1
|
Hunt BG, Fox LH, Davis JC, Jones A, Lu Z, Waltz SE. An Introduction and Overview of RON Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Signaling. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:517. [PMID: 36833444 PMCID: PMC9956929 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
RON is a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) of the MET receptor family that is canonically involved in mediating growth and inflammatory signaling. RON is expressed at low levels in a variety of tissues, but its overexpression and activation have been associated with malignancies in multiple tissue types and worse patient outcomes. RON and its ligand HGFL demonstrate cross-talk with other growth receptors and, consequentially, positions RON at the intersection of numerous tumorigenic signaling programs. For this reason, RON is an attractive therapeutic target in cancer research. A better understanding of homeostatic and oncogenic RON activity serves to enhance clinical insights in treating RON-expressing cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian G. Hunt
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0521, USA
| | - Levi H. Fox
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0521, USA
| | - James C. Davis
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0521, USA
| | - Angelle Jones
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0521, USA
| | - Zhixin Lu
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0521, USA
| | - Susan E. Waltz
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0521, USA
- Research Service, Cincinnati Veterans Affairs Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lai SCA, Gundlapalli H, Ekiz HA, Jiang A, Fernandez E, Welm AL. Blocking Short-Form Ron Eliminates Breast Cancer Metastases through Accumulation of Stem-Like CD4+ T Cells That Subvert Immunosuppression. Cancer Discov 2021; 11:3178-3197. [PMID: 34330779 PMCID: PMC8800951 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-20-1172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has potential to prevent and treat metastatic breast cancer, but strategies to enhance immune-mediated killing of metastatic tumors are urgently needed. We report that a ligand-independent isoform of Ron kinase (SF-Ron) is a key target to enhance immune infiltration and eradicate metastatic tumors. Host-specific deletion of SF-Ron caused recruitment of lymphocytes to micrometastases, augmented tumor-specific T-cell responses, and nearly eliminated breast cancer metastasis in mice. Lack of host SF-Ron caused stem-like TCF1+ CD4+ T cells with type I differentiation potential to accumulate in metastases and prevent metastatic outgrowth. There was a corresponding increase in tumor-specific CD8+ T cells, which were also required to eliminate lung metastases. Treatment of mice with a Ron kinase inhibitor increased tumor-specific CD8+ T cells and protected from metastatic outgrowth. These data provide a strong preclinical rationale to pursue small-molecule Ron kinase inhibitors for the prevention and treatment of metastatic breast cancer. SIGNIFICANCE The discovery that SF-Ron promotes antitumor immune responses has significant clinical implications. Therapeutic antibodies targeting full-length Ron may not be effective for immunotherapy; poor efficacy of such antibodies in trials may be due to their inability to block SF-Ron. Our data warrant trials with inhibitors targeting SF-Ron in combination with immunotherapy. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 2945.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Chin Alicia Lai
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Harika Gundlapalli
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - H. Atakan Ekiz
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Amanda Jiang
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Elvelyn Fernandez
- Genomics Summer Research for Minorities (GSRM) Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Alana L. Welm
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.,Corresponding Author: Alana L. Welm, University of Utah, 2000 Circle of Hope, Room 2515, Salt Lake City, UT 84112. Phone: 801-587-4622; E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Weng T, Yan D, Shi D, Zhu M, Liu Y, Wu Z, Tang T, Zhu L, Zhang H, Yao H, Li L. The MSP-RON pathway regulates liver fibrosis through transforming growth factor beta-dependent epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Liver Int 2021; 41:1956-1968. [PMID: 33786995 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis is pathologically important in the liver cirrhosis progression. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is crucial for organ fibrosis. Macrophage-stimulating protein (MSP) and its receptor tyrosine kinase, RON, promote cellular EMT. However, their role in liver fibrosis is unclear. Here, we clarify the biological profile, potential mechanisms and therapeutic targets of the MSP-RON pathway in liver fibrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Macrophage-stimulating protein expression and its correlation with clinicopathological characteristics of cirrhosis were evaluated in 57 clinical cases and a control group. The effect of MSP-RON pathway in liver fibrosis was determined in vitro and in vivo. The therapeutic effects of MSP or RON inhibition on liver fibrosis were evaluated in a mouse liver fibrosis model. RESULTS Macrophage-stimulating protein is upregulated in liver cirrhosis, which was associated with poor patient prognosis. The MSP-RON pathway promoted hepatocytes EMT. MSP-RON-induced EMT depends on the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) pathway and is regulated by TGF-β inhibitors. In animal models, an MSP blocking antibody and a small molecule inhibitor of RON, BMS-777607, both inhibited liver fibrosis progression. CONCLUSION Our study revealed that MSP is an important biomarker in liver cirrhosis progression and can be used to prognose patients. The MSP-RON pathway promotes the EMT of hepatocytes and the progress of fibrosis via a TGF-β related pathway. Consequently, we identified a new treatment strategy for liver cirrhosis through targeted inhibition of MSP/RON. This research increases the understanding of EMT-modulated liver fibrosis and provides new insights into biomarkers and therapeutic targets of liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianhao Weng
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dong Yan
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Danrong Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Miaojin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yizhi Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhigang Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Taoming Tang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Linwei Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hangping Yao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lanjuan Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Stellate Cell Activation and Imbalanced Expression of TGF- β1/TGF- β3 in Acute Autoimmune Liver Lesions Induced by ConA in Mice. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:2540540. [PMID: 28246592 PMCID: PMC5303577 DOI: 10.1155/2017/2540540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Objective. To study the pathogenic feature of liver injury, activation of hepatic stellate cells, and dynamic expression of TGF-β1/TGF-β3 to reveal their role in liver injury induced by ConA. Methods. Mice were randomly divided into control group and ConA treatment group. ConA (20 mg/kg) was injected through vena caudalis in ConA treatment group; the controls received the same volume of saline injection. After injection for 2 h, 8 h, 24 h, and 48 h, animals were terminated. Blood, liver, and spleen were harvested. Liver function and histopathology were studied. α-SMA, vimentin, TGF-β1, and TGF-β3 were detected. Results. After ConA injection, liver damage started to increase. Expression of α-SMA, vimentin, TGF-β1, and TGF-β3 was significantly enhanced; all above indicators reached peak at 8 h; but from 24 h after ConA injection, TGF-β3 expression began to decline, while the TGF-β1/TGF-β3 ratio at 48 h was significantly lower than control. Conclusion. (1) Autoimmune liver injury induced by ConA showed time-based features, in which the most serious liver lesions happened at 8 h after ConA injection. (2) Early activation of HSC and imbalance expression of TGF-β1 and TGF-β3 existed in ConA-induced acute autoimmune liver injury, which may be associated with liver dysfunction and the mechanisms of progression to fibrosis.
Collapse
|
5
|
Abstract
Short-form Ron (sfRon) is an understudied, alternative isoform of the full-length Ron receptor tyrosine kinase. In contrast to Ron, which has been shown to be an important player in many cancers, little is known about the role of sfRon in cancer pathogenesis. Here we report the striking discovery that sfRon expression is required for development of carcinogen-induced malignant ovarian tumors in mice. We also show that sfRon is expressed in several subtypes of human ovarian cancer including high-grade serous carcinomas, which is in contrast to no detectable expression in healthy ovaries. In addition, we report that introduction of sfRon into OVCAR3 cells resulted in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, activation of the PI3K and PDK1 pathway, and inhibition of the MAPK pathway. We demonstrated that sfRon confers an aggressive cancer phenotype in vitro characterized by increased proliferation and migration, and decreased adhesion of ovarian cancer cells. Moreover, the in vivo studies show that OVCAR3 tumors expressing sfRon exhibit significantly more robust growth and spreading to the abdominal cavity when compared with the parental sfRon negative OVCAR3 cells. These data suggest that sfRon plays a significant role in ovarian cancer initiation and progression, and may represent a promising therapeutic target for ovarian cancer treatment.
Collapse
|
6
|
Kulkarni RM, Kutcher LW, Stuart WD, Carson DJ, Leonis MA, Waltz SE. Ron receptor-dependent gene regulation in a mouse model of endotoxin-induced acute liver failure. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2012; 11:383-92. [PMID: 22893465 PMCID: PMC4102423 DOI: 10.1016/s1499-3872(12)60196-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior experimentation has shown that loss of the tyrosine kinase (TK) signaling domain of the Ron receptor leads to marked hepatocyte protection in a model of lipopolysaccharide-induced acute liver failure (ALF) in D-galactosamine (GalN)-sensitized mice. The aim of this study was to identify the role of Ron in the regulation of hepatic gene expression. METHODS Microarray analyses were performed on liver RNA isolated sequentially from wild-type (WT) and TK-/- mice during the progression of ALF. Gene array data were validated using Western and immunohistochemistry analyses as well as with ex vivo culture systems. RESULTS At baseline, 101 genes were differentially expressed between WT and TK-/- livers, which regulate processes involved in hypoxia, proliferation, apoptosis and metabolism. One hour after ALF induction, WT livers exhibited increased cytokine expression compared to TK-/- livers, and after 4 hours, an induction of suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) genes as well as JAK-STAT pathway activation were prominent in TK-/- livers compared to controls. CONCLUSION Our studies suggest a novel hepato-protective mechanism in Ron TK-/- mice wherein increased and sustained SOCS production and JAK-STAT activation in the hepatocyte may inhibit the destructive proinflammatory milieu and promote survival factors which blunt hepatic death and the ensuing development of ALF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rishikesh M. Kulkarni
- Department of Cancer and Cell Biology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0521
| | - Louis W. Kutcher
- Department of Biology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0521
| | - William D. Stuart
- Department of Cancer and Cell Biology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0521
| | - Daniel J. Carson
- Department of Biology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0521
| | - Mike A. Leonis
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229
| | - Susan E. Waltz
- Department of Cancer and Cell Biology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0521,Departments of Research, Shriner’s Hospital for Children, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0521,Cincinnati Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0521,Corresponding Author: Susan E. Waltz, Ph.D., Department of Cancer and Cell Biology, 3125 Eden Ave., University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0521, Telephone: (513) 558-8675,
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Benight NM, Waltz SE. Ron receptor tyrosine kinase signaling as a therapeutic target. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2012; 16:921-31. [PMID: 22834780 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2012.710200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Since its discovery nearly 20 years ago, the Ron receptor tyrosine kinase has been extensively studied. These studies have elucidated many of the major signaling pathways activated by Ron. In the context of the inflammation and cancer, studies have shown that Ron plays differential roles; Ron activation limits the inflammatory response, whereas in cancer, Ron activation is associated with increased metastases and poor prognosis. AREAS COVERED This review discusses the current literature with regard to Ron signaling and consequences of its activation in cancer as well as its role in cancer therapy. Further, we discuss the mechanisms by which Ron influences the inflammatory response and its role in chronic inflammatory diseases. Finally, we discuss Ron's connection between chronic inflammation and progression to cancer. EXPERT OPINION The complex nature of Ron's signaling paradigm necessitates additional studies to understand the pathways by which Ron is functioning and how these differ in inflammation and cancer. This will be vital to understanding the impact that Ron signaling has in disease states. Additional studies of targeted therapies, either alone or in conjunction with current therapies are needed to determine if inhibition of Ron signaling will provide long-term benefits to cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nancy M Benight
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Department of Cancer and Cell Biology, OH 45267-0521, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ray M, Yu S, Sharda DR, Wilson CB, Liu Q, Kaushal N, Prabhu KS, Hankey PA. Inhibition of TLR4-induced IκB kinase activity by the RON receptor tyrosine kinase and its ligand, macrophage-stimulating protein. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2010; 185:7309-16. [PMID: 21078906 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1000095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The RON receptor tyrosine kinase regulates the balance between classical (M1) and alternative (M2) macrophage activation. In primary macrophages, the ligand for Ron, macrophage-stimulating protein (MSP), inhibits the expression of inducible NO synthase, a marker of classically activated macrophages, whereas promoting the expression of arginase I, a marker of alternative activation. Ron(-/-) mice express increased levels of IL-12, a product of classically activated macrophages, after endotoxin administration, resulting in increased serum IFN-γ levels and enhanced susceptibility to septic shock. In this study, we demonstrate that MSP inhibits LPS-induced IL-12p40 expression, and this inhibition is dependent on the docking site tyrosines in Ron. To further define this inhibition, we examined the effect of Ron on signaling pathways downstream of Ron. We found that MSP does not inhibit the MyD88-independent activation of IFN regulatory factor 3 and production of IFN-β in response to LPS, nor does it inhibit MyD88-dependent TGF-β-activated kinase phosphorylation or MAPK activation in primary macrophages. However, the induction of IκB kinase activity, IκB degradation, and DNA binding of NF-κB after LPS stimulation is delayed in the presence of MSP. In addition, Ron inhibits serine phosphorylation of p65 and NF-κB transcriptional activity induced by LPS stimulation of TLR4. Finally, MSP inhibits the NF-κB-dependent upregulation of the nuclear IκB family member, IκBζ, a positive regulator of secondary response genes including IL-12p40. LPS also induces expression of Ron and an N-terminally truncated form of Ron, Sf-Ron, in primary macrophages, suggesting that the upregulation of Ron by LPS could provide classical feedback regulation of TLR signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manujendra Ray
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Chiu CC, Chen HHC, Chuang HL, Chung TC, Chen SD, Huang YT. Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A-induced hepatotoxicity: an animal model in rats. J Vet Med Sci 2009; 71:1-8. [PMID: 19194069 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.71.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa exotoxin A (PEA) has been generally used to induce liver injury in mice for experimental study. No PEA-induced hepatotoxicity study has ever been conducted in rats, although rats are the most common rodents used in toxicologic bioassay and pharmacological evaluation. The present study was conducted in male Wistar rats that were injected (i.v.) with PEA at doses of 0, 10, 20, 30 or 40 microg/kg body weight and evaluated at 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 hr post-exposure (HPE). Rats exposed to PEA at 40 microg/kg died before 36 HPE, and the mortality was dose and time dependent. Liver injury was noted as increases in serum enzymes, along with alterations of liver histology in the 40 microg/kg group at 12 HPE. TUNEL-positive staining indicative of hepatocyte apoptosis was observed in the 20 microg/kg group at 12 HPE. Significant levels of DNA fragmentation ladder were observed in the 30 microg/kg group starting at 24 HPE. Serum levels of TNF-alpha was increased in the 30 and 40 microg/kg groups at 48 and 24 HPE, respectively. Other cytokines, such as IL-2, IL-6, and IL-10 were also increased at various doses and times. Furthermore, the elevated serum hepatic index levels decreased significantly by dexamethasone pretreatment. In contrast, these markers were exacerbated by co-administration of a non-toxic dose LPS. In overall evaluation, the PEA-induced liver injury can be used as a model for study of hyperimmune-mediated hepatotoxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Chao Chiu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Leonis MA, Thobe MN, Waltz SE. Ron-receptor tyrosine kinase in tumorigenesis and metastasis. Future Oncol 2008; 3:441-8. [PMID: 17661719 PMCID: PMC4082960 DOI: 10.2217/14796694.3.4.441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The Ron-receptor tyrosine kinase has been increasingly recognized for its tumorigenic potential in the last decade. Ron-receptor activation leads to the activation of common receptor tyrosine kinase downstream-signaling pathways, and most prominently in tumor models, activation of MAPK, PI3K and beta-catenin. Numerous experimental models of mammalian tumorigenesis have demonstrated that increased Ron-receptor activity correlates with increased tumorigenesis in a variety of organs of epithelial origin. The evidence for Ron as an oncogene in human tumor biology is growing. The Ron receptor is overexpressed and over activated in a large number of human tumors, and overexpression of Ron correlates with a worse clinical outcome for patients in at least two human cancer states, namely breast and bladder cancer. Several experimental approaches have been demonstrated to successfully block Ron activity and function, and given these convincing data, approaches to block Ron-receptor activity in targeted human cancers should prove to be fruitful in the setting of future clinical research trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mike A. Leonis
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0558
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229
| | - Megan N. Thobe
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0558
| | - Susan E. Waltz
- Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0558
- Department of Research, Shriner’s Hospital for Children, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0558
| |
Collapse
|