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Parvaresh H, Roozitalab G, Golandam F, Behzadi P, Jabbarzadeh Kaboli P. Unraveling the Potential of ALK-Targeted Therapies in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Comprehensive Insights and Future Directions. Biomedicines 2024; 12:297. [PMID: 38397899 PMCID: PMC10887432 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12020297] [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: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Objective: This review comprehensively explores the intricate landscape of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), focusing specifically on its pivotal role in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Tracing ALK's discovery, from its fusion with nucleolar phosphoprotein (NPM)-1 in anaplastic large cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (ALCL) in 1994, the review elucidates the subsequent impact of ALK gene alterations in various malignancies, including inflammatory myofibroblastoma and NSCLC. Approximately 3-5% of NSCLC patients exhibit complex ALK rearrangements, leading to the approval of six ALK-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) by 2022, revolutionizing the treatment landscape for advanced metastatic ALK + NSCLC. Notably, second-generation TKIs such as alectinib, ceritinib, and brigatinib have emerged to address resistance issues initially associated with the pioneer ALK-TKI, crizotinib. Methods: To ensure comprehensiveness, we extensively reviewed clinical trials on ALK inhibitors for NSCLC by 2023. Additionally, we systematically searched PubMed, prioritizing studies where the terms "ALK" AND "non-small cell lung cancer" AND/OR "NSCLC" featured prominently in the titles. This approach aimed to encompass a spectrum of relevant research studies, ensuring our review incorporates the latest and most pertinent information on innovative and alternative therapeutics for ALK + NSCLC. Key Content and Findings: Beyond exploring the intricate details of ALK structure and signaling, the review explores the convergence of ALK-targeted therapy and immunotherapy, investigating the potential of immune checkpoint inhibitors in ALK-altered NSCLC tumors. Despite encouraging preclinical data, challenges observed in trials assessing combinations such as nivolumab-crizotinib, mainly due to severe hepatic toxicity, emphasize the necessity for cautious exploration of these novel approaches. Additionally, the review explores innovative directions such as ALK molecular diagnostics, ALK vaccines, and biosensors, shedding light on their promising potential within ALK-driven cancers. Conclusions: This comprehensive analysis covers molecular mechanisms, therapeutic strategies, and immune interactions associated with ALK-rearranged NSCLC. As a pivotal resource, the review guides future research and therapeutic interventions in ALK-targeted therapy for NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannaneh Parvaresh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad 9177948974, Iran
- Division of Cancer Discovery Network, Dr. Parham Academy, Taichung 40602, Taiwan; (G.R.)
| | - Ghazaal Roozitalab
- Division of Cancer Discovery Network, Dr. Parham Academy, Taichung 40602, Taiwan; (G.R.)
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa 7461686688, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Golandam
- Division of Cancer Discovery Network, Dr. Parham Academy, Taichung 40602, Taiwan; (G.R.)
- Department of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Science, Mashhad 9177948974, Iran
| | - Payam Behzadi
- Department of Microbiology, Shahr-e-Qods Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran 37541-374, Iran;
| | - Parham Jabbarzadeh Kaboli
- Division of Cancer Discovery Network, Dr. Parham Academy, Taichung 40602, Taiwan; (G.R.)
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, China Medical University, Taichung 407, Taiwan
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2
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Haque M, Li J, Huang YH, Almowaled M, Barger CJ, Karpf AR, Wang P, Chen W, Turner SD, Lai R. NPM-ALK Is a Key Regulator of the Oncoprotein FOXM1 in ALK-Positive Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E1119. [PMID: 31390744 PMCID: PMC6721812 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11081119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Forkhead Box M1 (FOXM1) is an oncogenic transcription factor implicated in the pathogenesis of solid and hematologic cancers. In this study, we examined the significance of FOXM1 in NPM-ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma (NPM-ALK + ALCL), with a focus on how it interacts with NPM-ALK, which is a key oncogenic driver in these tumors. FOXM1 was expressed in NPM-ALK + ALCL cell lines (5/5), patient samples (21/21), and tumors arising in NPM-ALK transgenic mice (4/4). FOXM1 was localized in the nuclei and confirmed to be transcriptionally active. Inhibition of FOXM1 in two NPM-ALK + ALCL cells using shRNA and pharmalogic agent (thiostrepton) resulted in reductions in cell growth and soft-agar colony formation, which were associated with apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest. FOXM1 is functionally linked to NPM-ALK, as FOXM1 enhanced phosphorylation of the NPM-ALK/STAT3 axis. Conversely, DNA binding and transcriptional activity of FOXM1 was dependent on the expression of NPM-ALK. Further studies showed that this dependency hinges on the binding of FOXM1 to NPM1 that heterodimerizes with NPM-ALK, and the phosphorylation status of NPM-ALK. In conclusion, we identified FOXM1 as an important oncogenic protein in NPM-ALK+ ALCL. Our results exemplified that NPM-ALK exerts oncogenic effects in the nuclei and illustrated a novel role of NPM1 in NPM-ALK pathobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moinul Haque
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G2R3, Canada
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G2R3, Canada
- Electron Microscopy Center, Basic Medical Science College, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150080, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yung-Hsing Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G2R3, Canada
| | - Meaad Almowaled
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G2R3, Canada
| | - Carter J Barger
- Eppley Institute and Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Adam R Karpf
- Eppley Institute and Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Hematology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G2R3, Canada
| | - Will Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G2R3, Canada
| | - Suzanne D Turner
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB20QQ, UK
| | - Raymond Lai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G2R3, Canada.
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G2R3, Canada.
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3
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Van den Eynden J, Umapathy G, Ashouri A, Cervantes-Madrid D, Szydzik J, Ruuth K, Koster J, Larsson E, Guan J, Palmer RH, Hallberg B. Phosphoproteome and gene expression profiling of ALK inhibition in neuroblastoma cell lines reveals conserved oncogenic pathways. Sci Signal 2018; 11:11/557/eaar5680. [PMID: 30459281 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aar5680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is a tyrosine kinase receptor that is a clinical target of major interest in cancer. Mutations and rearrangements in ALK trigger the activation of the encoded receptor and its downstream signaling pathways. ALK mutations have been identified in both familial and sporadic neuroblastoma cases as well as in 30 to 40% of relapses, which makes ALK a bona fide target in neuroblastoma therapy. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) that target ALK are currently in clinical use for the treatment of patients with ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer. However, monotherapy with the ALK inhibitor crizotinib has been less encouraging in neuroblastoma patients with ALK alterations, raising the question of whether combinatorial therapy would be more effective. In this study, we established both phosphoproteomic and gene expression profiles of ALK activity in neuroblastoma cells exposed to first- and third-generation ALK TKIs, to identify the underlying molecular mechanisms and identify relevant biomarkers, signaling networks, and new therapeutic targets. This analysis has unveiled various important leads for novel combinatorial treatment strategies for patients with neuroblastoma and an increased understanding of ALK signaling involved in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jimmy Van den Eynden
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Göteborg, Sweden.,Department of Human Structure and Repair, Anatomy and Embryology Unit, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ganesh Umapathy
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Arghavan Ashouri
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Göteborg, Sweden
| | | | - Joanna Szydzik
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Kristina Ruuth
- Institution for Molecular Biology, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Jan Koster
- Department of Oncogenomics, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Erik Larsson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Jikui Guan
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Göteborg, Sweden.,Children's Hospital affiliated with Zhengzhou University, 450018 Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ruth H Palmer
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Göteborg, Sweden.
| | - Bengt Hallberg
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Göteborg, Sweden.
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4
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Guan J, Fransson S, Siaw JT, Treis D, Van den Eynden J, Chand D, Umapathy G, Ruuth K, Svenberg P, Wessman S, Shamikh A, Jacobsson H, Gordon L, Stenman J, Svensson PJ, Hansson M, Larsson E, Martinsson T, Palmer RH, Kogner P, Hallberg B. Clinical response of the novel activating ALK-I1171T mutation in neuroblastoma to the ALK inhibitor ceritinib. Cold Spring Harb Mol Case Stud 2018; 4:mcs.a002550. [PMID: 29907598 PMCID: PMC6071567 DOI: 10.1101/mcs.a002550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumors with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) fusion rearrangements, including non-small-cell lung cancer and anaplastic large cell lymphoma, are highly sensitive to ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), underscoring the notion that such cancers are addicted to ALK activity. Although mutations in ALK are heavily implicated in childhood neuroblastoma, response to the ALK TKI crizotinib has been disappointing. Embryonal tumors in patients with DNA repair defects such as Fanconi anemia (FA) often have a poor prognosis, because of lack of therapeutic options. Here we report a child with underlying FA and ALK mutant high-risk neuroblastoma responding strongly to precision therapy with the ALK TKI ceritinib. Conventional chemotherapy treatment caused severe, life-threatening toxicity. Genomic analysis of the initial biopsy identified germline FANCA mutations as well as a novel ALK-I1171T variant. ALK-I1171T generates a potent gain-of-function mutant, as measured in PC12 cell neurite outgrowth and NIH3T3 transformation. Pharmacological inhibition profiling of ALK-I1171T in response to various ALK TKIs identified an 11-fold improved inhibition of ALK-I1171T with ceritinib when compared with crizotinib. Immunoaffinity-coupled LC-MS/MS phosphoproteomics analysis indicated a decrease in ALK signaling in response to ceritinib. Ceritinib was therefore selected for treatment in this child. Monotherapy with ceritinib was well tolerated and resulted in normalized catecholamine markers and tumor shrinkage. After 7.5 mo treatment, the residual primary tumor shrunk, was surgically removed, and exhibited hallmarks of differentiation together with reduced Ki67 levels. Clinical follow-up after 21 mo treatment revealed complete clinical remission including all metastatic sites. Therefore, ceritinib presents a viable therapeutic option for ALK-positive neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jikui Guan
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg 40530, Sweden.,Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, 450018 Zhengzhou, China
| | - Susanne Fransson
- Department of Pathology and Genetics, Institute of Biomedicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg 40530, Sweden
| | - Joachim Tetteh Siaw
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg 40530, Sweden
| | - Diana Treis
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, and Pediatric Oncology Program Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm 17176, Sweden
| | - Jimmy Van den Eynden
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg 40530, Sweden
| | - Damini Chand
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg 40530, Sweden
| | - Ganesh Umapathy
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg 40530, Sweden
| | - Kristina Ruuth
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, Umeå 90187, Sweden
| | - Petter Svenberg
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, and Pediatric Oncology Program Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm 17176, Sweden
| | - Sandra Wessman
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17176, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Pathology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm 17176, Sweden
| | - Alia Shamikh
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17176, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Pathology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm 17176, Sweden
| | - Hans Jacobsson
- Department of Radiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm 17176, Sweden
| | - Lena Gordon
- Department of Pediatric Radiology, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm 17176, Sweden
| | - Jakob Stenman
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm 17176, Sweden
| | - Pär-Johan Svensson
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm 17176, Sweden
| | - Magnus Hansson
- Department of Pediatrics and Pathology, Institute of Biomedicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg 40530, Sweden
| | - Erik Larsson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg 40530, Sweden
| | - Tommy Martinsson
- Department of Pathology and Genetics, Institute of Biomedicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg 40530, Sweden
| | - Ruth H Palmer
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg 40530, Sweden
| | - Per Kogner
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm 17176, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Pathology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm 17176, Sweden
| | - Bengt Hallberg
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg 40530, Sweden
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5
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Abstract
A vast array of oncogenic variants has been identified for anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK). Therefore, there is a need to better understand the role of ALK in cancer biology in order to optimise treatment strategies. This review summarises the latest research on the receptor tyrosine kinase ALK, and how this information can guide the management of patients with cancer that is ALK-positive. A variety of ALK gene alterations have been described across a range of tumour types, including point mutations, deletions and rearrangements. A wide variety of ALK fusions, in which the kinase domain of ALK and the amino-terminal portion of various protein partners are fused, occur in cancer, with echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4 (EML4)-ALK being the most prevalent in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Different ALK fusion proteins can mediate different signalling outputs, depending on properties such as subcellular localisation and protein stability. The ALK fusions found in tumours lack spatial and temporal regulation, which can also affect dimerisation and substrate specificity. Two ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), crizotinib and ceritinib, are currently approved in Europe for use in ALK-positive NSCLC and several others are in development. These ALK TKIs bind slightly differently within the ATP-binding pocket of the ALK kinase domain and are associated with the emergence of different resistance mutation patterns during therapy. This emphasises the need to tailor the sequence of ALK TKIs according to the ALK signature of each patient. Research into the oncogenic functions of ALK, and fast paced development of ALK inhibitors, has substantially improved outcomes for patients with ALK-positive NSCLC. Limited data are available surrounding the physiological ligand-stimulated activation of ALK signalling and further research is needed. Understanding the role of ALK in tumour biology is key to further optimising therapeutic strategies for ALK-positive disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Hallberg
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - R H Palmer
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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6
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NPM-ALK mediates phosphorylation of MSH2 at tyrosine 238, creating a functional deficiency in MSH2 and the loss of mismatch repair. Blood Cancer J 2015; 5:e311. [PMID: 25978431 PMCID: PMC4476014 DOI: 10.1038/bcj.2015.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2014] [Revised: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The vast majority of anaplastic lymphoma kinase-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALK+ALCL) tumors express the characteristic oncogenic fusion protein NPM-ALK, which mediates tumorigenesis by exerting its constitutive tyrosine kinase activity on various substrates. We recently identified MSH2, a protein central to DNA mismatch repair (MMR), as a novel binding partner and phosphorylation substrate of NPM-ALK. Here, using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, we report for the first time that MSH2 is phosphorylated by NPM-ALK at a specific residue, tyrosine 238. Using GP293 cells transfected with NPM-ALK, we confirmed that the MSH2Y238F mutant is not tyrosine phosphorylated. Furthermore, transfection of MSH2Y238F into these cells substantially decreased the tyrosine phosphorylation of endogenous MSH2. Importantly, gene transfection of MSH2Y238F abrogated the binding of NPM-ALK with endogenous MSH2, re-established the dimerization of MSH2:MSH6 and restored the sensitivity to DNA mismatch-inducing drugs, indicative of MMR return. Parallel findings were observed in two ALK+ALCL cell lines, Karpas 299 and SUP-M2. In addition, we found that enforced expression of MSH2Y238F into ALK+ALCL cells alone was sufficient to induce spontaneous apoptosis. In conclusion, our findings have identified NPM-ALK-induced phosphorylation of MSH2 at Y238 as a crucial event in suppressing MMR. Our studies have provided novel insights into the mechanism by which oncogenic tyrosine kinases disrupt MMR.
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7
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Sattu K, Hochgräfe F, Wu J, Umapathy G, Schönherr C, Ruuth K, Chand D, Witek B, Fuchs J, Li PK, Hugosson F, Daly RJ, Palmer RH, Hallberg B. Phosphoproteomic analysis of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) downstream signaling pathways identifies signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 as a functional target of activated ALK in neuroblastoma cells. FEBS J 2013; 280:5269-82. [PMID: 23889739 PMCID: PMC3892176 DOI: 10.1111/febs.12453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2013] [Revised: 07/11/2013] [Accepted: 07/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Activation of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) receptor tyrosine kinase is a key oncogenic mechanism in a growing number of tumor types. In the majority of cases, ALK is activated by fusion with a dimerizing partner protein as a result of chromosomal translocation events, most studied in the case of the nucleophosmin–ALK and echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4–ALK oncoproteins. It is now also appreciated that the full-length ALK receptor can be activated by point mutations and by deletions within the extracellular domain, such as those observed in neuroblastoma. Several studies have employed phosphoproteomics approaches to find substrates of ALK fusion proteins. In this study, we used MS-based phosphotyrosine profiling to characterize phosphotyrosine signaling events associated with the full-length ALK receptor. A number of previously identified and novel targets were identified. One of these, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), has previously been observed to be activated in response to oncogenic ALK signaling, but the significance of this in signaling from the full-length ALK receptor has not been explored further. We show here that activated ALK robustly activates STAT3 on Tyr705 in a number of independent neuroblastoma cell lines. Furthermore, knockdown of STAT3 by RNA interference resulted in a reduction in myelocytomatosis neuroblastom (MYCN) protein levels downstream of ALK signaling. These observations, together with a decreased level of MYCN and inhibition of neuroblastoma cell growth in the presence of STAT3 inhibitors, suggest that activation of STAT3 is important for ALK signaling activity in neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamaraj Sattu
- Department of Molecular Biology, Umeå University, Sweden
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8
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Lai R, Ingham RJ. The pathobiology of the oncogenic tyrosine kinase NPM-ALK: a brief update. Ther Adv Hematol 2013; 4:119-31. [PMID: 23610619 DOI: 10.1177/2040620712471553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Extensive research has been carried out in the past two decades to study the pathobiology of nucleophosmin-anaplastic lymphoma kinase (NPM-ALK), which is an oncogenic fusion protein found exclusively in a specific type of T-cell lymphoid malignancy, namely ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Results from these studies have provided highly useful insights into the mechanisms by which a constitutively tyrosine kinase, such as NPM-ALK, promotes tumorigenesis. Several previous publications have comprehensively summarized the advances in this field. In this review, we provide readers with a brief update on specific areas of NPM-ALK pathobiology. In the first part, the NPM-ALK/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling axis is discussed, with an emphasis on the existence of multiple biochemical defects that have been shown to amplify the oncogenic effects of this signaling axis. Specifically, findings regarding JAK3, SHP1 and the stimulatory effects of several cytokines including interleukin (IL)-9, IL-21 and IL-22 are summarized. New concepts stemming from recent observations regarding the functional interactions among the NPM-ALK/STAT3 axis, β catenin and glycogen synthase kinase 3β will be postulated. Lastly, new mechanisms by which the NPM-ALK/STAT3 axis promotes tumorigenesis, such as its modulations of Twist1, hypoxia-induced factor 1α, CD274, will be described. In the second part, we summarize recent data generated by mass spectrometry studies of NPM-ALK, and use MSH2 and heat shock proteins as examples to illustrate the use of mass spectrometry data in stimulating new research in this field. In the third part, the evolving field of microRNA in the context of NPM-ALK biology is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond Lai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Cross Cancer Institute and University of Alberta, Rm 2338, Cross Cancer Institute, 11560 University Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 1Z2
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9
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Armanious H, Gelebart P, Anand M, Lai R. Identification of a novel crosstalk between casein kinase 2α and NPM-ALK in ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Cell Signal 2013; 25:381-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2012.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2012] [Accepted: 11/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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10
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The expression and oncogenic effects of the embryonic stem cell marker SALL4 in ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Cell Signal 2012; 24:1955-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2012.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2012] [Revised: 06/11/2012] [Accepted: 06/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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11
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Zhang J, Wang P, Dykstra M, Gelebart P, Williams D, Ingham R, Adewuyi EE, Lai R, McMullen T. Platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α promotes lymphatic metastases in papillary thyroid cancer. J Pathol 2012; 228:241-50. [PMID: 22744707 DOI: 10.1002/path.4069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2011] [Revised: 06/23/2012] [Accepted: 06/26/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Lymph node metastases are common in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and can be resistant to surgical extirpation or radioiodine ablation. We examined the role of platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) in mediating lymph node metastases in PTC. Clinical specimens of PTC (n = 137) were surveyed in a tissue array and by western blots to examine the relationship between expression of the α and β subunits of PDGFR and lymph node metastases. PDGFR-α was found at high levels in primary tumours with known lymphatic metastases but not in those tumours lacking nodal involvement (p < 0.0001). However, PDGFR-β expression was not linked to metastatic disease (p = 0.78) as it was found in virtually all PTC specimens. A matching analysis in fresh PTC specimens (n = 13) confirmed that PDGFR-α expression was strongly linked to metastatic spread (p = 0.0047). PDGFR-α and -β were not found in normal thyroid tissue (p < 0.0001). PTC cell lines selectively expressing PDGFR-α or -β were assessed for invasive potential and activation of downstream signal transduction pathways. PTC cell lines expressing PDGFR-α responded to PDGF-BB stimulation with increased invasive potential and this process can be blocked by the tyrosine kinase receptor inhibitor sunitinib (p < 0.009). Cell lines with only PDGFR-β, or no PDGFR, did not show significant changes in invasive potential. Activation of PDGFR-α led to downstream up-regulation of both the MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt pathways and disruption of either pathway is sufficient to block PDGFR-mediated increases in invasive potential. Thus, PDGFR-α is associated with lymph node metastases in papillary thyroid carcinoma and PDGFR-α promotes increased invasive potential in PTC cell lines. PDGFR-α is a strong candidate for a diagnostic biomarker to identify patients at risk of nodal metastases. Our results also strengthen the rationale for selection of tyrosine kinase receptor inhibitors that target PDGFR in the treatment of progressive, metastatic PTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingdong Zhang
- Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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12
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Zhang J, Wang P, Wu F, Li M, Sharon D, Ingham RJ, Hitt M, McMullen TP, Lai R. Aberrant expression of the transcriptional factor Twist1 promotes invasiveness in ALK-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Cell Signal 2012; 24:852-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2011.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2011] [Revised: 11/14/2011] [Accepted: 11/24/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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