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Araki T, Miwa N. Selective epigenetic alterations in RNF43 in pancreatic exocrine cells from high-fat-diet-induced obese mice; implications for pancreatic cancer. BMC Res Notes 2024; 17:106. [PMID: 38622664 PMCID: PMC11020883 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-024-06757-0] [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: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pancreatic cancer (PC) originates and progresses with genetic mutations in various oncogenes and suppressor genes, notably KRAS, CDKN2A, TP53, and SMAD4, prevalent across diverse PC cells. In addition to genetic mutations/deletions, persistent exposure to high-risk factors, including obesity, induces whole-genome scale epigenetic alterations contributing to malignancy. However, the impact of obesity on DNA methylation in the presymptomatic stage, particularly in genes prone to PC mutation, remains uncharacterized. RESULTS We analyzed the methylation levels of 197 loci in six genes (KRAS, CDKN2A, TP53, SMAD4, GNAS and RNF43) using Illumina Mouse Methylation BeadChip array (280 K) data from pancreatic exocrine cells obtained from high-fat-diet (HFD) induced obese mice. Results revealed no significant differences in methylation levels in loci between HFD- and normal-fat-diet (NFD)-fed mice, except for RNF43, a negative regulator of Wnt signaling, which showed hypermethylation in three loci. These findings indicate that, in mouse pancreatic exocrine cells, high-fat dietary obesity induced aberrant DNA methylation in RNF43 but not in other frequently mutated PC-related genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoyuki Araki
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, 38 Moro-hongo, Iruma-gun, 350-0495, Moroyama, Saitama, Japan.
| | - Naofumi Miwa
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, 38 Moro-hongo, Iruma-gun, 350-0495, Moroyama, Saitama, Japan.
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2
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Reshkin SJ, Cardone RA, Koltai T. Genetic Signature of Human Pancreatic Cancer and Personalized Targeting. Cells 2024; 13:602. [PMID: 38607041 PMCID: PMC11011857 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a highly lethal disease with a 5-year survival rate of around 11-12%. Surgery, being the treatment of choice, is only possible in 20% of symptomatic patients. The main reason is that when it becomes symptomatic, IT IS the tumor is usually locally advanced and/or has metastasized to distant organs; thus, early diagnosis is infrequent. The lack of specific early symptoms is an important cause of late diagnosis. Unfortunately, diagnostic tumor markers become positive at a late stage, and there is a lack of early-stage markers. Surgical and non-surgical cases are treated with neoadjuvant and/or adjuvant chemotherapy, and the results are usually poor. However, personalized targeted therapy directed against tumor drivers may improve this situation. Until recently, many pancreatic tumor driver genes/proteins were considered untargetable. Chemical and physical characteristics of mutated KRAS are a formidable challenge to overcome. This situation is slowly changing. For the first time, there are candidate drugs that can target the main driver gene of pancreatic cancer: KRAS. Indeed, KRAS inhibition has been clinically achieved in lung cancer and, at the pre-clinical level, in pancreatic cancer as well. This will probably change the very poor outlook for this disease. This paper reviews the genetic characteristics of sporadic and hereditary predisposition to pancreatic cancer and the possibilities of a personalized treatment according to the genetic signature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan J. Reshkin
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70125 Bari, Italy;
| | - Rosa Angela Cardone
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70125 Bari, Italy;
| | - Tomas Koltai
- Oncomed, Via Pier Capponi 6, 50132 Florence, Italy
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3
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Li X, Xiao C, Li R, Zhang P, Yang H, Cao D. Case report: Diverse immune responses in advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma treated with immune checkpoint inhibitor-based conversion therapies. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1326556. [PMID: 38415262 PMCID: PMC10896900 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1326556] [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: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, presenting limited therapeutic options and a grim prognosis due to its aggressive nature. Despite ongoing exploration of various combination therapies, a standardized treatment approach after the first-line treatment progress remains elusive. This report details the cases of two patients with unresectable advanced PDAC who underwent distinct conversion treatment regimens involving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Remarkably, both patients became eligible for surgery following different anti-PD-1 antibody-based conversion therapies, ultimately achieving R0 resection. In essence, our findings highlight the efficacy of the anti-PD-1 antibody combined with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) regimen and chemotherapy alongside anti-PD-1 antibody as viable conversion therapies for preoperative advanced PDAC. Tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) analysis underscores the intratumoral and intertumoral heterogeneity observed in the postoperative immune landscape of surgical specimens. This insight contributes to a deeper understanding of the potential benefits of these conversion therapies in addressing the challenging landscape of advanced PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoying Li
- Division of Abdominal Tumor, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Chaoxin Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ruizhen Li
- Division of Abdominal Tumor, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Pei Zhang
- Division of Abdominal Tumor, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Heqi Yang
- Division of Abdominal Tumor, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Dan Cao
- Division of Abdominal Tumor, Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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4
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Hu ZI, O'Reilly EM. Therapeutic developments in pancreatic cancer. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 21:7-24. [PMID: 37798442 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-023-00840-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a rising incidence and is one of the most lethal human malignancies. Much is known regarding the biology and pathophysiology of PDAC, but translating this knowledge to the clinic to improve patient outcomes has been challenging. In this Review, we discuss advances and practice-changing trials for PDAC. We briefly review therapeutic failures as well as ongoing research to refine the standard of care, including novel biomarkers and clinical trial designs. In addition, we highlight contemporary areas of research, including poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors, KRAS-targeted therapies and immunotherapies. Finally, we discuss the future of pancreatic cancer research and areas for improvement in the next decade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Ian Hu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Eileen M O'Reilly
- Gastrointestinal Oncology Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
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5
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Bøllehuus Hansen L, Jakobsen SF, Zole E, Noer JB, Fang LT, Alizadeh S, Johansen JS, Mohiyuddin M, Regenberg B. Methods for the purification and detection of single nucleotide KRAS mutations on extrachromosomal circular DNA in human plasma. Cancer Med 2023; 12:17679-17691. [PMID: 37602814 PMCID: PMC10523981 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6385] [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: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS Despite recent advances, many cancers are still detected too late for curative treatment. There is, therefore, a need for the development of new diagnostic methods and biomarkers. One approach may arise from the detection of extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA), which is part of cell-free DNA in human plasma. AIMS First, we assessed and compared two methods for the purification of eccDNA from plasma. Second, we tested for an easy diagnostic application of eccDNA liquid biopsy-based assays. MATERIALS & METHODS For the comparison we tested a solid-phase silica purification method and a phenol/chloroform method with salt precipitation. For the diagnostic application of eccDNA we developed and tested a qPCR primer-based SNP detection system, for the detection of two well-established cancer-causing KRAS mutations (G12V and G12R) on circular DNA. This investigation was supported by purifying, sequencing, and analysing clinical plasma samples for eccDNAs containing KRAS mutant alleles in 0.5 mL plasma from 16 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients and 19 healthy controls. RESULTS In our method comparison we observed, that following exonuclease treatment a lower eccDNA yield was found for the phenol/chloroform method (15.7%-26.7%) compared with the solid-phase purification approach (47.8%-65.9%). For the diagnostic application of eccDNA tests, the sensitivity of the tested qPCR assay only reached ~10-3 in a background of 105 wild type (wt) KRAS circular entities, which was not improved by general amplification or primer-based inhibition of wt KRAS amplification. Furthermore, we did not detect eccDNA containing KRAS in any of the clinical samples. DISCUSSION A potential explanation for our inability to detect any KRAS mutations in the clinical samples may be related to the general low abundance of eccDNA in plasma. CONCLUSION Taken together our results provide a benchmark for eccDNA purification methods while raising the question of what is required for the optimal fast and sensitive detection of SNP mutations on eccDNA with greater sensitivity than primer-based qPCR detection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Egija Zole
- Department of BiologyUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | | | - Li Tai Fang
- Roche Sequencing SolutionsBelmontCaliforniaUSA
| | - Sefa Alizadeh
- Department of BiologyUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Julia Sidenius Johansen
- Department of OncologyCopenhagen University HospitalHerlevDenmark
- Department of MedicineCopenhagen University HospitalHerlevDenmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
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6
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Attebury H, Daley D. The Gut Microbiome and Pancreatic Cancer Development and Treatment. Cancer J 2023; 29:49-56. [PMID: 36957973 PMCID: PMC10042586 DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000647] [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] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Changes in the gut microbiome have been increasingly shown to accompany oncogenesis across various tumors. Similarly, microbial dysbiosis was found to be associated with pancreatic cancer progression and survival outcomes, expanding the field of tumor microenvironment research in pancreatic cancer. Mechanistic studies in pancreatic cancer models implicate components of the gut and pancreatic cancer microbiome in regulating tumorigenesis by altering cancer cell signaling, modulating immune function, and influencing the efficacy of current therapies in pancreatic cancer. This review discusses the outcomes of microbial modulation across various preclinical and clinical studies and highlights ongoing trials targeting the microbiome for pancreatic cancer therapy.
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7
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Won Y, Choi E. Mouse models of Kras activation in gastric cancer. Exp Mol Med 2022; 54:1793-1798. [PMID: 36369466 PMCID: PMC9723172 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-022-00882-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer has one of the highest incidence rates and is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Sequential steps within the carcinogenic process are observed in gastric cancer as well as in pancreatic cancer and colorectal cancer. Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) is the most well-known oncogene and can be constitutively activated by somatic mutations in the gene locus. For over 2 decades, the functions of Kras activation in gastrointestinal (GI) cancers have been studied to elucidate its oncogenic roles during the carcinogenic process. Different approaches have been utilized to generate distinct in vivo models of GI cancer, and a number of mouse models have been established using Kras-inducible systems. In this review, we summarize the genetically engineered mouse models in which Kras is activated with cell-type and/or tissue-type specificity that are utilized for studying carcinogenic processes in gastric cancer as well as pancreatic cancer and colorectal cancer. We also provide a brief description of histological phenotypes and characteristics of those mouse models and the current limitations in the gastric cancer field to be investigated further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoonkyung Won
- grid.412807.80000 0004 1936 9916Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232 USA ,grid.412807.80000 0004 1936 9916Epithelial Biology Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - Eunyoung Choi
- grid.412807.80000 0004 1936 9916Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232 USA ,grid.412807.80000 0004 1936 9916Epithelial Biology Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232 USA ,grid.152326.10000 0001 2264 7217Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
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8
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Burska AN, Ilyassova B, Dildabek A, Khamijan M, Begimbetova D, Molnár F, Sarbassov DD. Enhancing an Oxidative "Trojan Horse" Action of Vitamin C with Arsenic Trioxide for Effective Suppression of KRAS-Mutant Cancers: A Promising Path at the Bedside. Cells 2022; 11:3454. [PMID: 36359850 PMCID: PMC9657932 DOI: 10.3390/cells11213454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The turn-on mutations of the KRAS gene, coding a small GTPase coupling growth factor signaling, are contributing to nearly 25% of all human cancers, leading to highly malignant tumors with poor outcomes. Targeting of oncogenic KRAS remains a most challenging task in oncology. Recently, the specific G12C mutant KRAS inhibitors have been developed but with a limited clinical outcome because they acquire drug resistance. Alternatively, exploiting a metabolic breach of KRAS-mutant cancer cells related to a glucose-dependent sensitivity to oxidative stress is becoming a promising indirect cancer targeting approach. Here, we discuss the use of a vitamin C (VC) acting in high dose as an oxidative "Trojan horse" agent for KRAS-mutant cancer cells that can be potentiated with another oxidizing drug arsenic trioxide (ATO) to obtain a potent and selective cytotoxic impact. Moreover, we outline the advantages of VC's non-natural enantiomer, D-VC, because of its distinctive pharmacokinetics and lower toxicity. Thus, the D-VC and ATO combination shows a promising path to treat KRAS-mutant cancers in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata N. Burska
- Department of Biology, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | | | - Aruzhan Dildabek
- Department of Biology, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Medina Khamijan
- Department of Biology, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Dinara Begimbetova
- National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Ferdinand Molnár
- Department of Biology, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
| | - Dos D. Sarbassov
- Department of Biology, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
- National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
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9
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Li BQ, Wang HY, Li L, Jiang B, Ma CL, Yuan CH, Xiu DR. Should Positive Cytology Revealed by Intraoperative Lavage Preclude Radical Resection in Resectable Pancreatic Cancer?: A Systemic Review and Meta-analysis. Pancreas 2022; 51:1263-1276. [PMID: 37099766 DOI: 10.1097/mpa.0000000000002163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aims of this review were to determine whether positive peritoneal lavage cytology (CY+) precludes radical resection in pancreatic cancer and to propose prospections for future studies. METHODS MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central were searched for related articles. Dichotomous variables and survival outcomes were analyzed with the estimation of odds ratio and hazards ratio (HR), respectively. RESULTS A total of 4905 patients were included, of which 7.8% were CY+. Positive peritoneal lavage cytology was correlated with poor overall survival (univariate survival analysis [HR, 2.35; P < 0.00001]; multivariate analysis [HR, 1.62; P < 0.00001]), poor recurrence-free survival (univariate survival analysis [HR, 2.50; P < 0.00001]; multivariate analysis [HR, 1.84; P < 0.00001]), and higher initial peritoneal recurrence rate (odds ratio, 5.49; P < 0.00001). CONCLUSIONS Although CY+ predicts poor prognosis and a higher risk of peritoneal metastasis after curative resection, it is not sufficient to preclude curative resection based on the current evidence, and high-quality trials should be conducted to assess the prognostic impact of operation among resectable CY+ patients. In addition, more sensitive and accurate methods to detect peritoneal exfoliated tumor cells and more effective comprehensive treatment for resectable CY+ pancreatic cancer patients are clearly warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing-Qi Li
- From the Department of General Surgery, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
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10
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Zeng Y, Jin RU. Molecular pathogenesis, targeted therapies, and future perspectives for gastric cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:566-582. [PMID: 34933124 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Gastric cancer is a major source of global cancer mortality with limited treatment options and poor patient survival. As our molecular understanding of gastric cancer improves, we are now beginning to recognize that these cancers are a heterogeneous group of diseases with incredibly unique pathogeneses and active oncogenic pathways. It is this molecular diversity and oftentimes lack of common oncogenic driver mutations that bestow the poor treatment responses that oncologists often face when treating gastric cancer. In this review, we will examine the treatments for gastric cancer including up-to-date molecularly targeted therapies and immunotherapies. We will then review the molecular subtypes of gastric cancer to highlight the diversity seen in this disease. We will then shift our discussion to basic science and gastric cancer mouse models as tools to study gastric cancer molecular heterogeneity. Furthermore, we will elaborate on a molecular process termed paligenosis and the cyclical hit model as key events during gastric cancer initiation that impart nondividing mature differentiated cells the ability to re-enter the cell cycle and accumulate disparate genomic mutations during years of chronic inflammation and injury. As our basic science understanding of gastric cancer advances, so too must our translational and clinical efforts. We will end with a discussion regarding single-cell molecular analyses and cancer organoid technologies as future translational avenues to advance our understanding of gastric cancer heterogeneity and to design precision-based gastric cancer treatments. Elucidation of interpatient and intratumor heterogeneity is the only way to advance future cancer prevention, diagnoses and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongji Zeng
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
| | - Ramon U Jin
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA.
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11
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Jiang S, Fagman JB, Ma Y, Liu J, Vihav C, Engstrom C, Liu B, Chen C. A comprehensive review of pancreatic cancer and its therapeutic challenges. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:7635-7649. [PMID: 36173644 PMCID: PMC9550249 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a devastating and lethal human malignancy with no curable chemo-treatments available thus far. More than 90% of pancreatic tumors are formed from ductal epithelium as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), which often accompany with the expression of mutant K-ras. The incidences of pancreatic cancer are expected to increase rapidly worldwide in the near future, due to environmental pollution, obesity epidemics and etc. The dismal prognosis of this malignancy is contributed to its susceptibility to tumor micro-metastasis from inception and the lack of methods to detect precursor lesions at very early stages of the onset until clinical symptoms occur. In recent years, basic and clinical studies have been making promising progresses for discovering markers to determine the subtypes or stages of this malignancy, which allow effectively implementing personalized therapeutic interventions. The purpose of this review is to discuss the existing knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of pancreatic cancer and the current state of treatment options with the emphasis on targeting therapeutic approaches. The specific focuses are on the molecular mechanisms of the disease, identifications of drug resistance, establishment of immune escaping mechanisms as well as potential of targeting identified pathways in combinations with existing chemo-drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Jiang
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Johan Bourghardt Fagman
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Yunyun Ma
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jian Liu
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, PR China
| | - Caroline Vihav
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Engstrom
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Beidong Liu
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Changyan Chen
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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12
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Kobayashi E, Kondo S, Dochi H, Moriyama-Kita M, Hirai N, Komori T, Ueno T, Nakanishi Y, Hatano M, Endo K, Sugimoto H, Wakisaka N, Yoshizaki T. Protein Farnesylation on Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Molecular Background and Its Potential as a Therapeutic Target. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14122826. [PMID: 35740492 PMCID: PMC9220992 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14122826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is distinguished from other head and neck carcinomas by the association of its carcinogenesis with the Epstein–Barr virus. It is highly metastatic, and a novel therapeutic modality for metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma is keenly awaited. Protein farnesylation is a C-terminal lipid modification of proteins and was initially investigated as a key process in activating the RAS oncoprotein through its association with the cellular membrane structure. Since then, more and more evidence has accumulated to indicate that proteins other than RAS are also farnesylated and have significant roles in carcinogenesis. This review delineates molecular pathogenesis through protein farnesylation in the context of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and discusses the potential of farnesylation as a therapeutic target. Abstract Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is one of the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-associated malignancies. NPC is highly metastatic compared to other head and neck carcinomas, and evidence has shown that the metastatic features of NPC are involved in EBV infection. The prognosis of advanced cases, especially those with distant metastasis, is still poor despite advancements in molecular research and its application to clinical settings. Thus, further advancement in basic and clinical research that may lead to novel therapeutic modalities is needed. Farnesylation is a lipid modification in the C-terminus of proteins. It enables proteins to attach to the lipid bilayer structure of cellular membranes. Farnesylation was initially identified as a key process of membrane association and activation of the RAS oncoprotein. Farnesylation is thus expected to be an ideal therapeutic target in anti-RAS therapy. Additionally, more and more molecular evidence has been reported, showing that proteins other than RAS are also farnesylated and have significant roles in cancer progression. However, although several clinical trials have been conducted in cancers with high rates of ras gene mutation, such as pancreatic carcinomas, the results were less favorable than anticipated. In contrast, favorable outcomes were reported in the results of a phase II trial on head and neck carcinoma. In this review, we provide an overview of the molecular pathogenesis of NPC in terms of the process of farnesylation and discuss the potential of anti-farnesylation therapy in the treatment of NPC.
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13
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Velez-Delgado A, Donahue KL, Brown KL, Du W, Irizarry-Negron V, Menjivar RE, Lasse Opsahl EL, Steele NG, The S, Lazarus J, Sirihorachai VR, Yan W, Kemp SB, Kerk SA, Bollampally M, Yang S, Scales MK, Avritt FR, Lima F, Lyssiotis CA, Rao A, Crawford HC, Bednar F, Frankel TL, Allen BL, Zhang Y, Pasca di Magliano M. Extrinsic KRAS Signaling Shapes the Pancreatic Microenvironment Through Fibroblast Reprogramming. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 13:1673-1699. [PMID: 35245687 PMCID: PMC9046274 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2022.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Oncogenic Kirsten Rat Sarcoma virus (KRAS) is the hallmark mutation of human pancreatic cancer and a driver of tumorigenesis in genetically engineered mouse models of the disease. Although the tumor cell-intrinsic effects of oncogenic Kras expression have been widely studied, its role in regulating the extensive pancreatic tumor microenvironment is less understood. METHODS Using a genetically engineered mouse model of inducible and reversible oncogenic Kras expression and a combination of approaches that include mass cytometry and single-cell RNA sequencing we studied the effect of oncogenic KRAS in the tumor microenvironment. RESULTS We have discovered that non-cell autonomous (ie, extrinsic) oncogenic KRAS signaling reprograms pancreatic fibroblasts, activating an inflammatory gene expression program. As a result, fibroblasts become a hub of extracellular signaling, and the main source of cytokines mediating the polarization of protumorigenic macrophages while also preventing tissue repair. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides fundamental knowledge on the mechanisms underlying the formation of the fibroinflammatory stroma in pancreatic cancer and highlights stromal pathways with the potential to be exploited therapeutically.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Wenting Du
- Department of Surgery, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | | | | | | | - Nina G Steele
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Stephanie The
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | | | | | - Wei Yan
- Department of Surgery, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Samantha B Kemp
- Molecular and Cellular Pathology Program, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | | | | | - Sion Yang
- Life Sciences and Arts College, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Michael K Scales
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | | | | | - Costas A Lyssiotis
- Cancer Biology Program, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Arvind Rao
- Cancer Biology Program, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Michigan Institute of Data Science, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Howard C Crawford
- Cancer Biology Program, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Filip Bednar
- Department of Surgery, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Timothy L Frankel
- Department of Surgery, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Benjamin L Allen
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Yaqing Zhang
- Department of Surgery, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
| | - Marina Pasca di Magliano
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Cancer Biology Program, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Department of Surgery, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
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14
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XP-524 is a dual-BET/EP300 inhibitor that represses oncogenic KRAS and potentiates immune checkpoint inhibition in pancreatic cancer. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:2116764119. [PMID: 35064087 PMCID: PMC8795568 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2116764119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There are currently no effective treatments for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), which displays widespread resistance to chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. Here, we demonstrate that the multispecificity BET/EP300 inhibitor XP-524 has pronounced single-agent efficacy in vitro, in vivo, and in ex vivo human PDAC slice cultures, functioning in part by attenuating oncogenic KRAS signaling. In vivo XP-524 led to extensive reprogramming of the pancreatic tumor microenvironment, sensitizing murine carcinoma to immune checkpoint inhibition and further extending survival. Given the urgent need for therapeutic approaches in PDAC, the combination of XP-524 and immune checkpoint inhibition warrants additional exploration. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is associated with extensive dysregulation of the epigenome and epigenetic regulators, such as bromodomain and extraterminal motif (BET) proteins, have been suggested as potential targets for therapy. However, single-agent BET inhibition has shown poor efficacy in clinical trials, and no epigenetic approaches are currently used in PDAC. To circumvent the limitations of the current generation of BET inhibitors, we developed the compound XP-524 as an inhibitor of the BET protein BRD4 and the histone acetyltransferase EP300/CBP, both of which are ubiquitously expressed in PDAC tissues and cooperate to enhance tumorigenesis. XP-524 showed increased potency and superior tumoricidal activity than the benchmark BET inhibitor JQ-1 in vitro, with comparable efficacy to higher-dose JQ-1 combined with the EP300/CBP inhibitor SGC-CBP30. We determined that this is in part due to the epigenetic silencing of KRAS in vitro, with similar results observed using ex vivo slice cultures of human PDAC tumors. Accordingly, XP-524 prevented KRAS-induced, neoplastic transformation in vivo and extended survival in two transgenic mouse models of aggressive PDAC. In addition to the inhibition of KRAS/MAPK signaling, XP-524 also enhanced the presentation of self-peptide and tumor recruitment of cytotoxic T lymphocytes, though these lymphocytes remained refractory from full activation. We, therefore, combined XP-524 with an anti–PD-1 antibody in vivo, which reactivated the cytotoxic immune program and extended survival well beyond XP-524 in monotherapy. Pending a comprehensive safety evaluation, these results suggest that XP-524 may benefit PDAC patients and warrant further exploration, particularly in combination with immune checkpoint inhibition.
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15
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Wang D, Liu R, Zhang Q, Luo H, Chen J, Dong M, Wang Y, Ou Y, Liu Z, Sun S, Yang K, Tian J, Li Z, Wang X. Charged Particle Irradiation for Pancreatic Cancer: A Systematic Review of In Vitro Studies. Front Oncol 2022; 11:775597. [PMID: 35059313 PMCID: PMC8764177 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.775597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Given the higher precision accompanied by optimized sparing of normal tissue, charged particle therapy was thought of as a promising treatment for pancreatic cancer. However, systematic preclinical studies were scarce. We aimed to investigate the radiobiological effects of charged particle irradiation on pancreatic cancer cell lines. Methods A systematic literature search was performed in EMBASE (OVID), Medline (OVID), and Web of Science databases. Included studies were in vitro English publications that reported the radiobiological effects of charged particle irradiation on pancreatic cancer cells. Results Thirteen carbon ion irradiation and seven proton irradiation in vitro studies were included finally. Relative biological effectiveness (RBE) values of carbon ion irradiation and proton irradiation in different human pancreatic cancer cell lines ranged from 1.29 to 4.5, and 0.6 to 2.1, respectively. The mean of the surviving fraction of 2 Gy (SF2) of carbon ion, proton, and photon irradiation was 0.18 ± 0.11, 0.48 ± 0.11, and 0.57 ± 0.13, respectively. Carbon ion irradiation induced more G2/M arrest and a longer-lasting expression of γH2AX than photon irradiation. Combination therapies enhanced the therapeutic effects of pancreatic cell lines with a mean standard enhancement ratio (SER) of 1.66 ± 0.63 for carbon ion irradiation, 1.55 ± 0.27 for proton irradiation, and 1.52 ± 0.30 for photon irradiation. Carbon ion irradiation was more effective in suppressing the migration and invasion than photon irradiation, except for the PANC-1 cells. Conclusions Current in vitro evidence demonstrates that, compared with photon irradiation, carbon ion irradiation offers superior radiobiological effects in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Mechanistically, high-LET irradiation may induce complex DNA damage and ultimately promote genomic instability and cell death. Both carbon ion irradiation and proton irradiation confer similar sensitization effects in comparison with photon irradiation when combined with chemotherapy or targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Wang
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ruifeng Liu
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,Department of Postgraduate, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Heavy Ion Therapy Center, Lanzhou Heavy Ions Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qiuning Zhang
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,Department of Postgraduate, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Heavy Ion Therapy Center, Lanzhou Heavy Ions Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hongtao Luo
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,Department of Postgraduate, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Heavy Ion Therapy Center, Lanzhou Heavy Ions Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Junru Chen
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Meng Dong
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yuhang Wang
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yuhong Ou
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhiqiang Liu
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,Department of Postgraduate, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Heavy Ion Therapy Center, Lanzhou Heavy Ions Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shilong Sun
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,Department of Postgraduate, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Heavy Ion Therapy Center, Lanzhou Heavy Ions Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Kehu Yang
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jinhui Tian
- Evidence-Based Medicine Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaohu Wang
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Department of Postgraduate, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Heavy Ion Therapy Center, Lanzhou Heavy Ions Hospital, Lanzhou, China
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16
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Dosch AR, Singh S, Nagathihalli NS, Datta J, Merchant NB. Interleukin-1 signaling in solid organ malignancies. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021; 1877:188670. [PMID: 34923027 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2021.188670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
As inflammation plays a critical role in the development and progression of cancer, therapeutic targeting of cytokine pathways involved in both tumorigenesis and dictating response to clinical treatments are of significant interest. Recent evidence has highlighted the importance of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 (IL-1) as a key mediator of tumor growth, metastatic disease spread, immunosuppression, and drug resistance in cancer. IL-1 promotes tumorigenesis through diverse mechanisms, including the activation of oncogenic signaling pathways directly in tumor cells and via orchestrating crosstalk between the cellular constituents of the tumor microenvironment (TME), thereby driving cancer growth. This review will provide an overview of IL-1 signaling and physiology and summarize the disparate mechanisms involving IL-1 in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. Additionally, clinical studies targeting IL-1 signaling in the management of solid organ tumors will be summarized herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin R Dosch
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Samara Singh
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Nagaraj S Nagathihalli
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Jashodeep Datta
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Nipun B Merchant
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States of America.
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17
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Emerging Therapeutic Agents for Colorectal Cancer. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26247463. [PMID: 34946546 PMCID: PMC8707340 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26247463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
There are promising new therapeutic agents for CRC patients, including novel small-molecule inhibitors and immune checkpoint blockers. We focused on emerging CRC’s therapeutic agents that have shown the potential for progress in clinical practice. This review provides an overview of tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting VEGF and KIT, BRAF and MEK inhibitors, TLR9 agonist, STAT3 inhibitors, and immune checkpoint blockers (PD1/PDL-1 inhibitors), for which recent advances have been reported. These new agents have the potential to provide benefits to CRC patients with unmet medical needs.
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18
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Reddy AV, Hill CS, Sehgal S, Ding D, Hacker-Prietz A, He J, Zheng L, Herman JM, Meyer J, Narang AK. Impact of somatic mutations on clinical and pathologic outcomes in borderline resectable and locally advanced pancreatic cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and stereotactic body radiotherapy followed by surgical resection. Radiat Oncol J 2021; 39:304-314. [PMID: 34986552 PMCID: PMC8743453 DOI: 10.3857/roj.2021.00815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine if somatic mutations are associated with clinical and pathologic outcomes in patients with borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC) or locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) who were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and SBRT followed by surgical resection from August 2016 to January 2019 and who underwent next generation sequencing of their primary tumor were included in the study. Next-generation sequencing was performed either in-house with a Solid Tumor Panel or with FoundationOne CDx. Univariate (UVA) and multivariable analyses (MVA) were performed to determine associations between somatic mutations and pathologic and clinical outcomes. RESULTS Thirty-five patients were included in the study. Chemotherapy consisted of modified FOLFIRINOX, gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel, or gemcitabine and capecitabine. Patients were treated with SBRT in 33 Gy in 5 fractions. On UVA and MVA, tumors with KRAS G12V mutation demonstrated better pathologic tumor regression grade (TRG) to neoadjuvant therapy when compared to tumors with other KRAS mutations (odds ratio = 0.087; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.009-0.860; p = 0.036). On UVA and MVA, mutations in NOTCH1/2 were associated with worse overall survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 4.15; 95% CI, 1.57-10.95; p = 0.004) and progression-free survival (HR = 3.61; 95% CI, 1.41-9.28; p = 0.008). On UVA, only mutations in NOTCH1/2 were associated with inferior distant metastasis-free survival (HR = 3.38; 95% CI, 1.25-9.16; p = 0.017). CONCLUSION In BRPC and LAPC, the KRAS G12V mutation was associated with better TRG following chemotherapy and SBRT. Additionally, NOTCH1/2 mutations were associated with worse overall survival, distant metastasis-free survival, and progression-free survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhinav V. Reddy
- Department of Radiation Oncology & Molecular Radiation Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Colin S. Hill
- Department of Radiation Oncology & Molecular Radiation Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shuchi Sehgal
- Department of Radiation Oncology & Molecular Radiation Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ding Ding
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Amy Hacker-Prietz
- Department of Radiation Oncology & Molecular Radiation Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jin He
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lei Zheng
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joseph M. Herman
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Northwell Health Cancer Institute, New Hyde Park, NY, USA
| | - Jeffrey Meyer
- Department of Radiation Oncology & Molecular Radiation Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Amol K. Narang
- Department of Radiation Oncology & Molecular Radiation Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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19
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Bender G, Fahrioglu Yamaci R, Taneri B. CRISPR and KRAS: a match yet to be made. J Biomed Sci 2021; 28:77. [PMID: 34781949 PMCID: PMC8591907 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-021-00772-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) systems are one of the most fascinating tools of the current era in molecular biotechnology. With the ease that they provide in genome editing, CRISPR systems generate broad opportunities for targeting mutations. Specifically in recent years, disease-causing mutations targeted by the CRISPR systems have been of main research interest; particularly for those diseases where there is no current cure, including cancer. KRAS mutations remain untargetable in cancer. Mutations in this oncogene are main drivers in common cancers, including lung, colorectal and pancreatic cancers, which are severe causes of public health burden and mortality worldwide, with no cure at hand. CRISPR systems provide an opportunity for targeting cancer causing mutations. In this review, we highlight the work published on CRISPR applications targeting KRAS mutations directly, as well as CRISPR applications targeting mutations in KRAS-related molecules. In specific, we focus on lung, colorectal and pancreatic cancers. To date, the limited literature on CRISPR applications targeting KRAS, reflect promising results. Namely, direct targeting of mutant KRAS variants using various CRISPR systems resulted in significant decrease in cell viability and proliferation in vitro, as well as tumor growth inhibition in vivo. In addition, the effect of mutant KRAS knockdown, via CRISPR, has been observed to exert regulatory effects on the downstream molecules including PI3K, ERK, Akt, Stat3, and c-myc. Molecules in the KRAS pathway have been subjected to CRISPR applications more often than KRAS itself. The aim of using CRISPR systems in these studies was mainly to analyze the therapeutic potential of possible downstream and upstream effectors of KRAS, as well as to discover further potential molecules. Although there have been molecules identified to have such potential in treatment of KRAS-driven cancers, a substantial amount of effort is still needed to establish treatment strategies based on these discoveries. We conclude that, at this point in time, despite being such a powerful directed genome editing tool, CRISPR remains to be underutilized for targeting KRAS mutations in cancer. Efforts channelled in this direction, might pave the way in solving the long-standing challenge of targeting the KRAS mutations in cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guzide Bender
- Institute for Molecular Cardiovascular Research, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - Rezan Fahrioglu Yamaci
- Faculty of Applied Natural Sciences and Cultural Studies, Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Bahar Taneri
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Eastern Mediterranean University, via Mersin-10, Famagusta, 99628, North Cyprus, Turkey.
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Institute for Public Health Genomics, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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20
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Nussinov R, Zhang M, Maloney R, Tsai CJ, Yavuz BR, Tuncbag N, Jang H. Mechanism of activation and the rewired network: New drug design concepts. Med Res Rev 2021; 42:770-799. [PMID: 34693559 PMCID: PMC8837674 DOI: 10.1002/med.21863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Precision oncology benefits from effective early phase drug discovery decisions. Recently, drugging inactive protein conformations has shown impressive successes, raising the cardinal questions of which targets can profit and what are the principles of the active/inactive protein pharmacology. Cancer driver mutations have been established to mimic the protein activation mechanism. We suggest that the decision whether to target an inactive (or active) conformation should largely rest on the protein mechanism of activation. We next discuss the recent identification of double (multiple) same-allele driver mutations and their impact on cell proliferation and suggest that like single driver mutations, double drivers also mimic the mechanism of activation. We further suggest that the structural perturbations of double (multiple) in cis mutations may reveal new surfaces/pockets for drug design. Finally, we underscore the preeminent role of the cellular network which is deregulated in cancer. Our structure-based review and outlook updates the traditional Mechanism of Action, informs decisions, and calls attention to the intrinsic activation mechanism of the target protein and the rewired tumor-specific network, ushering innovative considerations in precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Nussinov
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, USA.,Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Mingzhen Zhang
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Ryan Maloney
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Chung-Jung Tsai
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Bengi Ruken Yavuz
- Department of Health Informatics, Graduate School of Informatics, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Nurcan Tuncbag
- Department of Health Informatics, Graduate School of Informatics, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey.,Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, College of Engineering, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Koc University Research Center for Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, USA
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21
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Jain A, Bhardwaj V. Therapeutic resistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: Current challenges and future opportunities. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:6527-6550. [PMID: 34754151 PMCID: PMC8554400 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i39.6527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Although chemotherapeutic regimens such as gemcitabine+ nab-paclitaxel and FOLFIRINOX (FOLinic acid, 5-Fluroruracil, IRINotecan, and Oxaliplatin) significantly improve patient survival, the prevalence of therapy resistance remains a major roadblock in the success of these agents. This review discusses the molecular mechanisms that play a crucial role in PDAC therapy resistance and how a better understanding of these mechanisms has shaped clinical trials for pancreatic cancer chemotherapy. Specifically, we have discussed the metabolic alterations and DNA repair mechanisms observed in PDAC and current approaches in targeting these mechanisms. Our discussion also includes the lessons learned following the failure of immunotherapy in PDAC and current approaches underway to improve tumor's immunological response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Jain
- The Jefferson Pancreas, Biliary and Related Cancer Center, Department of Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States
| | - Vikas Bhardwaj
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jefferson College of Pharmacy, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, United States
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22
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Deng L, Zhang H, Zhang Y, Luo S, Du Z, Lin Q, Zhang Z, Zhang L. An exosome-mimicking membrane hybrid nanoplatform for targeted treatment toward Kras-mutant pancreatic carcinoma. Biomater Sci 2021; 9:5599-5611. [PMID: 34250995 DOI: 10.1039/d1bm00446h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic carcinoma elevates quickly and thus has a high mortality rate. Therefore, early treatment is essential for treating pancreatic carcinoma. KRAS is the most frequently identified and one of the earliest mutations in pancreatic tumorigenesis. Thus, the KRAS-mutant cell is an ideal target for the treatment of pancreatic carcinoma, especially at the early stage. KRAS mutation increases macropinocytosis in pancreatic cancer cells, enhancing the internalization of exosomes. Because acquiring natural exosomes could be laborious and their encapsulation efficiency is often unsatisfactory, we aimed to develop a delivery system that mimics the Kras-mutant cell targeting capability of exosomes but is easier to generate and has better loading efficiency. For this purpose, we constructed a hybrid nanoplatform by fusing CLT (Celastrol)-Loaded PEGylated lipids with the DC2.4 cell membrane (M-LIP-CLT) to achieve targeted treatment of Kras-mutant pancreatic cancer. This hybrid nanoplatform improved CLT tumor accumulation and showed excellent anti-cancer efficiency both in vitro and in vivo with increased safety. These results suggest that M-LIP-CLT is an effective drug delivery system for targeted therapy against pancreatic carcinoma, and the fusion strategy showed attractive potential for further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lang Deng
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery Systems, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, P. R. China.
| | - Hanming Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery Systems, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, P. R. China.
| | - Yu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery Systems, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, P. R. China.
| | - Shi Luo
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery Systems, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, P. R. China.
| | - Zhengwu Du
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery Systems, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, P. R. China.
| | - Qing Lin
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery Systems, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, P. R. China.
| | - Zhirong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery Systems, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, P. R. China.
| | - Ling Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Drug Delivery Systems, Ministry of Education, West China School of Pharmacy, College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, P. R. China.
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23
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Pandya N, Bhagwat SR, Kumar A. Regulatory role of Non-canonical DNA Polymorphisms in human genome and their relevance in Cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021; 1876:188594. [PMID: 34303788 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2021.188594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
DNA has the ability to form polymorphic structures like canonical duplex DNA and non-canonical triplex DNA, Cruciform, Z-DNA, G-quadruplex (G4), i-motifs, and hairpin structures. The alteration in the form of DNA polymorphism in the response to environmental changes influences the gene expression. Non-canonical structures are engaged in various biological functions, including chromatin epigenetic and gene expression regulation via transcription and translation, as well as DNA repair and recombination. The presence of non-canonical structures in the regulatory region of the gene alters the gene expression and affects the cellular machinery. Formation of non-canonical structure in the regulatory site of cancer-related genes either inhibits or dysregulate the gene function and promote tumour formation. In the current article, we review the influence of non-canonical structure on the regulatory mechanisms in human genome. Moreover, we have also discussed the relevance of non-canonical structures in cancer and provided information on the drugs used for their treatment by targeting these structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirali Pandya
- Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Simrol, Indore 453552, India
| | - Sonali R Bhagwat
- Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Simrol, Indore 453552, India
| | - Amit Kumar
- Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Simrol, Indore 453552, India.
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24
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Nisar M, Paracha RZ, Arshad I, Adil S, Zeb S, Hanif R, Rafiq M, Hussain Z. Integrated Analysis of Microarray and RNA-Seq Data for the Identification of Hub Genes and Networks Involved in the Pancreatic Cancer. Front Genet 2021; 12:663787. [PMID: 34262595 PMCID: PMC8273913 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.663787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PaCa) is the seventh most fatal malignancy, with more than 90% mortality rate within the first year of diagnosis. Its treatment can be improved the identification of specific therapeutic targets and their relevant pathways. Therefore, the objective of this study is to identify cancer specific biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and their associated pathways involved in the PaCa progression. RNA-seq and microarray datasets were obtained from public repositories such as the European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Differential gene expression (DE) analysis of data was performed to identify significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in PaCa cells in comparison to the normal cells. Gene co-expression network analysis was performed to identify the modules co-expressed genes, which are strongly associated with PaCa and as well as the identification of hub genes in the modules. The key underlaying pathways were obtained from the enrichment analysis of hub genes and studied in the context of PaCa progression. The significant pathways, hub genes, and their expression profile were validated against The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data, and key biomarkers and therapeutic targets with hub genes were determined. Important hub genes identified included ITGA1, ITGA2, ITGB1, ITGB3, MET, LAMB1, VEGFA, PTK2, and TGFβ1. Enrichment analysis characterizes the involvement of hub genes in multiple pathways. Important ones that are determined are ECM–receptor interaction and focal adhesion pathways. The interaction of overexpressed surface proteins of these pathways with extracellular molecules initiates multiple signaling cascades including stress fiber and lamellipodia formation, PI3K-Akt, MAPK, JAK/STAT, and Wnt signaling pathways. Identified biomarkers may have a strong influence on the PaCa early stage development and progression. Further, analysis of these pathways and hub genes can help in the identification of putative therapeutic targets and development of effective therapies for PaCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryum Nisar
- Research Centre for Modeling and Simulation (RCMS), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Rehan Zafar Paracha
- Research Centre for Modeling and Simulation (RCMS), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Iqra Arshad
- Research Centre for Modeling and Simulation (RCMS), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Sidra Adil
- Research Centre for Modeling and Simulation (RCMS), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Sabaoon Zeb
- Research Centre for Modeling and Simulation (RCMS), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Rumeza Hanif
- Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences-ASAB, National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Mehak Rafiq
- Research Centre for Modeling and Simulation (RCMS), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Zamir Hussain
- Research Centre for Modeling and Simulation (RCMS), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan
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Li C, Peng Z, Wang Y, Lam G, Nissen N, Tang J, Yuan X, Lewis M, Greene MI, Pandol SJ, Wang Q. Epithelial cell transforming 2 is regulated by Yes-associated protein 1 and mediates pancreatic cancer progression and metastasis. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2021; 320:G380-G395. [PMID: 33501895 PMCID: PMC8202240 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00185.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is highly metastatic and represents one of the deadliest forms of human cancers. Previous studies showed that activation of Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) plays a key role in malignant transformation in the pancreas. In this study, we found that YAP1 regulates the expression of epithelial cell transforming 2 (ECT2), a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Rho-like GTPases. By immunohistochemistry analysis of human tissues, we show that ECT2 is highly expressed in primary PDAC and liver metastasis but not in normal pancreas. These correlations were also observed in a mouse model of PDAC, where pancreatic transformation is driven by mutants of Kras and Trp53. Notably, nuclear ECT2 is upregulated in the transition from preneoplastic lesions to PDAC. High levels of YAP1 or ECT2 expression correlates with the poor overall survival rate of patients with PDAC. We further demonstrate that ECT2 is required for pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and migration in vitro. Finally, using a syngeneic orthotopic xenograft mouse model for pancreatic cancer, we found that ablation of ECT2 expression reduces pancreatic cancer growth and dissemination to the liver. These findings highlight the critical role of ECT2 in promoting pancreatic cancer growth and metastasis and provides insights into the development of novel methods for early detection and treatment.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is one of the deadliest forms of human cancers. In this study, we identified a novel signaling mechanism involved in PDAC progression and metastasis. Yes-associated protein 1 mediates the expression of epithelial cell transforming 2, which is elevated in PDAC and correlates with poor survival. Epithelial cell transforming 2 is required for PDAC growth and metastasis. This study provides insights into the development of novel methods for early detection and treatment of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ce Li
- 1Department of Medical Oncology, First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China,2Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Zhenzi Peng
- 2Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California,3Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yizhou Wang
- 4Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Gloria Lam
- 2Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Nicholas Nissen
- 5Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jie Tang
- 4Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Xiaopu Yuan
- 6Department of Pathology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Michael Lewis
- 7Department of Pathology, Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Health Care System, Los Angeles, California
| | - Mark I. Greene
- 8Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Stephen J. Pandol
- 2Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Qiang Wang
- 2Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
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Araujo LH, Souza BM, Leite LR, Parma SAF, Lopes NP, Malta FSV, Freire MCM. Molecular profile of KRAS G12C-mutant colorectal and non-small-cell lung cancer. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:193. [PMID: 33632153 PMCID: PMC7905642 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-07884-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background KRAS is the most frequently mutated oncogene in cancer, however efforts to develop targeted therapies have been largely unsuccessful. Recently, two small-molecule inhibitors, AMG 510 and MRTX849, have shown promising activity in KRAS G12C-mutant solid tumors. The current study aims to assess the molecular profile of KRAS G12C in colorectal (CRC) and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tested in a clinical certified laboratory. Methods CRC and NSCLC samples submitted for KRAS testing between 2017 and 2019 were reviewed. CRC samples were tested for KRAS and NRAS by pyrosequencing, while NSCLC samples were submitted to next generation sequencing of KRAS, NRAS, EGFR, and BRAF. Results The dataset comprised 4897 CRC and 4686 NSCLC samples. Among CRC samples, KRAS was mutated in 2354 (48.1%). Most frequent codon 12 mutations were G12D in 731 samples (14.9%) and G12V in 522 (10.7%), followed by G12C in 167 (3.4%). KRAS mutations were more frequent in females than males (p = 0.003), however this difference was exclusive of non-G12C mutants (p < 0.001). KRAS mutation frequency was lower in the South and North regions (p = 0.003), but again KRAS G12C did not differ significantly (p = 0.80). In NSCLC, KRAS mutations were found in 1004 samples (21.4%). As opposed to CRC samples, G12C was the most common mutation in KRAS, in 346 cases (7.4%). The frequency of KRAS G12C was higher in the South and Southeast regions (p = 0.012), and lower in patients younger than 50 years (p < 0.001). KRAS G12C mutations were largely mutually exclusive with other driver mutations; only 11 NSCLC (3.2%) and 1 CRC (0.6%) cases had relevant co-mutations. Conclusions KRAS G12C presents in frequencies higher than several other driver mutations, and may represent a large volume of patients in absolute numbers. KRAS testing should be considered in all CRC and NSCLC patients, independently of clinical or demographic characteristics. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-07884-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz Henrique Araujo
- Progenética, Grupo Pardini, Vespaziano, Brazil. .,Research & Development Sector, Grupo Pardini, Vespaziano, Brazil. .,Instituto COI de Educação e Pesquisa, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. .,Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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Nakao Y, Nakagawa S, Yamashita YI, Umezaki N, Okamoto Y, Ogata Y, Yasuda-Yoshihara N, Itoyama R, Yusa T, Yamashita K, Miyata T, Okabe H, Hayashi H, Imai K, Baba H. High ARHGEF2 (GEF-H1) Expression is Associated with Poor Prognosis Via Cell Cycle Regulation in Patients with Pancreatic Cancer. Ann Surg Oncol 2021; 28:4733-4743. [PMID: 33393038 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-020-09383-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer has an extremely poor prognosis, even after curative resection. Treatment options for pancreatic cancer remain limited, therefore new therapeutic targets are urgently needed. We searched for genes predictive of poor prognosis in pancreatic cancer using a public database and validated the survival impact of the selected gene in a patient cohort. METHODS We used a public database to search for genes associated with early pancreatic cancer recurrence. As a validation cohort, 201 patients who underwent radical resection in our institution were enrolled. Expression of the target gene was evaluated using immunohistochemistry (IHC). We evaluated growth and invasiveness using small interfering RNAs, then performed pathway analysis using gene set enrichment analysis. RESULTS We extracted ARHGEF2 from GSE21501 as a gene with a high hazard ratio (HR) for early recurrence within 1 year. The high ARHGEF2 expression group had significantly poorer recurrence-free survival (RFS) and poorer overall survival (OS) than the low ARHGEF2 expression group. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that high ARHGEF2 expression was an independent poor prognostic factor for RFS (HR 1.92) and OS (HR 1.63). In vitro, ARHGEF2 suppression resulted in reduced cell growth and invasiveness. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that ARHGEF2 expression was associated with MYC, G2M, E2F, and CDC25A expression, suggesting that c-Myc and cell cycle genes are associated with high ARHGEF2 expression. IHC revealed a positive correlation between ARHGEF2 and c-Myc expression. CONCLUSIONS High ARHGEF2 expression is associated with cell cycle progression, and predicts early recurrence and poor survival in patients with pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yosuke Nakao
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Shigeki Nakagawa
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yo-Ichi Yamashita
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Naoki Umezaki
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yuya Okamoto
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yoko Ogata
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Noriko Yasuda-Yoshihara
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Rumi Itoyama
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Toshihiko Yusa
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Kohei Yamashita
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Tatsunori Miyata
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hirohisa Okabe
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hiromitsu Hayashi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Katsunori Imai
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hideo Baba
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.
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Triangular Relationship between p53, Autophagy, and Chemotherapy Resistance. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21238991. [PMID: 33256191 PMCID: PMC7730978 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21238991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy and radiation often induce a number of cellular responses, such as apoptosis, autophagy, and senescence. One of the major regulators of these processes is p53, an essential tumor suppressor that is often mutated or lost in many cancer types and implicated in early tumorigenesis. Gain of function (GOF) p53 mutations have been implicated in increased susceptibility to drug resistance, by compromising wildtype anti-tumor functions of p53 or modulating key p53 processes that confer chemotherapy resistance, such as autophagy. Autophagy, a cellular survival mechanism, is initially induced in response to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and its cytoprotective nature became the spearhead of a number of clinical trials aimed to sensitize patients to chemotherapy. However, increased pre-clinical studies have exemplified the multifunctional role of autophagy. Additionally, compartmental localization of p53 can modulate induction or inhibition of autophagy and may play a role in autophagic function. The duality in p53 function and its effects on autophagic function are generally not considered in clinical trial design or clinical therapeutics; however, ample pre-clinical studies suggest they play a role in tumor responses to therapy and drug resistance. Further inquiry into the interconnection between autophagy and p53, and its effects on chemotherapeutic responses may provide beneficial insights on multidrug resistance and novel treatment regimens for chemosensitization.
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Yang HJ, Song BS, Sim BW, Jung Y, Chae U, Lee DG, Cha JJ, Baek SJ, Lim KS, Choi WS, Lee HY, Son HC, Park SH, Jeong KJ, Kang P, Baek SH, Koo BS, Kim HN, Jin YB, Park YH, Choo YK, Kim SU. Establishment and Characterization of Immortalized Miniature Pig Pancreatic Cell Lines Expressing Oncogenic K-Ras G12D. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228820. [PMID: 33233448 PMCID: PMC7700231 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, many studies on the treatment and prevention of pancreatic cancer have been conducted. However, pancreatic cancer remains incurable, with a high mortality rate. Although mouse models have been widely used for preclinical pancreatic cancer research, these models have many differences from humans. Therefore, large animals may be more useful for the investigation of pancreatic cancer. Pigs have recently emerged as a new model of pancreatic cancer due to their similarities to humans, but no pig pancreatic cancer cell lines have been established for use in drug screening or analysis of tumor biology. Here, we established and characterized an immortalized miniature pig pancreatic cell line derived from primary pancreatic cells and pancreatic cancer-like cells expressing K-rasG12D regulated by the human PTF1A promoter. Using this immortalized cell line, we analyzed the gene expression and phenotypes associated with cancer cell characteristics. Notably, we found that acinar-to-ductal transition was caused by K-rasG12D in the cell line constructed from acinar cells. This may constitute a good research model for the analysis of acinar-to-ductal metaplasia in human pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae-Jun Yang
- Futuristic Animal Resource & Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Cheongju-si 28116, Korea; (H.-J.Y.); (B.-S.S.); (B.-W.S.); (Y.J.); (U.C.); (D.G.L.); (J.-J.C.); (S.-J.B.); (K.S.L.); (H.-Y.L.); (H.-C.S.); (P.K.)
- Department of Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences, Wonkwang University, 460, Iksan-daero, Iksan-si 54538, Korea
| | - Bong-Seok Song
- Futuristic Animal Resource & Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Cheongju-si 28116, Korea; (H.-J.Y.); (B.-S.S.); (B.-W.S.); (Y.J.); (U.C.); (D.G.L.); (J.-J.C.); (S.-J.B.); (K.S.L.); (H.-Y.L.); (H.-C.S.); (P.K.)
| | - Bo-Woong Sim
- Futuristic Animal Resource & Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Cheongju-si 28116, Korea; (H.-J.Y.); (B.-S.S.); (B.-W.S.); (Y.J.); (U.C.); (D.G.L.); (J.-J.C.); (S.-J.B.); (K.S.L.); (H.-Y.L.); (H.-C.S.); (P.K.)
| | - Yena Jung
- Futuristic Animal Resource & Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Cheongju-si 28116, Korea; (H.-J.Y.); (B.-S.S.); (B.-W.S.); (Y.J.); (U.C.); (D.G.L.); (J.-J.C.); (S.-J.B.); (K.S.L.); (H.-Y.L.); (H.-C.S.); (P.K.)
| | - Unbin Chae
- Futuristic Animal Resource & Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Cheongju-si 28116, Korea; (H.-J.Y.); (B.-S.S.); (B.-W.S.); (Y.J.); (U.C.); (D.G.L.); (J.-J.C.); (S.-J.B.); (K.S.L.); (H.-Y.L.); (H.-C.S.); (P.K.)
| | - Dong Gil Lee
- Futuristic Animal Resource & Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Cheongju-si 28116, Korea; (H.-J.Y.); (B.-S.S.); (B.-W.S.); (Y.J.); (U.C.); (D.G.L.); (J.-J.C.); (S.-J.B.); (K.S.L.); (H.-Y.L.); (H.-C.S.); (P.K.)
| | - Jae-Jin Cha
- Futuristic Animal Resource & Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Cheongju-si 28116, Korea; (H.-J.Y.); (B.-S.S.); (B.-W.S.); (Y.J.); (U.C.); (D.G.L.); (J.-J.C.); (S.-J.B.); (K.S.L.); (H.-Y.L.); (H.-C.S.); (P.K.)
| | - Seo-Jong Baek
- Futuristic Animal Resource & Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Cheongju-si 28116, Korea; (H.-J.Y.); (B.-S.S.); (B.-W.S.); (Y.J.); (U.C.); (D.G.L.); (J.-J.C.); (S.-J.B.); (K.S.L.); (H.-Y.L.); (H.-C.S.); (P.K.)
| | - Kyung Seob Lim
- Futuristic Animal Resource & Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Cheongju-si 28116, Korea; (H.-J.Y.); (B.-S.S.); (B.-W.S.); (Y.J.); (U.C.); (D.G.L.); (J.-J.C.); (S.-J.B.); (K.S.L.); (H.-Y.L.); (H.-C.S.); (P.K.)
| | - Won Seok Choi
- National Primate Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Cheongju-si 28116, Korea; (W.S.C.); (S.-H.P.); (K.-J.J.); (S.H.B.); (B.-S.K.); (H.-N.K.); (Y.B.J.)
| | - Hwal-Yong Lee
- Futuristic Animal Resource & Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Cheongju-si 28116, Korea; (H.-J.Y.); (B.-S.S.); (B.-W.S.); (Y.J.); (U.C.); (D.G.L.); (J.-J.C.); (S.-J.B.); (K.S.L.); (H.-Y.L.); (H.-C.S.); (P.K.)
| | - Hee-Chang Son
- Futuristic Animal Resource & Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Cheongju-si 28116, Korea; (H.-J.Y.); (B.-S.S.); (B.-W.S.); (Y.J.); (U.C.); (D.G.L.); (J.-J.C.); (S.-J.B.); (K.S.L.); (H.-Y.L.); (H.-C.S.); (P.K.)
| | - Sung-Hyun Park
- National Primate Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Cheongju-si 28116, Korea; (W.S.C.); (S.-H.P.); (K.-J.J.); (S.H.B.); (B.-S.K.); (H.-N.K.); (Y.B.J.)
| | - Kang-Jin Jeong
- National Primate Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Cheongju-si 28116, Korea; (W.S.C.); (S.-H.P.); (K.-J.J.); (S.H.B.); (B.-S.K.); (H.-N.K.); (Y.B.J.)
| | - Philyong Kang
- Futuristic Animal Resource & Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Cheongju-si 28116, Korea; (H.-J.Y.); (B.-S.S.); (B.-W.S.); (Y.J.); (U.C.); (D.G.L.); (J.-J.C.); (S.-J.B.); (K.S.L.); (H.-Y.L.); (H.-C.S.); (P.K.)
| | - Seung Ho Baek
- National Primate Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Cheongju-si 28116, Korea; (W.S.C.); (S.-H.P.); (K.-J.J.); (S.H.B.); (B.-S.K.); (H.-N.K.); (Y.B.J.)
| | - Bon-Sang Koo
- National Primate Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Cheongju-si 28116, Korea; (W.S.C.); (S.-H.P.); (K.-J.J.); (S.H.B.); (B.-S.K.); (H.-N.K.); (Y.B.J.)
| | - Han-Na Kim
- National Primate Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Cheongju-si 28116, Korea; (W.S.C.); (S.-H.P.); (K.-J.J.); (S.H.B.); (B.-S.K.); (H.-N.K.); (Y.B.J.)
| | - Yeung Bae Jin
- National Primate Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Cheongju-si 28116, Korea; (W.S.C.); (S.-H.P.); (K.-J.J.); (S.H.B.); (B.-S.K.); (H.-N.K.); (Y.B.J.)
- Department of Laboratory Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, 501 Jinjudaero, Jinju 52828, Korea
| | - Young-Ho Park
- Futuristic Animal Resource & Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Cheongju-si 28116, Korea; (H.-J.Y.); (B.-S.S.); (B.-W.S.); (Y.J.); (U.C.); (D.G.L.); (J.-J.C.); (S.-J.B.); (K.S.L.); (H.-Y.L.); (H.-C.S.); (P.K.)
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon 34113, Korea
- Correspondence: (Y.-H.P.); (Y.-K.C.); (S.-U.K.); Tel.: +82-43-240-6321 (S.-U.K.); Fax: +82-43-240-6309 (S.-U.K.)
| | - Young-Kug Choo
- Department of Biological Science, College of Natural Sciences, Wonkwang University, 460, Iksan-daero, Iksan-si 54538, Korea
- Correspondence: (Y.-H.P.); (Y.-K.C.); (S.-U.K.); Tel.: +82-43-240-6321 (S.-U.K.); Fax: +82-43-240-6309 (S.-U.K.)
| | - Sun-Uk Kim
- Futuristic Animal Resource & Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Cheongju-si 28116, Korea; (H.-J.Y.); (B.-S.S.); (B.-W.S.); (Y.J.); (U.C.); (D.G.L.); (J.-J.C.); (S.-J.B.); (K.S.L.); (H.-Y.L.); (H.-C.S.); (P.K.)
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon 34113, Korea
- Correspondence: (Y.-H.P.); (Y.-K.C.); (S.-U.K.); Tel.: +82-43-240-6321 (S.-U.K.); Fax: +82-43-240-6309 (S.-U.K.)
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Hu S, Chen X, Xu X, Zheng C, Huang W, Zhou Y, Akuetteh PDP, Yang H, Shi K, Chen B, Zhang Q. STRAP as a New Therapeutic Target for Poor Prognosis of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Patients Mainly Caused by TP53 Mutation. Front Oncol 2020; 10:594224. [PMID: 33134183 PMCID: PMC7550692 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.594224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a high mortality rate and poor prognosis. KRAS, TP53, CDKN2A, and SMAD4 are driver genes of PDAC and 30-75% patients have mutations in at least two of these four genes. Herein, we analyzed the relationship between these genes and prognosis of 762 patients in the absence of coexisting mutations, using data from three independent public datasets. Interestingly, we found that compared with mutations in other driver genes, TP53 mutation plays a significant role in leading to poor prognosis of PDAC. Additionally, we found that snoRNA-mediated rRNA maturation was responsible for the progression of cancer in PDAC patients with TP53 mutations. Inhibition of STRAP, which regulates the localization of SMN complexes and further affects the assembly of snoRNP, can effectively reduce maturation of rRNA and significantly suppress progression of TP53-mutant or low p53 expression pancreatic cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Our study highlighted the actual contribution rate of driver genes to patient prognosis, enriching traditional understanding of the relationship between these genes and PDAC. We also provided a possible mechanism and a new target to combat progression of TP53-mutant PDAC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Hu
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiao Chen
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiangxiang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chenlei Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Wenqian Huang
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Percy David Papa Akuetteh
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Hongbao Yang
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Keqing Shi
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Bicheng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Qiyu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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Ganaie AA, Siddique HR, Sheikh IA, Parray A, Wang L, Panyam J, Villalta PW, Deng Y, Konety BR, Saleem M. A novel terpenoid class for prevention and treatment of KRAS-driven cancers: Comprehensive analysis using in situ, in vitro, and in vivo model systems. Mol Carcinog 2020; 59:886-896. [PMID: 32291806 PMCID: PMC7334075 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Inhibiting the disease progression in KRAS-driven cancers after diagnosis has been a difficult task for clinicians to manage due to the lack of effective intervention/preventive therapies. KRAS-driven cancers depend on sustained KRAS signaling. Although developing inhibitors of KRAS signaling has proven difficult in the past, the quest for identifying newer agents has not stopped. Based on studies showing terpenoids as modulators of KRAS-regulated downstream molecular pathways, we asked if this chemical family has an affinity of inhibiting KRAS protein activity. Using crystal structure as a bait in silico, we identified 20 terpenoids for their KRAS protein-binding affinity. We next carried out biological validation of in silico data by employing in situ, in vitro, patient-derived explant ex vivo, and KPC transgenic mouse models. In this report, we provide a comprehensive analysis of a lup-20(29)-en-3b-ol (lupeol) as a KRAS inhibitor. Using nucleotide exchange, isothermal titration calorimetry, differential scanning fluorimetry, and immunoprecipitation assays, we show that lupeol has the potential to reduce the guanosine diphosphate/guanosine triphosphate exchange of KRAS protein including mutant KRASG12V . Lupeol treatment inhibited the KRAS activation in KRAS-activated cell models (NIH-panel, colorectal, lung, and pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia) and patient tumor explants ex vivo. Lupeol reduced the three-dimensional growth of KRAS-activated cells. The pharmacokinetic analysis showed the bioavailability of lupeol after consumption via oral and intraperitoneal routes in animals. Tested under prevention settings, the lupeol consumption inhibited the development of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia in LSL-KRASG12D/Pdx-cre mice (pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma progression model). These data suggest that the selected members of the triterpene family (such as lupeol) could be exploited as clinical agents for preventing the disease progression in KRAS-driven cancers which however warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arsheed A. Ganaie
- Department of Urology, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Hifzur R. Siddique
- Department of Urology, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
- Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, India
| | - Ishfaq A. Sheikh
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aijaz Parray
- Department of Urology, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
- Academic Health Systems Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Jayanth Panyam
- School of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Peter W. Villalta
- Analytical Chemistry Core, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, MN
| | - Yibin Deng
- Department of Urology, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Badrinath R. Konety
- Department of Urology, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Mohammad Saleem
- Department of Urology, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
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Ghaderi M, Fernández Moro C, Pouso Elduayen S, Hultin E, Verbeke CS, Björnstedt M, Dillner J. Genome-wide transcriptome profiling of ex-vivo precision-cut slices from human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Sci Rep 2020; 10:9070. [PMID: 32493953 PMCID: PMC7271237 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65911-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Ex-vivo tumor tissue culture systems are used as models to test specific anti-cancer drugs. Their main advantage is that they are closely comparable with the in vivo tumor in their host organism. We previously reported that precision-cut organotypic tissue slices of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) can be successfully cultured ex-vivo for at least 4 days. In order to study how culturing might affect transcription patterns, we now performed genome-wide transcriptome profiling of both baseline (0 h) and explanted tumors at daily intervals (24, 48 and 72 h) after start of culturing. The total-RNA from five samples of surgically resected human PDAC tumors at baseline and at different time points in culture was sequenced. Differential gene expression analysis of the whole transcriptome, testing 58,713 genes and over 206,000 transcripts, found that only a small number of genes showed significant changes in expression between baseline and cultured samples. The cultured tumor slices showed upregulation of a median of 12, 10 and 15 genes and downregulation of a median of 15, 12 and 25 genes at 24, 48 and 72 h in culture, respectively. One sample had morphologically increasing loss of tissue viability (range 0-18%). The vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) was significantly upregulated during the entire culture period in this case. Pathway over-representation analysis suggested that VEGFA together with the PTGS2 gene were upregulated at the same time as HIF-1-triggered cell apoptosis via NF-ĸB and the AP-1 activating factor was induced. Indeed, increased areas of apoptotic lesions were visible in this sample after 24 hours of culture. In conclusion, genome-wide transcriptome analysis supports that ex-vivo cultured tissue slices of PDAC may be a representative model of the original tumor. Transcriptome analysis was found to be a valuable complement to morphology for evaluation of ex-vivo cultures of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehran Ghaderi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology F46, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, SE-141 86, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Cytology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, SE-141 86, Sweden.
| | - Carlos Fernández Moro
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology F46, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, SE-141 86, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Cytology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, SE-141 86, Sweden
| | - Soledad Pouso Elduayen
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Cytology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, SE-141 86, Sweden
| | - Emilie Hultin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology F46, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, SE-141 86, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Caroline Sophie Verbeke
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Cytology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, SE-141 86, Sweden
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, NO-0316, Norway
| | - Mikael Björnstedt
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology F46, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, SE-141 86, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Cytology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, SE-141 86, Sweden
| | - Joakim Dillner
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology F46, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, SE-141 86, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Pathology and Cytology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, SE-141 86, Sweden
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Stopa KB, Kusiak AA, Szopa MD, Ferdek PE, Jakubowska MA. Pancreatic Cancer and Its Microenvironment-Recent Advances and Current Controversies. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E3218. [PMID: 32370075 PMCID: PMC7246785 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) causes annually well over 400,000 deaths world-wide and remains one of the major unresolved health problems. This exocrine pancreatic cancer originates from the mutated epithelial cells: acinar and ductal cells. However, the epithelia-derived cancer component forms only a relatively small fraction of the tumor mass. The majority of the tumor consists of acellular fibrous stroma and diverse populations of the non-neoplastic cancer-associated cells. Importantly, the tumor microenvironment is maintained by dynamic cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. In this article, we aim to review the most common drivers of PDAC. Then we summarize the current knowledge on PDAC microenvironment, particularly in relation to pancreatic cancer therapy. The focus is placed on the acellular stroma as well as cell populations that inhabit the matrix. We also describe the altered metabolism of PDAC and characterize cellular signaling in this cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga B. Stopa
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, ul. Gronostajowa 7A, 30-387 Krakow, Poland;
| | - Agnieszka A. Kusiak
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, ul. Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (A.A.K.); (M.D.S.)
| | - Mateusz D. Szopa
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, ul. Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (A.A.K.); (M.D.S.)
| | - Pawel E. Ferdek
- Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, ul. Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (A.A.K.); (M.D.S.)
| | - Monika A. Jakubowska
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, ul. Gronostajowa 7A, 30-387 Krakow, Poland;
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Are Parallel Proliferation Pathways Redundant? Trends Biochem Sci 2020; 45:554-563. [PMID: 32345469 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2020.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Are the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) and JAK-STAT-driven proliferation pathways 'parallel' or 'redundant'? And what about those of K-Ras4B versus N-Ras? 'Parallel' proliferation pathways accomplish a similar drug resistance outcome. Thus, are they 'redundant'? In this paper, it is argued that there is a fundamental distinction between 'parallel' and 'redundant'. Cellular proliferation pathways are influenced by the genome sequence, 3D organization and chromatin accessibility, and determined by protein availability prior to cancer emergence. In the opinion presented, if they operate the same downstream protein families, they are redundant; if evolutionary-independent, they are parallel. Thus, RTK and JAK-STAT-driven proliferation pathways are parallel; those of Ras isoforms are redundant. Our Precision Medicine Call to map cancer proliferation pathways is vastly important since it can expedite effective therapeutics.
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Bazzichetto C, Conciatori F, Luchini C, Simionato F, Santoro R, Vaccaro V, Corbo V, Falcone I, Ferretti G, Cognetti F, Melisi D, Scarpa A, Ciuffreda L, Milella M. From Genetic Alterations to Tumor Microenvironment: The Ariadne's String in Pancreatic Cancer. Cells 2020; 9:cells9020309. [PMID: 32012917 PMCID: PMC7072496 DOI: 10.3390/cells9020309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The threatening notoriety of pancreatic cancer mainly arises from its negligible early diagnosis, highly aggressive progression, failure of conventional therapeutic options and consequent very poor prognosis. The most important driver genes of pancreatic cancer are the oncogene KRAS and the tumor suppressors TP53, CDKN2A, and SMAD4. Although the presence of few drivers, several signaling pathways are involved in the oncogenesis of this cancer type, some of them with promising targets for precision oncology. Pancreatic cancer is recognized as one of immunosuppressive phenotype cancer: it is characterized by a fibrotic-desmoplastic stroma, in which there is an intensive cross-talk between several cellular (e.g., fibroblasts, myeloid cells, lymphocytes, endothelial, and myeloid cells) and acellular (collagen, fibronectin, and soluble factors) components. In this review; we aim to describe the current knowledge of the genetic/biological landscape of pancreatic cancer and the composition of its tumor microenvironment; in order to better direct in the intrinsic labyrinth of this complex tumor type. Indeed; disentangling the genetic and molecular characteristics of cancer cells and the environment in which they evolve may represent the crucial step towards more effective therapeutic strategies
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Bazzichetto
- Medical Oncology 1, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (V.V.); (I.F.); (G.F.); (F.C.)
| | - Fabiana Conciatori
- Medical Oncology 1, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (V.V.); (I.F.); (G.F.); (F.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-52665185
| | - Claudio Luchini
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy;
| | - Francesca Simionato
- Division of Oncology, University of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy; (F.S.); (M.M.)
| | - Raffaela Santoro
- Medicine-Digestive Molecular Clinical Oncology Research Unit, University of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy; (R.S.); (D.M.)
| | - Vanja Vaccaro
- Medical Oncology 1, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (V.V.); (I.F.); (G.F.); (F.C.)
| | - Vincenzo Corbo
- ARC-Net Research Centre, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy; (V.C.); (A.S.)
| | - Italia Falcone
- Medical Oncology 1, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (V.V.); (I.F.); (G.F.); (F.C.)
| | - Gianluigi Ferretti
- Medical Oncology 1, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (V.V.); (I.F.); (G.F.); (F.C.)
| | - Francesco Cognetti
- Medical Oncology 1, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy; (C.B.); (V.V.); (I.F.); (G.F.); (F.C.)
| | - Davide Melisi
- Medicine-Digestive Molecular Clinical Oncology Research Unit, University of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy; (R.S.); (D.M.)
| | - Aldo Scarpa
- ARC-Net Research Centre, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy; (V.C.); (A.S.)
| | - Ludovica Ciuffreda
- SAFU, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics, and Technological Innovation, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, 00144 Rome, Italy;
| | - Michele Milella
- Division of Oncology, University of Verona, 37126 Verona, Italy; (F.S.); (M.M.)
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Post JB, Roodhart JML, Snippert HJG. Colorectal Cancer Modeling with Organoids: Discriminating between Oncogenic RAS and BRAF Variants. Trends Cancer 2020; 6:111-129. [PMID: 32061302 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2019.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
RAS and BRAF proteins are frequently mutated in colorectal cancer (CRC) and have been associated with therapy resistance in metastatic CRC patients. RAS isoforms are considered to act as redundant entities in physiological and pathological settings. However, there is compelling evidence that mutant variants of RAS and BRAF have different oncogenic potentials and therapeutic outcomes. In this review we describe similarities and differences between various RAS and BRAF oncogenes in CRC development, histology, and therapy resistance. In addition, we discuss the potential of patient-derived tumor organoids for personalized therapy, as well as CRC modeling using genome editing in preclinical model systems to study similarities and discrepancies between the effects of oncogenic MAPK pathway mutations on tumor growth and drug response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin B Post
- Molecular Cancer Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht and Utrecht University, CX Utrecht, The Netherlands; Oncode Institute Netherlands, Office Jaarbeurs Innovation Mile, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jeanine M L Roodhart
- Department of Medical Oncology, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Oncode Institute Netherlands, Office Jaarbeurs Innovation Mile, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hugo J G Snippert
- Molecular Cancer Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht and Utrecht University, CX Utrecht, The Netherlands; Oncode Institute Netherlands, Office Jaarbeurs Innovation Mile, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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37
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Commisso C. The pervasiveness of macropinocytosis in oncological malignancies. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2020; 374:20180153. [PMID: 30967003 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2018.0153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In tumour cells, macropinocytosis functions as an amino acid supply route and supports cancer cell survival and proliferation. Initially demonstrated in oncogenic KRAS-driven models of pancreatic cancer, macropinocytosis triggers the internalization of extracellular proteins via discrete endocytic vesicles called macropinosomes. The incoming protein cargo is targeted for lysosome-dependent degradation, causing the intracellular release of amino acids. These protein-derived amino acids support metabolic fitness by contributing to the intracellular amino acid pools, as well as to the biosynthesis of central carbon metabolites. In this way, macropinocytosis represents a novel amino acid supply route that tumour cells use to survive the nutrient-poor conditions of the tumour microenvironment. Macropinocytosis has also emerged as an entry mechanism for a variety of nanomedicines, suggesting that macropinocytosis regulation in the tumour setting can be harnessed for the delivery of anti-cancer therapeutics. A slew of recent studies point to the possibility that macropinocytosis is a pervasive feature of many different tumour types. In this review, we focus on the role of this important uptake mechanism in a variety of cancers and highlight the main molecular drivers of macropinocytosis in these malignancies. This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue 'Macropinocytosis'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosimo Commisso
- Tumor Initiation and Maintenance Program, NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute , La Jolla, CA 92037 , USA
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38
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Pancreatic cancer (PC) is highly aggressive with multiple oncogenic mutations. The efficacy of current chemotherapy is poor, and new therapeutic targets are needed. The forkhead box (FOX) proteins are multidirectional transcriptional factors strongly implicated in malignancies. Their expression is consistently suppressed by several oncogenic pathways such as PI3K/AKT signaling activated in PC. A recent study showed that class IIa histone deacetylases (HDAC) can act as a transcriptional suppressor. In this study, we hypothesized that HDAC class IIa inhibition would upregulate FOXO3a expression, thereby inducing its transcription-dependent antitumor effects. METHODS We confirmed the change of FOXO3a expression and the effect of the cell growth inhibition by HDAC class IIa inhibition in AsPC-1 cells. Because FOXO3a is subject to ubiquitylation-mediated proteasome degradation, we examined the synergistic activation of FOXO3a by HDAC class IIa selective inhibitor TMP269 combined with proteasome inhibitor carfilzomib. RESULTS We observed that TMP269 induced FOXO3a expression in a dose-dependent manner and inhibited cell growth in AsPC-1 cells. G1/S arrest was observed. FOXO3a expression was further increased and cell growth inhibition was dramatically enhanced by TMP269 combined with carfilzomib. CONCLUSIONS Dual inhibition of class IIa HDACs and proteasome could be a promising new strategy for modifying FOXO3a activity against PC.
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39
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Bowers JS, Bailey SR, Rubinstein MP, Paulos CM, Camp ER. Genomics meets immunity in pancreatic cancer: Current research and future directions for pancreatic adenocarcinoma immunotherapy. Oncol Rev 2019; 13:430. [PMID: 31456872 PMCID: PMC6686121 DOI: 10.4081/oncol.2019.430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a formidable disease that needs improved therapeutic strategies. Even though immunotherapy has revolutionized treatment for various solid tumor types, it remains largely ineffective in treating individuals with PDAC. This review describes how the application of genome-wide analysis is revitalizing the field of PDAC immunotherapy. Major themes include new insights into the body’s immune response to the cancer, and key immunosuppressive elements that blunt that antitumor immunity. In particular, new evidence indicates that T cell-based antitumor immunity against PDAC is more common, and more easily generated, than previously thought. However, equally common are an array of cellular and molecular defenses employed by the tumor against those T cells. These discoveries have changed how current immunotherapies are deployed and have directed development of novel strategies to better treat this disease. Thus, the impact of genomic analysis has been two-fold: both in demonstrating the heterogeneity of immune targets and defenses in this disease, as well as providing a powerful tool for designing and identifying personalized therapies that exploit each tumor’s unique phenotype. Such personalized treatment combinations may be the key to developing successful immunotherapies for pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob S Bowers
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina.,Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina
| | - Stefanie R Bailey
- Cellular Immunotherapy Program, Massachusetts General Hospital.,Harvard Medical School
| | - Mark P Rubinstein
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina.,Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina
| | - Chrystal M Paulos
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina.,Department of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina
| | - E Ramsay Camp
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina.,Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina.,Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, South Carolina, USA
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40
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The cyclical hit model: how paligenosis might establish the mutational landscape in Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma. Curr Opin Gastroenterol 2019; 35:363-370. [PMID: 31021922 DOI: 10.1097/mog.0000000000000540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW In this review, we explore a paligenosis-based model to explain Barrett's esophagus development and progression: 'the cyclical hit model.' RECENT FINDINGS Genomic analyses have highlighted the high mutational burden of esophageal adenocarcinoma, Barrett's esophagus, and even normal esophageal epithelium. Somatic mutations in key genes including TP53 occur early in the neoplastic progression sequence of Barrett's esophagus, whereas chromosomal amplification resulting in oncogene activation occurs as a critical late event. Paligenosis is a shared injury response mechanism characterized by activation of autophagy, expression of progenitor markers, and increased mTORC signaling-induced cell-cycle reentry. In the setting of chronic injury/inflammation, cycles of paligenosis may allow accumulation of mutations until eventually the mutational burden, in concert perhaps with mutations in key driver oncogenes, finally alters the cell's ability to redifferentiate, leading to the emergence of a potential neoplastic clone. SUMMARY Under conditions of chronic gastroesophageal refluxate exposure, the normal esophageal squamous epithelium might undergo multiple cycles of paligenosis, allowing initially silent mutations to accumulate until key events impart mutant clones with an oncogenic survival advantage.
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41
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Gutierrez E, Cahatol I, Bailey CAR, Lafargue A, Zhang N, Song Y, Tian H, Zhang Y, Chan R, Gu K, Zhang ACC, Tang J, Liu C, Connis N, Dennis P, Zhang C. Regulation of RhoB Gene Expression during Tumorigenesis and Aging Process and Its Potential Applications in These Processes. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11060818. [PMID: 31200451 PMCID: PMC6627600 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11060818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 06/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
RhoB, a member of the Ras homolog gene family and GTPase, regulates intracellular signaling pathways by interfacing with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), Ras, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt to modulate responses in cellular structure and function. Notably, the EGFR, Ras, and PI3K/Akt pathways can lead to downregulation of RhoB, while simultaneously being associated with an increased propensity for tumorigenesis. Functionally, RhoB, part of the Rho GTPase family, regulates intracellular signaling pathways by interfacing with EGFR, RAS, and PI3K/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and MYC pathways to modulate responses in cellular structure and function. Notably, the EGFR, Ras, and PI3K/Akt pathways can lead to downregulation of RhoB, while simultaneously being associated with an increased propensity for tumorigenesis. RHOB expression has a complex regulatory backdrop consisting of multiple histone deacetyltransferase (HDACs 1 and 6) and microRNA (miR-19a, -21, and -223)-mediated mechanisms of modifying expression. The interwoven nature of RhoB’s regulatory impact and cellular roles in regulating intracellular vesicle trafficking, cell motion, and the cell cycle lays the foundation for analyzing the link between loss of RhoB and tumorigenesis within the context of age-related decline in RhoB. RhoB appears to play a tissue-specific role in tumorigenesis, as such, uncovering and appreciating the potential for restoration of RHOB expression as a mechanism for cancer prevention or therapeutics serves as a practical application. An in-depth assessment of RhoB will serve as a springboard for investigating and characterizing this key component of numerous intracellular messaging and regulatory pathways that may hold the connection between aging and tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eutiquio Gutierrez
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E 2nd Street, Pomona, CA 91766, USA.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, 1000 W Carson Street, Torrance, CA 90509, USA.
| | - Ian Cahatol
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E 2nd Street, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
- Department of Graduate Medical Education, Community Memorial Health System, 147 N Brent Street, Ventura, CA 93003, USA
| | - Cedric A R Bailey
- College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E 2nd Street, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, 509 S Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Audrey Lafargue
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1550 Orleans Street, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Naming Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 733 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ying Song
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 733 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Hongwei Tian
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 733 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Yizhi Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 733 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ryan Chan
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 733 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Kevin Gu
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 733 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Angel C C Zhang
- Division of Translational Radiation Sciences, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - James Tang
- Division of Translational Radiation Sciences, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Chunshui Liu
- Division of Translational Radiation Sciences, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Nick Connis
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 733 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Phillip Dennis
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 733 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Chunyu Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 733 N Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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Wu SZ, Xu HC, Wu XL, Liu P, Shi YC, Pang P, Deng L, Zhou GX, Chen XY. Dihydrosanguinarine suppresses pancreatic cancer cells via regulation of mut-p53/WT-p53 and the Ras/Raf/Mek/Erk pathway. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2019; 59:152895. [PMID: 30913453 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2019.152895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2019] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There have been some reports implicating the pharmacologic action of Dihydrosanguinarine (DHSA), but little research including the effects of it on cancer cells. PANC-1 cells have mutations in K-Ras and TP53, which respectively express mutant K-Ras and p53 protein, and the mutations in Ras/p53 have been believed with closely relationship to the occurrence of various tumors. PURPOSE To reveal the inhibition of Dihydrosanguinarine on pancreatic cancer cells (PANC-1 and SW1990) proliferation by inducing G0/G1 and G2/M phase arrest via the downregulation of mut-p53 protein, inducing apoptosis and inhibiting invasiveness through the Ras/Mek/Erk signaling pathway. METHODS Human pancreatic cancer cell lines were cultured with cisplatin and DHSA. Then, cell proliferation, the cell cycle and apoptosis were measured by CCK-8 and flow cytometry. The migratory and invasive abilities of pancreatic cancer cells were evaluated by transwell assay. The expression levels of mRNA and protein were measured by RT-PCR and western blotting. RESULTS The results showed that DHSA treatment inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion in a time- and dose-dependent manner and led to induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. G0/G1 and G2/M phase arrest inhibited the viability of PANC-1 cells by downregulating the expression of mut-p53 protein. Decreased levels of C-Raf and Erk phosphorylation in DHSA-treated PANC-1 and SW1990 cells were observed in a time- and dose-dependent manner. However, the total expression of p53 and Ras proteins had a different change in PANC-1 and SW1990 cells. CONCLUSIONS Our findings offer the novel perspective that DHSA inhibits pancreatic cancer cells through a bidirectional regulation between mut-p53/-Ras and WT-p53/-Ras to restore the dynamic balance by Ras and p53 proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Zhi Wu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, No. 601, West Huang-pu Avenue, Guangzhou, Guangdong CN510632, China.
| | - Hua-Chong Xu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, No. 601, West Huang-pu Avenue, Guangzhou, Guangdong CN510632, China.
| | - Xian-Lin Wu
- Department of Pancreatic Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; Clinical Medicine Research Institute, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pei Liu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, No. 601, West Huang-pu Avenue, Guangzhou, Guangdong CN510632, China.
| | - Yu-Cong Shi
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, No. 601, West Huang-pu Avenue, Guangzhou, Guangdong CN510632, China.
| | - Peng Pang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, No. 601, West Huang-pu Avenue, Guangzhou, Guangdong CN510632, China.
| | - Li Deng
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, No. 601, West Huang-pu Avenue, Guangzhou, Guangdong CN510632, China
| | - Guang-Xiong Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Xiao-Yin Chen
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, No. 601, West Huang-pu Avenue, Guangzhou, Guangdong CN510632, China.
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Coura BP, Bernardes VF, de Sousa SF, França JA, Pereira NB, Pontes HAR, Batista AC, da Cruz Perez DE, Albuquerque Junior RLCD, de Souza LB, Martins MD, Diniz MG, Gomez RS, Gomes CC. KRAS mutations drive adenomatoid odontogenic tumor and are independent of clinicopathological features. Mod Pathol 2019; 32:799-806. [PMID: 30643167 DOI: 10.1038/s41379-018-0194-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Revised: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor is a benign encapsulated epithelial odontogenic tumor that shows an indolent clinical behavior. We have reported in a few adenomatoid odontogenic tumors mutations in KRAS, which is a proto-oncogene frequently mutated in cancer such as lung, pancreas, and colorectal adenocarcinomas. We aimed to assess KRAS mutations in the hotspot codons 12, 13, and 61 in a large cohort of adenomatoid odontogenic tumors and to test the association of these mutations with clinical (age, site, tumor size, follicular/extrafollicular subtypes) and histopathological parameters. Thirty eight central cases were studied. KRAS codon 12 mutations were assessed by TaqMan allele-specific qPCR (p.G12V/R) and/or Sanger sequencing, and codon 13 and 61 mutations were screened by Sanger. Histological tumor capsule thickness was evaluated by morphometric analysis. Additionally, the phosphorylated form of the MAPK downstream effector ERK1/2 was investigated. Statistical analysis was carried out to test the association of KRAS mutations with clinicopathological parameters. KRAS c.35 G >T mutation, leading to p.G12V, was detected in 15 cases. A novel mutation in adenomatoid odontogenic tumor, c.34 G >C, leading to p.G12R, was detected in 12 cases and the other 11 were wild-type. Codon 12 mutations were not associated with the clinicopathological parameters tested. RAS mutations are known to activate the MAPK pathway, and we show that adenomatoid odontogenic tumors express phosphorylated ERK1/2. In conclusion, a high proportion of adenomatoid odontogenic tumors (27/38, 71%) have KRAS codon 12 mutations, which occur independently of the clinicopathological features evaluated. Collectively, these findings indicate that KRAS mutations and MAPK pathway activation are the common features of this tumor and some cancer types. Although it is unclear why different codon 12 alleles occur in different disease contexts and the complex interactions between tumor genotype and phenotype need clarification, on the basis of our results the presence of KRAS p.G12V/R favors the adenomatoid odontogenic tumor diagnosis in challenging oral neoplasm cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Pizziolo Coura
- Department of Pathology, Biological Sciences Institute, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Fátima Bernardes
- Department of Pathology, Biological Sciences Institute, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Sílvia Ferreira de Sousa
- Department of Oral Surgery and Pathology, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Josiane Alves França
- Department of Pathology, Biological Sciences Institute, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Núbia Braga Pereira
- Department of Pathology, Biological Sciences Institute, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Hélder Antônio Rebelo Pontes
- Service of Oral Pathology, João de Barros Barreto University Hospital, Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA), Belém, Brazil
| | - Aline Carvalho Batista
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Goiás (UFG), Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Danyel Elias da Cruz Perez
- Department of Clinical and Preventive Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife, Brazil
| | | | - Lélia Batista de Souza
- Department of Dentistry, Service of Oral Pathology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal, Brazil
| | - Manoela Domingues Martins
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Marina Gonçalves Diniz
- Department of Oral Surgery and Pathology, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Santiago Gomez
- Department of Oral Surgery and Pathology, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Carolina Cavalieri Gomes
- Department of Pathology, Biological Sciences Institute, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
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Wood LD, Yurgelun MB, Goggins MG. Genetics of Familial and Sporadic Pancreatic Cancer. Gastroenterology 2019; 156:2041-2055. [PMID: 30660730 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2018.12.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In the previous decade, comprehensive genomic analyses have yielded important insights about the genetic alterations that underlie pancreatic tumorigenesis. Whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas have confirmed the critical driver genes altered in the majority of pancreatic cancers, as well as identified numerous less frequently altered driver genes, and have delineated cancer subgroups with unique biological and clinical features. It is now appreciated that pancreatic susceptibility gene alterations are often identified in patients with pancreatic cancer without family histories suggestive of a familial cancer syndrome, prompting recent efforts to expand gene testing to all patients with pancreatic cancer. Studies of pancreatic cancer precursor lesions have begun to elucidate the evolutionary history of pancreatic tumorigenesis and to help us understand the utility of biomarkers for early detection and targets to develop new therapeutic strategies. In this review, we discuss the results of comprehensive genomic characterization of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and its precursor lesions, and we highlight translational applications in early detection and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura D Wood
- Department of Pathology, Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Department of Oncology, Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
| | - Matthew B Yurgelun
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
| | - Michael G Goggins
- Department of Pathology, Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Department of Oncology, Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Department of Medicine, Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
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Abstract
Cancers that appear morphologically similar often have dramatically different clinical features, respond variably to therapy and have a range of outcomes. Compelling evidence now demonstrates that differences in the molecular pathology of otherwise indistinguishable cancers substantially impact the clinical characteristics of the disease. Molecular subtypes now guide preclinical and clinical therapeutic development and treatment in many cancer types. The ability to predict optimal therapeutic strategies ahead of treatment improves overall patient outcomes, minimizing treatment-related morbidity and cost. Although clinical decision making based on histopathological criteria underpinned by robust data is well established in many cancer types, subtypes of pancreatic cancer do not currently inform treatment decisions. However, accumulating molecular data are defining subgroups in pancreatic cancer with distinct biology and potential subtype-specific therapeutic vulnerabilities, providing the opportunity to define a de novo clinically applicable molecular taxonomy. This Review summarizes current knowledge concerning the molecular subtyping of pancreatic cancer and explores future strategies for using a molecular taxonomy to guide therapeutic development and ultimately routine therapy with the overall goal of improving outcomes for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter Bailey
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - David K Chang
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
- West of Scotland Pancreatic Unit, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK
| | - Andrew V Biankin
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Glasgow, Scotland, UK.
- West of Scotland Pancreatic Unit, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK.
- South Western Sydney Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Liverpool, Australia.
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46
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Bailey KL, Carlson MA. Porcine Models of Pancreatic Cancer. Front Oncol 2019; 9:144. [PMID: 30915276 PMCID: PMC6423062 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer-related deaths in both men and women. The 5-year survival rate for metastatic pancreatic cancer is only 8%. There remains a need for improved early diagnosis and therapy for pancreatic cancer. Murine models are the current standard for preclinical study of pancreatic cancer. However, mice may not accurately reflect human biology because of a variety of differences between the two species. Remarkably, only 5-8% of anti-cancer drugs that have emerged from preclinical studies and entered clinical studies have ultimately been approved for clinical use. The cause of this poor approval rate is multi-factorial, but may in part be due to use of murine models that have limited accuracy with respect to human disease. Murine models also have limited utility in the development of diagnostic or interventional technology that require a human-sized model. So, at present, there remains a need for improved animal models of pancreatic cancer. The rationale for a porcine model of pancreatic cancer is (i) to enable development of diagnostic/therapeutic devices for which murine models have limited utility; and (ii) to have a highly predictive preclinical model in which anti-cancer therapies can be tested and optimized prior to a clinical trial. Recently, pancreatic tumors were induced in transgenic Oncopigs and porcine pancreatic ductal cells were transformed that contain oncogenic KRAS and p53-null mutations. Both techniques to induce pancreatic tumors in pigs are undergoing further refinement and expansion. The Oncopig currently is commercially available, and it is conceivable that other porcine models of pancreatic cancer may be available for general use in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie L. Bailey
- Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Mark A. Carlson
- Department of Surgery and Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States,Department of Surgery, VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE, United States,*Correspondence: Mark A. Carlson
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Li C, Morvaridi S, Lam G, Chheda C, Kamata Y, Katsumata M, Edderkaoui M, Yuan X, Nissen N, Pandol SJ, Wang Q. MSP-RON Signaling Is Activated in the Transition From Pancreatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia (PanIN) to Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Front Physiol 2019; 10:147. [PMID: 30863319 PMCID: PMC6399467 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is among the deadliest epithelial malignancies and remains difficult to treat. Pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasias (PanINs) represent the majority of the pre-cancer lesions in the pancreas. The PDAC microenvironment consists of activated pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) and immune cells, which are thought to contribute to neoplastic transformation. However, the signaling events involved in driving the transition from the neoplastic precursor to the more advanced and aggressive forms in the pancreas are not well understood. Recepteur d’Origine Nantais (RON) is a c-MET family receptor tyrosine kinase that is implicated in playing a role in cell proliferation, migration and other aspects of tumorigenesis. Macrophage stimulating protein (MSP) is the ligand for RON and becomes activated upon proteolytic cleavage by matriptase (also known as ST14), a type II transmembrane serine protease. In the current study, by immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis of human pancreatic tissues, we found that the expression levels MSP and matriptase are drastically increased during the transition from the preneoplastic PanIN stages to the more advanced and aggressive PDAC. Moreover, RON is highly expressed in both PDAC and in cancer-associated stellate cells. In contrast, MSP, RON, and matriptase are expressed at low levels, if any, in normal pancreas. Our study underscores an emerging role of MSP-RON autocrine and paracrine signaling events in driving malignant progression in the pancreas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ce Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Susan Morvaridi
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Gloria Lam
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Chintan Chheda
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Yoshiko Kamata
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Makoto Katsumata
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Mouad Edderkaoui
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Xiaopu Yuan
- Department of Pathology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Nicholas Nissen
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Stephen J Pandol
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Qiang Wang
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Post JB, Hami N, Mertens AEE, Elfrink S, Bos JL, Snippert HJG. CRISPR-induced RASGAP deficiencies in colorectal cancer organoids reveal that only loss of NF1 promotes resistance to EGFR inhibition. Oncotarget 2019; 10:1440-1457. [PMID: 30858928 PMCID: PMC6402720 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.26677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-EGFR therapy is used to treat metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, for which initial response rates of 10-20% have been achieved. Although the presence of HER2 amplifications and oncogenic mutations in KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF are associated with EGFR-targeted therapy resistance, for a large population of CRC patients the underlying mechanism of RAS-MEK-ERK hyperactivation is not clear. Loss-of-function mutations in RASGAPs are often speculated in literature to promote CRC growth as being negative regulators of RAS, but direct experimental evidence is lacking. We generated a CRISPR-mediated knock out panel of all RASGAPs in patient-derived CRC organoids and found that only loss of NF1, but no other RASGAPs e.g. RASA1, results in enhanced RAS-ERK signal amplification and improved tolerance towards limited EGF stimulation. Our data suggests that NF1-deficient CRCs are likely not responsive to anti-EGFR monotherapy and can potentially function as a biomarker for CRC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin B Post
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Section Molecular Cancer Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Oncode Netherlands, Institute Netherlands, Office Jaarbeurs Innovation Mile, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Nizar Hami
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Section Molecular Cancer Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Oncode Netherlands, Institute Netherlands, Office Jaarbeurs Innovation Mile, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander E E Mertens
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Section Molecular Cancer Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Oncode Netherlands, Institute Netherlands, Office Jaarbeurs Innovation Mile, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Suraya Elfrink
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Section Molecular Cancer Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Oncode Netherlands, Institute Netherlands, Office Jaarbeurs Innovation Mile, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes L Bos
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Section Molecular Cancer Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Oncode Netherlands, Institute Netherlands, Office Jaarbeurs Innovation Mile, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hugo J G Snippert
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Section Molecular Cancer Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Oncode Netherlands, Institute Netherlands, Office Jaarbeurs Innovation Mile, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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49
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Green MR, Sambrook J. Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Cold Spring Harb Protoc 2019; 2019:2019/2/pdb.prot095182. [PMID: 30710024 DOI: 10.1101/pdb.prot095182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is used in situations in which it is necessary to increase the sensitivity and/or specificity of PCR, for example, when amplifying a particular member of a polymorphic gene family or when amplifying a cDNA copy of an mRNA present at very low abundance in a clinical specimen containing a heterogeneous population of cell types. Nested PCR usually involves two sequential amplification reactions, each of which uses a different pair of primers. The product of the first amplification reaction is used as the template for the second PCR, which is primed by oligonucleotides that are placed internal to the first primer pair. The use of two pairs of oligonucleotides allows a higher number of cycles to be performed, thereby increasing the sensitivity of the PCR. The improved specificity of the reaction derives from the binding of two separate sets of primers to the same target template. Nested PCR is an efficient method to amplify segments of long templates but requires knowledge of the sequence of the target.
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50
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Foo CHJ, Pervaiz S. gRASping the redox lever to modulate cancer cell fate signaling. Redox Biol 2019; 25:101094. [PMID: 30638892 PMCID: PMC6859584 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2018.101094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 12/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
RAS proteins are critical regulators of signaling networks controlling diverse cellular functions such as cell proliferation and survival and its mutation are among the most powerful oncogenic drivers in human cancers. Despite intense efforts, direct RAS-targeting strategies remain elusive due to its "undruggable" nature. To that end, bulk of the research efforts has been directed towards targeting upstream and/or downstream of RAS signaling. However, the therapeutic efficacies of these treatments are limited in the long run due to the acquired drug resistance in RAS-driven cancers. Interestingly, recent studies have uncovered a potential role of RAS in redox-regulation as well as the interplay between ROS and RAS-associated signaling networks during process of cancer initiation and progression. More specifically, these studies provide ample evidence to implicate RAS as a redox-rheostat, manipulating ROS levels to provide a redox-milieu conducive for carcinogenesis. Importantly, the understanding of RAS-ROS interplay could provide us with novel targetable vulnerabilities for designing therapeutic strategies. In this review, we provide a brief summary of the advances in the field to illustrate the dual role of RAS in redox-regulation and its implications in RAS signaling outcomes and also emerging redox-based strategies to target RAS-driven cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Han Jonathan Foo
- Department of Physiology, YLL School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore; NUS Graduate School of Integrative Sciences and Engineering, NUS, Singapore
| | - Shazib Pervaiz
- Department of Physiology, YLL School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore; Medical Science Cluster Cancer Program, YLL School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore; NUS Graduate School of Integrative Sciences and Engineering, NUS, Singapore; National University Cancer Institute, NUHS, Singapore.
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