, we show how the patterns we discover are selectively conserved within specific pseudokinases, and that when they are modelled alongside closely related canonical kinases, many are found to be located in functionally important regions of the conserved kinase fold. Interrogation of these patterns will be useful for future evaluation of these, and other, members of the unstudied human kinome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safal Shrestha
- Institute of BioinformaticsUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGAUSA
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular BiologyUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGAUSA
| | - Dominic P. Byrne
- Department of BiochemistryInstitute of Integrative BiologyUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
| | - John A. Harris
- Department of BiochemistryInstitute of Integrative BiologyUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
| | - Natarajan Kannan
- Institute of BioinformaticsUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGAUSA
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular BiologyUniversity of GeorgiaAthensGAUSA
| | - Patrick A. Eyers
- Department of BiochemistryInstitute of Integrative BiologyUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
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24
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Shin WS, Park MK, Lee YH, Kim KW, Lee H, Lee ST. The catalytically defective receptor protein tyrosine kinase EphA10 promotes tumorigenesis in pancreatic cancer cells. Cancer Sci 2020; 111:3292-3302. [PMID: 32644283 PMCID: PMC7469775 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
EphA10 (erythropoietin‐producing hepatocellular carcinoma receptor A10) is a catalytically defective receptor protein tyrosine kinase in the ephrin receptor family. Although EphA10 is involved in the malignancy of some types of cancer, its role as an oncogene has not been extensively studied. Here, we investigated the influence of EphA10 on the tumorigenic potential of pancreatic cancer cells. Analysis of expression profiles from The Cancer Genome Atlas confirmed that EphA10 was elevated and higher in tumor tissues than in normal tissues in some cancer types, including pancreatic cancer. EphA10 silencing reduced the proliferation, migration, and adhesion of MIA PaCa‐2 and AsPC‐1 pancreatic cancer cells. These effects were reversed by overexpression of EphA10 in MIA PaCa‐2 cells. Importantly, overexpression and silencing of EphA10 respectively increased and decreased the weight, volume, and number of Ki‐67‐positive proliferating cells in MIA PaCa‐2 xenograft tumors. Further, EphA10 expression was positively correlated with invasion and gelatin degradation in MIA PaCa‐2 cells. Moreover, overexpression of EphA10 enhanced the expression and secretion of MMP‐9 in MIA PaCa‐2 cells and increased the expression of MMP‐9 and the vascular density in xenograft tumors. Finally, expression of EphA10 increased the phosphorylation of ERK, JNK, AKT, FAK, and NF‐κB, which are important for cell proliferation, survival, adhesion, migration, and invasion. Therefore, we suggest that EphA10 plays a pivotal role in the tumorigenesis of pancreatic epithelial cells and is a novel therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won-Sik Shin
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Mi Kyung Park
- Department of Cancer Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, National Cancer Center, Gyeonggi, Korea
| | - Young Hun Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyung Woo Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ho Lee
- Department of Cancer Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, National Cancer Center, Gyeonggi, Korea
| | - Seung-Taek Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
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25
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Giorgio C, Zanotti I, Lodola A, Tognolini M. Ephrin or not? Six tough questions on Eph targeting. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 24:403-415. [PMID: 32197575 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1745187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: The Eph-ephrin is a cell-cell communication system generating a forward signal in cell expressing Eph receptors and a reverse signal in ephrin-ligand expressing cells. While clearly involved in the insurgence and progression of cancer, the understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulated by this system needs development; this is a hurdle to the development of therapeutic strategies that can target the Eph receptors and/or their ephrin ligands.Areas covered: We have taken the opportunity to share some key questions on the most effective strategies to target the Eph-ephrin system. This article is based on our experience of the field and therefore is a Perspective and not comprehensive examination of the literature.Expert opinion: Targeting of the Eph-ephrin system has emerged as a potentially valuable approach for cancer therapy. Pharmacological tools have been reported in the last 15 years and these include forward signaling blockers such as kinases inhibitors and antagonists of forward and reverse signaling. Also, biologics including antibodies and recombinant proteins have been developed and some have reached early clinical stages. Data deem the Eph-ephrin system as a signaling axis that is an elusive target. A better understanding of the basic pharmacology behind the activity of available agents and a comprehensive knowledge of the ephrin biology are necessary. We are looking forward to knowing the opinion of the readers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmine Giorgio
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Ilaria Zanotti
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Alessio Lodola
- Dipartimento di Scienze degli Alimenti e del Farmaco, Università di Parma, Parma, Italy
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26
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Liang LY, Patel O, Janes PW, Murphy JM, Lucet IS. Eph receptor signalling: from catalytic to non-catalytic functions. Oncogene 2019; 38:6567-6584. [PMID: 31406248 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-019-0931-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Eph receptors, the largest subfamily of receptor tyrosine kinases, are linked with proliferative disease, such as cancer, as a result of their deregulated expression or mutation. Unlike other tyrosine kinases that have been clinically targeted, the development of therapeutics against Eph receptors remains at a relatively early stage. The major reason is the limited understanding on the Eph receptor regulatory mechanisms at a molecular level. The complexity in understanding Eph signalling in cells arises due to following reasons: (1) Eph receptors comprise 14 members, two of which are pseudokinases, EphA10 and EphB6, with relatively uncharacterised function; (2) activation of Eph receptors results in dimerisation, oligomerisation and formation of clustered signalling centres at the plasma membrane, which can comprise different combinations of Eph receptors, leading to diverse downstream signalling outputs; (3) the non-catalytic functions of Eph receptors have been overlooked. This review provides a structural perspective of the intricate molecular mechanisms that drive Eph receptor signalling, and investigates the contribution of intra- and inter-molecular interactions between Eph receptors intracellular domains and their major binding partners. We focus on the non-catalytic functions of Eph receptors with relevance to cancer, which are further substantiated by exploring the role of the two pseudokinase Eph receptors, EphA10 and EphB6. Throughout this review, we carefully analyse and reconcile the existing/conflicting data in the field, to allow researchers to further the current understanding of Eph receptor signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lung-Yu Liang
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Onisha Patel
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Peter W Janes
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, 145 Studley Road, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084, Australia
| | - James M Murphy
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia. .,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
| | - Isabelle S Lucet
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia. .,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
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27
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Yoon S, Choi JH, Kim SJ, Lee EJ, Shah M, Choi S, Woo HG. EPHB6 mutation induces cell adhesion-mediated paclitaxel resistance via EPHA2 and CDH11 expression. Exp Mol Med 2019; 51:1-12. [PMID: 31160603 PMCID: PMC6547695 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-019-0261-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations affect gene functions related to cancer behavior, including cell growth, metastasis, and drug responses. Genome-wide profiling of cancer mutations and drug responses has identified actionable targets that can be utilized for the management of cancer patients. Here, the recapitulation of pharmacogenomic data revealed that the mutation of EPHB6 is associated with paclitaxel resistance in cancer cells. Experimental data confirmed that the EPHB6 mutation induces paclitaxel resistance in various cancer types, including lung, skin, and liver cancers. EPHB6 mutation-induced paclitaxel resistance was mediated by an interaction with EPHA2, which promotes c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)-mediated cadherin 11 (CDH11) expression. We demonstrated that EPHB6-mutated cells acquire cell adhesion-mediated drug resistance (CAM-DR) in association with CDH11 expression and RhoA/focal adhesion kinase (FAK) activation. Targeted inhibition of EPHA2 or CDH11 reversed the acquired paclitaxel resistance, suggesting its potential clinical utility. The present results suggest that the EPHB6 mutation and its downstream EPHA2/JNK/CDH11/RhoA/FAK signaling axis are novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets for overcoming paclitaxel resistance in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Yoon
- Department of Physiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Hye Choi
- Department of Physiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Joo Kim
- Department of Physiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Ju Lee
- Department of Physiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Masaud Shah
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangdun Choi
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Goo Woo
- Department of Physiology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School, Ajou University, Suwon, Republic of Korea.
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28
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Viewing the Eph receptors with a focus on breast cancer heterogeneity. Cancer Lett 2018; 434:160-171. [PMID: 30055288 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Revised: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Aberrant expression of different family members of the Eph/ephrin system, which comprises the Eph receptors (Ephs) and their ligands (ephrins), has been implicated in various malignancies including breast cancer. The latter presents as a heterogeneous disease with diverse molecular, morphologic and clinical behavior signatures. This review reflects the existing Eph/ephrin literature while focusing on breast cancer heterogeneity. Hormone positive, HER2 positive and triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell lines, xenografts/mutant animal models and patient samples are examined separately as, in humans, they represent entities with differences in prognosis and treatment. EphA2, EphB4 and EphB6 are the members most extensively studied in breast cancer. Existing research points to the potential use of various Eph/ephrin members as biomarkers for assessing prognosis and selecting the most suitable therapeutic strategies in variable clinical scenarios, also for overcoming drug resistance, in the era of breast cancer heterogeneity.
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