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Che PP, Gregori A, Bergonzini C, Ali M, Mantini G, Schmidt T, Finamore F, Rodrigues SMF, Frampton AE, McDonnell LA, Danen EH, Slotman BJ, Sminia P, Giovannetti E. Differential Sensitivity to Ionizing Radiation in Gemcitabine-Resistant and Paclitaxel-Resistant Pancreatic Cancer Cells. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2024; 118:1328-1343. [PMID: 37914140 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.10.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Chemoresistance remains a major challenge in treating pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Although chemoradiation has proven effective in other tumor types, such as head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, its role in PDAC and effect on acquired chemoresistance have yet to be fully explored. In this study, we investigated the sensitivity of gemcitabine-resistant (GR) and paclitaxel-resistant (PR) PDAC cells to ionizing radiation (IR) and their underlying mechanisms. METHODS AND MATERIALS GR and PR clones were generated from PANC-1, PATU-T, and SUIT2-007 pancreatic cancer cell lines. Cell survival after radiation was assessed using clonogenic assay, sulforhodamine B assay, apoptosis, and spheroid growth by bioluminescence. Radiation-induced DNA damage was assessed using Western blot, extra-long polymerase chain reaction, reactive oxygen species production, and immunofluorescence. Autophagy and modulation of the Hippo signaling pathway were investigated using proteomics, Western blot, immunofluorescence, and reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS In both 2- and 3-dimensional settings, PR cells were more sensitive to IR and showed decreased β-globin amplification, indicating more DNA damage accumulation compared with GR or wild-type cells after 24 hours. Proteomic analysis of PR PATU-T cells revealed that the protein MST4, a kinase involved in autophagy and the Hippo signaling pathway, was highly downregulated. A differential association was found between autophagy and radiation treatment depending on the cell model. Interestingly, increased yes-associated protein nuclear localization and downstream Hippo signaling pathway target gene expression were observed in response to IR. CONCLUSIONS This was the first study investigating the potential of IR in targeting PDAC cells with acquired chemoresistance. Our results demonstrate that PR cells exhibit enhanced sensitivity to IR due to greater accumulation of DNA damage. Additionally, depending on the specific cellular context, radiation-induced modulation of autophagy and the Hippo signaling pathway emerged as potential underlying mechanisms, findings with potential to inform personalized treatment strategies for patients with acquired chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Pei Che
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Cancer Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alessandro Gregori
- Cancer Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Physics of Life Processes, Huygens-Kamerlingh Onnes Laboratory, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Cecilia Bergonzini
- Leiden Academic Center for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Mahsoem Ali
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Surgery, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Imaging and Biomarkers, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Giulia Mantini
- Cancer Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Fondazione Pisana per La Scienza, San Giuliano Terme, Italy
| | - Thomas Schmidt
- Physics of Life Processes, Huygens-Kamerlingh Onnes Laboratory, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Stephanie M Fraga Rodrigues
- Cancer Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Adam E Frampton
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Surrey, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | | | - Erik H Danen
- Leiden Academic Center for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ben J Slotman
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Sminia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Cancer Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Cancer Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Fondazione Pisana per La Scienza, San Giuliano Terme, Italy.
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Stefanoudakis D, Frountzas M, Schizas D, Michalopoulos NV, Drakaki A, Toutouzas KG. Significance of TP53, CDKN2A, SMAD4 and KRAS in Pancreatic Cancer. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:2827-2844. [PMID: 38666907 PMCID: PMC11049225 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46040177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The present review demonstrates the major tumor suppressor genes, including TP53, CDKN2A and SMAD4, associated with pancreatic cancer. Each gene's role, prevalence and impact on tumor development and progression are analyzed, focusing on the intricate molecular landscape of pancreatic cancer. In addition, this review underscores the prognostic significance of specific mutations, such as loss of TP53, and explores some potential targeted therapies tailored to these molecular signatures. The findings highlight the importance of genomic analyses for risk assessment, early detection and the design of personalized treatment approaches in pancreatic cancer. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of the molecular intricacies of pancreatic tumors, paving the way for more effective and tailored therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Stefanoudakis
- First Propaedeutic Department of Surgery, Hippocration General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (D.S.); (N.V.M.)
| | - Maximos Frountzas
- First Propaedeutic Department of Surgery, Hippocration General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (D.S.); (N.V.M.)
| | - Dimitrios Schizas
- First Department of Surgery, Laikon General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Nikolaos V. Michalopoulos
- First Propaedeutic Department of Surgery, Hippocration General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (D.S.); (N.V.M.)
| | - Alexandra Drakaki
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Konstantinos G. Toutouzas
- First Propaedeutic Department of Surgery, Hippocration General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (D.S.); (N.V.M.)
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3
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Hasselluhn MC, Schlösser D, Versemann L, Schmidt GE, Ulisse M, Oschwald J, Zhang Z, Hamdan F, Xiao H, Kopp W, Spitalieri J, Kellner C, Schneider C, Reutlinger K, Nagarajan S, Steuber B, Sastra SA, Palermo CF, Appelhans J, Bohnenberger H, Todorovic J, Kostyuchek I, Ströbel P, Bockelmann A, König A, Ammer-Herrmenau C, Schmidleitner L, Kaulfuß S, Wollnik B, Hahn SA, Neesse A, Singh SK, Bastians H, Reichert M, Sax U, Olive KP, Johnsen SA, Schneider G, Ellenrieder V, Hessmann E. An NFATc1/SMAD3/cJUN Complex Restricted to SMAD4-Deficient Pancreatic Cancer Guides Rational Therapies. Gastroenterology 2024; 166:298-312.e14. [PMID: 37913894 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2023.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The highly heterogeneous cellular and molecular makeup of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) not only fosters exceptionally aggressive tumor biology, but contradicts the current concept of one-size-fits-all therapeutic strategies to combat PDAC. Therefore, we aimed to exploit the tumor biological implication and therapeutic vulnerabilities of a clinically relevant molecular PDAC subgroup characterized by SMAD4 deficiency and high expression of the nuclear factor of activated T cells (SMAD4-/-/NFATc1High). METHODS Transcriptomic and clinical data were analyzed to determine the prognostic relevance of SMAD4-/-/NFATc1High cancers. In vitro and in vivo oncogenic transcription factor complex formation was studied by immunoprecipitation, proximity ligation assays, and validated cross model and species. The impact of SMAD4 status on therapeutically targeting canonical KRAS signaling was mechanistically deciphered and corroborated by genome-wide gene expression analysis and genetic perturbation experiments, respectively. Validation of a novel tailored therapeutic option was conducted in patient-derived organoids and cells and transgenic as well as orthotopic PDAC models. RESULTS Our findings determined the tumor biology of an aggressive and chemotherapy-resistant SMAD4-/-/NFATc1High subgroup. Mechanistically, we identify SMAD4 deficiency as a molecular prerequisite for the formation of an oncogenic NFATc1/SMAD3/cJUN transcription factor complex, which drives the expression of RRM1/2. RRM1/2 replenishes nucleoside pools that directly compete with metabolized gemcitabine for DNA strand incorporation. Disassembly of the NFATc1/SMAD3/cJUN complex by mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling inhibition normalizes RRM1/2 expression and synergizes with gemcitabine treatment in vivo to reduce the proliferative index. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that PDAC characterized by SMAD4 deficiency and oncogenic NFATc1/SMAD3/cJUN complex formation exposes sensitivity to a mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling inhibition and gemcitabine combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie C Hasselluhn
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Denise Schlösser
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Lennart Versemann
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Geske E Schmidt
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Clinical Research Unit KFO5002, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Maria Ulisse
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Clinical Research Unit KFO5002, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Joana Oschwald
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Clinical Research Unit KFO5002, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Clinical Research Unit KFO5002, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Feda Hamdan
- Gene Regulatory Mechanisms and Molecular Epigenetics Laboratory, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Harry Xiao
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Waltraut Kopp
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Clinical Research Unit KFO5002, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Jessica Spitalieri
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Clinical Research Unit KFO5002, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Christin Kellner
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Clinical Research Unit KFO5002, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Carolin Schneider
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Kristina Reutlinger
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Sankari Nagarajan
- Manchester Breast Centre and Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Division of Molecular and Cellular Function, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin Steuber
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Stephen A Sastra
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Carmine F Palermo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Jennifer Appelhans
- Clinical Research Unit KFO5002, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Hanibal Bohnenberger
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Jovan Todorovic
- Clinical Research Unit KFO5002, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Irina Kostyuchek
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Philipp Ströbel
- Clinical Research Unit KFO5002, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Aiko Bockelmann
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Alexander König
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Christoph Ammer-Herrmenau
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Clinical Research Unit KFO5002, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Laura Schmidleitner
- Medical Clinic and Polyclinic II, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany; Translational Pancreatic Research Cancer Center, Medical Clinic and Polyclinic II, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Silke Kaulfuß
- Clinical Research Unit KFO5002, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Bernd Wollnik
- Clinical Research Unit KFO5002, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Cluster of Excellence Multiscale Bioimaging: from Molecular Machines to Networks of Excitable Cells, University of Goettingen, Germany
| | - Stephan A Hahn
- Ruhr University Bochum, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Molecular Gastrointestinal Oncology, Bochum, Germany
| | - Albrecht Neesse
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Clinical Research Unit KFO5002, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Shiv K Singh
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Clinical Research Unit KFO5002, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Holger Bastians
- Clinical Research Unit KFO5002, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Department of Molecular Oncology, Section for Cellular Oncology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Maximilian Reichert
- Medical Clinic and Polyclinic II, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany; Translational Pancreatic Research Cancer Center, Medical Clinic and Polyclinic II, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (a partnership between Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum and University Hospital Klinikum Rechts der Isar), Munich, Germany; Center for Protein Assemblies, Technical University of Munich, Garching, Germany; Center for Organoid Systems and Tissue Engineering, Technical University Munich, Garching, Germany
| | - Ulrich Sax
- Clinical Research Unit KFO5002, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Department of Medical Informatics, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Kenneth P Olive
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York; Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Steven A Johnsen
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Robert Bosch Center for Tumor Diseases, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Günter Schneider
- Clinical Research Unit KFO5002, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center, Lower Saxony, Goettingen and Hannover, Germany
| | - Volker Ellenrieder
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Clinical Research Unit KFO5002, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center, Lower Saxony, Goettingen and Hannover, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Hessmann
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Clinical Research Unit KFO5002, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center, Lower Saxony, Goettingen and Hannover, Germany.
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Agalakova NI. Chloroquine and Chemotherapeutic Compounds in Experimental Cancer Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:945. [PMID: 38256019 PMCID: PMC10815352 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020945] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Chloroquine (CQ) and its derivate hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), the compounds with recognized ability to suppress autophagy, have been tested in experimental works and in clinical trials as adjuvant therapy for the treatment of tumors of different origin to increase the efficacy of cytotoxic agents. Such a strategy can be effective in overcoming the resistance of cancer cells to standard chemotherapy or anti-angiogenic therapy. This review presents the results of the combined application of CQ/HCQ with conventional chemotherapy drugs (doxorubicin, paclitaxel, platinum-based compounds, gemcitabine, tyrosine kinases and PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors, and other agents) for the treatment of different malignancies obtained in experiments on cultured cancer cells, animal xenografts models, and in a few clinical trials. The effects of such an approach on the viability of cancer cells or tumor growth, as well as autophagy-dependent and -independent molecular mechanisms underlying cellular responses of cancer cells to CQ/HCQ, are summarized. Although the majority of experimental in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that CQ/HCQ can effectively sensitize cancer cells to cytotoxic agents and increase the potential of chemotherapy, the results of clinical trials are often inconsistent. Nevertheless, the pharmacological suppression of autophagy remains a promising tool for increasing the efficacy of standard chemotherapy, and the development of more specific inhibitors is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia I Agalakova
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 44 Thorez Avenue, Saint-Petersburg 194223, Russia
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5
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Zhang L, Luo L, Zheng Q, Wang W, Huang Z, Hu J, Chen Y. Emodin derivative E35 and its combination with autophagy inhibitor against acute myeloid leukemia cells in vitro and in vivo. Exp Cell Res 2023; 432:113780. [PMID: 37742725 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2023.113780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive hematopoietic malignancy with poor prognosis and high recurrence rate. The discovery of more effective therapeutic strategies for AML plays a crucial role. The present work showed that E35, a novel derivative of emodin, significantly inhibited cell proliferation and induced autophagy and apoptosis in AML cells. Treatment with E35 markedly induced Beclin-1, LC3-II, cleaved Caspase-9 and PARP, and suppressed mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. E35 exposure evoked autophagic activity prior to apoptosis induction, and autophagy inhibition by 3-methyladenine (3-MA) dramatically increased E35-induced apoptosis in both AML cell lines and patient-derived AML cells. Nevertheless, study on AML xenograft model showed that the combination E35 with 3-MA exhibited much more inhibitory effects on leukemia cell growth in vivo. No obvious adverse reactions occurred in the xenograft animals administered E35 alone or its cotreatment with 3-MA. These findings suggest that E35 could exert anti-leukemia effects, and that the combination of E35 and autophagy inhibitor might prove a more highly efficient strategy for AML treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory on Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China; Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361011, China
| | - Liping Luo
- Department of Hematology, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory on Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Qiaoyun Zheng
- Department of Hematology, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory on Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Wenfeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecule Synthesis and Function Discovery (Fujian Province University), College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, 350108, China
| | - Zhongyang Huang
- Department of Hematology, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory on Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Jianda Hu
- Department of Hematology, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory on Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China.
| | - Yingyu Chen
- Department of Hematology, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory on Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China.
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de Jesus VHF, Mathias-Machado MC, de Farias JPF, Aruquipa MPS, Jácome AA, Peixoto RD. Targeting KRAS in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: The Long Road to Cure. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5015. [PMID: 37894382 PMCID: PMC10605759 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15205015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains an important cause of cancer-related mortality, and it is expected to play an even bigger part in cancer burden in the years to come. Despite concerted efforts from scientists and physicians, patients have experienced little improvement in survival over the past decades, possibly because of the non-specific nature of the tested treatment modalities. Recently, the discovery of potentially targetable molecular alterations has paved the way for the personalized treatment of PDAC. Indeed, the central piece in the molecular framework of PDAC is starting to be unveiled. KRAS mutations are seen in 90% of PDACs, and multiple studies have demonstrated their pivotal role in pancreatic carcinogenesis. Recent investigations have shed light on the differences in prognosis as well as therapeutic implications of the different KRAS mutations and disentangled the relationship between KRAS and effectors of downstream and parallel signaling pathways. Additionally, the recognition of other mechanisms involving KRAS-mediated pathogenesis, such as KRAS dosing and allelic imbalance, has contributed to broadening the current knowledge regarding this molecular alteration. Finally, KRAS G12C inhibitors have been recently tested in patients with pancreatic cancer with relative success, and inhibitors of KRAS harboring other mutations are under clinical development. These drugs currently represent a true hope for a meaningful leap forward in this dreadful disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Alexandre A. Jácome
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Oncoclínicas, Belo Horizonte 30360-680, Brazil
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7
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Masugi Y, Takamatsu M, Tanaka M, Hara K, Inoue Y, Hamada T, Suzuki T, Arita J, Hirose Y, Kawaguchi Y, Nakai Y, Oba A, Sasahira N, Shimane G, Takeda T, Tateishi K, Uemura S, Fujishiro M, Hasegawa K, Kitago M, Takahashi Y, Ushiku T, Takeuchi K, Sakamoto M. Post-operative mortality and recurrence patterns in pancreatic cancer according to KRAS mutation and CDKN2A, p53, and SMAD4 expression. J Pathol Clin Res 2023; 9:339-353. [PMID: 37291757 PMCID: PMC10397380 DOI: 10.1002/cjp2.323] [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: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Alterations in KRAS, CDKN2A (p16), TP53, and SMAD4 genes have been major drivers of pancreatic carcinogenesis. The clinical course of patients with pancreatic cancer in relation to these driver alterations has not been fully characterised in large populations. We hypothesised that pancreatic carcinomas with different combinations of KRAS mutation and aberrant expression of CDKN2A, p53, and SMAD4 might show distinctive recurrence patterns and post-operative survival outcomes. To test this hypothesis, we utilised a multi-institutional cohort of 1,146 resected pancreatic carcinomas and assessed KRAS mutations by droplet digital polymerase chain reaction and CDKN2A, p53, and SMAD4 expression by immunohistochemistry. Multivariable hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were computed according to each molecular alteration and the number of altered genes using the Cox regression models. Multivariable competing risks regression analyses were conducted to assess the associations of the number of altered genes with specific patterns of recurrence. Loss of SMAD4 expression was associated with short DFS (multivariable HR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.09-1.43) and OS times (multivariable HR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.10-1.46). Compared to cases with 0-2 altered genes, cases with three and four altered genes had multivariable HRs for OS of 1.28 (95% CI, 1.09-1.51) and 1.47 (95% CI, 1.22-1.78), respectively (ptrend < 0.001). Patients with an increasing number of altered genes were more likely to have short DFS time (ptrend = 0.003) and to develop liver metastasis (ptrend = 0.006) rather than recurrence at local or other distant sites. In conclusion, loss of SMAD4 expression and an increasing number of altered genes were associated with unfavourable outcomes in pancreatic cancer patients. This study suggests that the accumulation of the four major driver alterations can confer a high metastatic potential to the liver, thereby impairing post-operative survival among patients with pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohei Masugi
- Department of PathologyKeio University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
- Division of Diagnostic PathologyKeio University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Manabu Takamatsu
- Division of PathologyCancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer ResearchTokyoJapan
- Department of PathologyCancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer ResearchTokyoJapan
| | - Mariko Tanaka
- Department of Pathology, Graduate School of MedicineThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Kensuke Hara
- Department of PathologyKeio University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Yosuke Inoue
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic SurgeryCancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer ResearchTokyoJapan
| | - Tsuyoshi Hamada
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of MedicineThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
- Department of Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic MedicineCancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer ResearchTokyoJapan
| | - Tatsunori Suzuki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of MedicineThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Junichi Arita
- Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of MedicineThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
- Department of Gastroenterological SurgeryAkita University Graduate School of MedicineAkitaJapan
| | - Yuki Hirose
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic SurgeryCancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer ResearchTokyoJapan
| | - Yoshikuni Kawaguchi
- Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of MedicineThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Yousuke Nakai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of MedicineThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
- Department of Endoscopy and Endoscopic SurgeryThe University of Tokyo HospitalTokyoJapan
| | - Atsushi Oba
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic SurgeryCancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer ResearchTokyoJapan
| | - Naoki Sasahira
- Department of Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic MedicineCancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer ResearchTokyoJapan
| | - Gaku Shimane
- Department of SurgeryKeio University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Tsuyoshi Takeda
- Department of Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic MedicineCancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer ResearchTokyoJapan
| | - Keisuke Tateishi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of MedicineThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Sho Uemura
- Department of SurgeryKeio University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Mitsuhiro Fujishiro
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of MedicineThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Kiyoshi Hasegawa
- Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of MedicineThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Minoru Kitago
- Department of SurgeryKeio University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
| | - Yu Takahashi
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic SurgeryCancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer ResearchTokyoJapan
| | - Tetsuo Ushiku
- Department of Pathology, Graduate School of MedicineThe University of TokyoTokyoJapan
| | - Kengo Takeuchi
- Division of PathologyCancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer ResearchTokyoJapan
- Department of PathologyCancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer ResearchTokyoJapan
| | - Michiie Sakamoto
- Department of PathologyKeio University School of MedicineTokyoJapan
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8
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Jain V, Singh MP, Amaravadi RK. Recent advances in targeting autophagy in cancer. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2023; 44:290-302. [PMID: 36931971 PMCID: PMC10106406 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2023.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy is a cellular homeostasis mechanism that fuels the proliferation and survival of advanced cancers by degrading and recycling organelles and proteins. Preclinical studies have identified that within an established tumor, tumor cell autophagy and host cell autophagy conspire to support tumor growth. A growing body of evidence suggests that autophagy inhibition can augment the efficacy of chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy to enhance tumor shrinkage. First-generation autophagy inhibition trials in cancer using the lysosomal inhibitor hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) have produced mixed results but have guided the way for the development of more potent and specific autophagy inhibitors in clinical trials. In this review, we will discuss the role of autophagy in cancer, newly discovered molecular mechanisms of the autophagy pathway, the effects of autophagy modulation in cancer and host cells, and novel autophagy inhibitors that are entering clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaibhav Jain
- Abramson Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Mahendra Pal Singh
- Abramson Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ravi K Amaravadi
- Abramson Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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9
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Škubník J, Svobodová Pavlíčková V, Ruml T, Rimpelová S. Autophagy in cancer resistance to paclitaxel: Development of combination strategies. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 161:114458. [PMID: 36889112 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Paclitaxel, a compound naturally occurring in yew, is a commonly used drug for the treatment of different types of cancer. Unfortunately, frequent cancer cell resistance significantly decreases its anticancer effectivity. The main reason for the resistance development is the paclitaxel-induced phenomenon of cytoprotective autophagy occurring by different mechanisms of action in dependence on a cell type and possibly even leading to metastases. Paclitaxel also induces autophagy in cancer stem cells, which greatly contributes to tumor resistance development. Paclitaxel anticancer effectivity can be predicted by the presence of several autophagy-related molecular markers, such as tumor necrosis factor superfamily member 13 in triple-negative breast cancer or cystine/glutamate transporter encoded by the SLC7A11 gene in ovarian cancer. Nevertheless, the undesired effects of paclitaxel-induced autophagy can be eliminated by paclitaxel co-administration with autophagy inhibitors, such as chloroquine. Interestingly, in certain cases, it is worthy of potentiating autophagy by paclitaxel combination with autophagy inducers, for instance, apatinib. A modern strategy in anticancer research is also to encapsulate chemotherapeutics into nanoparticle carriers or develop their novel derivatives with improved anticancer properties. Hence, in this review article, we summarize not only the current knowledge of paclitaxel-induced autophagy and its role in cancer resistance but mainly the possible drug combinations based on paclitaxel and their administration in nanoparticle-based formulations as well as paclitaxel analogs with autophagy-modulating properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Škubník
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Technická 3, Prague 6 166 28, Czech Republic.
| | - Vladimíra Svobodová Pavlíčková
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Technická 3, Prague 6 166 28, Czech Republic.
| | - Tomáš Ruml
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Technická 3, Prague 6 166 28, Czech Republic.
| | - Silvie Rimpelová
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Technická 3, Prague 6 166 28, Czech Republic.
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10
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Dai CJ, Cao YT, Huang F, Wang YG. Multiple roles of mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 4 in tumorigenesis, stem cells, drug resistance, and cancer therapy. World J Stem Cells 2022; 14:41-53. [PMID: 35126827 PMCID: PMC8788178 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v14.i1.41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling pathway controls many cellular processes, including proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Abnormalities in the TGF-β signaling pathway and its components are closely related to the occurrence of many human diseases, including cancer. Mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 4 (Smad4), also known as deleted in pancreatic cancer locus 4, is a typical tumor suppressor candidate gene locating at q21.1 of human chromosome 18 and the common mediator of the TGF-β/Smad and bone morphogenetic protein/Smad signaling pathways. It is believed that Smad4 inactivation correlates with the development of tumors and stem cell fate decisions. Smad4 also interacts with cytokines, miRNAs, and other signaling pathways, jointly regulating cell behavior. However, the regulatory function of Smad4 in tumorigenesis, stem cells, and drug resistance is currently controversial. In addition, Smad4 represents an attractive therapeutic target for cancer. Elucidating the specific role of Smad4 is important for understanding the mechanism of tumorigenesis and cancer treatment. Here, we review the identification and characterization of Smad4, the canonical TGF-β/Smad pathway, as well as the multiple roles of Smad4 in tumorigenesis, stem cells, and drug resistance. Furthermore, we provide novel insights into the prospects of Smad4-targeted cancer therapy and the challenges that it will face in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan-Jing Dai
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yu-Ting Cao
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Fang Huang
- Department of Pathology, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital of Hangzhou Medical University, Hangzhou 310014, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yi-Gang Wang
- College of Life Sciences and Medicine, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, Zhejiang Province, China
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