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MacLean MR, Walker OL, Arun RP, Fernando W, Marcato P. Informed by Cancer Stem Cells of Solid Tumors: Advances in Treatments Targeting Tumor-Promoting Factors and Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4102. [PMID: 38612911 PMCID: PMC11012648 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a subpopulation within tumors that promote cancer progression, metastasis, and recurrence due to their self-renewal capacity and resistance to conventional therapies. CSC-specific markers and signaling pathways highly active in CSCs have emerged as a promising strategy for improving patient outcomes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the therapeutic targets associated with CSCs of solid tumors across various cancer types, including key molecular markers aldehyde dehydrogenases, CD44, epithelial cellular adhesion molecule, and CD133 and signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, and Sonic Hedgehog. We discuss a wide array of therapeutic modalities ranging from targeted antibodies, small molecule inhibitors, and near-infrared photoimmunotherapy to advanced genetic approaches like RNA interference, CRISPR/Cas9 technology, aptamers, antisense oligonucleotides, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, CAR natural killer cells, bispecific T cell engagers, immunotoxins, drug-antibody conjugates, therapeutic peptides, and dendritic cell vaccines. This review spans developments from preclinical investigations to ongoing clinical trials, highlighting the innovative targeting strategies that have been informed by CSC-associated pathways and molecules to overcome therapeutic resistance. We aim to provide insights into the potential of these therapies to revolutionize cancer treatment, underscoring the critical need for a multi-faceted approach in the battle against cancer. This comprehensive analysis demonstrates how advances made in the CSC field have informed significant developments in novel targeted therapeutic approaches, with the ultimate goal of achieving more effective and durable responses in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya R. MacLean
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Olivia L. Walker
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Raj Pranap Arun
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Wasundara Fernando
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - Paola Marcato
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
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Kanahori M, Shimada E, Matsumoto Y, Endo M, Fujiwara T, Nabeshima A, Hirose T, Kawaguchi K, Oyama R, Oda Y, Nakashima Y. Immune evasion in lung metastasis of leiomyosarcoma: upregulation of EPCAM inhibits CD8 + T cell infiltration. Br J Cancer 2024; 130:1083-1095. [PMID: 38291183 PMCID: PMC10991329 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02576-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leiomyosarcomas are among the most common histological types of soft tissue sarcoma (STS), with no effective treatment available for advanced patients. Lung metastasis, the most common site of distant metastasis, is the primary prognostic factor. We analysed the immune environment targeting lung metastasis of STS to explore new targets for immunotherapy. METHODS We analysed the immune environment of primary and lung metastases in 38 patients with STS using immunohistochemistry. Next, we performed gene expression analyses on primary and lung metastatic tissues from six patients with leiomyosarcoma. Using human leiomyosarcoma cell lines, the effects of the identified genes on immune cells were assessed in vitro. RESULTS Immunohistochemistry showed a significant decrease in CD8+ cells in the lung metastases of leiomyosarcoma. Among the genes upregulated in lung metastases, epithelial cellular adhesion molecule (EPCAM) showed the strongest negative correlation with the number of CD8+ cells. Transwell assay results showed that the migration of CD8+ T cells was significantly increased in the conditioned media obtained after inhibition or knock down of EPCAM. CONCLUSIONS EPCAM was upregulated in lung metastases of leiomyosarcoma, suggesting inhibition of CD8+ T cell migration. Our findings suggest that EPCAM could serve as a potential novel therapeutic target for leiomyosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaya Kanahori
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Eijiro Shimada
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Matsumoto
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan.
| | - Makoto Endo
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
| | - Toshifumi Fujiwara
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Akira Nabeshima
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takeshi Hirose
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kengo Kawaguchi
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Pathological Sciences, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Ryunosuke Oyama
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yoshinao Oda
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Pathological Sciences, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yasuharu Nakashima
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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Jiang X, Wang S, Liang Q, Liu Y, Liu L. Unraveling the multifaceted role of EpCAM in colorectal cancer: an integrated review of its function and interplay with non-coding RNAs. Med Oncol 2023; 41:35. [PMID: 38151631 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02273-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
The epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is a critical glycoprotein involved in cell cycle progression, proliferation, differentiation, migration, and immune evasion. Its role as a target for bispecific antibodies has shown promise in annihilating cancer cells. EpCAM's potential as a biomarker for tumor-initiating cells, characterized by self-renewal and tumorigenic capabilities, underscores its value in early cancer detection, immunotherapy, and targeted drug delivery. While EpCAM monotherapies have been met with limited success, bispecific antibodies targeting both EpCAM and other proteins have exhibited encouraging results in colorectal cancer (CRC) research. The integration of EpCAM-directed nanotechnology in drug delivery systems has emerged as a pivotal innovation in CRC treatment. Moreover, developing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell and CAR natural killer (NK) cell therapies opens promising therapeutic avenues for EpCAM-positive CRC patients. Although preliminary, this review sets the stage for future advances. Additionally, this study advances our understanding of the role of non-coding RNAs in CRC, which may be pivotal in gene regulation and could provide insights into the molecular underpinning. The findings suggest that lncRNA, miRNA, and circRNA could serve as novel therapeutic targets or biomarkers, further enriching the landscape of CRC diagnostics and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyu Jiang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Sumeng Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Liang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiqian Liu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Lingxiang Liu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
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Lučić I, Kurtović M, Mlinarić M, Piteša N, Čipak Gašparović A, Sabol M, Milković L. Deciphering Common Traits of Breast and Ovarian Cancer Stem Cells and Possible Therapeutic Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10683. [PMID: 37445860 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310683] [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: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) and ovarian cancer (OC) are among the most common and deadly cancers affecting women worldwide. Both are complex diseases with marked heterogeneity. Despite the induction of screening programs that increase the frequency of earlier diagnosis of BC, at a stage when the cancer is more likely to respond to therapy, which does not exist for OC, more than 50% of both cancers are diagnosed at an advanced stage. Initial therapy can put the cancer into remission. However, recurrences occur frequently in both BC and OC, which are highly cancer-subtype dependent. Therapy resistance is mainly attributed to a rare subpopulation of cells, named cancer stem cells (CSC) or tumor-initiating cells, as they are capable of self-renewal, tumor initiation, and regrowth of tumor bulk. In this review, we will discuss the distinctive markers and signaling pathways that characterize CSC, their interactions with the tumor microenvironment, and the strategies they employ to evade immune surveillance. Our focus will be on identifying the common features of breast cancer stem cells (BCSC) and ovarian cancer stem cells (OCSC) and suggesting potential therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Lučić
- Laboratory for Oxidative Stress, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Matea Kurtović
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Monika Mlinarić
- Laboratory for Oxidative Stress, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nikolina Piteša
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ana Čipak Gašparović
- Laboratory for Oxidative Stress, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Maja Sabol
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lidija Milković
- Laboratory for Oxidative Stress, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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5
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Dressler FF, Hinrichs S, Roesch MC, Perner S. EpCAM tumor specificity and proteoform patterns in urothelial cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023:10.1007/s00432-023-04809-9. [PMID: 37154925 PMCID: PMC10374485 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-04809-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of the epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) in cancer is still unclear. EpCAM cleavage through regulated intramembrane proteolysis results in fragments which interact with both oncogenic and tumor suppressive pathways. Additionally, the EpCAM molecule itself is used as a descriptive therapeutic target in urothelial cancer (UC), while data on its actual tumor specificity remain limited. METHODS Samples from diagnostic formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) UC tissue and fresh-frozen UC cells were immunoblotted and used for qualitative characterization of five different EpCAM fragments. These expression patterns were quantified across a cohort of 76 samples with 52 UC and 24 normal urothelial samples. Cell viability effects of the extracellular EpEX fragment were assessed in the UC cell lines T24 and HT1376. RESULTS The proteolytic EpCAM fragments could be identified in clinical FFPE tissue specimens too. Neither overall nor fragment-specific EpCAM expression showed relevant tumor specificity. EpEX and its deglycosylated variant showed an inverse relationship across healthy and tumor tissue with a decrease of deglycosylated EpEX in tumors. However, extracellular EpEX did not show a relevant effect in vitro. CONCLUSIONS EpCAM should not be regarded as tumor-specific in UC without patient-specific predictive testing. EpCAM fragment patterns indicate cancer-specific changes and could be involved in its complex tumor-biological role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz F Dressler
- Institute of Pathology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
| | - Sofie Hinrichs
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Marie C Roesch
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Sven Perner
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Borstel, Germany
- Institute of Pathology and Hematopathology, Hamburg, Germany
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Characterization of human anti-EpCAM antibodies for developing an antibody-drug conjugate. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4225. [PMID: 36918661 PMCID: PMC10015092 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31263-x] [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: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
We previously generated fully human antibody-producing TC-mAb mice for obtaining potential therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). In this study, we investigated 377 clones of fully human mAbs against a tumor antigen, epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), to determine their antigen binding properties. We revealed that a wide variety of mAbs against EpCAM can be obtained from TC-mAb mice by the combination of epitope mapping analysis of mAbs to EpCAM and native conformational recognition analysis. Analysis of 72 mAbs reacting with the native form of EpCAM indicated that the EpCL region (amino acids 24-80) is more antigenic than the EpRE region (81-265), consistent with numerous previous studies. To evaluate the potential of mAbs against antibody-drug conjugates, mAbs were directly labeled with DM1, a maytansine derivative, using an affinity peptide-based chemical conjugation (CCAP) method. The cytotoxicity of the conjugates against a human colon cancer cell line could be clearly detected with high-affinity as well as low-affinity mAbs by the CCAP method, suggesting the advantage of this method. Thus, this study demonstrated that TC-mAb mice can provide a wide variety of antibodies and revealed an effective way of identifying candidates for fully human ADC therapeutics.
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7
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Zhou H, Tan L, Liu B, Guan XY. Cancer stem cells: Recent insights and therapies. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 209:115441. [PMID: 36720355 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Tumors are intricate ecosystems containing malignant components that generate adaptive and evolutionarily driven abnormal tissues. Through self-renewal and differentiation, cancers are reconstructed by a dynamic subset of stem-like cells that enforce tumor heterogeneity and remodel the tumor microenvironment (TME). Through recent technology advances, we are now better equipped to investigate the fundamental role of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in cancer biology. In this review, we discuss the latest insights into characteristics, markers and mechanism of CSCs and describe the crosstalk between CSCs and other cells in TME. Additionally, we explore the performance of single-cell sequencing and spatial transcriptome analysis in CSCs studies and summarize the therapeutic strategies to eliminate CSCs, which could broaden the understanding of CSCs and exploit for therapeutic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Zhou
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Licheng Tan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Beilei Liu
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
| | - Xin-Yuan Guan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China; State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Advanced Nuclear Energy and Nuclear Technology Research Center, Advanced Energy Science and Technology Guangdong Laboratory, Huizhou, Guangdong, China.
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8
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Preclinical and Clinical Trials of New Treatment Strategies Targeting Cancer Stem Cells in Subtypes of Breast Cancer. Cells 2023; 12:cells12050720. [PMID: 36899854 PMCID: PMC10001180 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050720] [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: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) can be classified into various histological subtypes, each associated with different prognoses and treatment options, including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and endocrine therapy. Despite advances in this area, many patients still face treatment failure, the risk of metastasis, and disease recurrence, which can ultimately lead to death. Mammary tumors, like other solid tumors, contain a population of small cells known as cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) that have high tumorigenic potential and are involved in cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, tumor recurrence, and resistance to therapy. Therefore, designing therapies specifically targeting at CSCs could help to control the growth of this cell population, leading to increased survival rates for BC patients. In this review, we discuss the characteristics of CSCs, their surface biomarkers, and the active signaling pathways associated with the acquisition of stemness in BC. We also cover preclinical and clinical studies that focus on evaluating new therapy systems targeted at CSCs in BC through various combinations of treatments, targeted delivery systems, and potential new drugs that inhibit the properties that allow these cells to survive and proliferate.
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9
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Understanding the versatile roles and applications of EpCAM in cancers: from bench to bedside. Exp Hematol Oncol 2022; 11:97. [PMID: 36369033 PMCID: PMC9650829 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-022-00352-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) functions not only in physiological processes but also participates in the development and progression of cancer. In recent decades, extensive efforts have been made to decipher the role of EpCAM in cancers. Great advances have been achieved in elucidating its structure, molecular functions, pathophysiological mechanisms, and clinical applications. Beyond its well-recognized role as a biomarker of cancer stem cells (CSCs) or circulating tumor cells (CTCs), EpCAM exhibits novel and promising value in targeted therapy. At the same time, the roles of EpCAM in cancer progression are found to be highly context-dependent and even contradictory in some cases. The versatile functional modules of EpCAM and its communication with other signaling pathways complicate the study of this molecule. In this review, we start from the structure of EpCAM and focus on communication with other signaling pathways. The impacts on the biology of cancers and the up-to-date clinical applications of EpCAM are also introduced and summarized, aiming to shed light on the translational prospects of EpCAM.
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Barzaman K, Vafaei R, Samadi M, Kazemi MH, Hosseinzadeh A, Merikhian P, Moradi-Kalbolandi S, Eisavand MR, Dinvari H, Farahmand L. Anti-cancer therapeutic strategies based on HGF/MET, EpCAM, and tumor-stromal cross talk. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:259. [PMID: 35986321 PMCID: PMC9389806 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02658-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
As an intelligent disease, tumors apply several pathways to evade the immune system. It can use alternative routes to bypass intracellular signaling pathways, such as nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), Wnt, and mitogen-activated protein (MAP)/phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Therefore, these mechanisms lead to therapeutic resistance in cancer. Also, these pathways play important roles in the proliferation, survival, migration, and invasion of cells. In most cancers, these signaling pathways are overactivated, caused by mutation, overexpression, etc. Since numerous molecules share these signaling pathways, the identification of key molecules is crucial to achieve favorable consequences in cancer therapy. One of the key molecules is the mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (MET; c-Met) and its ligand hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). Another molecule is the epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), which its binding is hemophilic. Although both of them are involved in many physiologic processes (especially in embryonic stages), in some cancers, they are overexpressed on epithelial cells. Since they share intracellular pathways, targeting them simultaneously may inhibit substitute pathways that tumor uses to evade the immune system and resistant to therapeutic agents.
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Mahdavi SZB, Oroojalian F, Eyvazi S, Hejazi M, Baradaran B, Pouladi N, Tohidkia MR, Mokhtarzadeh A, Muyldermans S. An overview on display systems (phage, bacterial, and yeast display) for production of anticancer antibodies; advantages and disadvantages. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 208:421-442. [PMID: 35339499 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.03.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Antibodies as ideal therapeutic and diagnostic molecules are among the top-selling drugs providing considerable efficacy in disease treatment, especially in cancer therapy. Limitations of the hybridoma technology as routine antibody generation method in conjunction with numerous developments in molecular biology led to the development of alternative approaches for the streamlined identification of most effective antibodies. In this regard, display selection technologies such as phage display, bacterial display, and yeast display have been widely promoted over the past three decades as ideal alternatives to traditional methods. The display of antibodies on phages is probably the most widespread of these methods, although surface display on bacteria or yeast have been employed successfully, as well. These methods using various sizes of combinatorial antibody libraries and different selection strategies possessing benefits in screening potency, generating, and isolation of high affinity antibodies with low risk of immunogenicity. Knowing the basics of each method assists in the design and retrieval process of antibodies suitable for different diseases, including cancer. In this review, we aim to outline the basics of each library construction and its display method, screening and selection steps. The advantages and disadvantages in comparison to alternative methods, and their applications in antibody engineering will be explained. Finally, we will review approved or non-approved therapeutic antibodies developed by employing these methods, which may serve as therapeutic antibodies in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fatemeh Oroojalian
- Department of Advanced Sciences and Technologies in Medicine, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran; Natural Products and Medicinal Plants Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Shirin Eyvazi
- Department of Biology, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran; Biotechnology Research Center, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Maryam Hejazi
- Chronic Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nasser Pouladi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Tohidkia
- Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ahad Mokhtarzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Serge Muyldermans
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Recognition and Imaging, School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China..
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12
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Shin HG, Yang HR, Yoon A, Lee S. Bispecific Antibody-Based Immune-Cell Engagers and Their Emerging Therapeutic Targets in Cancer Immunotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:5686. [PMID: 35628495 PMCID: PMC9146966 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide after cardiovascular diseases. Harnessing the power of immune cells is a promising strategy to improve the antitumor effect of cancer immunotherapy. Recent progress in recombinant DNA technology and antibody engineering has ushered in a new era of bispecific antibody (bsAb)-based immune-cell engagers (ICEs), including T- and natural-killer-cell engagers. Since the first approval of blinatumomab by the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA), various bsAb-based ICEs have been developed for the effective treatment of patients with cancer. Simultaneously, several potential therapeutic targets of bsAb-based ICEs have been identified in various cancers. Therefore, this review focused on not only highlighting the action mechanism, design and structure, and status of bsAb-based ICEs in clinical development and their approval by the US FDA for human malignancy treatment, but also on summarizing the currently known and emerging therapeutic targets in cancer. This review provides insights into practical considerations for developing next-generation ICEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha Gyeong Shin
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Science and Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Korea; (H.G.S.); (H.R.Y.)
| | - Ha Rim Yang
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Science and Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Korea; (H.G.S.); (H.R.Y.)
| | - Aerin Yoon
- R&D Division, GC Biopharma, Yongin 16924, Korea
| | - Sukmook Lee
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Science and Technology, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Korea; (H.G.S.); (H.R.Y.)
- Biopharmaceutical Chemistry Major, School of Applied Chemistry, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Korea
- Antibody Research Institute, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Korea
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13
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Xu T, Liu Y, Schulga A, Konovalova E, Deyev S, Tolmachev V, Vorobyeva A. Epithelial cell adhesion molecule‑targeting designed ankyrin repeat protein‑toxin fusion Ec1‑LoPE exhibits potent cytotoxic action in prostate cancer cells. Oncol Rep 2022; 47:94. [PMID: 35315504 PMCID: PMC8968790 DOI: 10.3892/or.2022.8305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeted anticancer therapeutics offer the advantage of reducing cytotoxic side effects to normal cells by directing the cytotoxic payload selectively to cancer cells. Designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPins) are promising non-immunoglobulin-based scaffold proteins for payload delivery to cancer-associated molecular targets. Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is overexpressed in 40–60% of prostate cancers (PCs) and is associated with metastasis, increased risk of PC recurrence and resistance to treatment. Here, we investigated the use of DARPin Ec1 for targeted delivery of Pseudomonas exotoxin A variant (LoPE) with low immunogenicity and low non-specific toxicity to EpCAM-expressing prostate cancer cells. Ec1-LoPE fusion protein was radiolabeled with tricarbonyl technetium-99m and its binding specificity, binding kinetics, cellular processing, internalization and cytotoxicity were evaluated in PC-3 and DU145 cell lines. Ec1-LoPE showed EpCAM-specific binding to EpCAM-expressing prostate cancer cells. Rapid internalization mediated potent cytotoxic effect with picomolar IC50 values in both studied cell lines. Taken together, these data support further evaluation of Ec1-LoPE in a therapeutic setting in a prostate cancer model in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianqi Xu
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, SE-75185 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Yongsheng Liu
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, SE-75185 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Alexey Schulga
- Research Centrum for Oncotheranostics, Research School of Chemistry and Applied Biomedical Sciences, National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia
| | - Elena Konovalova
- Molecular Immunology Laboratory, Shemyakin‑Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergey Deyev
- Research Centrum for Oncotheranostics, Research School of Chemistry and Applied Biomedical Sciences, National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia
| | - Vladimir Tolmachev
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, SE-75185 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anzhelika Vorobyeva
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, SE-75185 Uppsala, Sweden
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14
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Breast Cancer Stem Cell Membrane Biomarkers: Therapy Targeting and Clinical Implications. Cells 2022; 11:cells11060934. [PMID: 35326385 PMCID: PMC8946706 DOI: 10.3390/cells11060934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common malignancy affecting women worldwide. Importantly, there have been significant improvements in prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment options, which resulted in a significant decrease in breast cancer mortality rates. Nevertheless, the high rates of incidence combined with therapy resistance result in cancer relapse and metastasis, which still contributes to unacceptably high mortality of breast cancer patients. In this context, a small subpopulation of highly tumourigenic cancer cells within the tumour bulk, commonly designated as breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs), have been suggested as key elements in therapy resistance, which are responsible for breast cancer relapses and distant metastasis. Thus, improvements in BCSC-targeting therapies are crucial to tackling the metastatic progression and might allow therapy resistance to be overcome. However, the design of effective and specific BCSC-targeting therapies has been challenging since there is a lack of specific biomarkers for BCSCs, and the most common clinical approaches are designed for commonly altered BCSCs signalling pathways. Therefore, the search for a new class of BCSC biomarkers, such as the expression of membrane proteins with cancer stem cell potential, is an area of clinical relevance, once membrane proteins are accessible on the cell surface and easily recognized by specific antibodies. Here, we discuss the significance of BCSC membrane biomarkers as potential prognostic and therapeutic targets, reviewing the CSC-targeting therapies under clinical trials for breast cancer.
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15
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Tapia-Galisteo A, Sánchez Rodríguez Í, Aguilar-Sopeña O, Harwood SL, Narbona J, Ferreras Gutierrez M, Navarro R, Martín-García L, Corbacho C, Compte M, Lacadena J, Blanco FJ, Chames P, Roda-Navarro P, Álvarez-Vallina L, Sanz L. Trispecific T-cell engagers for dual tumor-targeting of colorectal cancer. Oncoimmunology 2022; 11:2034355. [PMID: 35154908 PMCID: PMC8837253 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2022.2034355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Tapia-Galisteo
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Biomedical Research Institute Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Íñigo Sánchez Rodríguez
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Biomedical Research Institute Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Oscar Aguilar-Sopeña
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain
- Lymphocyte Immunobiology Group, Biomedical Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Seandean Lykke Harwood
- Protein Science, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Javier Narbona
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Rocío Navarro
- Department of Antibody Engineering, Leadartis Sl, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Martín-García
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Biomedical Research Institute Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cesáreo Corbacho
- Pathology Department, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Compte
- Department of Antibody Engineering, Leadartis Sl, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Lacadena
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco J. Blanco
- Biomolecular NMR, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Patrick Chames
- Antibody Therapeutics and Immunotargeting Group, Aix Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, Institute Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Marseille, France
| | - Pedro Roda-Navarro
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain
- Lymphocyte Immunobiology Group, Biomedical Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Álvarez-Vallina
- Cancer Immunotherapy Unit (UNICA), Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
- Immuno-oncology and Immunotherapy Group, Biomedical Research Institute Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Sanz
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Biomedical Research Institute Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
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16
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Identification, Culture and Targeting of Cancer Stem Cells. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12020184. [PMID: 35207472 PMCID: PMC8879966 DOI: 10.3390/life12020184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemoresistance, tumor progression, and metastasis are features that are frequently seen in cancer that have been associated with cancer stem cells (CSCs). These cells are a promising target in the future of cancer therapy but remain largely unknown. Deregulation of pathways that govern stemness in non-tumorigenic stem cells (SCs), such as Notch, Wnt, and Hedgehog pathways, has been described in CSC pathogenesis, but it is necessary to conduct further studies to discover potential new therapeutic targets. In addition, some markers for the identification and characterization of CSCs have been suggested, but the search for specific CSC markers in many cancer types is still under development. In addition, methods for CSC cultivation are also under development, with great heterogeneity existing in the protocols used. This review focuses on the most recent aspects of the identification, characterization, cultivation, and targeting of human CSCs, highlighting the advances achieved in the clinical implementation of therapies targeting CSCs and remarking those potential areas where more research is still required.
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17
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Imaging-Guided Therapy Simultaneously Targeting HER2 and EpCAM with Trastuzumab and EpCAM-Directed Toxin Provides Additive Effect in Ovarian Cancer Model. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13163939. [PMID: 34439094 PMCID: PMC8393281 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13163939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Efficient treatment of disseminated ovarian cancer (OC) is challenging due to its heterogeneity and chemoresistance. Overexpression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) in approx. 30% and 70% of ovarian cancers, respectively, allows for co-targeted treatment. The clinical efficacy of the monoclonal antibody trastuzumab in patients with HER2-positive breast, gastric and gastroesophageal cancers makes it readily available as the HER2-targeting component. As the EpCAM-targeting component, we investigated the designed ankyrin repeat protein (DARPin) Ec1 fused to a truncated variant of Pseudomonas exotoxin A with reduced immunogenicity and low general toxicity (LoPE). Ec1-LoPE was radiolabeled, evaluated in ovarian cancer cells in vitro and its biodistribution and tumor-targeting properties were studied in vivo. The therapeutic efficacy of Ec1-LoPE alone and in combination with trastuzumab was studied in mice bearing EpCAM- and HER2-expressing SKOV3 xenografts. SPECT/CT imaging enabled visualization of EpCAM and HER2 expression in the tumors. Co-treatment using Ec1-LoPE and trastuzumab was more effective at reducing tumor growth and prolonged the median survival of mice compared with mice in the control and monotherapy groups. Repeated administration of Ec1-LoPE was well tolerated without signs of hepatic or kidney toxicity. Co-treatment with trastuzumab and Ec1-LoPE might be a potential therapeutic strategy for HER2- and EpCAM-positive OC.
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18
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Menyailo ME, Bokova UA, Ivanyuk EE, Khozyainova AA, Denisov EV. Metastasis Prevention: Focus on Metastatic Circulating Tumor Cells. Mol Diagn Ther 2021; 25:549-562. [PMID: 34287797 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-021-00543-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis is the main cause of cancer death. Metastatic foci are derived from tumor cells that detach from the primary tumor and then enter the circulation. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are generally associated with a high probability of distant metastasis and a negative prognosis. Most CTCs die in the bloodstream, and only a few cells form metastases. Such metastatic CTCs have a stem-like and hybrid epithelial-mesenchymal phenotype, can avoid immune surveillance, and show increased therapy resistance. Targeting metastatic CTCs and their progenitors in primary tumors and their descendants, particularly disseminated tumor cells, represents an attractive strategy for metastasis prevention. However, current therapeutic strategies mainly target the primary tumor and only indirectly affect metastasis-initiating cells. Here, we consider potential methods for preventing metastasis based on targeting molecular and cellular features of metastatic CTCs, including CTC clusters. Also, we emphasize current knowledge gaps in CTC biology that should be addressed to develop highly effective therapeutics and strategies for metastasis suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxim E Menyailo
- Laboratory of Cancer Progression Biology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Kooperativny Str. 5, Tomsk, 634009, Russia
| | - Ustinia A Bokova
- Laboratory of Cancer Progression Biology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Kooperativny Str. 5, Tomsk, 634009, Russia
| | - Elena E Ivanyuk
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Kooperativny Str. 5, Tomsk, 634009, Russia
| | - Anna A Khozyainova
- Laboratory of Cancer Progression Biology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Kooperativny Str. 5, Tomsk, 634009, Russia
| | - Evgeny V Denisov
- Laboratory of Cancer Progression Biology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Kooperativny Str. 5, Tomsk, 634009, Russia.
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19
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Song Z, Mao J, Barrero RA, Wang P, Zhang F, Wang T. Development of a CD63 Aptamer for Efficient Cancer Immunochemistry and Immunoaffinity-Based Exosome Isolation. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25235585. [PMID: 33261145 PMCID: PMC7730289 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25235585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
CD63, a member of transmembrane-4-superfamily of tetraspanin proteins and a highly N-glycosylated type III lysosomal membrane protein, is known to regulate malignancy of various types of cancers such as melanoma and breast cancer and serves as a potential marker for cancer detection. Recently, its important role as a classic exosome marker was also emphasized. In this work, via using a magnetic bead-based competitive SELEX (systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment) procedure and introducing a 0.5 M NaCl as elution buffer, we identified two DNA aptamers (CD63-1 and CD63-2) with high affinity and specificity to CD63 protein (Kd = 38.71 nM and 78.43, respectively). Furthermore, CD63-1 was found to be efficient in binding CD63 positive cells, including breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells and CD63-overexpressed HEK293T cells, with a medium binding affinity (Kd ~ 100 nM) as assessed by flow cytometry. When immunostaining assay was performed using clinical breast cancer biopsy, the CD63-1 aptamer demonstrated a comparable diagnostic efficacy for CD63 positive breast cancer with commercial antibodies. After developing a magnetic bead-based exosome immunoaffinity separation system using CD63-1 aptamer, it was found that this bead-based system could effectively isolate exosomes from both MDA-MB-231 and HT29 cell culture medium. Importantly, the introduction of the NaCl elution in this work enabled the isolation of native exosomes via a simple 0.5M NaCl incubation step. Based on these results, we firmly believe that the developed aptamers could be useful towards efficient isolation of native state exosomes from clinical samples and various theranostic applications for CD63-positive cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenguo Song
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450008, China;
| | - Jun Mao
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China;
| | - Roberto A. Barrero
- eResearch Office, Division of Research and Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane City QLD 4001, Australia;
| | - Peng Wang
- College of Nursing and Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China;
| | - Fengqiu Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Ion-Beam Bioengineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450000, China
- Correspondence: (F.Z.); (T.W.); Tel.: +86-1393839312 (F.Z.); +61-432684878 (T.W.)
| | - Tao Wang
- College of Nursing and Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China;
- Correspondence: (F.Z.); (T.W.); Tel.: +86-1393839312 (F.Z.); +61-432684878 (T.W.)
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20
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Roshan R, Naderi S, Behdani M, Cohan RA, Ghaderi H, Shokrgozar MA, Golkar M, Kazemi-Lomedasht F. Isolation and characterization of nanobodies against epithelial cell adhesion molecule as novel theranostic agents for cancer therapy. Mol Immunol 2020; 129:70-77. [PMID: 33183767 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2020.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) plays an important role in tumorigenesis. Camelids produce functional antibodies composed of heavy chains only that bind to their antigens via a single domain variable fragment known as nanobody. Nanobodies show multiple advantages over traditional monoclonal antibodies. Isolation of functional anti-EpCAM nanobodies (Nbs) was the main aim of this study. An immune nanobody library containing 108 members was constructed previously. Anti -EpCAM nanobodies were isolated from camel immune library using phage display. Four consecutive rounds of biopanning were performed on immobilized EpCAM. Four nanobodies (Nb4, Nb5, Nb22, and Nb23) with highest signal intensity in monoclonal phage ELISA were selected. Affinity of these selected nanobodies for EpCAM was in the nanomolar range. Selected nanobodies significantly inhibited proliferation of MCF-7 cells. The in vivo study revealed that a significant reduction in tumor size occurred when treated with nanobodies Nb4 and Nb5, after 14 days monitoring. Our data revealed that nanobodies Nb4 and Nb5 could be considered as attractive theranostic agents for EpCAM overexpressing cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reyhaneh Roshan
- Biotechnology Research Center, Biotechnology Department, Venom & Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab., Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shamsi Naderi
- Biotechnology Research Center, Biotechnology Department, Venom & Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab., Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Behdani
- Biotechnology Research Center, Biotechnology Department, Venom & Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab., Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Ahangari Cohan
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, New Technologies Research Group, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Hajarsadat Ghaderi
- Biotechnology Research Center, Biotechnology Department, Venom & Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab., Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Majid Golkar
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Parasitology Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Kazemi-Lomedasht
- Biotechnology Research Center, Biotechnology Department, Venom & Biotherapeutics Molecules Lab., Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran.
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21
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Vorobyeva A, Bezverkhniaia E, Konovalova E, Schulga A, Garousi J, Vorontsova O, Abouzayed A, Orlova A, Deyev S, Tolmachev V. Radionuclide Molecular Imaging of EpCAM Expression in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Using the Scaffold Protein DARPin Ec1. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25204719. [PMID: 33066684 PMCID: PMC7587533 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25204719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Efficient treatment of disseminated triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains an unmet clinical need. The epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is often overexpressed on the surface of TNBC cells, which makes EpCAM a potential therapeutic target. Radionuclide molecular imaging of EpCAM expression might permit selection of patients for EpCAM-targeting therapies. In this study, we evaluated a scaffold protein, designed ankyrin repeat protein (DARPin) Ec1, for imaging of EpCAM in TNBC. DARPin Ec1 was labeled with a non-residualizing [125I]I-para-iodobenzoate (PIB) label and a residualizing [99mTc]Tc(CO)3 label. Both imaging probes retained high binding specificity and affinity to EpCAM-expressing MDA-MB-468 TNBC cells after labeling. Internalization studies showed that Ec1 was retained on the surface of MDA-MB-468 cells to a high degree up to 24 h. Biodistribution in Balb/c nu/nu mice bearing MDA-MB-468 xenografts demonstrated specific uptake of both [125I]I-PIB-Ec1 and [99mTc]Tc(CO)3-Ec1 in TNBC tumors. [125I]I-PIB-Ec1 had appreciably lower uptake in normal organs compared with [99mTc]Tc(CO)3-Ec1, which resulted in significantly (p < 0.05) higher tumor-to-organ ratios. The biodistribution data were confirmed by micro-Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography/Computed Tomography (microSPECT/CT) imaging. In conclusion, an indirectly radioiodinated Ec1 is the preferable probe for imaging of EpCAM in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anzhelika Vorobyeva
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden; (J.G.); (O.V.); (V.T.)
- Research Centrum for Oncotheranostics, Research School of Chemistry and Applied Biomedical Sciences, National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, 634 050 Tomsk, Russia; (E.B.); (A.S.); (A.O.); (S.D.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Ekaterina Bezverkhniaia
- Research Centrum for Oncotheranostics, Research School of Chemistry and Applied Biomedical Sciences, National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, 634 050 Tomsk, Russia; (E.B.); (A.S.); (A.O.); (S.D.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Siberian State Medical University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia
| | - Elena Konovalova
- Molecular Immunology Laboratory, Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Alexey Schulga
- Research Centrum for Oncotheranostics, Research School of Chemistry and Applied Biomedical Sciences, National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, 634 050 Tomsk, Russia; (E.B.); (A.S.); (A.O.); (S.D.)
- Molecular Immunology Laboratory, Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Javad Garousi
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden; (J.G.); (O.V.); (V.T.)
| | - Olga Vorontsova
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden; (J.G.); (O.V.); (V.T.)
| | - Ayman Abouzayed
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, 751 23 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | - Anna Orlova
- Research Centrum for Oncotheranostics, Research School of Chemistry and Applied Biomedical Sciences, National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, 634 050 Tomsk, Russia; (E.B.); (A.S.); (A.O.); (S.D.)
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, 751 23 Uppsala, Sweden;
- Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, 751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sergey Deyev
- Research Centrum for Oncotheranostics, Research School of Chemistry and Applied Biomedical Sciences, National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, 634 050 Tomsk, Russia; (E.B.); (A.S.); (A.O.); (S.D.)
- Molecular Immunology Laboratory, Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia;
- Bio-Nanophotonic Lab, Institute of Engineering Physics for Biomedicine (PhysBio), National Research Nuclear University ‘MEPhI’, 115409 Moscow, Russia
- Center of Biomedical Engineering, Sechenov University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir Tolmachev
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden; (J.G.); (O.V.); (V.T.)
- Research Centrum for Oncotheranostics, Research School of Chemistry and Applied Biomedical Sciences, National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, 634 050 Tomsk, Russia; (E.B.); (A.S.); (A.O.); (S.D.)
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22
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Gires O, Pan M, Schinke H, Canis M, Baeuerle PA. Expression and function of epithelial cell adhesion molecule EpCAM: where are we after 40 years? Cancer Metastasis Rev 2020; 39:969-987. [PMID: 32507912 PMCID: PMC7497325 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-020-09898-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
EpCAM (epithelial cell adhesion molecule) was discovered four decades ago as a tumor antigen on colorectal carcinomas. Owing to its frequent and high expression on carcinomas and their metastases, EpCAM serves as a prognostic marker, a therapeutic target, and an anchor molecule on circulating and disseminated tumor cells (CTCs/DTCs), which are considered the major source for metastatic cancer cells. Today, EpCAM is reckoned as a multi-functional transmembrane protein involved in the regulation of cell adhesion, proliferation, migration, stemness, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of carcinoma cells. To fulfill these functions, EpCAM is instrumental in intra- and intercellular signaling as a full-length molecule and following regulated intramembrane proteolysis, generating functionally active extra- and intracellular fragments. Intact EpCAM and its proteolytic fragments interact with claudins, CD44, E-cadherin, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and intracellular signaling components of the WNT and Ras/Raf pathways, respectively. This plethora of functions contributes to shaping intratumor heterogeneity and partial EMT, which are major determinants of the clinical outcome of carcinoma patients. EpCAM represents a marker for the epithelial status of primary and systemic tumor cells and emerges as a measure for the metastatic capacity of CTCs. Consequentially, EpCAM has reclaimed potential as a prognostic marker and target on primary and systemic tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Gires
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.
- Clinical Cooperation Group "Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer", Helmholtz Zentrum, Neuherberg, Germany.
| | - Min Pan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Henrik Schinke
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Canis
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Patrick A Baeuerle
- Institute for Immunology, LMU Munich, Grosshadernerstr. 9, 82152 Planegg, Martinsried, Germany
- MPM Capital, Cambridge MA, 450 Kendall Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
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23
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Alfaleh MA, Alsaab HO, Mahmoud AB, Alkayyal AA, Jones ML, Mahler SM, Hashem AM. Phage Display Derived Monoclonal Antibodies: From Bench to Bedside. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1986. [PMID: 32983137 PMCID: PMC7485114 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have become one of the most important classes of biopharmaceutical products, and they continue to dominate the universe of biopharmaceutical markets in terms of approval and sales. They are the most profitable single product class, where they represent six of the top ten selling drugs. At the beginning of the 1990s, an in vitro antibody selection technology known as antibody phage display was developed by John McCafferty and Sir. Gregory Winter that enabled the discovery of human antibodies for diverse applications, particularly antibody-based drugs. They created combinatorial antibody libraries on filamentous phage to be utilized for generating antigen specific antibodies in a matter of weeks. Since then, more than 70 phage–derived antibodies entered clinical studies and 14 of them have been approved. These antibodies are indicated for cancer, and non-cancer medical conditions, such as inflammatory, optical, infectious, or immunological diseases. This review will illustrate the utility of phage display as a powerful platform for therapeutic antibodies discovery and describe in detail all the approved mAbs derived from phage display.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Alfaleh
- Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hashem O Alsaab
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad Bakur Mahmoud
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Medina, Saudi Arabia
| | - Almohanad A Alkayyal
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Martina L Jones
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Australian Research Council Training Centre for Biopharmaceutical Innovation, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Stephen M Mahler
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Australian Research Council Training Centre for Biopharmaceutical Innovation, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Anwar M Hashem
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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24
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Eslami-S Z, Cortés-Hernández LE, Alix-Panabières C. Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule: An Anchor to Isolate Clinically Relevant Circulating Tumor Cells. Cells 2020; 9:cells9081836. [PMID: 32764280 PMCID: PMC7464831 DOI: 10.3390/cells9081836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last few decades, the epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) has received increased attention as the main membrane marker used in many enrichment technologies to isolate circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Although there has been a great deal of progress in the implementation of EpCAM-based CTC detection technologies in medical settings, several issues continue to limit their clinical utility. The biology of EpCAM and its role are not completely understood but evidence suggests that the expression of this epithelial cell-surface protein is crucial for metastasis-competent CTCs and may not be lost completely during the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. In this review, we summarize the most significant advantages and disadvantages of using EpCAM as a marker for CTC enrichment and its potential biological role in the metastatic cascade.
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25
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Vorobyeva A, Konovalova E, Xu T, Schulga A, Altai M, Garousi J, Rinne SS, Orlova A, Tolmachev V, Deyev S. Feasibility of Imaging EpCAM Expression in Ovarian Cancer Using Radiolabeled DARPin Ec1. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21093310. [PMID: 32392820 PMCID: PMC7246691 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is overexpressed in 55%–75% of ovarian carcinomas (OC). EpCAM might be used as a target for a treatment of disseminated OC. Designed ankyrin repeats protein (DARPin) Ec1 is a small (18 kDa) protein, which binds to EpCAM with subnanomolar affinity. We tested a hypothesis that Ec1 labeled with a non-residualizing label might serve as a companion imaging diagnostic for stratification of patients for EpCAM-targeting therapy. Ec1 was labeled with 125I using N-succinimidyl-para-iodobenzoate. Binding affinity, specificity, and cellular processing of [125I]I-PIB-Ec1 were evaluated using SKOV-3 and OVCAR-3 ovarian carcinoma cell lines. Biodistribution and tumor-targeting properties of [125I]I-PIB-Ec1 were studied in Balb/c nu/nu mice bearing SKOV-3 and OVCAR-3 xenografts. EpCAM-negative Ramos lymphoma xenografts served as specificity control. Binding of [125I]I-PIB-Ec1 to ovarian carcinoma cell lines was highly specific and had affinity in picomolar range. Slow internalization of [125I]I-PIB-Ec1 by OC cells confirmed utility of non-residualizing label for in vivo imaging. [125I]I-PIB-Ec1 provided 6 h after injection tumor-to-blood ratios of 30 ± 11 and 48 ± 12 for OVCAR-3 and SKOV-3 xenografts, respectively, and high contrast to other organs. Tumor targeting was highly specific. Saturation of tumor uptake at a high dose of Ec1 in SKOV-3 model provided a rationale for dose selection in further studies using therapeutic conjugates of Ec1 for targeted therapy. In conclusion, [125I]I-PIB-Ec1 is a promising agent for visualizing EpCAM expression in OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anzhelika Vorobyeva
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden; (T.X.); (M.A.); (J.G.); (V.T.)
- Research Centrum for Oncotheranostics, Research School of Chemistry and Applied Biomedical Sciences, Tomsk Polytechnic University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia; (A.S.); (A.O.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +46-18-471-3868
| | - Elena Konovalova
- Molecular Immunology Laboratory, Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (E.K.); (S.D.)
| | - Tianqi Xu
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden; (T.X.); (M.A.); (J.G.); (V.T.)
| | - Alexey Schulga
- Research Centrum for Oncotheranostics, Research School of Chemistry and Applied Biomedical Sciences, Tomsk Polytechnic University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia; (A.S.); (A.O.)
- Molecular Immunology Laboratory, Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (E.K.); (S.D.)
| | - Mohamed Altai
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden; (T.X.); (M.A.); (J.G.); (V.T.)
| | - Javad Garousi
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden; (T.X.); (M.A.); (J.G.); (V.T.)
| | - Sara S. Rinne
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, 751 23 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | - Anna Orlova
- Research Centrum for Oncotheranostics, Research School of Chemistry and Applied Biomedical Sciences, Tomsk Polytechnic University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia; (A.S.); (A.O.)
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, 751 23 Uppsala, Sweden;
- Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, 751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Vladimir Tolmachev
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden; (T.X.); (M.A.); (J.G.); (V.T.)
- Research Centrum for Oncotheranostics, Research School of Chemistry and Applied Biomedical Sciences, Tomsk Polytechnic University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia; (A.S.); (A.O.)
| | - Sergey Deyev
- Research Centrum for Oncotheranostics, Research School of Chemistry and Applied Biomedical Sciences, Tomsk Polytechnic University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia; (A.S.); (A.O.)
- Molecular Immunology Laboratory, Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (E.K.); (S.D.)
- Bio-Nanophotonic Lab, Institute of Engineering Physics for Biomedicine (PhysBio), National Research Nuclear University ‘MEPhI’, 115409 Moscow, Russia
- Center of Biomedical Engineering, Sechenov University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
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26
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Tang Q, Yin D, Wang Y, Du W, Qin Y, Ding A, Li H. Cancer Stem Cells and Combination Therapies to Eradicate Them. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 26:1994-2008. [PMID: 32250222 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200406083756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) show self-renewal ability and multipotential differentiation, like normal stem or progenitor cells, and which proliferate uncontrollably and can escape the effects of drugs and phagocytosis by immune cells. Traditional monotherapies, such as surgical resection, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, cannot eradicate CSCs, however, combination therapy may be more effective at eliminating CSCs. The present review summarizes the characteristics of CSCs and several promising combination therapies to eradicate them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Tang
- College of Pharmacy and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China.,Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Dan Yin
- Sichuan Industrial Institute of Antibiotics, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yao Wang
- College of Pharmacy and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wenxuan Du
- College of Pharmacy and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuhan Qin
- College of Pharmacy and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Anni Ding
- College of Pharmacy and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hanmei Li
- College of Pharmacy and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
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27
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Wang T, Rahimizadeh K, Veedu RN. Development of a Novel DNA Oligonucleotide Targeting Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2020; 19:190-198. [PMID: 31841991 PMCID: PMC6920325 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2019.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDL-R) is a cell surface receptor protein expressed in a variety of solid cancers, including lung, colon, breast, brain, and liver, and therefore it opens up opportunities to deliver lysosome-sensitive anti-cancer agents, especially synthetic nucleic acid-based therapeutic molecules. In this study, we focused on developing novel nucleic acid molecules specific to LDL-R. For this purpose, we performed in vitro selection procedure via systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) methodologies using mammalian cell-expressed human recombinant LDL-R protein as a target. After 10 rounds of selections, we identified a novel DNA oligonucleotide aptamer, RNV-L7, that can bind specifically to LDL-R protein with high affinity and specificity (KD = 19.6 nM). Furthermore, flow cytometry and fluorescence imaging assays demonstrated efficient binding to LDL-R overexpressed human cancer cells, including Huh-7 liver cancer cells and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, with a binding affinity of ∼200 nM. Furthermore, we evaluated the functional potential of the developed LDL-R aptamer RNV-L7 by conjugating with a previously reported miR-21 targeting DNAzyme for inhibiting miR-21 expression. The results showed that the miR-21 DNAzyme-RNV-L7 aptamer chimera efficiently reduced the expression of miR-21 in Huh-7 liver cancer cells. As currently there are no reports on LDL-R aptamer development, we think that RNV-L7 could be beneficial toward the development of targeted cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wang
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia; Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Kamal Rahimizadeh
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia; Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Rakesh N Veedu
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia; Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA 6009, Australia.
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28
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Yang L, Shi P, Zhao G, Xu J, Peng W, Zhang J, Zhang G, Wang X, Dong Z, Chen F, Cui H. Targeting cancer stem cell pathways for cancer therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:8. [PMID: 32296030 PMCID: PMC7005297 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-0110-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 868] [Impact Index Per Article: 217.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Revised: 12/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Since cancer stem cells (CSCs) were first identified in leukemia in 1994, they have been considered promising therapeutic targets for cancer therapy. These cells have self-renewal capacity and differentiation potential and contribute to multiple tumor malignancies, such as recurrence, metastasis, heterogeneity, multidrug resistance, and radiation resistance. The biological activities of CSCs are regulated by several pluripotent transcription factors, such as OCT4, Sox2, Nanog, KLF4, and MYC. In addition, many intracellular signaling pathways, such as Wnt, NF-κB (nuclear factor-κB), Notch, Hedgehog, JAK-STAT (Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription), PI3K/AKT/mTOR (phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin), TGF (transforming growth factor)/SMAD, and PPAR (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor), as well as extracellular factors, such as vascular niches, hypoxia, tumor-associated macrophages, cancer-associated fibroblasts, cancer-associated mesenchymal stem cells, extracellular matrix, and exosomes, have been shown to be very important regulators of CSCs. Molecules, vaccines, antibodies, and CAR-T (chimeric antigen receptor T cell) cells have been developed to specifically target CSCs, and some of these factors are already undergoing clinical trials. This review summarizes the characterization and identification of CSCs, depicts major factors and pathways that regulate CSC development, and discusses potential targeted therapy for CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
| | - Pengfei Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
| | - Gaichao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
| | - Jie Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
| | - Wen Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiayi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
| | - Guanghui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaowen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhen Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China
| | - Fei Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China.
- Cancer Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, 400716, Chongqing, China.
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29
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Alfaleh MA, Alsaab HO, Mahmoud AB, Alkayyal AA, Jones ML, Mahler SM, Hashem AM. Phage Display Derived Monoclonal Antibodies: From Bench to Bedside. Front Immunol 2020. [PMID: 32983137 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01986/bibtex] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have become one of the most important classes of biopharmaceutical products, and they continue to dominate the universe of biopharmaceutical markets in terms of approval and sales. They are the most profitable single product class, where they represent six of the top ten selling drugs. At the beginning of the 1990s, an in vitro antibody selection technology known as antibody phage display was developed by John McCafferty and Sir. Gregory Winter that enabled the discovery of human antibodies for diverse applications, particularly antibody-based drugs. They created combinatorial antibody libraries on filamentous phage to be utilized for generating antigen specific antibodies in a matter of weeks. Since then, more than 70 phage-derived antibodies entered clinical studies and 14 of them have been approved. These antibodies are indicated for cancer, and non-cancer medical conditions, such as inflammatory, optical, infectious, or immunological diseases. This review will illustrate the utility of phage display as a powerful platform for therapeutic antibodies discovery and describe in detail all the approved mAbs derived from phage display.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Alfaleh
- Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hashem O Alsaab
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad Bakur Mahmoud
- College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Medina, Saudi Arabia
| | - Almohanad A Alkayyal
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Martina L Jones
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Australian Research Council Training Centre for Biopharmaceutical Innovation, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Stephen M Mahler
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Australian Research Council Training Centre for Biopharmaceutical Innovation, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Anwar M Hashem
- Vaccines and Immunotherapy Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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30
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Deyev SM, Vorobyeva A, Schulga A, Abouzayed A, Günther T, Garousi J, Konovalova E, Ding H, Gräslund T, Orlova A, Tolmachev V. Effect of a radiolabel biochemical nature on tumor-targeting properties of EpCAM-binding engineered scaffold protein DARPin Ec1. Int J Biol Macromol 2019; 145:216-225. [PMID: 31863835 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.12.147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Radionuclide-based imaging of molecular therapeutic targets might facilitate stratifying patients for specific biotherapeutics. New type of imaging probes, based on designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPins), have demonstrated excellent contrast of imaging of human epidermal growth factor type 2 (HER2) expression in preclinical models. We hypothesized that labeling approaches, which result in lipophilic radiometabolites (non-residualizing labels), would provide the best imaging contrast for DARPins that internalize slowly after binding to cancer cells. The hypothesis was tested using DARPin Ec1 that binds to epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM). EpCAM is a promising therapeutic target. Ec1 was labeled with 125I using two methods to obtain the non-residualizing labels, while residualizing labels were obtained by labeling it with 99mTc. All labeled Ec1 variants preserved target specificity and picomolar binding affinity to EpCAM-expressing pancreatic adenocarcinoma BxPC-3 cells. In murine models, all the variants provided similar tumor uptake. However, 125I-PIB-H6-Ec1 had noticeably lower retention in normal tissues, which provided appreciably higher tumor-to-organ ratios. Furthermore, 125I-PIB-H6-Ec1 demonstrated the highest imaging contrast in preclinical models than any other EpCAM-imaging agent tested so far. In conclusion, DARPin Ec1 in combination with a non-residualizing label is a promising probe for imaging EpCAM expression a few hours after injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey M Deyev
- Molecular Immunology Laboratory, Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia; Research School of Chemistry and Applied Biomedical Sciences, Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, Tomsk, Russia; Center of Biomedical Engineering, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anzhelika Vorobyeva
- Research School of Chemistry and Applied Biomedical Sciences, Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, Tomsk, Russia; Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Alexey Schulga
- Molecular Immunology Laboratory, Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia; Research School of Chemistry and Applied Biomedical Sciences, Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Ayman Abouzayed
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Tyran Günther
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Javad Garousi
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Elena Konovalova
- Molecular Immunology Laboratory, Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Haozhong Ding
- Department of Protein Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Torbjörn Gräslund
- Department of Protein Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Orlova
- Research School of Chemistry and Applied Biomedical Sciences, Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, Tomsk, Russia; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Vladimir Tolmachev
- Research School of Chemistry and Applied Biomedical Sciences, Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, Tomsk, Russia; Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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31
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Efficient Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Targeting Oligonucleotide as a Potential Molecule for Targeted Cancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20194700. [PMID: 31546749 PMCID: PMC6801465 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20194700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is associated with the progression of a wide range of cancers including breast, glioma, lung, and liver cancer. The observation that EGFR inhibition can limit the growth of EGFR positive cancers has led to the development of various EGFR inhibitors including monoclonal antibodies and small-molecule inhibitors. However, the reported toxicity and drug resistance greatly compromised the clinical outcome of such inhibitors. As a type of chemical antibodies, nucleic acid aptamer provides an opportunity to overcome the obstacles faced by current EGFR inhibitors. In this study, we have developed and investigated the therapeutic potential of a 27mer aptamer CL-4RNV616 containing 2′-O-Methyl RNA and DNA nucleotides. Our results showed that CL-4RNV616 not only displayed enhanced stability in human serum, but also effectively recognized and inhibited the proliferation of EGFR positive Huh-7 liver cancer, MDA-MB-231 breast cancer, and U87MG glioblastoma cells, with an IC50 value of 258.9 nM, 413.7 nM, and 567.9 nM, respectively. Furthermore, TUNEL apoptosis assay revealed that CL-4RNV616 efficiently induced apoptosis of cancer cells. In addition, clinical breast cancer biopsy-based immunostaining assay demonstrated that CL-4RNV616 had a comparable detection efficacy for EGFR positive breast cancer with commonly used commercial antibodies. Based on the results, we firmly believe that CL-4RNV616 could be useful in the development of targeted cancer therapeutics and diagnostics.
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32
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Barbato L, Bocchetti M, Di Biase A, Regad T. Cancer Stem Cells and Targeting Strategies. Cells 2019; 8:cells8080926. [PMID: 31426611 PMCID: PMC6721823 DOI: 10.3390/cells8080926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemoresistance is a major problem in cancer therapy as cancer cells develop mechanisms that counteract the effect of chemotherapeutic compounds, leading to relapse and the development of more aggressive cancers that contribute to poor prognosis and survival rates of treated patients. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a key role in this event. Apart from their slow proliferative property, CSCs have developed a range of cellular processes that involve drug efflux, drug enzymatic inactivation and other mechanisms. In addition, the microenvironment where CSCs evolve (CSC niche), effectively contributes to their role in cancer initiation, progression and chemoresistance. In the CSC niche, immune cells, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), endothelial cells and cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) contribute to the maintenance of CSC malignancy via the secretion of factors that promote cancer progression and resistance to chemotherapy. Due to these factors that hinder successful cancer therapies, CSCs are a subject of intense research that aims at better understanding of CSC behaviour and at developing efficient targeting therapies. In this review, we provide an overview of cancer stem cells, their role in cancer initiation, progression and chemoresistance, and discuss the progress that has been made in the development of CSC targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Barbato
- The John van Geest Cancer Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Lane, Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK
| | - Marco Bocchetti
- The John van Geest Cancer Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Lane, Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Di Biase
- The John van Geest Cancer Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Lane, Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK
| | - Tarik Regad
- The John van Geest Cancer Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Lane, Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK.
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33
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Saygin C, Matei D, Majeti R, Reizes O, Lathia JD. Targeting Cancer Stemness in the Clinic: From Hype to Hope. Cell Stem Cell 2018; 24:25-40. [PMID: 30595497 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2018.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 318] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Tumors are composed of non-homogeneous cell populations exhibiting varying degrees of genetic and functional heterogeneity. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are capable of sustaining tumors by manipulating genetic and non-genetic factors to metastasize, resist treatment, and maintain the tumor microenvironment. Understanding the key traits and mechanisms of CSC survival provides opportunities to improve patient outcomes via improved prognostic models and therapeutics. Here, we review the clinical significance of CSCs and results of potential CSC-targeting therapies in various cancers. We discuss barriers to translating cues from pre-clinical models into clinical applications and propose new strategies for rational design of future anti-CSC trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caner Saygin
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Daniela Matei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Ravindra Majeti
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Cancer Institute and Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Ofer Reizes
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44192, USA
| | - Justin D Lathia
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44192, USA.
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Khalid U, Vi C, Henri J, Macdonald J, Eu P, Mandarano G, Shigdar S. Radiolabelled Aptamers for Theranostic Treatment of Cancer. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2018; 12:ph12010002. [PMID: 30586898 PMCID: PMC6469178 DOI: 10.3390/ph12010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer has a high incidence and mortality rate worldwide, which continues to grow as millions of people are diagnosed annually. Metastatic disease caused by cancer is largely responsible for the mortality rates, thus early detection of metastatic tumours can improve prognosis. However, a large number of patients will also present with micrometastasis tumours which are often missed, as conventional medical imaging modalities are unable to detect micrometastases due to the lack of specificity and sensitivity. Recent advances in radiochemistry and the development of nucleic acid based targeting molecules, have led to the development of novel agents for use in cancer diagnostics. Monoclonal antibodies may also be used, however, they have inherent issues, such as toxicity, cost, unspecified binding and their clinical use can be controversial. Aptamers are a class of single-stranded RNA or DNA ligands with high specificity, binding affinity and selectivity for a target, which makes them promising for molecular biomarker imaging. Aptamers are presented as being a superior choice over antibodies because of high binding affinity and pH stability, amongst other factors. A number of aptamers directed to cancer cell markers (breast, lung, colon, glioblastoma, melanoma) have been radiolabelled and characterised to date. Further work is ongoing to develop these for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umair Khalid
- School of Medicine Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3128, Australia.
| | - Chris Vi
- School of Medicine Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3128, Australia.
| | - Justin Henri
- School of Medicine Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3128, Australia.
| | - Joanna Macdonald
- School of Medicine Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3128, Australia.
| | - Peter Eu
- School of Medicine Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3128, Australia.
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia.
| | - Giovanni Mandarano
- School of Medicine Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3128, Australia.
| | - Sarah Shigdar
- School of Medicine Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3128, Australia.
- Centre for Molecular and Medical Research, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3128, Australia.
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Lee SJ, Chung KY, Kwon JE, Yoon SO, Kim SK. Expression of EpCAM in adenoid cystic carcinoma. Pathology 2018; 50:737-741. [PMID: 30389218 DOI: 10.1016/j.pathol.2018.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Revised: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The mutational landscape of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is currently being revealed, but further studies are needed to identify biomarkers as therapeutic targets or prognostic factors of ACC. In this study, we investigated the expression of epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) in ACCs. We retrospectively collected 83 cases of surgically resected ACCs. Using tissue microarray, we conducted immunohistochemical staining using the anti-EpCAM antibody. EpCAM expression was analysed by intensity score and the total immunostaining score. The positivity was 97.6% (81/83 cases), regardless of the intensity score. A higher histological grade (p = 0.006) and specific tumour location (non-salivary gland origin, p = 0.02) showed a correlation with higher EpCAM intensity. Higher EpCAM expression by total immunostaining score was associated with histological grade (p = 0.004), distant metastasis (p = 0.004) and poorer prognosis (overall survival p = 0.015 and progression-free survival p = 0.033). We suggest EpCAM as a candidate prognostic marker and a putative therapeutic target in ACC. Also, ACCs arising from salivary gland and non-salivary gland sites, respectively, might display different pathophysiologies in which EpCAM could play a role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seok Joo Lee
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kee Yang Chung
- Department of Dermatology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ji Eun Kwon
- Department of Pathology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Sun Och Yoon
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sang Kyum Kim
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
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Emerging functional markers for cancer stem cell-based therapies: Understanding signaling networks for targeting metastasis. Semin Cancer Biol 2018; 53:90-109. [PMID: 29966677 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2018.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Revised: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis is one of the most challenging issues in cancer patient management, and effective therapies to specifically target disease progression are missing, emphasizing the urgent need for developing novel anti-metastatic therapeutics. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) gained fast attention as a minor population of highly malignant cells within liquid and solid tumors that are responsible for tumor onset, self-renewal, resistance to radio- and chemotherapies, and evasion of immune surveillance accelerating recurrence and metastasis. Recent progress in the identification of their phenotypic and molecular characteristics and interactions with the tumor microenvironment provides great potential for the development of CSC-based targeted therapies and radical improvement in metastasis prevention and cancer patient prognosis. Here, we report on newly uncovered signaling mechanisms controlling CSC's aggressiveness and treatment resistance, and CSC-specific agents and molecular therapeutics, some of which are currently under investigation in clinical trials, gearing towards decisive functional CSC intrinsic or surface markers. One special research focus rests upon subverted regulatory pathways such as insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor signaling and its interactors in metastasis-initiating cell populations directly related to the gain of stem cell- and EMT-associated properties, as well as key components of the E2F transcription factor network regulating metastatic progression, microenvironmental changes, and chemoresistance. In addition, the study provides insight into systems biology tools to establish complex molecular relationships behind the emergence of aggressive phenotypes from high-throughput data that rely on network-based analysis and their use to investigate immune escape mechanisms or predict clinical outcome-relevant CSC receptor signaling signatures. We further propose that customized vector technologies could drastically enhance systemic drug delivery to target sites, and summarize recent progress and remaining challenges. This review integrates available knowledge on CSC biology, computational modeling approaches, molecular targeting strategies, and delivery techniques to envision future clinical therapies designed to conquer metastasis-initiating cells.
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Herreros-Pomares A, Aguilar-Gallardo C, Calabuig-Fariñas S, Sirera R, Jantus-Lewintre E, Camps C. EpCAM duality becomes this molecule in a new Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde tale. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2018; 126:52-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2018.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Revised: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
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Kebenko M, Goebeler ME, Wolf M, Hasenburg A, Seggewiss-Bernhardt R, Ritter B, Rautenberg B, Atanackovic D, Kratzer A, Rottman JB, Friedrich M, Vieser E, Elm S, Patzak I, Wessiepe D, Stienen S, Fiedler W. A multicenter phase 1 study of solitomab (MT110, AMG 110), a bispecific EpCAM/CD3 T-cell engager (BiTE®) antibody construct, in patients with refractory solid tumors. Oncoimmunology 2018; 7:e1450710. [PMID: 30221040 PMCID: PMC6136859 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2018.1450710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
We assessed the tolerability and antitumor activity of solitomab, a bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE®) antibody construct targeting epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM). Patients with relapsed/refractory solid tumors not amenable to standard therapy received solitomab as continuous IV infusion in a phase 1 dose-escalation study with six different dosing schedules. The primary endpoint was frequency and severity of adverse events (AEs). Secondary endpoints included pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, immunogenicity, and antitumor activity. Sixty-five patients received solitomab at doses between 1 and 96 µg/day for ≥28 days. Fifteen patients had dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs): eight had transient abnormal liver parameters shortly after infusion start or dose escalation (grade 3, n = 4; grade 4, n = 4), and one had supraventricular tachycardia (grade 3); all events resolved with solitomab discontinuation. Six patients had a DLT of diarrhea: four events resolved (grade 3, n = 3; grade 4, n = 1), one (grade 3) was ongoing at the time of treatment-unrelated death, and one (grade 3) progressed to grade 5 after solitomab discontinuation. The maximum tolerated dose was 24 µg/day. Overall, 95% of patients had grade ≥3 treatment-related AEs, primarily diarrhea, elevated liver parameters, and elevated lipase. Solitomab half-life was 4.5 hours; serum levels plateaued within 24 hours. One unconfirmed partial response was observed. In this study of a BiTE® antibody construct targeting solid tumors, treatment of relapsed/refractory EpCAM-positive solid tumors with solitomab was associated with DLTs, including severe diarrhea and increased liver enzymes, which precluded dose escalation to potentially therapeutic levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxim Kebenko
- Department of Oncology/Hematology, Bone Marrow Transplantation and Section Pneumology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Annette Hasenburg
- Department of Gynecology, Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | | | | | - Beate Rautenberg
- Department of Gynecology, Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Djordje Atanackovic
- Department of Oncology/Hematology, Bone Marrow Transplantation and Section Pneumology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Eva Vieser
- Amgen Research (Munich) GmbH, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Walter Fiedler
- Department of Oncology/Hematology, Bone Marrow Transplantation and Section Pneumology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Boesch M, Spizzo G, Seeber A. Concise Review: Aggressive Colorectal Cancer: Role of Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule in Cancer Stem Cells and Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition. Stem Cells Transl Med 2018; 7:495-501. [PMID: 29667344 PMCID: PMC5980125 DOI: 10.1002/sctm.17-0289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. In spite of various attempts to ameliorate outcome by escalating treatment, significant improvement is lacking particularly in the adjuvant setting. It has been proposed that cancer stem cells (CSCs) and the epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) are at least partially responsible for therapy resistance in CRC. The epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) was one of the first CSC antigens to be described. Furthermore, an EpCAM‐specific antibody (edrecolomab) has the merit of having launched the era of monoclonal antibody treatment in oncology in the 1990s. However, despite great initial enthusiasm, monoclonal antibody treatment has not proven successful in the adjuvant treatment of CRC patients. In the meantime, new insights into the function of EpCAM in CRC have emerged and new drugs targeting various epitopes have been developed. In this review article, we provide an update on the role of EpCAM in CSCs and EMT, and emphasize the potential predictive selection criteria for novel treatment strategies and refined clinical trial design. stemcellstranslationalmedicine2018;7:495–501
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Boesch
- Institute of Immunobiology, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland.,Internal Medicine V, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.,Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute (TKFI), Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Gilbert Spizzo
- Internal Medicine V, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.,Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute (TKFI), Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Andreas Seeber
- Internal Medicine V, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.,Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute (TKFI), Innsbruck, Austria
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Viala M, Vinches M, Alexandre M, Mollevi C, Durigova A, Hayaoui N, Homicsko K, Cuenant A, Gongora C, Gianni L, Tosi D. Strategies for clinical development of monoclonal antibodies beyond first-in-human trials: tested doses and rationale for dose selection. Br J Cancer 2018; 118:679-697. [PMID: 29438365 PMCID: PMC5846071 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2017.473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Revised: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our previous survey on first-in-human trials (FIHT) of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) showed that, due to their limited toxicity, the recommended phase II dose (RP2D) was only tentatively defined. METHODS We identified, by MEDLINE search, articles on single-agent trials of mAbs with an FIHT included in our previous survey. For each mAb, we examined tested dose(s) and dose selection rationale in non-FIHTs (NFIHTs). We also assessed the correlation between doses tested in the registration trials (RTs) of all FDA-approved mAbs and the corresponding FIHT results. RESULTS In the 37 dose-escalation NFIHTs, the RP2D indication was still poorly defined. In phase II-III NFIHTs (n=103 on 37 mAbs), the FIHT RP2D was the only dose tested for five mAbs. For 16 mAbs, only doses different from the FIHT RP2D or the maximum administered dose (MAD) were tested and the dose selection rationale infrequently indicated. In the 60 RTs on 27 FDA-approved mAbs with available FIHT, the FIHT RP2D was tested only for two mAbs, and RT doses were much lower than the FIHT MAD. CONCLUSIONS The rationale beyond dose selection in phase II and III trials of mAbs is often unclear in published articles and not based on FIHT data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Viala
- Institut du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Marie Vinches
- Institut du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | | | | | | | - Nadia Hayaoui
- Institut du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Alice Cuenant
- Institut du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Céline Gongora
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, Inserm U1194, Montpellier, France
| | - Luca Gianni
- San Raffaele – Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Diego Tosi
- Institut du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, Inserm U1194, Montpellier, France
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EpCAM Immunotherapy versus Specific Targeted Delivery of Drugs. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10010019. [PMID: 29329202 PMCID: PMC5789369 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10010019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Revised: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), or CD326, was one of the first cancer associated biomarkers to be discovered. In the last forty years, this biomarker has been investigated for use in personalized cancer therapy, with the first monoclonal antibody, edrecolomab, being trialled in humans more than thirty years ago. Since then, several other monoclonal antibodies have been raised to EpCAM and tested in clinical trials. However, while monoclonal antibody therapy has been investigated against EpCAM for almost 40 years as primary or adjuvant therapy, it has not shown as much promise as initially heralded. In this review, we look at the reasons why and consider alternative targeting options, such as aptamers, to turn this almost ubiquitously expressed epithelial cancer biomarker into a viable target for future personalized therapy.
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Immunotherapy as an Option for Cancer Treatment. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2017; 66:89-96. [PMID: 29026920 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-017-0491-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The progress in melanoma immunotherapy highlights the importance of immunotherapy for cancer treatment. Although the concept of immunotherapy emerged in the beginning of the twentieth century, the end of the century signaled the start of modern immunotherapy, which has recently allowed a staggering progress in the field of cancer immunotherapy. Currently, there is a wide variety of immunotherapeutic approaches and critical improvements are continually being made. Among different immunotherapeutic strategies, therapies based on the blockade of immune checkpoint molecules have shown unparalleled efficacy in late-stage cancer patients. Pre-clinical research using ex vivo and in vivo approaches demonstrates the promise of numerous novel strategies for the immunotherapy of cancer.
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Pützer BM, Solanki M, Herchenröder O. Advances in cancer stem cell targeting: How to strike the evil at its root. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2017; 120:89-107. [PMID: 28736304 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2017.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Revised: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cancer progression to metastatic stages is still unmanageable and the promise of effective anti-metastatic therapy remains largely unmet, emphasizing the need to develop novel therapeutics. The special focus here is on cancer stem cells (CSC) as the seed of tumor initiation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, chemoresistance and, as a consequence, drivers of metastatic dissemination. We report on targeted therapies gearing towards the CSC's internal and membrane-anchored markers using agents such as antibody derivatives, nucleic therapeutics, small molecules and genetic payloads. Another emphasis lies on novel proceedings envisaged to deliver current and prospective therapies to the target sites using newest viral and non-viral vector technologies. In this review, we summarize recent progress and remaining challenges in therapeutic strategies to combat CSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigitte M Pützer
- Institute of Experimental Gene Therapy and Cancer Research, Biomedical Research Center (BMFZ), Rostock University Medical School, Germany.
| | - Manish Solanki
- Institute of Experimental Gene Therapy and Cancer Research, Biomedical Research Center (BMFZ), Rostock University Medical School, Germany
| | - Ottmar Herchenröder
- Institute of Experimental Gene Therapy and Cancer Research, Biomedical Research Center (BMFZ), Rostock University Medical School, Germany
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Han S, Zong S, Shi Q, Li H, Liu S, Yang W, Li W, Hou F. Is Ep-CAM Expression a Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker for Colorectal Cancer? A Systematic Meta-Analysis. EBioMedicine 2017; 20:61-69. [PMID: 28558958 PMCID: PMC5478257 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2017.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Revised: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer stem cell (CSC) epithelial cell adhesion molecule (Ep-CAM) is frequently expressed in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the clinical significance of Ep-CAM expression in CRC is not clear. This study evaluated whether Ep-CAM provided valuable insight as a molecular biomarker for CRC diagnosis and prognosis and the potential of Ep-CAM as a novel therapeutic target in CRC. Methods Publications were selected online using electronic databases. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) or hazard ratios (HRs) with their 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs), and the combined sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) were calculated and summarized. Results Eleven eligible articles published in English involving 4561 cases were analyzed in this study. Ep-CAM expression was significantly higher in CRC compared with normal controls, and its overexpression was negatively linked to tumor differentiation, tumor stage, vascular invasion, depth of tumor invasion, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, and tumor budding in CRC patients. The loss of Ep-CAM expression positively correlated with these characteristics. Multivariate analysis of loss of Ep-CAM expression correlated with a poor prognosis in disease-free survival (DFS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and overall survival (OS). The pooled sensitivity, specificity and AUC values of Ep-CAM expression in patients with CRC vs. normal controls were 0.93, 0.90, and 0.94, respectively. Conclusions The present findings suggest that Ep-CAM expression may be associated with CRC carcinogenesis, while the loss of Ep-CAM expression is correlated with the progression, metastasis, and poor prognosis of CRC. Ep-CAM expression may be a useful biomarker for the clinical diagnosis of CRC. Cancer stem cell (CSC) epithelial cell adhesion molecule (Ep-CAM) expression may correlate with CRC tumorigenesis. Frequent overexpression of Ep-CAM was a favorable factor for CRC progression and metastasis.
Loss of Ep-CAM expression correlated with the progression, metastasis, and poor prognosis of patients with CRC. Ep-CAM expression may be a potential marker for the detection of CRC.
Ep-CAM expression was reported in CRC, but no clear direction for the diagnostic and prognostic effects of Ep-CAM expression was documented in patients with CRC. We performed a systematic meta-analysis of the existing evidence to determine the clinical significance of Ep-CAM expression in CRC. The findings indicated that Ep-CAM expression was associated with CRC risk. Frequent overexpression of Ep-CAM correlated with a decreased risk of CRC progression and metastasis, and loss of Ep-CAM expression played an important role in CRC progression, metastasis and prognosis. The detection of Ep-CAM expression may be a promising biomarker in diagnosing CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susu Han
- Oncology Department of Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai TCM University, 274 Zhijiang Road, Shanghai 200071, People's Republic of China
| | - Shaoqi Zong
- Oncology Department of Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai TCM University, 274 Zhijiang Road, Shanghai 200071, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Shi
- Oncology Department of Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai TCM University, 274 Zhijiang Road, Shanghai 200071, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongjia Li
- Oncology Department of Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai TCM University, 274 Zhijiang Road, Shanghai 200071, People's Republic of China
| | - Shanshan Liu
- Oncology Department of Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai TCM University, 274 Zhijiang Road, Shanghai 200071, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Yang
- Oncology Department of Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai TCM University, 274 Zhijiang Road, Shanghai 200071, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen Li
- Oncology Department of Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai TCM University, 274 Zhijiang Road, Shanghai 200071, People's Republic of China.
| | - Fenggang Hou
- Oncology Department of Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai TCM University, 274 Zhijiang Road, Shanghai 200071, People's Republic of China.
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Vitale SG, Laganà AS, Capriglione S, Angioli R, La Rosa VL, Lopez S, Valenti G, Sapia F, Sarpietro G, Butticè S, Tuscano C, Fanale D, Tropea A, Rossetti D. Target Therapies for Uterine Carcinosarcomas: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18051100. [PMID: 28531111 PMCID: PMC5455008 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18051100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2017] [Revised: 05/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Carcinosarcomas (CS) in gynecology are very infrequent and represent only 2-5% of uterine cancers. Despite surgical cytoreduction and subsequent chemotherapy being the primary treatment for uterine CS, the overall five-year survival rate is 30 ± 9% and recurrence is extremely common (50-80%). Due to the poor prognosis of CS, new strategies have been developed in the last few decades, targeting known dysfunctional molecular pathways for immunotherapy. In this paper, we aimed to gather the available evidence on the latest therapies for the treatment of CS. We performed a systematic review using the terms "uterine carcinosarcoma", "uterine Malignant Mixed Müllerian Tumors", "target therapies", "angiogenesis therapy", "cancer stem cell therapy", "prognostic biomarker", and "novel antibody-drug". Based on our results, the differential expression and accessibility of epithelial cell adhesion molecule-1 on metastatic/chemotherapy-resistant CS cells in comparison to normal tissues and Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) open up new possibilities in the field of target therapy. Nevertheless, future investigations are needed to clarify the impact of these new therapies on survival rate and medium-/long-term outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Giovanni Vitale
- Unit of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood "Gaetano Barresi", University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy.
| | - Antonio Simone Laganà
- Unit of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood "Gaetano Barresi", University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy.
| | - Stella Capriglione
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Campus Bio Medico University of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy.
| | - Roberto Angioli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Campus Bio Medico University of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy.
| | - Valentina Lucia La Rosa
- Unit of Psychodiagnostics and Clinical Psychology, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy.
| | - Salvatore Lopez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Campus Bio Medico University of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy.
| | - Gaetano Valenti
- Department of General Surgery and Medical Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy.
| | - Fabrizio Sapia
- Department of General Surgery and Medical Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Sarpietro
- Department of General Surgery and Medical Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy.
| | - Salvatore Butticè
- Department of Human Pathology, Unit of Urology, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy.
| | - Carmelo Tuscano
- Radiation Oncology Department, AO "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli", 89124 Reggio Calabria, Italy.
| | - Daniele Fanale
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, Section of Medical Oncology, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Tropea
- Department of General Surgery and Medical Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy.
| | - Diego Rossetti
- Unit of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Desenzano del Garda Hospital, Section of Gavardo, 25085 Gavardo, Brescia, Italy.
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Kubatka P, Uramova S, Kello M, Kajo K, Kruzliak P, Mojzis J, Vybohova D, Adamkov M, Jasek K, Lasabova Z, Zubor P, Fialova S, Dokupilova S, Solar P, Pec M, Adamicova K, Danko J, Adamek M, Busselberg D. Antineoplastic effects of clove buds (Syzygium aromaticum L.) in the model of breast carcinoma. J Cell Mol Med 2017; 21:2837-2851. [PMID: 28524540 PMCID: PMC5661249 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
It is supposed that plant functional foods, rich in phytochemicals, may potentially have preventive effects in carcinogenesis. In this study, the anticancer effects of cloves in the in vivo and in vitro mammary carcinoma model were assessed. Dried flower buds of cloves (CLOs) were used at two concentrations of 0.1% and 1% through diet during 13 weeks after the application of chemocarcinogen. After autopsy, histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses of rat mammary carcinomas were performed. Moreover, in vitro evaluation using MCF‐7 cells was carried out. Dietary administered CLO caused the dose‐dependent decrease in tumour frequency by 47.5% and 58.5% when compared to control. Analysis of carcinoma cells in animals showed bcl‐2, Ki67, VEGFA, CD24 and CD44 expression decrease and Bax, caspase‐3 and ALDH1 expression increase after high‐dose CLO administration. MDA levels were substantially decreased in rat carcinomas in both CLO groups. The evaluation of histone modifications revealed increase in lysine trimethylations and acetylations (H4K20me3, H4K16ac) in carcinomas after CLO administration. TIMP3 promoter methylation levels of CpG3, CpG4, CpG5 islands were altered in treated cancer cells. An increase in total RASSF1A promoter methylation (three CpG sites) in CLO 1 group was found. In vitro studies showed antiproliferative and pro‐apoptotic effects of CLO extract in MCF‐7 cells (analyses of cytotoxicity, Brdu, cell cycle, annexin V/PI, caspase‐7, Bcl‐2 and mitochondrial membrane potential). This study showed a significant anticancer effect of clove buds in the mammary carcinoma model in vivo and in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Kubatka
- Department of Medical Biology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia.,Division of Oncology, Biomedical Center Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Sona Uramova
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Martin Kello
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, P. J. Šafárik University, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Karol Kajo
- Department of Pathology, Slovak Medical University and St. Elisabeth Oncology Institute, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Peter Kruzliak
- Department of Chemical Drugs, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Mojzis
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, P. J. Šafárik University, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Desanka Vybohova
- Department of Anatomy, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Marian Adamkov
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Karina Jasek
- Division of Oncology, Biomedical Center Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Zora Lasabova
- Division of Oncology, Biomedical Center Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Pavol Zubor
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Silvia Fialova
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Botany, Faculty of Pharmacy, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Svetlana Dokupilova
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis and Nuclear Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Toxicological and Antidoping Center, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Peter Solar
- Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, Laboratory of Cell Biology, P. J. Safarik University, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Martin Pec
- Department of Medical Biology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Katarina Adamicova
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Jan Danko
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Mariusz Adamek
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Dietrich Busselberg
- Qatar Foundation-Education City, Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar, Doha, Qatar
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48
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Guo Y, Feng K, Wang Y, Han W. Targeting cancer stem cells by using chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells: a potential and curable approach for cancer treatment. Protein Cell 2017; 9:516-526. [PMID: 28290053 PMCID: PMC5966354 DOI: 10.1007/s13238-017-0394-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a subpopulation of tumor cells, have self-renewal and multi-lineage differentiation abilities that play an important role in cancer initiation, maintenance, and metastasis. An accumulation of evidence indicates that CSCs can cause conventional therapy failure and cancer recurrence because of their treatment resistance and self-regeneration characteristics. Therefore, approaches that specifically and efficiently eliminate CSCs to achieve a durable clinical response are urgently needed. Currently, treatments with chimeric antigen receptor-modified T (CART) cells have shown successful clinical outcomes in patients with hematologic malignancies, and their safety and feasibility in solid tumors was confirmed. In this review, we will discuss in detail the possibility that CART cells inhibit CSCs by specifically targeting their cell surface markers, which will ultimately improve the clinical response for patients with various types of cancer. A number of viewpoints were summarized to promote the application of CSC-targeted CART cells in clinical cancer treatment. This review covers the key aspects of CSC-targeted CART cells against cancers in accordance with the premise of the model, from bench to bedside and back to bench.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yelei Guo
- Molecular & Immunological Department, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Kaichao Feng
- Bio-therapeutic Department, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Yao Wang
- Molecular & Immunological Department, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Weidong Han
- Molecular & Immunological Department, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China. .,Bio-therapeutic Department, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China.
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49
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An anti-EpCAM antibody EpAb2-6 for the treatment of colon cancer. Oncotarget 2016; 6:24947-68. [PMID: 26317650 PMCID: PMC4694806 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.4453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2015] [Accepted: 07/24/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is known to be overexpressed in epithelial cancers associated with enhanced malignant potential, particularly colorectal carcinoma (CRC) and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, it is unknown whether progression of malignance can be directly inhibited by targeting EpCAM. Here, we have generated five novel monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against EpCAM. One of these anti-EpCAM mAbs, EpAb2-6, was found to induce cancer cell apoptosis in vitro, inhibit tumor growth, and prolong the overall survival of both a pancreatic cancer metastatic mouse model and mice with human colon carcinoma xenografts. EpAb2-6 also increases the therapeutic efficacy of irinotecan, fluorouracil, and leucovorin (IFL) therapy in a colon cancer animal model and gemcitabine therapy in a pancreatic cancer animal model. Furthermore, EpAb2-6, which binds to positions Y95 and D96 of the EGF-II/TY domain of EpCAM, inhibits production of EpICD, thereby decreasing its translocation and subsequent signal activation. Collectively, our results indicate that the novel anti-EpCAM mAb can potentially be used for cancer-targeted therapy.
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50
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Somasundaram RT, Kaur J, Leong I, MacMillan C, Witterick IJ, Walfish PG, Ralhan R. Subcellular differential expression of Ep-ICD in oral dysplasia and cancer is associated with disease progression and prognosis. BMC Cancer 2016; 16:486. [PMID: 27421772 PMCID: PMC4947324 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-016-2507-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Identification of patients with oral dysplasia at high risk of cancer development and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) at increased risk of disease recurrence will enable rigorous personalized treatment. Regulated intramembranous proteolysis of Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) resulting in release of its intracellular domain Ep-ICD into cytoplasm and nucleus triggers oncogenic signaling. We analyzed the expression of Ep-ICD in oral dysplasia and cancer and determined its clinical significance in disease progression and prognosis. Methods In a retrospective study, immunohistochemical analysis of nuclear and cytoplasmic Ep-ICD and EpEx (extracellular domain of EpCAM), was carried out in 115 OSCC, 97 oral dysplasia and 105 normal oral tissues, correlated with clinicopathological parameters and disease outcome over 60 months for oral dysplasia and OSCC patients. Disease-free survival (DFS) was determined by Kaplan-Meier method and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Results In comparison with normal oral tissues, significant increase in nuclear Ep-ICD and membrane EpEx was observed in dysplasia, and OSCC (p = 0.013 and < 0.001 respectively). Oral dysplasia patients with increased overall Ep-ICD developed cancer in short time period (mean = 47 months; p = 0.044). OSCC patients with increased nuclear Ep-ICD and membrane EpEx had significantly reduced mean DFS of 33.7 months (p = 0.018). Conclusions Our study provided clinical evidence for Ep-ICD as a predictor of cancer development in patients with oral dysplasia and recurrence in OSCC patients, suggesting its potential utility in enhanced management of those patients detected to have increased risk of progression to cancer and recurrence in OSCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raj Thani Somasundaram
- Alex and Simona Shnaider Laboratory, Laboratory Medicine in Molecular Onocolgy, Mount Sinia Hospital, Room 6-318, 600 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Jatinder Kaur
- Alex and Simona Shnaider Laboratory, Laboratory Medicine in Molecular Onocolgy, Mount Sinia Hospital, Room 6-318, 600 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Iona Leong
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital, Joseph and Wolf Lebovic Health Complex, 600 University Avenue, 6-500, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Christina MacMillan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Ian J Witterick
- Joseph and Mildred Sonshine Family Centre for Head and Neck Diseases, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada.,Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Alex and Simona Shnaider Laboratory in Molecular Oncology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Joseph & Wolf Lebovic Health Complex, 600 University Avenue, 6-500, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada.,Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 2N2, Canada
| | - Paul G Walfish
- Alex and Simona Shnaider Laboratory, Laboratory Medicine in Molecular Onocolgy, Mount Sinia Hospital, Room 6-318, 600 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada. .,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada. .,Joseph and Mildred Sonshine Family Centre for Head and Neck Diseases, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada. .,Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 2N2, Canada. .,Department of Medicine, Endocrine Division, Mount Sinai Hospital and University of Toronto, Joseph & Wolf Lebovic Health Complex, Room 413-7, 600 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada.
| | - Ranju Ralhan
- Alex and Simona Shnaider Laboratory, Laboratory Medicine in Molecular Onocolgy, Mount Sinia Hospital, Room 6-318, 600 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada. .,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada. .,Joseph and Mildred Sonshine Family Centre for Head and Neck Diseases, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada. .,Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Alex and Simona Shnaider Laboratory in Molecular Oncology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Joseph & Wolf Lebovic Health Complex, 600 University Avenue, 6-500, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada. .,Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 2N2, Canada.
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