Insulin receptor substrate-1 deficiency drives a proinflammatory phenotype in KRAS mutant lung adenocarcinoma

Targeting neutrophils for cancer therapy

Neutrophils are among the most abundant immune cell types in the tumour microenvironment and have been associated with poor outcomes across multiple cancer types. Yet despite mounting evidence of their role in tumour progression, therapeutic strategies targeting neutrophils have only recently gained attention and remain limited in scope. This is probably due to the increasing number of distinct neutrophil subtypes identified in cancer and the limited understanding of the mechanisms by which these subsets influence tumour progression and immune evasion. In this Review, we discuss the spectrum of neutrophil subtypes - including those with antitumour activity - and their potential to polarize towards tumour-suppressive phenotypes. We explore the molecular pathways and effector functions by which neutrophils modulate cancer progression, with an emphasis on identifying tractable therapeutic targets. Finally, we examine emerging clinical trials aimed at modulating neutrophil lineages and consider their implications for patient outcomes.

HDAC inhibitors target IRS4 to enhance anti‑AR therapy in AR‑positive triple‑negative breast cancer

Triple‑negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most malignant subtype of breast cancer. Androgen receptor (AR) has been identified as a potential therapeutic target for AR‑positive TNBC; however, clinical trials have not yet produced an effective treatment. The present study aimed to identify a novel treatment regimen to improve the prognosis of AR‑positive TNBC. First, a combination of an AR inhibitor (enzalutamide, Enz) and a selective histone deacetylase inhibitor (chidamide, Chid) was used to treat AR‑positive TNBC cell lines, and a synergistic effect of these drugs was observed. The combination treatment inhibited cell proliferation and migration by arresting the cell cycle at the G2/M phase. Subsequently, next‑generation sequencing was performed to detect changes in gene regulation. The results showed that the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway was significantly inhibited by the combination treatment of Enz and Chid. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis revealed that the combination group was significantly enriched in KRAS signalling. Analysis of the associated genes revealed that insulin receptor substrate 4 (IRS4) may have a critical role in blocking the activation of KRAS signalling. In a mouse xenograft model, combination treatment also inhibited the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway by upregulating the expression of IRS4 and thereby suppressing tumour growth. In conclusion, the results of the present study revealed that combination treatment with Enz and Chid can upregulate IRS4, which results in the blocking of KRAS signalling and suppression of tumour growth. It may be hypothesised that the expression levels of IRS4 could be used as a biomarker for screening patients with AR‑positive TNBC using Enz and Chid combination therapy.

The strategic involvement of IRS in cancer progression

Insulin Receptor Substrate (IRS), an intracellular molecule devoid of an intrinsic kinase activity, is activated upon binding to IR which thereby works as a scaffold, organizing all signaling complexes and initiating the signaling process downstream. The level of IRS proteins and their stability in the cell is mostly maintained through the phosphorylation status of their tyrosine and serine residues. IRS is positively regulated by phosphorylation of its Tyr residues whereas a Ser residue phosphorylation attenuates it, although there exist some exceptions as well. Other post-translational modifications like O-linked glycosylation, N-linked glycosylation and acetylation also play a prominent role in IRS regulation. Since the discovery of the Warburg effect, people have been curious to find out all possible signaling networks and molecules that could lead to cancer and no doubt, the insulin signaling pathway is identified as one such pathway, which is highly deregulated in cancers. Eminent studies reveal that IRS is a pertinent regulator of cancer and is highly overexpressed in the five most commonly occurring cancers namely- Prostate, Ovarian, Breast, Colon and Lung cancers. IRS1 and IRS2 family members are actively involved in the progression, invasion and metastasis of these cancers. Recently, less studied IRS4 has also emerged as a contributor in ovarian, breast, colorectal and lung cancer, but no such studies related to IRS4 are found in Prostate cancer. The involvement of other IRS family members in cancer is still undiscovered and so paves the way for further exploration. This review is a time-lapse study of IRSs in the context of cancer done over the past two decades and it highlights all the major discoveries made till date, in these cancers from the perspective of IRS.

Simiao Wan and its ingredients alleviate type 2 diabetes mellitus via IRS1/AKT2/FOXO1/GLUT2 signaling

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disease. Simiao Wan (SMW) is a commonly used clinical drug for hyperuricemia treatment. SMW has been confirmed to improve insulin resistance and is expected to be a novel hypoglycemic agent. However, the hypoglycemic bioactive ingredients and mechanisms of action of SMW are unclear.

Objective

To explore the hypoglycemic effects and reveal the mechanisms of SMW and bioactive ingredients (SMW-BI).

Study design and methods

The hypoglycemic effects of SMW and SMW-BI were verified in a mouse model of T2DM induced by streptozotocin (STZ) and a high-fat and high-sugar diet (HFSD). Network pharmacology was used to predict the mechanisms of SMW and SMW-BI. Histological analysis and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) verified network pharmacology results. RT-qPCR results were further verified by immunofluorescence (IFC) and molecular docking. The correlation between proteins and biochemical indicators was analyzed by Spearman's correlation.

Results

Chlorogenic acid, phellodendrine, magnoflorine, jateorhizine, palmatine, berberine, and atractydin were identified as SMW-BI. After 8 weeks of treatment, SMW and SMW-BI decreased the levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerols (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), increased the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), alleviated weight loss, and increased serum insulin levels in T2DM mice. In addition, SMW and SMW-BI improved hepatocyte morphology in T2DM mice, decreased the number of adipocytes, and increased liver glycogen. Network pharmacological analysis indicated that SMW and SMW-BI may exert hypoglycemic by regulating insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1)/RAC-beta serine/threonine-protein kinase (AKT2)/forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1)/glucose transporter type 2 (GLUT2) signaling. Moreover, correlation analysis showed that SMW and SMW-BI were associated with activation of IRS1, AKT2, and GLUT2, and inhibiting FOXO1. RT-qPCR revealed that SMW and SMW-BI could increase levels of IRS1, AKT2, and GLUT2 in the livers of T2DM mice and lower the level of FOXO1. Furthermore, immunofluorescence analysis showed that FOXO1 expression in the livers of T2DM mice decreased after oral administration of SMW and SMW-BI. Furthermore, molecular docking showed that SMW-BI could bind directly to IRS1 and AKT2.

Conclusion

SMW and SMW-BI are potential hypoglycemic drugs that alleviate T2DM by regulating IRS1/AKT2/FOXO1 signaling. Our study provides a research idea for screening the bioactive ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Essential Minerals and Metabolic Adaptation of Immune Cells

Modern lifestyles deviated considerably from the ancestral routines towards major shifts in diets and increased sedentarism. The trace elements status of the human body is no longer adequately supported by micronutrient-inferior farmed meats and crop commodities produced by the existing agricultural food systems. This is particular evident in the increased obesogenic adipogenesis and low-grade inflammation that fails to resolve with time. The metabolically restrictive environment of the inflamed tissues drives activation and proliferation of transient and resident populations of immune cells in favor of pro-inflammatory phenotypes, as well as a part of the enhanced autoimmune response. As different stages of the immune activation and resolution depend on the availability of specific minerals to maintain the structural integrity of skin and mucus membranes, activation and migration of immune cells, activation of the complement system, and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, this review discusses recent advances in our understanding of the contribution of select minerals in optimizing the responses of innate and adaptive immune outcomes. An abbreviated view on the absorption, transport, and delivery of minerals to the body tissues as related to metabolic adaptation is considered.

IGF-1 ameliorates streptozotocin-induced pancreatic β cell dysfunction and apoptosis via activating IRS1/PI3K/Akt/FOXO1 pathway

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an endocrine disorder with pancreatic β cell dysfunction and/or reduced insulin sensitivity. IGF-1 is critically involved in pancreatic β cell growth, differentiation, and insulin secretion. Insulin-mediated IRS1/PI3K/Akt/FOXO1 signaling has been proved to be closely associated with pancreatic β cell function, hepatic glucose metabolism, and the development of T2DM. This present work was designed to demonstrate the protective role of IGF-1 against pancreatic β cell dysfunction and to probe into the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

Herein, cell viability, cell apoptosis, insulin secretion, oxidative stress, and glycolysis in STZ-treated INS-1 cells were measured, so as to determine the biological function of IGF-1 against pancreatic β cell dysfunction in T2DM. Additionally, whether IGF-1 could activate IRS1/PI3K/Akt/FOXO1 signaling pathway to manipulate the progression of T2DM was also investigated.

RESULTS

It was discovered that IGF-1 treatment enhanced the viability and suppressed the apoptosis of STZ-treated INS-1 cells. Besides, IGF-1 treatment augmented insulin secretion of INS-1 cells in response to STZ. Moreover, IGF-1 exerted protective role against oxidative damage and displayed inhibitory effect on glycolysis in STZ-treated INS-1 cells. Mechanistically, IGF-1 treatment markedly boosted the activation of IRS1/PI3K/Akt/FOXO1 pathway. Furthermore, treatment with AG1024 (an inhibitor of IGF-1R) partially abolished the actions of IGF-1 on cell viability, cell apoptosis, insulin secretion, oxidative stress, and glycolysis in STZ-treated INS-1 cells.

CONCLUSION

To conclude, IGF-1 could improve the viability and inhibit the apoptosis of STZ-treated pancreatic β cells, induce insulin secretion, alleviate oxidative damage, as well as arrest glycolysis by activating IRS1/PI3K/Akt/FOXO1 pathway.

The Intricate Crosstalk Between Insulin and Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Review From Clinical to Molecular

Increased insulin level (or "hyperinsulinemia") is a common phenomenon in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) patients and signals poor clinical outcomes. Insulin is safe in low PDA risk population, while insulin significantly promotes PDA risk in high PDA risk population. The correlation between insulin and PDA is a reciprocal self-reinforcing relationship. On the one hand, pancreatic cancer cells synthesize multiple molecules to cause elevated peripheral insulin resistance, thus enhancing hyperinsulinemia. On the other hand, insulin promotes pancreatic cancer initiation and sustains PDA development by eliciting tumorigenic inflammation, regulating lipid and glucose metabolic reprogram, overcoming apoptosis through the crosstalk with IGF-1, stimulating cancer metastasis, and activating tumor microenvironment formation (inflammation, fibrosis, and angiogenesis). Currently, taking glucose sensitizing agents, including metformin, SGLT-2 inhibitor, and GLP-1 agonist, is an effective way of lowering insulin levels and controlling PDA development at the same time. In the future, new drugs targeting insulin-related signal pathways may pave a novel way for suppressing PDA initiation and progression.

The deubiquitinase USP16 functions as an oncogenic factor in K-RAS-driven lung tumorigenesis

K-RAS mutation and molecular alterations of its surrogates function essentially in lung tumorigenesis and malignant progression. However, it remains elusive how tumor-promoting and deleterious events downstream of K-RAS signaling are coordinated in lung tumorigenesis. Here, we show that USP16, a deubiquitinase involved in various biological processes, functions as a promoter for the development of K-RAS-driven lung tumor. Usp16 deletion significantly attenuates K-rasG12D-mutation-induced lung tumorigenesis in mice. USP16 upregulation upon RAS activation averts reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced p38 activation that would otherwise detrimentally influence the survival and proliferation of tumor cells. In addition, USP16 interacts with and deubiquitinates JAK1, and thereby promoting lung tumor growth by augmenting JAK1 signaling. Therefore, our results reveal that USP16 functions critically in the K-RAS-driven lung tumorigenesis through modulating the strength of p38 and JAK1 signaling.

Insulin Receptor Substrate-1 (IRS-1) and IRS-2 expression levels are associated with prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

The insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) signaling pathway has been implicated in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) outcomes and resistance to targeted therapies. However, little is known regarding the molecular mechanisms by which this pathway contributes to the biology of NSCLC. The insulin receptor substrate (IRS) proteins are cytoplasmic adaptor proteins that signal downstream of the IGF-1R and determine the functional outcomes of this signaling pathway. In this study, we assessed the expression patterns of IRS-1 and IRS-2 in NSCLC to identify associations between IRS-1 and IRS-2 expression levels and survival outcomes in the two major histological subtypes of NSCLC, adenocarcinoma (ADC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). High IRS-2 expression was significantly associated with decreased overall survival in adenocarcinoma (ADC) patients, whereas low IRS-1 cytoplasmic expression showed a trend toward association with decreased overall survival in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) patients. Tumors with low IRS-1 and high IRS-2 expression were found to be associated with poor outcomes in ADC and SCC, indicating a potential role for IRS-2 in the aggressive behavior of NSCLC. Our results suggest distinct contributions of IRS-1 and IRS-2 to the biology of ADC and SCC that impact disease progression.

Competition between TIAM1 and Membranes Balances Endophilin A3 Activity in Cancer Metastasis

Normal cells acquire aggressive behavior by modifying signaling pathways. For instance, alteration of endocytosis profoundly impacts both proliferation and migration during tumorigenesis. Here we investigate the mechanisms that enable the endocytic machinery to coordinate these processes. We show that a membrane curvature-sensing protein, endophilin A3, promotes growth and migration of colon cancer cells through two competing mechanisms: an endocytosis pathway that is required for proliferation and a GTPase regulatory pathway that controls cell motility. EndoA3 stimulates cell migration by binding the Rac GEF TIAM1 leading to activation of small GTPases. Competing interactions of EndoA3 with membrane versus TIAM1 modulate hyperproliferative and metastatic phenotypes. Disruption of EndoA3-membrane interactions stimulates TIAM1 and small GTPases in vitro, and further promotes pro-metastatic phenotypes in vivo. Together, these results uncover a coupling mechanism, by which EndoA3 promotes growth and migration of colon cancers, by linking membrane dynamics to GTPase regulation.

IL22 Promotes Kras-Mutant Lung Cancer by Induction of a Protumor Immune Response and Protection of Stemness Properties

Somatic KRAS mutations are the most common oncogenic variants in lung cancer and are associated with poor prognosis. Using a Kras-induced lung cancer mouse model, CC-LR, we previously showed a role for inflammation in lung tumorigenesis through activation of the NF-κB pathway, along with induction of interleukin 6 (IL6) and an IL17-producing CD4+ T-helper cell response. IL22 is an effector molecule secreted by CD4+ and γδ T cells that we previously found to be expressed in CC-LR mice. IL22 mostly signals through the STAT3 pathway and is thought to act exclusively on nonhematopoietic cells with basal IL22 receptor (IL22R) expression on epithelial cells. Here, we found that higher expression of IL22R1 in patients with KRAS-mutant lung adenocarcinoma was an independent indicator of poor recurrence-free survival. We then showed that genetic ablation of Il22 in CC-LR mice (CC-LR/IL22KO mice) caused a significant reduction in tumor number and size. This was accompanied by significantly lower tumor cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and STAT3 activation. Il22 ablation was also associated with significant reduction in lung-infiltrating inflammatory cells and expression of protumor inflammatory cytokines. Conversely, this was accompanied with increased antitumor Th1 and cytotoxic CD8+ T-cell responses, while suppressing the protumor immunosuppressive T regulatory cell response. In CC-LR/IL22KO mice, we found significantly reduced expression of core stemness genes and the number of prototypical SPC+CCSP+ stem cells. Thus, we conclude that IL22 promotes Kras-mutant lung tumorigenesis by driving a protumor inflammatory microenvironment with proliferative, angiogenic, and stemness contextual cues in epithelial/tumor cells. Cancer Immunol Res; 6(7); 788-97. ©2018 AACR.

Ablation of insulin receptor substrates 1 and 2 suppresses Kras-driven lung tumorigenesis

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a leading cause of cancer death worldwide, with 25% of cases harboring oncogenic Kirsten rat sarcoma (KRAS). Although KRAS direct binding to and activation of PI3K is required for KRAS-driven lung tumorigenesis, the contribution of insulin receptor (IR) and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) in the context of mutant KRAS remains controversial. Here, we provide genetic evidence that lung-specific dual ablation of insulin receptor substrates 1/2 (Irs1/Irs2), which mediate insulin and IGF1 signaling, strongly suppresses tumor initiation and dramatically extends the survival of a mouse model of lung cancer with Kras activation and p53 loss. Mice with Irs1/Irs2 loss eventually succumb to tumor burden, with tumor cells displaying suppressed Akt activation and strikingly diminished intracellular levels of essential amino acids. Acute loss of IRS1/IRS2 or inhibition of IR/IGF1R in KRAS-mutant human NSCLC cells decreases the uptake and lowers the intracellular levels of amino acids, while enhancing basal autophagy and sensitivity to autophagy and proteasome inhibitors. These findings demonstrate that insulin/IGF1 signaling is required for KRAS-mutant lung cancer initiation, and identify decreased amino acid levels as a metabolic vulnerability in tumor cells with IR/IGF1R inhibition. Consequently, combinatorial targeting of IR/IGF1R with autophagy or proteasome inhibitors may represent an effective therapeutic strategy in KRAS-mutant NSCLC.

IGF-1R signalling contributes to IL-6 production and T cell dependent inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis

BACKGROUND

Signalling through insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) is essential for cell survival, but may turn pathogenic in uncontrolled tissue growth in tumours. In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the IGF-1R signalling is activated and supports expansion of the inflamed synovia.

AIM

In the present study, we assess if disruption of IGF-1R signalling resolves arthritis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Clinical associations of IGF-1R expression in leukocytes of the peripheral blood were studied in 84 RA patients. Consequences of the IGF-1R signalling inhibition for arthritis were studied in mBSA immunised Balb/c mice treated with NT157 compound promoting degradation of insulin receptor substrates.

RESULTS

In RA patients, high expression of IGF-1R in leukocytes was associated with systemic inflammation as verified by higher expression of NF-kB, serum levels of IL6 and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and higher pain perception. Additionally, phosphorylated IGF-1R and STAT3 enriched T cells infiltrate in RA synovia. Treatment with NT157 inhibited the phosphorylation of IGF-1R and STAT3 in synovia, and alleviated arthritis and joint damage in mice. It also reduced expression of IGF-1R and despaired ERK and Akt signalling in spleen T cells. This limited IL-6 production, changed RoRgt/FoxP3 balance and IL17 levels.

CONCLUSION

IGF-1R signalling contributes to T cell dependent inflammation in arthritis. Inhibition of IGF-1R on the level of insulin receptor substrates alleviates arthritis by restricting IL6-dependent formation of Th17 cells and may open for new treatment strategies in RA.

The MicroRNA miR-191 Supports T Cell Survival Following Common γ Chain Signaling

To ensure lifelong immunocompetency, naïve and memory T cells must be adequately maintained in the peripheral lymphoid tissues. Homeostatic maintenance of T cells is controlled by tonic signaling through T cell antigen receptors and common γ chain cytokine receptors. In this study, we identify the highly expressed microRNA miR-191 as a key regulator of naïve, memory, and regulatory T cell homeostasis. Conditional deletion of miR-191 using LckCre resulted in preferential loss of peripheral CD4⁺ regulatory T cells as well as naïve and memory CD8⁺ T cells. This preferential loss stemmed from reduced survival following deficient cytokine signaling and STAT5 activation. Mechanistically, insulin receptor substrate 1 (Irs1) is a direct target of miR-191, and dysregulated IRS1 expression antagonizes STAT5 activation. Our study identifies a novel role for microRNAs in fine-tuning immune homeostasis and thereby maintaining the lymphocyte reservoir necessary to mount productive immune responses.