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Ihlamur M, Akgul B, Zengin Y, Korkut ŞV, Kelleci K, Abamor EŞ. The mTOR Signaling Pathway and mTOR Inhibitors in Cancer: Next-generation Inhibitors and Approaches. Curr Mol Med 2024; 24:478-494. [PMID: 37165594 DOI: 10.2174/1566524023666230509161645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
mTOR is a serine/threonine kinase that plays various roles in cell growth, proliferation, and metabolism. mTOR signaling in cancer becomes irregular. Therefore, drugs targeting mTOR have been developed. Although mTOR inhibitors rapamycin and rapamycin rapalogs (everolimus, rapamycin, temsirolimus, deforolimus, etc.) and new generation mTOR inhibitors (Rapalink, Dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitors, etc.) are used in cancer treatments, mTOR resistance mechanisms may inhibit the efficacy of these drugs. Therefore, new inhibition approaches are developed. Although these new inhibition approaches have not been widely investigated in cancer treatment, the use of nanoparticles has been evaluated as a new treatment option in a few types of cancer. This review outlines the functions of mTOR in the cancer process, its resistance mechanisms, and the efficiency of mTOR inhibitors in cancer treatment. Furthermore, it discusses the next-generation mTOR inhibitors and inhibition strategies created using nanoparticles. Since mTOR resistance mechanisms prevent the effects of mTOR inhibitors used in cancer treatments, new inhibition strategies should be developed. Inhibition approaches are created using nanoparticles, and one of them offers a promising treatment option with evidence supporting its effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat Ihlamur
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Electronics and Automation, Biruni University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Busra Akgul
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Yağmur Zengin
- Biomedical Engineering Institute, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Bogazici University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Şenay Vural Korkut
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Kübra Kelleci
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Medical Services and Techniques, Beykoz University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Emrah Şefik Abamor
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering, Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Mir SA, Dar A, Alshehri SA, Wahab S, Hamid L, Almoyad MAA, Ali T, Bader GN. Exploring the mTOR Signalling Pathway and Its Inhibitory Scope in Cancer. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1004. [PMID: 37513916 PMCID: PMC10384750 DOI: 10.3390/ph16071004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a protein kinase that regulates cellular growth, development, survival, and metabolism through integration of diverse extracellular and intracellular stimuli. Additionally, mTOR is involved in interplay of signalling pathways that regulate apoptosis and autophagy. In cells, mTOR is assembled into two complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2. While mTORC1 is regulated by energy consumption, protein intake, mechanical stimuli, and growth factors, mTORC2 is regulated by insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). mTOR signalling pathways are considered the hallmark in cancer due to their dysregulation in approximately 70% of cancers. Through downstream regulators, ribosomal protein S6 kinase β-1 (S6K1) and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E binding protein 1 (4E-BP1), mTORC1 influences various anabolic and catabolic processes in the cell. In recent years, several mTOR inhibitors have been developed with the aim of treating different cancers. In this review, we will explore the current developments in the mTOR signalling pathway and its importance for being targeted by various inhibitors in anti-cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suhail Ahmad Mir
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar 190006, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Ashraf Dar
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar 190006, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Saad Ali Alshehri
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shadma Wahab
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia
| | - Laraibah Hamid
- Department of Zoology, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar 190006, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Mohammad Ali Abdullah Almoyad
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences in Khamis Mushyt, King Khalid University, Abha 61412, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tabasum Ali
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar 190006, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Ghulam Nabi Bader
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar 190006, Jammu and Kashmir, India
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El-Tanani M, Nsairat H, Aljabali AA, Serrano-Aroca-Angel Á, Mishra V, Mishra Y, Naikoo GA, Alshaer W, Tambuwala MM. Role of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling in oncogenesis. Life Sci 2023; 323:121662. [PMID: 37028545 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
The signalling system known as mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is believed to be required for several biological activities involving cell proliferation. The serine-threonine kinase identified as mTOR recognises PI3K-AKT stress signals. It is well established in the scientific literature that the deregulation of the mTOR pathway plays a crucial role in cancer growth and advancement. This review focuses on the normal functions of mTOR as well as its abnormal roles in cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed El-Tanani
- Pharmacological and Diagnostic Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman 19328, Jordan; Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, University of Bradford, Bradford, West Yorkshire BD7 1DP, United Kingdom.
| | - Hamdi Nsairat
- Pharmacological and Diagnostic Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman 19328, Jordan
| | - Alaa A Aljabali
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, Jordan.
| | - Ángel Serrano-Aroca-Angel
- Biomaterials and Bioengineering Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Traslacional San Alberto Magno, Universidad Católica de Valencia San Vicente Mártir, c/Guillem de Castro 94, 46001, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Vijay Mishra
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, 144411, Punjab, India
| | - Yachana Mishra
- School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, 144411, Punjab, India
| | - Gowhar A Naikoo
- Department of Mathematics and Sciences, College of Arts and Applied Sciences, Dhofar University, Salalah, PC 211, Oman.
| | - Walhan Alshaer
- Cell Therapy Center, the University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Murtaza M Tambuwala
- Lincoln Medical School, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool Campus, Lincoln LN6 7TS, United Kingdom.
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Zheng SY, Hu XM, Huang K, Li ZH, Chen QN, Yang RH, Xiong K. Proteomics as a tool to improve novel insights into skin diseases: what we know and where we should be going. Front Surg 2022; 9:1025557. [PMID: 36338621 PMCID: PMC9633964 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.1025557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Biochemical processes involved in complex skin diseases (skin cancers, psoriasis, and wound) can be identified by combining proteomics analysis and bioinformatics tools, which gain a next-level insight into their pathogenesis, diagnosis, and therapeutic targets. Methods Articles were identified through a search of PubMed, Embase, and MEDLINE references dated to May 2022, to perform system data mining, and a search of the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection was utilized to conduct a visual bibliometric analysis. Results An increased trend line revealed that the number of publications related to proteomics utilized in skin diseases has sharply increased recent years, reaching a peak in 2021. The hottest fields focused on are skin cancer (melanoma), inflammation skin disorder (psoriasis), and skin wounds. After deduplication and title, abstract, and full-text screening, a total of 486 of the 7,822 outcomes met the inclusion/exclusion criteria for detailed data mining in the field of skin disease tooling with proteomics, with regard to skin cancer. According to the data, cell death, metabolism, skeleton, immune, and inflammation enrichment pathways are likely the major part and hotspots of proteomic analysis found in skin diseases. Also, the focuses of proteomics in skin disease are from superficial presumption to depth mechanism exploration within more comprehensive validation, from basic study to a combination or guideline for clinical applications. Furthermore, we chose skin cancer as a typical example, compared with other skin disorders. In addition to finding key pathogenic proteins and differences between diseases, proteomic analysis is also used for therapeutic evaluation or can further obtain in-depth mechanisms in the field of skin diseases. Conclusion Proteomics has been regarded as an irreplaceable technology in the study of pathophysiological mechanism and/or therapeutic targets of skin diseases, which could provide candidate key proteins for the insight into the biological information after gene transcription. However, depth pathogenesis and potential clinical applications need further studies with stronger evidence within a wider range of skin diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-yuan Zheng
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xi-min Hu
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Kun Huang
- Clinical Medicine Eight-Year Program, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zi-han Li
- Clinical Medicine Eight-Year Program, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qing-ning Chen
- Clinical Medicine Eight-Year Program, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Rong-hua Yang
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of 173 Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Correspondence: Rong-hua Yang Kun Xiong
| | - Kun Xiong
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma, Ministry of Education, College of Emergency and Trauma, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Correspondence: Rong-hua Yang Kun Xiong
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Abstract
Melanoma is a relentless type of skin cancer which involves myriad signaling pathways which regulate many cellular processes. This makes melanoma difficult to treat, especially when identified late. At present, therapeutics include chemotherapy, surgical resection, biochemotherapy, immunotherapy, photodynamic and targeted approaches. These interventions are usually administered as either a single-drug or in combination, based on tumor location, stage, and patients' overall health condition. However, treatment efficacy generally decreases as patients develop treatment resistance. Genetic profiling of melanocytes and the discovery of novel molecular factors involved in the pathogenesis of melanoma have helped to identify new therapeutic targets. In this literature review, we examine several newly approved therapies, and briefly describe several therapies being assessed for melanoma. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of recent developments and to consider future directions in the field of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavan Kumar Dhanyamraju
- Department of Pediatrics and Pharmacology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
- Pavan Kumar Dhanyamraju, Department of Pediatrics and Pharmacology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA17033, USA. Tel: +1-6096474712, E-mail:
| | - Trupti N. Patel
- School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore Campus, Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632014, India
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Biguanides drugs: Past success stories and promising future for drug discovery. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 224:113726. [PMID: 34364161 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Biguanides have attracted much attention a century ago and showed resurgent interest in recent years after a long period of dormancy. They constitute an important class of therapeutic agents suitable for the treatment of a wide spectrum of diseases. Therapeutic indications of biguanides include antidiabetic, antimalarial, antiviral, antiplaque, and bactericidal applications. This review presents an extensive overview of the biological activity of biguanides and different mechanisms of action of currently marketed biguanide-containing drugs, as well as their pharmacological properties when applicable. We highlight the recent developments in research on biguanide compounds, with a primary focus on studies on metformin in the field of oncology. We aim to provide a critical overview of all main bioactive biguanide compounds and discuss future perspectives for the design of new drugs based on the biguanide fragment.
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Pópulo H, Domingues B, Sampaio C, Lopes JM, Soares P. Combinatorial Therapies to Overcome BRAF/MEK Inhibitors Resistance in Melanoma Cells: An in vitro Study. J Exp Pharmacol 2021; 13:521-535. [PMID: 34079392 PMCID: PMC8163970 DOI: 10.2147/jep.s297831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melanoma accounts for only 1% of all skin malignant tumors; however, it is the deadliest form of skin cancer. Since 2011, FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved several novel therapeutic strategies, such as MAPK pathway targeted therapies, to treat cutaneous melanoma patients. However, their improvements in overall survival were limited, due to the development of resistance. METHODS In this work, several combinations of therapies, including the metabolic modulator DCA, were tested in melanoma cell lines, considering that MAPK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways are deregulated and interconnected in melanoma and that the presence of the Warburg effect in melanoma cells may influence the response to therapy. The effect of the treatments was assessed in the proliferation and survival of melanoma cell lines with different genetic profiles. Also, the possibility to overcome resistance to the treatment with vemurafenib was tested. RESULTS In general, higher decrease in cell viability and cell proliferation and increase in apoptosis were obtained after the combination treatments, comparing with single treatments, in all the studied cell lines. The combination of cobimetinib and everolimus appear to be the best treatment option. The BRAFV600E -vemurafenib resistant melanoma cell line showed to retain sensitivity to both everolimus and DCA. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Our results suggest that the combination of MAPK pathway inhibitors with mTOR pathway inhibitors and DCA should be considered as therapeutic options to treat melanoma patients, as the combinations potentiated the effects of each drug alone. In a cell line resistant to vemurafenib, we verified that combined MAPK inhibitors with inhibition of mTOR pathway and/or DCA metabolism modulation might constitute possible strategies in order to overcome resistance to MAPK inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Pópulo
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, IPATIMUP, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology, Medical Faculty, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Beatriz Domingues
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, IPATIMUP, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina Sampaio
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, IPATIMUP, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - José Manuel Lopes
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, IPATIMUP, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology, Medical Faculty, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology, Hospital São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Soares
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, IPATIMUP, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology, Medical Faculty, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Ghosh M, Naik R, Lingaraju SM, Susheela SP, Patil S, Srinivasachar GK, Thungappa SC, Murugan K, Jayappa SB, Bhattacharjee S, Rao N, Bandimegal M, Krishnappa R, Poppareddy SH, Raghavendrachar KC, Shivakumar Y, Nagesh S, Kodandapani R, Rajan A, Bahadur U, Agrawal P, Ramaswamy V, Nanjaiah TB, Kunigal S, Katragadda S, Manjunath A, Ram A, Ajaikumar BS. Landscape of clinically actionable mutations in breast cancer 'A cohort study'. Transl Oncol 2021; 14:100877. [PMID: 33099186 PMCID: PMC7581976 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2020.100877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is a heterogeneous disease. Numerous chemotherapeutic agents are available for early stage or advanced/metastatic breast cancer to provide maximum benefit with minimum side effects. However, the clinical outcome of patients with the same clinical and pathological characteristics and treated with similar treatments may show major differences and a vast majority of patients still develop treatment resistance and eventually succumb to disease. It remains an unmet need to identify specific molecular defects, new biomarkers to enable clinicians to adopt individualized treatment for every patient in terms of endocrine, chemotherapy or targeted therapy which will improve clinical outcomes in BC. Our study aimed to identify frequent hotspot mutation profile in BC by targeted deep sequencing in cancer-related genes using Illumina Truseq amplicon/Swift Accel-Amplicon panel and MiSeq technology in an IRB-approved prospective study in a CLIA compliant laboratory. All the cases had pathology review for stage, histological type, hormonal status and Ki-67. Data was processed using Strand NGS™. Mutations identified in the tumor were assessed for 'actionability' i.e. response to therapy and impact on prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Radheshyam Naik
- HealthCare Global Enterprises Limited, Bangalore, Karnataka 560027, India
| | | | | | - Shekar Patil
- HealthCare Global Enterprises Limited, Bangalore, Karnataka 560027, India
| | | | | | - Krithika Murugan
- HealthCare Global Enterprises Limited, Bangalore, Karnataka 560027, India
| | | | | | - Nalini Rao
- HealthCare Global Enterprises Limited, Bangalore, Karnataka 560027, India
| | - Mahesh Bandimegal
- HealthCare Global Enterprises Limited, Bangalore, Karnataka 560027, India
| | - Roopesh Krishnappa
- HealthCare Global Enterprises Limited, Bangalore, Karnataka 560027, India
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Amritanshu Ram
- HealthCare Global Enterprises Limited, Bangalore, Karnataka 560027, India
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Carrié L, Virazels M, Dufau C, Montfort A, Levade T, Ségui B, Andrieu-Abadie N. New Insights into the Role of Sphingolipid Metabolism in Melanoma. Cells 2020; 9:E1967. [PMID: 32858889 PMCID: PMC7565650 DOI: 10.3390/cells9091967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma is a deadly skin cancer whose aggressiveness is directly linked to its metastatic potency. Despite remarkable breakthroughs in term of treatments with the emergence of targeted therapy and immunotherapy, the prognosis for metastatic patients remains uncertain mainly because of resistances. Better understanding the mechanisms responsible for melanoma progression is therefore essential to uncover new therapeutic targets. Interestingly, the sphingolipid metabolism is dysregulated in melanoma and is associated with melanoma progression and resistance to treatment. This review summarises the impact of the sphingolipid metabolism on melanoma from the initiation to metastatic dissemination with emphasis on melanoma plasticity, immune responses and resistance to treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorry Carrié
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse, Equipe Labellisée Fondation ARC, Université Fédérale de Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées, Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Inserm 1037, 2 avenue Hubert Curien, CS 53717, 31037 Toulouse CEDEX 1, France; (L.C.); (M.V.); (C.D.); (A.M.); (T.L.); (B.S.)
| | - Mathieu Virazels
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse, Equipe Labellisée Fondation ARC, Université Fédérale de Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées, Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Inserm 1037, 2 avenue Hubert Curien, CS 53717, 31037 Toulouse CEDEX 1, France; (L.C.); (M.V.); (C.D.); (A.M.); (T.L.); (B.S.)
| | - Carine Dufau
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse, Equipe Labellisée Fondation ARC, Université Fédérale de Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées, Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Inserm 1037, 2 avenue Hubert Curien, CS 53717, 31037 Toulouse CEDEX 1, France; (L.C.); (M.V.); (C.D.); (A.M.); (T.L.); (B.S.)
| | - Anne Montfort
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse, Equipe Labellisée Fondation ARC, Université Fédérale de Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées, Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Inserm 1037, 2 avenue Hubert Curien, CS 53717, 31037 Toulouse CEDEX 1, France; (L.C.); (M.V.); (C.D.); (A.M.); (T.L.); (B.S.)
| | - Thierry Levade
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse, Equipe Labellisée Fondation ARC, Université Fédérale de Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées, Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Inserm 1037, 2 avenue Hubert Curien, CS 53717, 31037 Toulouse CEDEX 1, France; (L.C.); (M.V.); (C.D.); (A.M.); (T.L.); (B.S.)
- Laboratoire de Biochimie Métabolique, CHU, 31059 Toulouse, France
| | - Bruno Ségui
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse, Equipe Labellisée Fondation ARC, Université Fédérale de Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées, Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Inserm 1037, 2 avenue Hubert Curien, CS 53717, 31037 Toulouse CEDEX 1, France; (L.C.); (M.V.); (C.D.); (A.M.); (T.L.); (B.S.)
| | - Nathalie Andrieu-Abadie
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse, Equipe Labellisée Fondation ARC, Université Fédérale de Toulouse Midi-Pyrénées, Université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Inserm 1037, 2 avenue Hubert Curien, CS 53717, 31037 Toulouse CEDEX 1, France; (L.C.); (M.V.); (C.D.); (A.M.); (T.L.); (B.S.)
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Sharma S, Chatterjee A, Kumar P, Lal S, Kondabagil K. Upregulation of miR-101 during Influenza A Virus Infection Abrogates Viral Life Cycle by Targeting mTOR Pathway. Viruses 2020; 12:v12040444. [PMID: 32326380 PMCID: PMC7232138 DOI: 10.3390/v12040444] [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: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Micro RNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding single-stranded RNA, which play an important role in modulating host-Influenza A virus (IAV) crosstalk. The interplay between influenza and miRNA interaction is defined by a plethora of complex mechanisms, which are not fully understood yet. Here, we demonstrate that in IAV infected A549 cells, a synchronous increase was observed in the expression of mTOR up to 24 hpi and significant downregulation at 48 hpi. Additionally, NP of IAV interacts with mTOR and modulates the levels of mTOR mRNA and protein, thus regulating the translation of host cell. RNA sequencing and qPCR analysis of IAV-infected A549 cells and NP transfected cells revealed that miR-101 downregulates mTOR transcripts at later stages of infection. Ectopic expression of miR-101 mimic led to a decrease in expression of NP, a reduction in IAV titer and replication. Moreover, treatment of the cells with Everolimus, a potent inhibitor of mTOR, resulted in an increase of miR-101 transcript levels, which further suppressed the viral protein synthesis. Collectively, the data suggest a novel mechanism that IAV stimulates mTOR pathway at early stages of infection; however, at a later time-point, positive regulation of miR-101 restrains the mTOR expression, and hence, the viral propagation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shipra Sharma
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, India
- Correspondence: (S.S.); (S.L.); or (K.K.); Tel.: +91-(22)-25764766 (S.S.); +60-3-5514-6000 (S.L.); +91-(22)-25767758 (K.K.); Fax: +91-(22)-25723480 (S.S. & K.K.); +60-3-5514-6184 (S.L.)
| | - Anirvan Chatterjee
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, India
| | - Purnima Kumar
- Virology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi 110067, India
| | - Sunil Lal
- School of Science, Monash University, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia
- Correspondence: (S.S.); (S.L.); or (K.K.); Tel.: +91-(22)-25764766 (S.S.); +60-3-5514-6000 (S.L.); +91-(22)-25767758 (K.K.); Fax: +91-(22)-25723480 (S.S. & K.K.); +60-3-5514-6184 (S.L.)
| | - Kiran Kondabagil
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai 400076, India
- Correspondence: (S.S.); (S.L.); or (K.K.); Tel.: +91-(22)-25764766 (S.S.); +60-3-5514-6000 (S.L.); +91-(22)-25767758 (K.K.); Fax: +91-(22)-25723480 (S.S. & K.K.); +60-3-5514-6184 (S.L.)
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Are Glucosylceramide-Related Sphingolipids Involved in the Increased Risk for Cancer in Gaucher Disease Patients? Review and Hypotheses. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12020475. [PMID: 32085512 PMCID: PMC7072201 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The roles of ceramide and its catabolites, i.e., sphingosine and sphingosine 1-phosphate, in the development of malignancies and the response to anticancer regimens have been extensively described. Moreover, an abundant literature points to the effects of glucosylceramide synthase, the mammalian enzyme that converts ceramide to β-glucosylceramide, in protecting tumor cells from chemotherapy. Much less is known about the contribution of β-glucosylceramide and its breakdown products in cancer progression. In this chapter, we first review published and personal clinical observations that report on the increased risk of developing cancers in patients affected with Gaucher disease, an inborn disorder characterized by defective lysosomal degradation of β-glucosylceramide. The previously described mechanistic links between lysosomal β-glucosylceramidase, β-glucosylceramide and/or β-glucosylphingosine, and various hallmarks of cancer are reviewed. We further show that melanoma tumor growth is facilitated in a Gaucher disease mouse model. Finally, the potential roles of the β-glucosylceramidase protein and its lipidic substrates and/or downstream products are discussed.
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Jacquier M, Kuriakose S, Bhardwaj A, Zhang Y, Shrivastav A, Portet S, Varma Shrivastav S. Investigation of Novel Regulation of N-myristoyltransferase by Mammalian Target of Rapamycin in Breast Cancer Cells. Sci Rep 2018; 8:12969. [PMID: 30154572 PMCID: PMC6113272 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-30447-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Hormone receptor breast cancers are the most common ones and, about 2 out of every 3 cases of breast cancer are estrogen receptor (ER) positive. Selective ER modulators, such as tamoxifen, are the first line of endocrine treatment of breast cancer. Despite the expression of hormone receptors some patients develop tamoxifen resistance and 50% present de novo tamoxifen resistance. Recently, we have demonstrated that activated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is positively associated with overall survival and recurrence free survival in ER positive breast cancer patients who were later treated with tamoxifen. Since altered expression of protein kinase B (PKB)/Akt in breast cancer cells affect N-myristoyltransferase 1 (NMT1) expression and activity, we investigated whether mTOR, a downstream target of PKB/Akt, regulates NMT1 in ER positive breast cancer cells (MCF7 cells). We inhibited mTOR by treating MCF7 cells with rapamycin and observed that the expression of NMT1 increased with rapamycin treatment over the period of time with a concomitant decrease in mTOR phosphorylation. We further employed mathematical modelling to investigate hitherto not known relationship of mTOR with NMT1. We report here for the first time a collection of models and data validating regulation of NMT1 by mTOR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Jacquier
- Department of Mathematics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Shiby Kuriakose
- Department of Biology, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Apurva Bhardwaj
- Department of Biology, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Mathematics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Anuraag Shrivastav
- Department of Biology, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.,Research Institute of Hematology and Oncology, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Stéphanie Portet
- Department of Mathematics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
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Abstract
Melanoma represents the most aggressive and the deadliest form of skin cancer. Current therapeutic approaches include surgical resection, chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, immunotherapy, biochemotherapy, and targeted therapy. The therapeutic strategy can include single agents or combined therapies, depending on the patient’s health, stage, and location of the tumor. The efficiency of these treatments can be decreased due to the development of diverse resistance mechanisms. New therapeutic targets have emerged from studies of the genetic profile of melanocytes and from the identification of molecular factors involved in the pathogenesis of the malignant transformation. In this review, we aim to survey therapies approved and under evaluation for melanoma treatment and relevant research on the molecular mechanisms underlying melanomagenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Domingues
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal.,Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - José Manuel Lopes
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal.,Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Hospital S João, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Medical Faculty, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Soares
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal.,Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Medical Faculty, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Helena Pópulo
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal.,Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Pópulo H, Batista R, Sampaio C, Pardal J, Lopes JM, Soares P. SDHD promoter mutations are rare events in cutaneous melanomas but SDHD protein expression is downregulated in advanced cutaneous melanoma. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0180392. [PMID: 28662141 PMCID: PMC5491217 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 06/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND SDHD promoter mutations were reported in 4-10% of cutaneous melanomas. The advanced clinico-pathological and patient survival association with SDHD mutation and/or expression in cutaneous melanoma remains controversial. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the presence of SDHD promoter mutations and SDHD protein expression in a melanoma series and its possible association with prognosis and survival of the patients. METHODS We assessed SDHD promoter status in cutaneous melanomas (CM), ocular melanomas (OM) and melanoma cell lines, and the expression of SDHD protein by immunohistochemistry in CM and OM, and by western blot in melanoma cell lines. We explored the putative association between SDHD protein expression and clinico-pathological and prognostic parameters of melanoma. RESULTS We detected 2% of SDHD promoter mutations in CM, but none in OM and cell lines. SDHD protein expression was present in all CM, in OM and in all CM and OM derived cell lines analysed. A significant association between lower SDHD mean protein expression and presence of ulceration and higher pT stage was found. CONCLUSIONS SDHD promoter mutation seems to be a rare event in CM but SDHD lower expression might associate with worst prognostic features in CM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Pópulo
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal (Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal)
| | - Rui Batista
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal (Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal)
- Medical Faculty, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cristina Sampaio
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal (Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal)
- Medical Faculty, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana Pardal
- Department of Pathology, Hospital S. João, Porto, Portugal
| | - José Manuel Lopes
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal (Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal)
- Department of Pathology, Hospital S. João, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology and Oncology, Medical Faculty, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Soares
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Porto, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal (Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal)
- Department of Pathology and Oncology, Medical Faculty, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Does any drug to treat cancer target mTOR and iron hemostasis in neurodegenerative disorders? Biometals 2016; 30:1-16. [PMID: 27853903 DOI: 10.1007/s10534-016-9981-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease are increased by age. Alleviation of their symptoms and protection of normal neurons against degeneration are the main aspects of the research to establish novel therapeutic strategies. Iron as the one of most important cation not only play important role in the structure of electron transport chain proteins but also has pivotal duties in cellular activities. But disruption in iron hemostasis can make it toxin to neurons which causes lipid peroxidation, DNA damage and etc. In patients with Alzheimer and Parkinson misbalancing in iron homeostasis accelerate neurodegeneration and cause neuroinflmmation. mTOR as the common signaling pathway between cancer and neurodegenerative disorders controls iron uptake and it is in active form in both diseases. Anti-cancer drugs which target mTOR causes iron deficiency and dual effects of mTOR inhibitors can candidate them as a therapeutic strategy to alleviate neurodegeneration/inflammation because of iron overloading.
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Tavares C, Coelho MJ, Melo M, da Rocha AG, Pestana A, Batista R, Salgado C, Eloy C, Ferreira L, Rios E, Sobrinho-Simões M, Soares P. pmTOR is a marker of aggressiveness in papillary thyroid carcinomas. Surgery 2016; 160:1582-1590. [PMID: 27574774 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2016.06.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Revised: 06/17/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Activation of the mTOR pathway has been observed in thyroid cancer, but the biologic consequences regarding tumor behavior and patient prognosis remain poorly explored. METHODS We aimed to evaluate the associations of the mTOR pathway with clinicopathologic and molecular features and prognosis through the immunocharacterization of pmTOR and pS6 expression (as readouts of the pathway) in a series of 191 papillary thyroid carcinomas. RESULTS pmTOR expression was associated with distant metastases (P = .05) and persistence of disease (P = .05). Cases with greater expression of pmTOR were submitted to more 131I treatments (r[102] = 0.2; P = .02) and a greater cumulative dose of radioactive iodine (r[100] = 0.3; P = .01). Positive pmTOR expression showed to be an independent risk factor for distant metastases (odds ratio = 18.2; 95% confidence interval 2.1-157.9; P = .01). In contrast, pS6 expression was associated with absence of extrathyroid extension (P = .001), well-defined tumor margins (P = .05), and wild-type BRAF status (P = .01). There was no correlation between the expression of pmTOR and pS6 expression (r[140] = 0.1; P = .3). CONCLUSION pmTOR expression is an indicator of aggressive, metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma, being possibly implicated in refractoriness to therapy, while pS6 expression is associated with less aggressive pathologic features. Further studies are needed to understand better the biologic consequences of activation of the mTOR pathway in the behavior of thyroid cancer, namely the contribution of other pmTOR downstream effectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Tavares
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Medical Faculty, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria João Coelho
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Institute of Biomedical Sciences of Abel Salazar of the University of Porto (ICBAS), Porto, Portugal
| | - Miguel Melo
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, University and Hospital Center of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Medical Faculty, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Adriana Gaspar da Rocha
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; University and Hospital Center of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Pestana
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Medical Faculty, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Batista
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Medical Faculty, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Catarina Salgado
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Catarina Eloy
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Luciana Ferreira
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Medical Faculty, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Elisabete Rios
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Medical Faculty, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Department of Pathology and Oncology, Medical Faculty of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Department of Pathology, Hospital de S.João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Manuel Sobrinho-Simões
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Medical Faculty, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Department of Pathology and Oncology, Medical Faculty of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Department of Pathology, Hospital de S.João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Soares
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto (i3S), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Medical Faculty, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Department of Pathology and Oncology, Medical Faculty of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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Pópulo H, Caldas R, Lopes JM, Pardal J, Máximo V, Soares P. Overexpression of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase supports dichloroacetate as a candidate for cutaneous melanoma therapy. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2016; 19:733-45. [PMID: 25976231 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2015.1045416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to verify if there is evidence to consider dichloroacetate (DCA), which inhibits the pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK) and reverts the metabolic shift of cancer cells from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation, as a promising drug for therapy of cutaneous melanoma (CM) patients. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We assessed the expression profile of PDK 1, 2 and 3 in a series of melanoma samples, to verify if melanoma tumors express the DCA targets, if this expression correlates with the activation of important signaling cascades for melanomagenesis and also with the prognosis of melanoma patients. We also established the sensitivity of melanoma cell lines to DCA treatment, by assessing their metabolic alterations, proliferation and survival. RESULTS We observed that both PDK 1 and 2 isoforms are overexpressed in CM compared to nevi, this expression being associated with the expression of the mTOR pathway effectors and independent of the BRAF mutational status. Melanoma cell lines treated with DCA showed a shift in metabolism, that is, a decrease in glucose consumption and lactate production, downregulation of proliferation, an increase of apoptosis and a decrease in mTOR pathway activation. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that PDK expression may play a role in melanoma development and that DCA can be useful for CM therapy, alone or in combination with mTOR inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Pópulo
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), University of Porto , Porto , Portugal +22 557 0700 ; +22 557 0799 ;
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Hu X, Jiang F, Bao Q, Qian H, Fang Q, Shao Z. Compound 13, an α1-selective small molecule activator of AMPK, potently inhibits melanoma cell proliferation. Tumour Biol 2015; 37:1071-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s13277-015-3854-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
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Deng L, Chen J, Zhong XR, Luo T, Wang YP, Huang HF, Yin LJ, Qiu Y, Bu H, Lv Q, Zheng H. Correlation between activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and prognosis of breast cancer in Chinese women. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0120511. [PMID: 25816324 PMCID: PMC4376391 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0120511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2014] [Accepted: 01/29/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Abnormal activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR (PAM) pathway, caused by PIK3CA mutation, KRAS mutation, PTEN loss, or AKT1 mutation, is one of the most frequent signaling abnormalities in breast carcinoma. However, distribution and frequencies of mutations in PAM pathway are unclear in breast cancer patients from the mainland of China and the correlation between these mutations and breast cancer outcome remains to be identified. Methods A total of 288 patients with invasive ductal breast cancer were recruited in this study. Mutations in PIK3CA (exons 4, 9 and 20), KRAS (exon 2) and AKT1 (exon 3) were detected using Sanger sequencing. PTEN loss was measured by immunohistochemistry assay. Correlations between these genetic aberrations and clinicopathological features were analyzed. Results The frequencies of PIK3CA mutation,
KRAS mutation, AKT1 mutation and PTEN loss were 15.6%, 1.8%, 4.4% and 35.3%, respectively. However, except for PTEN loss, which was tied to estrogen receptor (ER) status, these alterations were not associated with other clinicopathological features. Survival analysis demonstrated that PIK3CA mutation, PTEN loss and PAM pathway activation were not associated with disease-free survival (DFS). Subgroup analysis of patients with ER positive tumors revealed that PIK3CA mutation more strongly reduced DFS compared to wild-type PIK3CA (76.2% vs. 54.2%; P = 0.011). PIK3CA mutation was also an independent factor for bad prognosis in ER positive patients. Conclusions AKT1, KRAS and PIK3CA mutations and PTEN loss all exist in women with breast cancer in the mainland China. PIK3CA mutation may contribute to the poor outcome of ER positive breast carcinomas, providing evidence for the combination of PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitors and endocrine therapy.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Breast Neoplasms/genetics
- Breast Neoplasms/metabolism
- Breast Neoplasms/mortality
- Breast Neoplasms/pathology
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/genetics
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/mortality
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/secondary
- China
- Class I Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases
- Disease-Free Survival
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Humans
- Immunohistochemistry
- Lymphatic Metastasis
- Middle Aged
- Mutation/genetics
- Neoplasm Grading
- Neoplasm Invasiveness
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/genetics
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/metabolism
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/mortality
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/pathology
- Neoplasm Staging
- Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/genetics
- Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism
- Prognosis
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics
- TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Deng
- Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
- Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis of Cancer, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xiao Rong Zhong
- Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis of Cancer, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Ting Luo
- Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
- Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis of Cancer, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yan Ping Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis of Cancer, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Hui Fen Huang
- Department of Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Li-Juan Yin
- Department of Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yan Qiu
- Department of Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Hong Bu
- Department of Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Qing Lv
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Hong Zheng
- Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
- Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis of Cancer, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
The incidence of melanoma continues to rise globally and is increasing at a rate greater than any other cancer. To systematically search for new genes involved in melanomagenesis, we collated exome sequencing data from independent melanoma cohort datasets, including those in the public domain. We identified recurrent mutations that may drive melanoma growth, survival or metastasis, and which may hold promise for the design of novel therapies to treat melanoma. These included a frequent recurrent (i.e. hotspot) mutation in the 5' untranslated region of RPS27 in ~10% of samples. We show that the mutation expands the 5'TOP element, a motif known to regulate the expression of most of the ribosomal protein family, to which RPS27 belongs, and thus might sensitize the mutated transcript to growth-mediated regulation. This finding highlights not only the important role of non-protein coding genetic aberrations in cancer development but also their potential as novel therapeutic targets.
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Amirouchene-Angelozzi N, Nemati F, Gentien D, Nicolas A, Dumont A, Carita G, Camonis J, Desjardins L, Cassoux N, Piperno-Neumann S, Mariani P, Sastre X, Decaudin D, Roman-Roman S. Establishment of novel cell lines recapitulating the genetic landscape of uveal melanoma and preclinical validation of mTOR as a therapeutic target. Mol Oncol 2014; 8:1508-20. [PMID: 24994677 DOI: 10.1016/j.molonc.2014.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2014] [Revised: 04/05/2014] [Accepted: 06/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary tumor of the eye in adults. There is no standard adjuvant treatment to prevent metastasis and no effective therapy in the metastatic setting. We have established a unique panel of 7 UM cell lines from either patient's tumors or patient-derived tumor xenografts (PDXs). This panel recapitulates the molecular landscape of the disease in terms of genetic alterations and mutations. All the cell lines display GNAQ or GNA11 activating mutations, and importantly four of them display BAP1 (BRCA1 associated protein-1) deficiency, a hallmark of aggressive disease. The mTOR pathway was shown to be activated in most of the cell lines independent of AKT signaling. mTOR inhibitor Everolimus reduced the viability of UM cell lines and significantly delayed tumor growth in 4 PDXs. Our data suggest that mTOR inhibition with Everolimus, possibly in combination with other agents, may be considered as a therapeutic option for the management of uveal melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabil Amirouchene-Angelozzi
- Biophenics Laboratory, Translational Research Department, Institut Curie, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75005 Paris, France.
| | - Fariba Nemati
- Laboratory of Preclinical Investigation, Translational Research Department, Institut Curie, 26, rue d'Ulm, 75005 Paris, France.
| | - David Gentien
- Genomics Platform, Translational Research Department, Institut Curie, 26, rue d'Ulm, 75005 Paris, France.
| | - André Nicolas
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institut Curie, 26, rue d'Ulm, 75005 Paris, France.
| | | | - Guillaume Carita
- Laboratory of Preclinical Investigation, Translational Research Department, Institut Curie, 26, rue d'Ulm, 75005 Paris, France.
| | | | - Laurence Desjardins
- Department of Ophthalmological Oncology, Institut Curie, 26, rue d'Ulm, 75005 Paris, France.
| | - Nathalie Cassoux
- Department of Ophthalmological Oncology, Institut Curie, 26, rue d'Ulm, 75005 Paris, France.
| | | | - Pascale Mariani
- Department of Surgery, Institut Curie, 26, rue d'Ulm, 75005 Paris, France.
| | - Xavier Sastre
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institut Curie, 26, rue d'Ulm, 75005 Paris, France.
| | - Didier Decaudin
- Laboratory of Preclinical Investigation, Translational Research Department, Institut Curie, 26, rue d'Ulm, 75005 Paris, France.
| | - Sergio Roman-Roman
- Translational Research Department, Institut Curie, 26, rue d'Ulm, 75005 Paris, France.
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Etnyre D, Stone AL, Fong JT, Jacobs RJ, Uppada SB, Botting GM, Rajanna S, Moravec DN, Shambannagari MR, Crees Z, Girard J, Bertram C, Puri N. Targeting c-Met in melanoma: mechanism of resistance and efficacy of novel combinatorial inhibitor therapy. Cancer Biol Ther 2014; 15:1129-41. [PMID: 24914950 PMCID: PMC4128856 DOI: 10.4161/cbt.29451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) targeting c-Met are currently in clinical trials for several cancers. Their efficacy is limited due to the development of resistance. The present study aims to elucidate this mechanism of c-Met TKI resistance by investigating key mTOR and Wnt signaling proteins in melanoma cell lines resistant to SU11274, a c-Met TKI. Xenografts from RU melanoma cells treated with c-Met TKIs SU11274 and JNJ38877605 showed a 7- and 6-fold reduction in tumor size, respectively. Resistant cells displayed upregulation of phosphorylated c-Met, mTOR, p70S6Kinase, 4E-BP1, ERK, LRP6, and active β-catenin. In addition, GATA-6, a Wnt signaling regulator, was upregulated, and Axin, a negative regulator of the Wnt pathway, was downregulated in resistant cells. Modulation of these mTOR and Wnt pathway proteins was also prevented by combination treatment with SU11274, everolimus, an mTOR inhibitor, and XAV939, a Wnt inhibitor. Treatment with everolimus, resulted in 56% growth inhibition, and a triple combination of SU11274, everolimus and XAV939, resulted in 95% growth inhibition in RU cells. The V600E BRAF mutation was found to be positive only in MU cells. Combination treatment with a c-Met TKI and a BRAF inhibitor displayed a synergistic effect in reducing MU cell viability. These studies indicate activation of mTOR and Wnt signaling pathways in c-Met TKI resistant melanoma cells and suggest that concurrent targeting of c-Met, mTOR, and Wnt pathways and BRAF may improve efficacy over traditional TKI monotherapy in melanoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deven Etnyre
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; University of Illinois College of Medicine; Rockford, IL USA
| | - Amanda L Stone
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; University of Illinois College of Medicine; Rockford, IL USA
| | - Jason T Fong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; University of Illinois College of Medicine; Rockford, IL USA
| | - Ryan J Jacobs
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; University of Illinois College of Medicine; Rockford, IL USA
| | - Srijayaprakash B Uppada
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; University of Illinois College of Medicine; Rockford, IL USA
| | - Gregory M Botting
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; University of Illinois College of Medicine; Rockford, IL USA
| | - Supriya Rajanna
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; University of Illinois College of Medicine; Rockford, IL USA
| | - David N Moravec
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; University of Illinois College of Medicine; Rockford, IL USA
| | - Manohar R Shambannagari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; University of Illinois College of Medicine; Rockford, IL USA
| | - Zachary Crees
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; University of Illinois College of Medicine; Rockford, IL USA
| | - Jennifer Girard
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; University of Illinois College of Medicine; Rockford, IL USA
| | - Ceyda Bertram
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; University of Illinois College of Medicine; Rockford, IL USA
| | - Neelu Puri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; University of Illinois College of Medicine; Rockford, IL USA
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23
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Syed DN, Chamcheu JC, Khan MI, Sechi M, Lall RK, Adhami VM, Mukhtar H. Fisetin inhibits human melanoma cell growth through direct binding to p70S6K and mTOR: findings from 3-D melanoma skin equivalents and computational modeling. Biochem Pharmacol 2014; 89:349-60. [PMID: 24675012 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2014.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2013] [Revised: 03/12/2014] [Accepted: 03/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of melanoma continues to rise. Inspite of treatment advances, the prognosis remains grim once the disease has metastasized, emphasizing the need to explore additional therapeutic strategies. One such approach is through the use of mechanism-based dietary intervention. We previously showed that the flavonoid fisetin inhibits melanoma cell proliferation, in vitro and in vivo. Here, we studied fisetin-mediated regulation of kinases involved in melanoma growth and progression. Time-course analysis in 3-D melanoma constructs that transitioned from radial to vertical growth showed that fisetin treatment resulted in significant decrease in melanocytic lesions in contrast to untreated controls that showed large tumor nests and invading disseminated cells. Further studies in melanoma cultures and mouse xenografts showed that fisetin-mediated growth inhibition was associated with dephosphorylation of AKT, mTOR and p70S6K proteins. In silico modeling indicated direct interaction of fisetin with mTOR and p70S6K with favorable free energy values. These findings were validated by cell-free competition assays that established binding of fisetin to p70S6K and mTOR while little affinity was detected with AKT. Kinase activity studies reflected similar trend with % inhibition observed for p70S6K and mTOR at lower doses than AKT. Our studies characterized, for the first time, the differential interactions of any botanical agent with kinases involved in melanoma growth and demonstrate that fisetin inhibits mTOR and p70S6K through direct binding while the observed inhibitory effect of fisetin on AKT is mediated indirectly, through targeting interrelated pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deeba N Syed
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA
| | | | | | - Mario Sechi
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Rahul K Lall
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA
| | - Vaqar M Adhami
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA
| | - Hasan Mukhtar
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA.
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Masaki T, Wang Y, DiGiovanna JJ, Khan SG, Raffeld M, Beltaifa S, Hornyak TJ, Darling TN, Lee CCR, Kraemer KH. High frequency of PTEN mutations in nevi and melanomas from xeroderma pigmentosum patients. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2014; 27:454-64. [PMID: 24483290 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2013] [Accepted: 01/24/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
We examined nevi and melanomas in 10 xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) patients with defective DNA repair. The lesions had a lentiginous appearance with markedly increased numbers of melanocytes. Using laser capture microdissection, we performed DNA sequencing of 18 benign and atypical nevi and 75 melanomas (melanoma in situ and invasive melanomas). The nevi had a similar high frequency of PTEN mutations as melanomas [61% (11/18) versus 53% (39/73)]. Both had a very high proportion of UV-type mutations (occurring at adjacent pyrimidines) [91% (10/11) versus 92% (36/39)]. In contrast to melanomas in the general population, the frequency of BRAF mutations (11%, 7/61), NRAS mutations (21%, 13/62), and KIT mutations (21%, 6/28) in XP melanomas was lower than for PTEN. Phospho-S6 immunostaining indicated activation of the mTOR pathway in the atypical nevi and melanomas. Thus, the clinical and histological appearances and the molecular pathology of these UV-related XP nevi and melanomas were different from nevi and melanomas in the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taro Masaki
- Dermatology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA; Division of Dermatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
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25
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Pópulo H, Tavares S, Faustino A, Nunes JB, Lopes JM, Soares P. GNAQ and BRAF mutations show differential activation of the mTOR pathway in human transformed cells. PeerJ 2013; 1:e104. [PMID: 23904987 PMCID: PMC3728761 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2013] [Accepted: 06/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Somatic mutations in GNAQ gene were described as being the main oncogenic activation in uveal melanomas, whereas mutations in BRAF gene have been described as a key genetic alteration that contributes to skin melanoma development. We have previously reported differential activation of the MAPK and AKT/mTOR signalling pathways in uveal and skin melanomas harbouring, respectively, GNAQ and BRAF mutations. The aim of this work was to compare the functional effect of GNAQ and BRAF mutations in mTOR and MAPK pathway activation, cell proliferation and apoptosis. In this work, we performed transient transfection of HEK293 cells with BRAFWT, BRAFV 600E, GNAQWT, GNAQQ209P and GNAQQ209L vectors. We treated melanoma cell lines displaying different BRAF and GNAQ mutational status with the mTOR inhibitor RAD001 and with the MEK1/2 inhibitor U0126 and evaluated the effects in the growth of the cell lines and in mTOR and MAPK pathway effectors expression. At variance with the significant increase in the level of pmTOR Ser2448 and pS6 Ser235/236 proteins observed in cells transfected with BRAF vectors, no significant alteration in mTOR pathway effectors was observed in cells transfected with the three GNAQ expressing vectors. Also, GNAQ overexpression enhances Stat3 activation, which might mediate GNAQ oncogenic effects. None of the vectors led to significant differences in proliferation or apoptosis in the transfected cell lines. Cell lines harbouring a BRAF mutation were more sensitive to RAD001 treatment. U0126 leads to the reduction of MAPK and mTOR pathways activation in all cell lines tested. Our results indicate that GNAQ and BRAF activation drive distinct intracellular signalling pathways that may be useful for therapeutic decisions in human melanomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Pópulo
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto , Porto , Portugal
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26
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Xie X, White EP, Mehnert JM. Coordinate autophagy and mTOR pathway inhibition enhances cell death in melanoma. PLoS One 2013; 8:e55096. [PMID: 23383069 PMCID: PMC3559441 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0055096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2012] [Accepted: 12/19/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) pathway promotes melanoma tumor growth and survival while suppressing autophagy, a catabolic process through which cells collect and recycle cellular components to sustain energy homeostasis in starvation. Conversely, inhibitors of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, in particular the mTOR inhibitor temsirolimus (CCI-779), induce autophagy, which can promote tumor survival and thus, these agents potentially limit their own efficacy. We hypothesized that inhibition of autophagy in combination with mTOR inhibition would block this tumor survival mechanism and hence improve the cytotoxicity of mTOR inhibitors in melanoma. Here we found that melanoma cell lines of multiple genotypes exhibit high basal levels of autophagy. Knockdown of expression of the essential autophagy gene product ATG7 resulted in cell death, indicating that survival of melanoma cells is autophagy-dependent. We also found that the lysosomotropic agent and autophagy inhibitor hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) synergizes with CCI-779 and led to melanoma cell death via apoptosis. Combination treatment with CCI-779 and HCQ suppressed melanoma growth and induced cell death both in 3-dimensional (3D) spheroid cultures and in tumor xenografts. These data suggest that coordinate inhibition of the mTOR and autophagy pathways promotes apoptosis and could be a new therapeutic paradigm for the treatment of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqi Xie
- The Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Eileen P. White
- The Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
- University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Janice M. Mehnert
- The Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
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27
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Faustino A, Couto JP, Pópulo H, Rocha AS, Pardal F, Cameselle-Teijeiro JM, Lopes JM, Sobrinho-Simões M, Soares P. mTOR pathway overactivation in BRAF mutated papillary thyroid carcinoma. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2012; 97:E1139-49. [PMID: 22549934 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2011-2748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT There are several genetic and molecular evidences suggesting dysregulation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway in thyroid neoplasia. Activation of the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/AKT pathway by RET/PTC and mutant RAS has already been demonstrated, but no data have been reported for the BRAF(V600E) mutation. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the activation pattern of the mTOR pathway in malignant thyroid lesions and whether it may be correlated with known genetic alterations, as well as to explore the mechanisms underlying mTOR pathway activation in these neoplasias. RESULTS We observed, by immunohistochemical evaluation, an up-regulation/activation of the mTOR pathway proteins in thyroid cancer, particularly in conventional papillary thyroid carcinoma (cPTC). Overactivation of the mTOR signaling was particularly evident in cPTC samples harboring the BRAF(V600E) mutation. Transfection assays with BRAF expression vectors as well as BRAF knockdown by small interfering RNA revealed a positive association between BRAF expression and mTOR pathway activation, which appears to be mediated by pLKB1 Ser428, and emerged as a possible mechanism contributing to the association between BRAF mutation and mTOR pathway up-regulation. When we evaluated the rapamycin in the growth of thyroid cancer cell lines, we detected that cell lines with activating mutations in the MAPK pathway show a higher sensitivity to this drug. CONCLUSIONS We determined that the AKT/mTOR pathway is particularly overactivated in human cPTC harboring the BRAF(V600E) mutation. Moreover, our results suggest that the mTOR pathway could be a good target to enhance therapy effects in certain types of thyroid carcinoma, namely in those harboring the BRAF(V600E) mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Faustino
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Cancer Biology, Porto, Portugal
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28
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Pópulo H, Soares P, Lopes JM. Insights into melanoma: targeting the mTOR pathway for therapeutics. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2012; 16:689-705. [PMID: 22620498 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2012.691472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cutaneous melanoma represents < 5% of all skin cancers, but is responsible for the majority of skin cancer-related deaths. Ocular melanoma is the most common primary eye tumor in adults, and accounts for approximately 5% of all melanomas. Despite new diagnostic and therapeutic tools, the overall survival of patients treated for melanoma has not improved and most patients die of metastatic disease. Therefore, clarification of the molecular mechanisms underlying the etiopathogenesis of cutaneous and ocular melanomas may help determining the prognosis and tailoring therapy of patients harboring melanomas. AREAS COVERED In this review the authors aim to survey relevant research in the molecular mechanisms underlying melanomagenesis, and therapies under evaluation with emphasis in the mTOR pathway. EXPERT OPINION Despite an increasingly understanding of the genetics and biochemistry of melanoma, the mechanisms underlying their complex interactions are still poorly understood. Their clarification will lead to more successful therapeutic strategies and evidence-based management of patients with melanoma. More active drug combinations together with appropriate melanoma patient stratification based on molecular biomarkers will be essential for new advances in melanoma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Pópulo
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of University of Porto (IPATIMUP) , Rua Dr. Roberto Frias s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal.
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29
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Pópulo H, Lopes JM, Soares P. The mTOR signalling pathway in human cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2012; 13:1886-1918. [PMID: 22408430 PMCID: PMC3291999 DOI: 10.3390/ijms13021886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 560] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2011] [Revised: 01/28/2012] [Accepted: 01/30/2012] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The conserved serine/threonine kinase mTOR (the mammalian target of rapamycin), a downstream effector of the PI3K/AKT pathway, forms two distinct multiprotein complexes: mTORC1 and mTORC2. mTORC1 is sensitive to rapamycin, activates S6K1 and 4EBP1, which are involved in mRNA translation. It is activated by diverse stimuli, such as growth factors, nutrients, energy and stress signals, and essential signalling pathways, such as PI3K, MAPK and AMPK, in order to control cell growth, proliferation and survival. mTORC2 is considered resistant to rapamycin and is generally insensitive to nutrients and energy signals. It activates PKC-α and AKT and regulates the actin cytoskeleton. Deregulation of multiple elements of the mTOR pathway (PI3K amplification/mutation, PTEN loss of function, AKT overexpression, and S6K1, 4EBP1 and eIF4E overexpression) has been reported in many types of cancers, particularly in melanoma, where alterations in major components of the mTOR pathway were reported to have significant effects on tumour progression. Therefore, mTOR is an appealing therapeutic target and mTOR inhibitors, including the rapamycin analogues deforolimus, everolimus and temsirolimus, are submitted to clinical trials for treating multiple cancers, alone or in combination with inhibitors of other pathways. Importantly, temsirolimus and everolimus were recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma, PNET and giant cell astrocytoma. Small molecules that inhibit mTOR kinase activity and dual PI3K-mTOR inhibitors are also being developed. In this review, we aim to survey relevant research, the molecular mechanisms of signalling, including upstream activation and downstream effectors, and the role of mTOR in cancer, mainly in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Pópulo
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of University of Porto (IPATIMUP), University of Porto, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal; E-Mails: (H.P.); (J.M.L.)
- Medical Faculty, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - José Manuel Lopes
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of University of Porto (IPATIMUP), University of Porto, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal; E-Mails: (H.P.); (J.M.L.)
- Medical Faculty, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Pathology, Hospital São João, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Soares
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of University of Porto (IPATIMUP), University of Porto, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal; E-Mails: (H.P.); (J.M.L.)
- Medical Faculty, University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
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