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Bagnyukova T, Egleston BL, Pavlov VA, Serebriiskii IG, Golemis EA, Borghaei H. Synergy of EGFR and AURKA Inhibitors in KRAS-mutated Non-small Cell Lung Cancers. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:1227-1239. [PMID: 38639476 PMCID: PMC11078142 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
The most common oncogenic driver mutations for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) activate EGFR or KRAS. Clinical trials exploring treatments for EGFR- or KRAS-mutated (EGFRmut or KRASmut) cancers have focused on small-molecule inhibitors targeting the driver mutations. Typically, these inhibitors perform more effectively based on combination with either chemotherapies, or other targeted therapies. For EGFRmut NSCLC, a combination of inhibitors of EGFR and Aurora-A kinase (AURKA), an oncogene commonly overexpressed in solid tumors, has shown promising activity in clinical trials. Interestingly, a number of recent studies have indicated that EGFR activity supports overall viability of tumors lacking EGFR mutations, and AURKA expression is abundant in KRASmut cell lines. In this study, we have evaluated dual inhibition of EGFR and AURKA in KRASmut NSCLC models. These data demonstrate synergy between the EGFR inhibitor erlotinib and the AURKA inhibitor alisertib in reducing cell viability and clonogenic capacity in vitro, associated with reduced activity of EGFR pathway effectors, accumulation of enhanced aneuploid cell populations, and elevated cell death. Importantly, the erlotinib-alisertib combination also synergistically reduces xenograft growth in vivo. Analysis of signaling pathways demonstrated that the combination of erlotinib and alisertib was more effective than single-agent treatments at reducing activity of EGFR and pathway effectors following either brief or extended administration of the drugs. In sum, this study indicates value of inhibiting EGFR in KRASmut NSCLC, and suggests the specific value of dual inhibition of AURKA and EGFR in these tumors. SIGNIFICANCE The introduction of specific KRAS G12C inhibitors to the clinical practice in lung cancer has opened up opportunities that did not exist before. However, G12C alterations are only a subtype of all KRAS mutations observed. Given the high expression of AURKA in KRASmut NSCLC, our study could point to a potential therapeutic option for this subgroup of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetyana Bagnyukova
- Program in Cell Signaling and Metastasis, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Brian L. Egleston
- Program in Cell Signaling and Metastasis, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Valerii A. Pavlov
- Program in Cell Signaling and Metastasis, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, Russian Federation
| | - Ilya G. Serebriiskii
- Program in Cell Signaling and Metastasis, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russian Federation
| | - Erica A. Golemis
- Program in Cell Signaling and Metastasis, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Cancer and Cellular Biology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Hossein Borghaei
- Program in Cell Signaling and Metastasis, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Division of Thoracic Medical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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2
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Stanland LJ, Ang HX, Hoj JP, Chu Y, Tan P, Wood KC, Luftig MA. CBF-Beta Mitigates PI3K-Alpha-Specific Inhibitor Killing through PIM1 in PIK3CA-Mutant Gastric Cancer. Mol Cancer Res 2023; 21:1148-1162. [PMID: 37493631 PMCID: PMC10811747 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-23-0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
PIK3CA is the second most mutated gene in cancer leading to aberrant PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling and increased translation, proliferation, and survival. Some 4%-25% of gastric cancers display activating PIK3CA mutations, including 80% of Epstein-Barr virus-associated GCs. Small molecules, including pan-PI3K and dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitors, have shown moderate success clinically, due to broad on-target/off-tissue effects. Thus, isoform-specific and mutant selective inhibitors have been of significant interest. However, drug resistance is a problem and has affected success of new drugs. There has been a concerted effort to define mechanisms of resistance and identify potent combinations in many tumor types, though gastric cancer is comparatively understudied. In this study, we identified modulators of the response to the PI3Kα-specific inhibitor, BYL719, in PIK3CA-mutant GCs. We found that loss of NEDD9 or inhibition of BCL-XL conferred hypersensitivity to BYL719, through increased cell-cycle arrest and cell death, respectively. In addition, we discovered that loss of CBFB conferred resistance to BYL719. CBFB loss led to upregulation of the protein kinase PIM1, which can phosphorylate and activate several overlapping downstream substrates as AKT thereby maintaining pathway activity in the presence of PI3Kα inhibition. The addition of a pan-PIM inhibitor re-sensitized resistant cells to BYL719. Our data provide clear mechanistic insights into PI3Kα inhibitor response in PIK3CA-mutant gastric tumors and can inform future work as mutant-selective inhibitors are in development for diverse tumor types. IMPLICATIONS Loss of either NEDD9 or BCL-XL confers hypersensitivity to PI3K-alpha inhibition whereas loss of CBFB confers resistance through a CBFB/PIM1 signaling axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyla J. Stanland
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine; Durham, NC, USA
| | - Hazel X. Ang
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine; Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jacob P. Hoj
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine; Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Patrick Tan
- Duke-NUS Medical School Singapore; Singapore
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research; Singapore
| | - Kris C. Wood
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine; Durham, NC, USA
| | - Micah A. Luftig
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine; Durham, NC, USA
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3
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Shi S, Li J, Zhang Z, Tu H, Max C. Isorhapontigenin (ISO) inhibits malignant cell transformation, migration, and invasion through MEG3/NEDD9 signaling in Cr(VI)-transformed cells. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2023; 476:116661. [PMID: 37619952 PMCID: PMC10874125 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2023.116661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Cr(VI) compounds are confirmed human carcinogens. Maternally expression 3 (MEG3) is the first long non-coding RNA to be identified as a tumor suppressor. MEG3 is frequently downregulated or lost in various primary human tumor tissues and cancer cell lines. Downregulation of MEG3 is associated with cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis. Our previous study has revealed that MEG3 was lost and NEDD9 was upregulated in Cr(VI)-transformed cells compared to those in passage-matched normal BEAS-2B cells. Overexpression of MEG3 reduced NEDD9. β-Catenin was activated in Cr(VI)-transformed cells, overexpression of MEG3 or knockdown of NEDD9 inhibited the activation of β-Catenin. The results from the present study showed that isorhapontigenin (ISO) treatment is able to suppress cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of Cr(VI)-transformed cells. Further study showed that ISO treatment in Cr(VI)-transformed cells decreases the levels of Ki67, a biomarker for cell proliferation, and of cyclin D1, a regulator for the cell cycle. ISO elevated the MEG3 expression level in Cr(VI)-transformed cells. The DNA methylation transferases DNMT3a, DNMT3b, and DNMT1 levels were reduced upon ISO treatment. ISO treatment decreased both mRNA and protein levels of NEDD9. In addition, ISO treatment reduced the activation of β-catenin. Slug was upregulated and E-Cadherin was downregulated in Cr(VI)-transformed cells, treatment with ISO decreased Slug and increased E-Cadherin. This study demonstrated that ISO is a potent therapeutical agent against lung cancer induced by Cr(VI).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Shi
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 341 East 25(th) Street, NY, New York 10010, United States of America
| | - Jingxia Li
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 341 East 25(th) Street, NY, New York 10010, United States of America
| | - Zhuo Zhang
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 341 East 25(th) Street, NY, New York 10010, United States of America
| | - Huailu Tu
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 341 East 25(th) Street, NY, New York 10010, United States of America
| | - Costa Max
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 341 East 25(th) Street, NY, New York 10010, United States of America.
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4
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Wang QD, Shi T, Xu Y, Liu Y, Zhang MJ. USP21 contributes to the aggressiveness of laryngeal cancer cells by deubiquitinating and stabilizing AURKA. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 2023; 39:354-363. [PMID: 36919585 DOI: 10.1002/kjm2.12649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Laryngeal cancer is a usual malignant tumor of the head and neck. The role and mechanism of deubiquitinase USP21 in laryngeal cancer are still unclear. We aimed to explore whether USP21 affected laryngeal cancer progress through deubiquitinating AURKA. USP21 and AURKA levels were evaluated by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Kaplan-Meier analysis was conducted by survival package. MTT was performed to detect cell proliferation. The wound healing assay was applied to evaluate cell migration. Transwell was used to measure cell invasion. Co-IP and GST-pull down determined the interaction between USP21 and AURKA. In addition, AURKA ubiquitination levels were analyzed. USP21 was signally elevated in laryngeal cancer tissues and cells. USP21 level in clinical stages III-IV was higher than that in clinical stages I-II, and high levels of USP21 were highly correlated with poor prognosis in laryngeal cancer. USP21 inhibition suppressed AMC-HN-8 and TU686 cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Co-IP and GST-pull down confirmed the interaction between USP21 and AURKA. Knockdown of USP21 markedly increased the ubiquitination level of AURKA, and USP21 restored AURKA activity through deubiquitination. In addition, overexpression of AURKA reversed the effects of USP21 knockdown on cell growth, migration, and invasion. USP21 stabilized AURKA through deubiquitination to promote laryngeal cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Dong Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Shi
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Xu
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Emergency, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Mei-Jia Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, Heilongjiang Province, People's Republic of China
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5
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Purazo ML, Ice RJ, Shimpi R, Hoenerhoff M, Pugacheva EN. NEDD9 Overexpression Causes Hyperproliferation of Luminal Cells and Cooperates with HER2 Oncogene in Tumor Initiation: A Novel Prognostic Marker in Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:1119. [PMID: 36831460 PMCID: PMC9954084 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
HER2 overexpression occurs in 10-20% of breast cancer patients. HER2+ tumors are characterized by an increase in Ki67, early relapse, and increased metastasis. Little is known about the factors influencing early stages of HER2- tumorigenesis and diagnostic markers. Previously, it was shown that the deletion of NEDD9 in mouse models of HER2 cancer interferes with tumor growth, but the role of NEDD9 upregulation is currently unexplored. We report that NEDD9 is overexpressed in a significant subset of HER2+ breast cancers and correlates with a limited response to anti-HER2 therapy. To investigate the mechanisms through which NEDD9 influences HER2-dependent tumorigenesis, we generated MMTV-Cre-NEDD9 transgenic mice. The analysis of mammary glands shows extensive ductal epithelium hyperplasia, increased branching, and terminal end bud expansion. The addition of oncogene Erbb2 (neu) leads to the earlier development of early hyperplastic benign lesions (~16 weeks), with a significantly shorter latency than the control mice. Similarly, NEDD9 upregulation in MCF10A-derived acini leads to hyperplasia-like DCIS. This phenotype is associated with activation of ERK1/2 and AURKA kinases, leading to an increased proliferation of luminal cells. These findings indicate that NEDD9 is setting permissive conditions for HER2-induced tumorigenesis, thus identifying this protein as a potential diagnostic marker for early detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc L. Purazo
- WVU Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
| | - Ryan J. Ice
- WVU Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
| | - Rahul Shimpi
- WVU Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
| | - Mark Hoenerhoff
- Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Elena N. Pugacheva
- WVU Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26505, USA
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6
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Wang F, Zhang H, Wang H, Qiu T, He B, Yang Q. Combination of AURKA inhibitor and HSP90 inhibitor to treat breast cancer with AURKA overexpression and TP53 mutations. MEDICAL ONCOLOGY (NORTHWOOD, LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 39:180. [PMID: 36071247 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-022-01777-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. Researches show that Aurora kinase A (AURKA) is highly expressed in approximately 73% of breast cancer patients, which induces drug resistance in breast cancer patients and decreases the median survival time. AURKA regulates spindle assembly, centrosome maturation, and chromosome alignment. AURKA overexpression affects the occurrence and development of breast cancer. Besides AURKA overexpression, heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) maintains the survival and proliferation of tumor cells by stabilizing the structure of oncoproteins, including P53 mutants (mtP53). TP53 mutations accounted for approximately 13%, 40%, 80%, 33%, 71%, and 82% of luminal A, Luminal B, Luminal C, normal basal-like, HER2-amplified, and basal-like breast cancers, respectively. TP53 mutation can aggravate cell genome instability and enhance the invasion, migration, and resistance of cancer cell. This review describes the research status of AURKA and HSP90 in breast cancer, summarizes the structure, function, and the chaperone cycle of HSP90, elaborates the interrelation between HSP90, mtP53, P53, and AURKA, and proposes the combination of HSP90 inhibitor and AURKA inhibitor to treat breast cancer. Targeting AURKA and HSP90 to treat cancer with AURKA overexpression and TP53 mutations will help improve the specificity and efficiency of breast cancer treatment and solve the problem of drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuping Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Resistant Gene Resources and Molecular Development, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100000, China
| | - Haotian Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Resistant Gene Resources and Molecular Development, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100000, China
| | - Haitao Wang
- Department of Hematology, Fourth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100000, China
| | - Tian Qiu
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100000, China
| | - Binghong He
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Resistant Gene Resources and Molecular Development, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100000, China
| | - Qiong Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Resistant Gene Resources and Molecular Development, College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100000, China.
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7
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Aurora Kinases as Therapeutic Targets in Head and Neck Cancer. Cancer J 2022; 28:387-400. [PMID: 36165728 PMCID: PMC9836054 DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The Aurora kinases (AURKA and AURKB) have attracted attention as therapeutic targets in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Aurora kinases were first defined as regulators of mitosis that localization to the centrosome (AURKA) and centromere (AURKB), governing formation of the mitotic spindle, chromatin condensation, activation of the core mitotic kinase CDK1, alignment of chromosomes at metaphase, and other processes. Subsequently, additional roles for Aurora kinases have been defined in other phases of cell cycle, including regulation of ciliary disassembly and DNA replication. In cancer, elevated expression and activity of Aurora kinases result in enhanced or neomorphic locations and functions that promote aggressive disease, including promotion of MYC expression, oncogenic signaling, stem cell identity, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and drug resistance. Numerous Aurora-targeted inhibitors have been developed and are being assessed in preclinical and clinical trials, with the goal of improving head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treatment.
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8
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Aurora A and AKT Kinase Signaling Associated with Primary Cilia. Cells 2021; 10:cells10123602. [PMID: 34944109 PMCID: PMC8699881 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of kinase signaling is associated with various pathological conditions, including cancer, inflammation, and autoimmunity; consequently, the kinases involved have become major therapeutic targets. While kinase signaling pathways play crucial roles in multiple cellular processes, the precise manner in which their dysregulation contributes to disease is dependent on the context; for example, the cell/tissue type or subcellular localization of the kinase or substrate. Thus, context-selective targeting of dysregulated kinases may serve to increase the therapeutic specificity while reducing off-target adverse effects. Primary cilia are antenna-like structures that extend from the plasma membrane and function by detecting extracellular cues and transducing signals into the cell. Cilia formation and signaling are dynamically regulated through context-dependent mechanisms; as such, dysregulation of primary cilia contributes to disease in a variety of ways. Here, we review the involvement of primary cilia-associated signaling through aurora A and AKT kinases with respect to cancer, obesity, and other ciliopathies.
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9
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Insights into the Regulation of Ciliary Disassembly. Cells 2021; 10:cells10112977. [PMID: 34831200 PMCID: PMC8616418 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The primary cilium, an antenna-like structure that protrudes out from the cell surface, is present in most cell types. It is a microtubule-based organelle that serves as a mega-signaling center and is important for sensing biochemical and mechanical signals to carry out various cellular processes such as proliferation, migration, differentiation, and many others. At any given time, cilia length is determined by a dynamic balance of cilia assembly and disassembly processes. Abnormally short or long cilia can cause a plethora of human diseases commonly referred to as ciliopathies, including, but not limited to, skeletal malformations, obesity, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, retinal degeneration, and bardet-biedl syndrome. While the process of cilia assembly is studied extensively, the process of cilia disassembly and its biological role(s) are less well understood. This review discusses current knowledge on ciliary disassembly and how different cellular processes and molecular signals converge to carry out this process. This information will help us understand how the process of ciliary disassembly is regulated, identify the key steps that need further investigation, and possibly design therapeutic targets for a subset of ciliopathies that are causally linked to defective ciliary disassembly.
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10
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Whately KM, Voronkova MA, Maskey A, Gandhi J, Loskutov J, Choi H, Yanardag S, Chen D, Wen S, Margaryan NV, Smolkin MB, Purazo ML, Hu G, Pugacheva EN. Nuclear Aurora-A kinase-induced hypoxia signaling drives early dissemination and metastasis in breast cancer: implications for detection of metastatic tumors. Oncogene 2021; 40:5651-5664. [PMID: 34326467 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-01969-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Metastatic breast cancer causes most breast cancer-associated deaths, especially in triple negative breast cancers (TNBC). The metastatic drivers of TNBCs are still poorly understood, and effective treatment non-existent. Here we reveal that the presence of Aurora-A Kinase (AURKA) in the nucleus and metastatic dissemination are molecularly connected through HIF1 (Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1) signaling. Nuclear AURKA activates transcription of "hypoxia-induced genes" under normoxic conditions (pseudohypoxia) and without upregulation of oxygen-sensitive HIF1A subunit. We uncover that AURKA preferentially binds to HIF1B and co-localizes with the HIF complex on DNA. The mass-spectrometry analysis of the AURKA complex further confirmed the presence of CBP and p300 along with other TFIIB/RNApol II components. Importantly, the expression of multiple HIF-dependent genes induced by nuclear AURKA (N-AURKA), including migration/invasion, survival/death, and stemness, promote early cancer dissemination. These results indicate that nuclear, but not cytoplasmic, AURKA is a novel driver of early metastasis. Analysis of clinical tumor specimens revealed a correlation between N-AURKA presence and decreased patient survival. Our results establish a mechanistic link between two critical pathways in cancer metastasis, identifying nuclear AURKA as a crucial upstream regulator of the HIF1 transcription complex and a target for anti-metastatic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina M Whately
- Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.,WVU Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Maria A Voronkova
- Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.,WVU Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Abha Maskey
- Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.,WVU Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Jasleen Gandhi
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Juergen Loskutov
- Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.,WVU Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Hyeran Choi
- Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Sila Yanardag
- Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.,WVU Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Dongquan Chen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Preventive Medicine, UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Sijin Wen
- WVU Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.,Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Naira V Margaryan
- Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Matthew B Smolkin
- Department of Pathology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Marc L Purazo
- Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.,WVU Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Gangqing Hu
- WVU Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.,Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Cell Biology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Elena N Pugacheva
- Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA. .,WVU Cancer Institute, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA.
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11
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Mou PK, Yang EJ, Shi C, Ren G, Tao S, Shim JS. Aurora kinase A, a synthetic lethal target for precision cancer medicine. Exp Mol Med 2021; 53:835-847. [PMID: 34050264 PMCID: PMC8178373 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-021-00635-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in high-throughput sequencing technologies and data science have facilitated the development of precision medicine to treat cancer patients. Synthetic lethality is one of the core methodologies employed in precision cancer medicine. Synthetic lethality describes the phenomenon of the interplay between two genes in which deficiency of a single gene does not abolish cell viability but combined deficiency of two genes leads to cell death. In cancer treatment, synthetic lethality is leveraged to exploit the dependency of cancer cells on a pathway that is essential for cell survival when a tumor suppressor is mutated. This approach enables pharmacological targeting of mutant tumor suppressors that are theoretically undruggable. Successful clinical introduction of BRCA-PARP synthetic lethality in cancer treatment led to additional discoveries of novel synthetic lethal partners of other tumor suppressors, including p53, PTEN, and RB1, using high-throughput screening. Recent work has highlighted aurora kinase A (AURKA) as a synthetic lethal partner of multiple tumor suppressors. AURKA is a serine/threonine kinase involved in a number of central biological processes, such as the G2/M transition, mitotic spindle assembly, and DNA replication. This review introduces synthetic lethal interactions between AURKA and its tumor suppressor partners and discusses the potential of AURKA inhibitors in precision cancer medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pui Kei Mou
- Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Eun Ju Yang
- Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Changxiang Shi
- Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Guowen Ren
- Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Shishi Tao
- Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Joong Sup Shim
- Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China. .,MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China.
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12
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Doornbos C, Roepman R. Moonlighting of mitotic regulators in cilium disassembly. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:4955-4972. [PMID: 33860332 PMCID: PMC8233288 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03827-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Correct timing of cellular processes is essential during embryological development and to maintain the balance between healthy proliferation and tumour formation. Assembly and disassembly of the primary cilium, the cell’s sensory signalling organelle, are linked to cell cycle timing in the same manner as spindle pole assembly and chromosome segregation. Mitotic processes, ciliary assembly, and ciliary disassembly depend on the centrioles as microtubule-organizing centres (MTOC) to regulate polymerizing and depolymerizing microtubules. Subsequently, other functional protein modules are gathered to potentiate specific protein–protein interactions. In this review, we show that a significant subset of key mitotic regulator proteins is moonlighting at the cilium, among which PLK1, AURKA, CDC20, and their regulators. Although ciliary assembly defects are linked to a variety of ciliopathies, ciliary disassembly defects are more often linked to brain development and tumour formation. Acquiring a better understanding of the overlap in regulators of ciliary disassembly and mitosis is essential in finding therapeutic targets for the different diseases and types of tumours associated with these regulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cenna Doornbos
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald Roepman
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. .,Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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13
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Du R, Huang C, Liu K, Li X, Dong Z. Targeting AURKA in Cancer: molecular mechanisms and opportunities for Cancer therapy. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:15. [PMID: 33451333 PMCID: PMC7809767 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-020-01305-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 211] [Impact Index Per Article: 70.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aurora kinase A (AURKA) belongs to the family of serine/threonine kinases, whose activation is necessary for cell division processes via regulation of mitosis. AURKA shows significantly higher expression in cancer tissues than in normal control tissues for multiple tumor types according to the TCGA database. Activation of AURKA has been demonstrated to play an important role in a wide range of cancers, and numerous AURKA substrates have been identified. AURKA-mediated phosphorylation can regulate the functions of AURKA substrates, some of which are mitosis regulators, tumor suppressors or oncogenes. In addition, enrichment of AURKA-interacting proteins with KEGG pathway and GO analysis have demonstrated that these proteins are involved in classic oncogenic pathways. All of this evidence favors the idea of AURKA as a target for cancer therapy, and some small molecules targeting AURKA have been discovered. These AURKA inhibitors (AKIs) have been tested in preclinical studies, and some of them have been subjected to clinical trials as monotherapies or in combination with classic chemotherapy or other targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruijuan Du
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China. .,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, No. 127, Dongming Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China.
| | - Chuntian Huang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China.,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, No. 127, Dongming Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China
| | - Kangdong Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China.,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, No. 127, Dongming Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China.,The Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China. .,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, No. 127, Dongming Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China. .,The Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
| | - Zigang Dong
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China. .,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, No. 127, Dongming Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China. .,The Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China. .,College of medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China.
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14
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Tanooka H, Inoue A, Takahashi RU, Tatsumi K, Fujikawa K, Nagao T, Ishiai M, Chiwaki F, Aoyagi K, Sasaki H, Ochiya T. Bacterial SOS Genes mucAB/umuDC Promote Mouse Tumors by Activating Oncogenes Nedd9/Aurkb via a miR-145 Sponge. Mol Cancer Res 2020; 18:1271-1277. [PMID: 32513897 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-20-0137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The mechanism of cancer induction involves an aberrant expression of oncogenes whose functions can be controlled by RNAi with miRNA. Even foreign bacterial RNA may interfere with the expression of oncogenes. Here we show that bacterial plasmid mucAB and its Escherichia coli genomic homolog umuDC, carrying homologies that match the mouse anti-miR-145, sequestered the miR-145 function in mouse BALB 3T3 cells in a tetracycline (Tet)-inducible manner, activated oncogene Nedd9 and its downstream Aurkb, and further enhanced microcolony formation and cellular transformation as well as the short fragments of the bacterial gene containing the anti-miR-145 sequence. Furthermore, mucAB transgenic mice showed a 1.7-fold elevated tumor incidence compared with wild-type mice after treatments with 3-methylcolanthrene. However, the mutation frequency in intestinal stem cells of the mucAB transgenic mice was unchanged after treatment with X-rays or ethyl-nitrosourea, indicating that the target of mucAB/umuDC is the promotion stage in carcinogenesis. IMPLICATIONS: Foreign bacterial genes can exert oncogenic activity via RNAi, if endogenously expressed. VISUAL OVERVIEW: http://mcr.aacrjournals.org/content/molcanres/18/9/1271/F1.large.jpg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Tanooka
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan.
- Central Radioisotope Division, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
- Biological Effects Research Group, Research Center for Radiation Protection, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, Chiba, Japan
| | - Ayako Inoue
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryou-U Takahashi
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kouichi Tatsumi
- Biological Effects Research Group, Research Center for Radiation Protection, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kazuo Fujikawa
- Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Kindai University, Higashiosaka, Japan
| | - Tetsuji Nagao
- Department of Life Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Kindai University, Higashiosaka, Japan
| | - Masamichi Ishiai
- Central Radioisotope Division, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fumiko Chiwaki
- Department of Translational Oncology, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Aoyagi
- Department of Translational Oncology, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroki Sasaki
- Department of Translational Oncology, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takahiro Ochiya
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
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15
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Wang L, Shi G, Zhu D, Jin Y, Yang X. miR-5195-3p Suppresses Cell Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis by Directly Targeting NEDD9 in Osteosarcoma. Cancer Biother Radiopharm 2019; 34:405-412. [PMID: 31411930 DOI: 10.1089/cbr.2018.2761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Aberrantly expressed microRNAs (miRs) have associated with the development and progression of osteosarcoma (OS). In this study, the authors aimed to investigate the biological function of miR-5195-3p and the underlying mechanisms. Methods: Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis was performed to determine the expression of miR-5195-3p in OS tissues and cell lines. Then, two OS cell lines (MG-63 and U2OS) were transfected with miR-5195-3p mimics to obtain stably miR-5195-3p overexpression cell lines. A series of functional assays, including Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, colony formation assay, flow cytometry assay, and Hoechst staining were performed to analyze cell proliferation and apoptosis. Results: The authors first observed downregulation of miR-5195-3p in OS tissues and cell lines. A series of functional assays demonstrated that miR-5195-3p overexpression significantly attenuated OS cell proliferative activity and induced apoptosis. At a molecular level, the neural precursor cell which expressed developmentally downregulated protein 9 (NEDD9), was inversely correlated with the expression level of miR-5195-3p. Furthermore, ectopic expression of NEDD9 counteracted the antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of miR-5195-3p overexpression in OS cells. Conclusions: In summary, the miR-5195-3p/NEDD9 axis may be a promising antitumor agent for OS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luowen Wang
- Department of orthopedics, Shanghai Electric Power Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Genbing Shi
- Department of orthopedics, Shanghai Electric Power Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Donghui Zhu
- Department of orthopedics, Shanghai Electric Power Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongjia Jin
- Department of orthopedics, Shanghai Electric Power Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuan Yang
- Department of orthopedics, Shanghai Electric Power Hospital, Shanghai, China
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16
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Clinical Significance of Serum NEDD9 Levels in Patients with Pancreatic Cancer. Biomolecules 2018; 8:biom8040169. [PMID: 30544746 PMCID: PMC6316687 DOI: 10.3390/biom8040169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a lethal malignancy. Various diagnostic, predictive, and prognostic biomarkers have been evaluated. This study was conducted to investigate the serum levels of neural precursor cell expressed developmentally downregulated protein 9 (NEDD9) in patients with PC and the relationship between tumor progression and known prognostic parameters. Materials and Methods: Serum samples were obtained on first admission before any treatment. Serum NEDD9 levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included in the analysis. Results: In a three year period, 32 patients with a pathologically-confirmed diagnosis of PC were enrolled in this study. The median age at diagnosis was 61 years, range 38 to 84 years; the majority of the patients in the group were men (n = 20, 62.5%). The tumor was located in the head of pancreas in 21 (65.6%) patients. Forty-one percent of 17 metastatic patients who received palliative CTx (chemotherapy) were CTx-responsive. The baseline serum NEDD9 levels were significantly higher in patients with PA than in the control group (p = 0.03). Median OS of the whole group were 27 ± 7.3 weeks. Alcohol intake, performance status, and LDH levels were found to be significant prognostic factors (p = 0.006, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). However, serum NEDD9 levels had no significantly effect on progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) (p = 0.71 and p = 0.58, respectively). Conclusions: NEDD9 is identified as a secretory biomarker for PC but it has no prognostic role.
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17
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Gabbasov R, Xiao F, Howe CG, Bickel LE, O'Brien SW, Benrubi D, Do TV, Zhou Y, Nicolas E, Cai KQ, Litwin S, Seo S, Golemis EA, Connolly DC. NEDD9 promotes oncogenic signaling, a stem/mesenchymal gene signature, and aggressive ovarian cancer growth in mice. Oncogene 2018; 37:4854-4870. [PMID: 29773902 PMCID: PMC6119087 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0296-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Revised: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Neural precursor cell expressed, developmentally downregulated 9 (NEDD9) supports oncogenic signaling in a number of solid and hematologic tumors. Little is known about the role of NEDD9 in ovarian carcinoma (OC), but available data suggest elevated mRNA and protein expression in advanced stage high-grade cancers. We used a transgenic MISIIR-TAg mouse OC model combined with genetic ablation of Nedd9 to investigate its action in the development and progression of OC. A Nedd9-/- genotype delayed tumor growth rate, reduced incidence of ascites, and reduced expression and activation of signaling proteins including SRC, STAT3, E-cadherin, and AURKA. Cell lines established from MISIIR-TAg;Nedd9-/- and MISIIR-TAg;Nedd9+/+ mice exhibited altered migration and invasion. Growth of these cells in a syngeneic allograft model indicated that systemic Nedd9 loss in the microenvironment had little impact on tumor allograft growth, but in a Nedd9 wild-type background Nedd9-/- allografts exhibited significantly reduced growth, dissemination, and oncogenic signaling compared to Nedd9+/+ allografts. Gene expression analysis revealed that Nedd9+/+ tumors exhibited more mesenchymal "stem-like" transcriptional program, including increased expression of Aldh1a1 and Aldh1a2. Conversely, loss of Nedd9 resulted in increased expression of differentiation genes, including fallopian tube markers Foxj1, Ovgp1, and Pax8. Collectively, these data suggest that tumor cell-intrinsic Nedd9 expression promotes OC development and progression by broad induction of oncogenic protein signaling and stem/mesenchymal gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashid Gabbasov
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
| | - Fang Xiao
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Caitlin G Howe
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Laura E Bickel
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Shane W O'Brien
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Daniel Benrubi
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Thuy-Vy Do
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yan Zhou
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Facility, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Kathy Q Cai
- Histopathology Facility, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Samuel Litwin
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Facility, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sachiko Seo
- Department of Hematology & Oncology, National Cancer Research Center East, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Erica A Golemis
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Denise C Connolly
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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18
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Jones BC, Kelley LC, Loskutov YV, Marinak KM, Kozyreva VK, Smolkin MB, Pugacheva EN. Dual Targeting of Mesenchymal and Amoeboid Motility Hinders Metastatic Behavior. Mol Cancer Res 2017; 15:670-682. [PMID: 28235899 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-16-0411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2016] [Revised: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 02/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Commonly upregulated in human cancers, the scaffolding protein NEDD9/HEF1 is a known regulator of mesenchymal migration and cancer cell plasticity. However, the functional role of NEDD9 as a regulator of different migration/invasion modes in the context of breast cancer metastasis is currently unknown. Here, it is reported that NEDD9 is necessary for both mesenchymal and amoeboid individual cell migration/invasion in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). NEDD9 deficiency results in acquisition of the amoeboid morphology, but severely limits all types of cell motility. Mechanistically, NEDD9 promotes mesenchymal migration via VAV2-dependent Rac1 activation, and depletion of VAV2 impairs the ability of NEDD9 to activate Rac1. In addition, NEDD9 supports a mesenchymal phenotype through stimulating polymerization of actin via promoting CTTN phosphorylation in an AURKA-dependent manner. Interestingly, an increase in RhoA activity in NEDD9-depleted cells does not facilitate a switch to functional amoeboid motility, indicating a role of NEDD9 in the regulation of downstream RhoA signaling effectors. Simultaneous depletion of NEDD9 or inhibition of AURKA in combination with inhibition of the amoeboid driver ROCK results in an additional decrease in cancer cell migration/invasion. Finally, we confirmed that a dual targeting strategy is a viable and efficient therapeutic approach to hinder the metastasis of breast cancer in xenograft models, showcasing the important need for further clinical evaluation of this regimen to impede the spread of disease and improve patient survival.Implications: This study provides new insight into the therapeutic benefit of combining NEDD9 depletion with ROCK inhibition to reduce tumor cell dissemination and discovers a new regulatory role of NEDD9 in the modulation of VAV2-dependent activation of Rac1 and actin polymerization. Mol Cancer Res; 15(6); 670-82. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon C Jones
- Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Laura C Kelley
- West Virginia University Cancer Institute, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Yuriy V Loskutov
- West Virginia University Cancer Institute, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Kristina M Marinak
- West Virginia University Cancer Institute, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Varvara K Kozyreva
- West Virginia University Cancer Institute, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Matthew B Smolkin
- Department of Pathology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Elena N Pugacheva
- Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia.
- West Virginia University Cancer Institute, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia
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19
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Yan M, Wang C, He B, Yang M, Tong M, Long Z, Liu B, Peng F, Xu L, Zhang Y, Liang D, Lei H, Subrata S, Kelley KW, Lam EWF, Jin B, Liu Q. Aurora-A Kinase: A Potent Oncogene and Target for Cancer Therapy. Med Res Rev 2016; 36:1036-1079. [PMID: 27406026 DOI: 10.1002/med.21399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2015] [Revised: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The Aurora kinase family is comprised of three serine/threonine kinases, Aurora-A, Aurora-B, and Aurora-C. Among these, Aurora-A and Aurora-B play central roles in mitosis, whereas Aurora-C executes unique roles in meiosis. Overexpression or gene amplification of Aurora kinases has been reported in a broad range of human malignancies, pointing to their role as potent oncogenes in tumorigenesis. Aurora kinases therefore represent promising targets for anticancer therapeutics. A number of Aurora kinase inhibitors (AKIs) have been generated; some of which are currently undergoing clinical evaluation. Recent studies have unveiled novel unexpected functions of Aurora kinases during cancer development and the mechanisms underlying the anticancer actions of AKIs. In this review, we discuss the most recent advances in Aurora-A kinase research and targeted cancer therapy, focusing on the oncogenic roles and signaling pathways of Aurora-A kinases in promoting tumorigenesis, the recent preclinical and clinical AKI data, and potential alternative routes for Aurora-A kinase inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Institute of Human Virology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunli Wang
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Cancer Center, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Bin He
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mengying Yang
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Cancer Center, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Mengying Tong
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Cancer Center, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Zijie Long
- Institute of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bing Liu
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Cancer Center, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Fei Peng
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Cancer Center, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Lingzhi Xu
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Cancer Center, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dapeng Liang
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Cancer Center, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Haixin Lei
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Cancer Center, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Sen Subrata
- Department of Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Keith W Kelley
- Laboratory of Immunophysiology, Department of Animal Sciences, College of ACES, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.,Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Eric W-F Lam
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Bilian Jin
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Cancer Center, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
| | - Quentin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China. .,Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Cancer Center, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China. .,Institute of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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20
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Kozyreva VK, Kiseleva AA, Ice RJ, Jones BC, Loskutov YV, Matalkah F, Smolkin MB, Marinak K, Livengood RH, Salkeni MA, Wen S, Hazard HW, Layne GP, Walsh CM, Cantrell PS, Kilby GW, Mahavadi S, Shah N, Pugacheva EN. Combination of Eribulin and Aurora A Inhibitor MLN8237 Prevents Metastatic Colonization and Induces Cytotoxic Autophagy in Breast Cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2016; 15:1809-22. [PMID: 27235164 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-15-0688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Recent findings suggest that the inhibition of Aurora A (AURKA) kinase may offer a novel treatment strategy against metastatic cancers. In the current study, we determined the effects of AURKA inhibition by the small molecule inhibitor MLN8237 both as a monotherapy and in combination with the microtubule-targeting drug eribulin on different stages of metastasis in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and defined the potential mechanism of its action. MLN8237 as a single agent and in combination with eribulin affected multiple steps in the metastatic process, including migration, attachment, and proliferation in distant organs, resulting in suppression of metastatic colonization and recurrence of cancer. Eribulin application induces accumulation of active AURKA in TNBC cells, providing foundation for the combination therapy. Mechanistically, AURKA inhibition induces cytotoxic autophagy via activation of the LC3B/p62 axis and inhibition of pAKT, leading to eradication of metastases, but has no effect on growth of mammary tumor. Combination of MLN8237 with eribulin leads to a synergistic increase in apoptosis in mammary tumors, as well as cytotoxic autophagy in metastases. These preclinical data provide a new understanding of the mechanisms by which MLN8237 mediates its antimetastatic effects and advocates for its combination with eribulin in future clinical trials for metastatic breast cancer and early-stage solid tumors. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(8); 1809-22. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varvara K Kozyreva
- West Virginia University Cancer Institute, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Anna A Kiseleva
- Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia. Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Tatarstan
| | - Ryan J Ice
- West Virginia University Cancer Institute, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Brandon C Jones
- Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Yuriy V Loskutov
- West Virginia University Cancer Institute, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Fatimah Matalkah
- West Virginia University Cancer Institute, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Matthew B Smolkin
- Department of Pathology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Kristina Marinak
- West Virginia University Cancer Institute, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Ryan H Livengood
- Department of Pathology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Mohamad A Salkeni
- West Virginia University Cancer Institute, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia. Department of Medicine, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Sijin Wen
- West Virginia University Cancer Institute, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia. Department of Biostatistics, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Hannah W Hazard
- West Virginia University Cancer Institute, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia. Department of Surgery, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Ginger P Layne
- West Virginia University Cancer Institute, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia. Department of Radiology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | | | | | - Greg W Kilby
- Protea Biosciences, Inc., Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Sricharan Mahavadi
- INBRE Program, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Neal Shah
- West Virginia University Cancer Institute, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Elena N Pugacheva
- West Virginia University Cancer Institute, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia. Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia.
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21
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Overcoming MITF-conferred drug resistance through dual AURKA/MAPK targeting in human melanoma cells. Cell Death Dis 2016; 7:e2135. [PMID: 26962685 PMCID: PMC4823922 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2015.369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Revised: 11/04/2015] [Accepted: 11/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
MITF (microphthalmia-associated transcription factor) is a frequently amplified lineage-specific oncogene in human melanoma, whose role in intrinsic drug resistance has not been systematically investigated. Utilizing chemical inhibitors for major signaling pathways/cellular processes, we witness MITF as an elicitor of intrinsic drug resistance. To search kinase(s) targets able to bypass MITF-conferred drug resistance, we employed a multi-kinase inhibitor-directed chemical proteomics-based differential affinity screen in human melanocytes carrying ectopic MITF overexpression. A subsequent methodical interrogation informed mitotic Ser/Thr kinase Aurora Kinase A (AURKA) as a crucial regulator of melanoma cell proliferation and migration, independent of the underlying molecular alterations, including TP53 functional status and MITF levels. Crucially, assessing the efficacy of investigational AURKA inhibitor MLN8237, we pre-emptively witness the procurement of a molecular program consistent with acquired drug resistance. This involved induction of multiple MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) signaling pathway components and their downstream proliferation effectors (Cyclin D1 and c-JUN) and apoptotic regulators (MITF and Bcl-2). A concomitant AURKA/BRAF and AURKA/MEK targeting overcame MAPK signaling activation-associated resistance signature in BRAF- and NRAS-mutated melanomas, respectively, and elicited heightened anti-proliferative activity and apoptotic cell death. These findings reveal a previously unreported MAPK signaling-mediated mechanism of immediate resistance to AURKA inhibitors. These findings could bear significant implications for the application and the success of anti-AURKA approaches that have already entered phase-II clinical trials for human melanoma.
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Li M, Yan S, Cai M, Lu J, Zhang M, Yang P, Luo R. High expression of HEF1 predicts a poorer prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma: A retrospective study. Mol Clin Oncol 2016; 4:159-165. [PMID: 26893853 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2015.707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Human enhancer of filamentation 1 (HEF1), a scaffold protein, is highly expressed in a variety of cancer types and is involved cancer cell growth, migration and invasion. The prognostic value of HEF1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains to be elucidated. The aim of the present study was to assess the association between the expression of HEF1, the clinical/pathological parameters and survival in HCC. In the present study, immunohistochemistry was performed to investigate the protein expression of HEF1 in 123 hepatocellular carcinoma tissues and their adjacent normal liver tissues. Spearman's rank correlation, Kaplan-Meier plots and Cox regression model were used to analyze the data. Overexpression of HEF1 protein was observed in HCC tissue when compared with their adjacent non-malignant liver tissue. High expression of HEF1 correlated with higher advanced tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) stage and vascular invasion (P<0.05). In univariate and multivariate analysis, the expression of HEF1 was identified as an independent prognostic factor in the 123 patients with HCC. In subgroup analysis, high expression of HEF1 correlated with a poorer prognosis in advanced (TNM III+IV) stages (P<0.05). These findings demonstrated the potential value of detecting the expression of HEF1 by immunohistochemistry as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Li
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
| | - Shumei Yan
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
| | - Muyan Cai
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
| | - Jiabin Lu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
| | - Meifang Zhang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
| | - Ping Yang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
| | - Rongzhen Luo
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510060, P.R. China
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Lindon C, Grant R, Min M. Ubiquitin-Mediated Degradation of Aurora Kinases. Front Oncol 2016; 5:307. [PMID: 26835416 PMCID: PMC4716142 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2015.00307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Accepted: 12/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Aurora kinases are essential regulators of mitosis in eukaryotes. In somatic cell divisions of higher eukaryotes, the paralogs Aurora kinase A (AurA) and Aurora kinase B (AurB) play non-overlapping roles that depend on their distinct spatiotemporal activities. These mitotic roles of Aurora kinases depend on their interactions with different partners that direct them to different mitotic destinations and different substrates: AurB is a component of the chromosome passenger complex that orchestrates the tasks of chromosome segregation and cytokinesis, while AurA has many known binding partners and mitotic roles, including a well-characterized interaction with TPX2 that mediates its role in mitotic spindle assembly. Beyond the spatial control conferred by different binding partners, Aurora kinases are subject to temporal control of their activation and inactivation. Ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis is a critical route to irreversible inactivation of these kinases, which must occur for ordered transition from mitosis back to interphase. Both AurA and AurB undergo targeted proteolysis after anaphase onset as substrates of the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) ubiquitin ligase, even while they continue to regulate steps during mitotic exit. Temporal control of Aurora kinase destruction ensures that AurB remains active at the midbody during cytokinesis long after AurA activity has been largely eliminated from the cell. Differential destruction of Aurora kinases is achieved despite the fact that they are targeted at the same time and by the same ubiquitin ligase, making these substrates an interesting case study for investigating molecular determinants of ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis in higher eukaryotes. The prevalence of Aurora overexpression in cancers and their potential as therapeutic targets add importance to the task of understanding the molecular determinants of Aurora kinase stability. Here, we review what is known about ubiquitin-mediated targeting of these critical mitotic regulators and discuss the different factors that contribute to proteolytic control of Aurora kinase activity in the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Lindon
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge , Cambridge , UK
| | - Rhys Grant
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge , Cambridge , UK
| | - Mingwei Min
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School , Boston, MA , USA
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Asteriti IA, De Mattia F, Guarguaglini G. Cross-Talk between AURKA and Plk1 in Mitotic Entry and Spindle Assembly. Front Oncol 2015; 5:283. [PMID: 26779436 PMCID: PMC4688340 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2015.00283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The Aurora kinase A (AURKA) is involved in different aspects of mitotic control, from mitotic entry to cytokinesis. Consistent with its pleiotropic roles, several AURKA interactors are able to modulate its activity, the best characterized being the microtubule-binding protein TPX2, the centrosomal protein Cep192, and Bora. Bora has been described as an essential cofactor of AURKA for phosphorylation-mediated activation of the mitotic kinase polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) at the G2/M transition. A complex AURKA/Plk1 signaling axis is emerging, with multiple involved actors; recent data suggest that this control network is not restricted to mitotic entry only, but operates throughout mitosis. Here, we integrate available data from the literature to depict the complex interplay between AURKA and Plk1 in G2 and mitosis and how it contributes to their mitotic functions. We will particularly focus on how the activity of specifically localized AURKA/Plk1 pools is modulated in time and space by their reciprocal regulation to ensure the timely and coordinated unfolding of downstream mitotic events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Italia Anna Asteriti
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council (CNR), c/o Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Sapienza University of Rome , Rome , Italy
| | - Fabiola De Mattia
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council (CNR), c/o Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Sapienza University of Rome , Rome , Italy
| | - Giulia Guarguaglini
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Research Council (CNR), c/o Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Sapienza University of Rome , Rome , Italy
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25
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Nikonova AS, Deneka AY, Eckman L, Kopp MC, Hensley HH, Egleston BL, Golemis EA. Opposing Effects of Inhibitors of Aurora-A and EGFR in Autosomal-Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease. Front Oncol 2015; 5:228. [PMID: 26528438 PMCID: PMC4607875 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2015.00228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Accepted: 10/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Aurora-A kinase (AURKA) overexpression in numerous tumors induces aneuploidy, in part because of cytokinetic defects. Alisertib and other small-molecule inhibitors targeting AURKA are effective in some patients as monotherapies or combination therapies. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pro-proliferative signaling activity is commonly elevated in cancer, and the EGFR inhibitor erlotinib is commonly used as a standard of care agent for cancer. An erlotinib/alisertib combination therapy is currently under assessment in clinical trials, following pre-clinical studies that indicated synergy of these drugs in cancer. We were interested in further exploring the activity of this drug combination. Beyond well-established functions for AURKA in mitotic progression, additional non-mitotic AURKA functions include control of ciliary stability and calcium signaling. Interestingly, alisertib exacerbates the disease phenotype in mouse models for autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), a common inherited syndrome induced by aberrant signaling from PKD1 and PKD2, cilia-localized proteins that have calcium channel activity. EGFR is also more active in ADPKD, making erlotinib also of potential interest in this disease setting. In this study, we have explored the interaction of alisertib and erlotinib in an ADPKD model. These experiments indicated erlotinib-restrained cystogenesis, opposing alisertib action. Erlotinib also interacted with alisertib to regulate proliferative signaling proteins, albeit in a complicated manner. Results suggest a nuanced role of AURKA signaling in different pathogenic conditions and inform the clinical use of AURKA inhibitors in cancer patients with comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna S Nikonova
- Program in Molecular Therapeutics, Fox Chase Cancer Center , Philadelphia, PA , USA
| | - Alexander Y Deneka
- Program in Molecular Therapeutics, Fox Chase Cancer Center , Philadelphia, PA , USA ; Cancer Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine , Philadelphia, PA , USA
| | - Louisa Eckman
- Program in Molecular Therapeutics, Fox Chase Cancer Center , Philadelphia, PA , USA
| | - Meghan C Kopp
- Cancer Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine , Philadelphia, PA , USA
| | - Harvey H Hensley
- Program in Molecular Therapeutics, Fox Chase Cancer Center , Philadelphia, PA , USA
| | - Brian L Egleston
- Program in Molecular Therapeutics, Fox Chase Cancer Center , Philadelphia, PA , USA
| | - Erica A Golemis
- Program in Molecular Therapeutics, Fox Chase Cancer Center , Philadelphia, PA , USA
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Abstract
The members of the Cas protein family (p130Cas/BCAR1, Nedd9/HEF1, EFS and CASS4) are scaffold proteins required for the assembly of signal transduction complexes in response to several stimuli, such as growth factors, hormones and extracellular matrix components. Given their ability to integrate and coordinate multiple signalling events, Cas proteins have emerged as crucial players in the control of mammary cell proliferation, survival and differentiation. More importantly, it has been found that alterations of their expression levels result in aberrant signalling cascades, which promote initiation and progression of breast cancer. Based on the increasing data from in vitro, mouse model and clinical studies, in this review we will focus on two Cas proteins, p130Cas/BCAR1 and Nedd9, and their coupled signalling pathways, to examine their role in mammary cell transformation and in the acquirement of invasiveness and drug resistance of breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giusy Tornillo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino 10126, Italy; European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute and Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK
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Shagisultanova E, Gaponova AV, Gabbasov R, Nicolas E, Golemis EA. Preclinical and clinical studies of the NEDD9 scaffold protein in cancer and other diseases. Gene 2015; 567:1-11. [PMID: 25967390 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2015.04.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Revised: 04/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Cancer progression requires a significant reprogramming of cellular signaling to support the essential tumor-specific processes that include hyperproliferation, invasion (for solid tumors) and survival of metastatic colonies. NEDD9 (also known as CasL and HEF1) encodes a multi-domain scaffolding protein that assembles signaling complexes regulating multiple cellular processes relevant to cancer. These include responsiveness to signals emanating from the T and B cell receptors, integrins, chemokine receptors, and receptor tyrosine kinases, as well as cytoplasmic oncogenes such as BCR-ABL and FAK- and SRC-family kinases. Downstream, NEDD9 regulation of partners including CRKL, WAVE, PI3K/AKT, ERK, E-cadherin, Aurora-A (AURKA), HDAC6, and others allow NEDD9 to influence functions as pleiotropic as migration, invasion, survival, ciliary resorption, and mitosis. In this review, we summarize a growing body of preclinical and clinical data that indicate that while NEDD9 is itself non-oncogenic, changes in expression of NEDD9 (most commonly elevation of expression) are common features of tumors, and directly impact tumor aggressiveness, metastasis, and response to at least some targeted agents inhibiting NEDD9-interacting proteins. These data strongly support the relevance of further development of NEDD9 as a biomarker for therapeutic resistance. Finally, we briefly discuss emerging evidence supporting involvement of NEDD9 in additional pathological conditions, including stroke and polycystic kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Shagisultanova
- Program in Molecular Therapeutics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA; Department of Medical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA
| | - Anna V Gaponova
- Program in Molecular Therapeutics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA
| | - Rashid Gabbasov
- Program in Molecular Therapeutics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA; Department of Genetics, Kazan Federal University (Volga Region), Kazan, Tatarstan, Russia
| | - Emmanuelle Nicolas
- Program in Molecular Therapeutics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA
| | - Erica A Golemis
- Program in Molecular Therapeutics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA.
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28
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Addison JB, Koontz C, Fugett JH, Creighton CJ, Chen D, Farrugia MK, Padon RR, Voronkova MA, McLaughlin SL, Livengood RH, Lin CC, Ruppert JM, Pugacheva EN, Ivanov AV. KAP1 promotes proliferation and metastatic progression of breast cancer cells. Cancer Res 2014; 75:344-55. [PMID: 25421577 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-14-1561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
KAP1 (TRIM28) is a transcriptional regulator in embryonic development that controls stem cell self-renewal, chromatin organization, and the DNA damage response, acting as an essential corepressor for KRAB family zinc finger proteins (KRAB-ZNF). To gain insight into the function of this large gene family, we developed an antibody that recognizes the conserved zinc fingers linker region (ZnFL) in multiple KRAB-ZNF. Here, we report that the expression of many KRAB-ZNF along with active SUMOlyated KAP1 is elevated widely in human breast cancers. KAP1 silencing in breast cancer cells reduced proliferation and inhibited the growth and metastasis of tumor xenografts. Conversely, KAP1 overexpression stimulated cell proliferation and tumor growth. In cells where KAP1 was silenced, we identified multiple downregulated genes linked to tumor progression and metastasis, including EREG/epiregulin, PTGS2/COX2, MMP1, MMP2, and CD44, along with downregulation of multiple KRAB-ZNF proteins. KAP1-dependent stabilization of KRAB-ZNF required direct interactions with KAP1. Together, our results show that KAP1-mediated stimulation of multiple KRAB-ZNF contributes to the growth and metastasis of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph B Addison
- Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center and Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Colton Koontz
- Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center and Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - James H Fugett
- Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center and Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Chad J Creighton
- Department of Medicine and Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center Division of Biostatistics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Dongquan Chen
- Division of Preventive Medicine and UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Mark K Farrugia
- Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center and Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Renata R Padon
- Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center and Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Maria A Voronkova
- Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center and Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Sarah L McLaughlin
- Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center and Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Ryan H Livengood
- Department of Pathology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Chen-Chung Lin
- Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center and Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - J Michael Ruppert
- Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center and Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Elena N Pugacheva
- Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center and Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Alexey V Ivanov
- Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center and Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia.
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29
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Shagisultanova E, Dunbrack RL, Golemis EA. Issues in interpreting the in vivo activity of Aurora-A. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2014; 19:187-200. [PMID: 25384454 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2014.981154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Based on its role as a mitotic regulatory kinase, overexpressed and associated with aneuploidy in cancer, small-molecule inhibitors have been developed for Aurora-A (AURKA) kinase. In preclinical and clinical assessments, these agents have shown efficacy in inducing stable disease or therapeutic response. In optimizing the use of Aurora-A inhibitors, it is critical to have robust capacity to measure the kinase activity of Aurora-A in tumors. AREAS COVERED We provide an overview of molecular mechanisms of mitotic and non-mitotic activation of Aurora-A kinase, and interaction of Aurora-A with its regulatory partners. Typically, Aurora-A activity is measured by use of phospho-antibodies targeting an autophosphorylated T288 epitope. However, recent studies have identified alternative means of Aurora-A activation control, including allosteric regulation by partners, phosphorylation on alternative activating residues (S51, S98), dephosphorylation on inhibitory sites (S342) and T288 phosphorylation by alternative kinases such as Pak enzymes. Additional work has shown that the relative abundance of Aurora-A partners can affect the activity of Aurora-A inhibitors, and that Aurora-A activation also occurs in interphase cells. EXPERT OPINION Taken together, this work suggests the need for comprehensive analysis of Aurora-A activity and expression of Aurora-A partners in order to stratify patients for likely therapeutic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Shagisultanova
- Fox Chase Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology , Philadelphia, PA 19111 , USA
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30
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Kozyulina PY, Loskutov YV, Kozyreva VK, Rajulapati A, Ice RJ, Jones BC, Pugacheva EN. Prometastatic NEDD9 Regulates Individual Cell Migration via Caveolin-1-Dependent Trafficking of Integrins. Mol Cancer Res 2014; 13:423-38. [PMID: 25319010 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-14-0353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The dissemination of tumor cells relies on efficient cell adhesion and migration, which in turn depends upon endocytic trafficking of integrins. In the current work, it was found that depletion of the prometastatic protein, NEDD9, in breast cancer cells results in a significant decrease in individual cell migration due to impaired trafficking of ligand-bound integrins. NEDD9 deficiency does not affect the expression or internalization of integrins but heightens caveolae-dependent trafficking of ligand-bound integrins to early endosomes. Increase in mobility of ligand-bound integrins is concomitant with an increase in tyrosine phosphorylation of caveolin-1 (CAV1) and volume of CAV1-vesicles. NEDD9 directly binds to CAV1 and colocalizes within CAV1 vesicles. In the absence of NEDD9, the trafficking of ligand-bound integrins from early to late endosomes is impaired, resulting in a significant decrease in degradation of ligand-integrin complexes and an increase in recycling of ligand-bound integrins from early endosomes back to the plasma membrane without ligand disengagement, thus leading to low adhesion and migration. Reexpression of NEDD9 or decrease in the amount of active, tyrosine 14 phosphorylated (Tyr14) CAV1 in NEDD9-depleted cells rescues the integrin trafficking deficiency and restores cellular adhesion and migration capacity. Collectively, these findings indicate that NEDD9 orchestrates trafficking of ligand-bound integrins through the attenuation of CAV1 activity. IMPLICATIONS This study provides valuable new insight into the potential therapeutic benefit of NEDD9 depletion to reduce dissemination of tumor cells and discovers a new regulatory role of NEDD9 in promoting migration through modulation of CAV1-dependent trafficking of integrins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polina Y Kozyulina
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia. Institute of Cytology Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Yuriy V Loskutov
- Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Varvara K Kozyreva
- Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Anuradha Rajulapati
- Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Ryan J Ice
- Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Brandon C Jones
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Elena N Pugacheva
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia. Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia.
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31
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Loskutov YV, Kozyulina PY, Kozyreva VK, Ice RJ, Jones BC, Roston TJ, Smolkin MB, Ivanov AV, Wysolmerski RB, Pugacheva EN. NEDD9/Arf6-dependent endocytic trafficking of matrix metalloproteinase 14: a novel mechanism for blocking mesenchymal cell invasion and metastasis of breast cancer. Oncogene 2014; 34:3662-75. [PMID: 25241893 PMCID: PMC4369482 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2014.297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2014] [Revised: 07/20/2014] [Accepted: 07/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
NEDD9 is an established marker of invasive and metastatic cancers. NEDD9 downregulation has been shown to dramatically reduce cell invasion and metastasis in multiple tumors. The mechanisms by which NEDD9 regulates invasion are largely unknown. In the current study, we have found that NEDD9 is required for MMP14 enzymatic recovery/recycling through the late endosomes to enable disengagement of tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP2) and tumor invasion. Depletion of NEDD9 decreases targeting of the MMP14/TIMP2 complex to late endosomes and increases trafficking of MMP14 from early/sorting endosomes back to the surface in a small GTPase Arf6-dependent manner. NEDD9 directly binds to Arf6-GAP, ARAP3, and Arf6 effector GGA3 thereby facilitating the Arf6 inactivation required for MMP14/TIMP2 targeting to late endosomes. Re-expression of NEDD9 or a decrease in Arf6 activity is sufficient to restore MMP14 activity and the invasive properties of tumor cells. Importantly, NEDD9 inhibition by Vivo-Morpholinos, an antisense therapy, decreases primary tumor growth and metastasis in xenograft models of breast cancer. Collectively, our findings uncover a novel mechanism to control tumor cells dissemination through NEDD9/Arf6-dependent regulation of MMP14/TIMP2 trafficking, and validates NEDD9 as a clinically relevant therapeutic target to treat metastatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y V Loskutov
- Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - P Y Kozyulina
- Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - V K Kozyreva
- Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - R J Ice
- Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - B C Jones
- Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - T J Roston
- Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - M B Smolkin
- Department of Pathology, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - A V Ivanov
- 1] Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA [2] Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - R B Wysolmerski
- 1] Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA [2] Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - E N Pugacheva
- 1] Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA [2] Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA
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32
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Nikonova AS, Gaponova AV, Kudinov AE, Golemis EA. CAS proteins in health and disease: an update. IUBMB Life 2014; 66:387-95. [PMID: 24962474 DOI: 10.1002/iub.1282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2014] [Accepted: 06/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The CAS family of scaffolding proteins has increasingly attracted scrutiny as important for regulation of cancer-associated signaling. BCAR1 (also known as p130Cas), NEDD9 (HEF1, Cas-L), EFS (Sin), and CASS4 (HEPL) are regulated by and mediate cell attachment, growth factor, and chemokine signaling. Altered expression and activity of CAS proteins are now known to promote metastasis and drug resistance in cancer, influence normal development, and contribute to the pathogenesis of heart and pulmonary disease. In this article, we provide an update on recently published studies describing signals regulating and regulated by CAS proteins, and evidence for biological activity of CAS proteins in normal development, cancer, and other pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna S Nikonova
- Program in Developmental Therapeutics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Kozyreva VK, McLaughlin SL, Livengood RH, Calkins RA, Kelley LC, Rajulapati A, Ice RJ, Smolkin MB, Weed SA, Pugacheva EN. NEDD9 regulates actin dynamics through cortactin deacetylation in an AURKA/HDAC6-dependent manner. Mol Cancer Res 2014; 12:681-93. [PMID: 24574519 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-13-0654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The prometastatic protein NEDD9 (neural precursor cell expressed, developmentally downregulated 9) is highly expressed in many cancers and is required for mesenchymal individual cell migration and progression to the invasive stage. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms of NEDD9-driven migration and the downstream targets effecting metastasis are not well defined. In the current study, knockdown of NEDD9 in highly metastatic tumor cells drastically reduces their migratory capacity due to disruption of actin dynamics at the leading edge. Specifically, NEDD9 deficiency leads to a decrease in the persistence and stability of lamellipodial protrusions similar to knockdown of cortactin (CTTN). Mechanistically, it was shown that NEDD9 binds to and regulates acetylation of CTTN in an Aurora A kinase (AURKA)/HDAC6-dependent manner. The knockdown of NEDD9 or AURKA results in an increase in the amount of acetylated CTTN and a decrease in the binding of CTTN to F-actin. Overexpression of the deacetylation mimicking (9KR) mutant of CTTN is sufficient to restore actin dynamics at the leading edge and migration proficiency of the tumor cells. Inhibition of AURKA and HDAC6 activity by alisertib and Tubastatin A in xenograft models of breast cancer leads to a decrease in the number of pulmonary metastases. Collectively, these findings identify CTTN as the key downstream component of NEDD9-driven migration and metastatic phenotypes. IMPLICATIONS This study provides a mechanistic platform for therapeutic interventions based on AURKA and HDAC6 inhibition for patients with metastatic breast cancer to prevent and/or eradicate metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varvara K Kozyreva
- Authors' Affiliations: Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center; Departments of 2Biochemistry, 3Pathology, and 4Neurobiology and Anatomy, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia
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McLaughlin SL, Ice RJ, Rajulapati A, Kozyulina PY, Livengood RH, Kozyreva VK, Loskutov YV, Culp MV, Weed SA, Ivanov AV, Pugacheva EN. NEDD9 depletion leads to MMP14 inactivation by TIMP2 and prevents invasion and metastasis. Mol Cancer Res 2013; 12:69-81. [PMID: 24202705 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-13-0300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The scaffolding protein NEDD9 is an established prometastatic marker in several cancers. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms of NEDD9-driven metastasis in cancers remain ill-defined. Here, using a comprehensive breast cancer tissue microarray, it was shown that increased levels of NEDD9 protein significantly correlated with the transition from carcinoma in situ to invasive carcinoma. Similarly, it was shown that NEDD9 overexpression is a hallmark of highly invasive breast cancer cells. Moreover, NEDD9 expression is crucial for the protease-dependent mesenchymal invasion of cancer cells at the primary site but not at the metastatic site. Depletion of NEDD9 is sufficient to suppress invasion of tumor cells in vitro and in vivo, leading to decreased circulating tumor cells and lung metastases in xenograft models. Mechanistically, NEDD9 localized to invasive pseudopods and was required for local matrix degradation. Depletion of NEDD9 impaired invasion of cancer cells through inactivation of membrane-bound matrix metalloproteinase MMP14 by excess TIMP2 on the cell surface. Inactivation of MMP14 is accompanied by reduced collagenolytic activity of soluble metalloproteinases MMP2 and MMP9. Reexpression of NEDD9 is sufficient to restore the activity of MMP14 and the invasive properties of breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, these findings uncover critical steps in NEDD9-dependent invasion of breast cancer cells. IMPLICATIONS This study provides a mechanistic basis for potential therapeutic interventions to prevent metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L McLaughlin
- Department of Biochemistry and Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center, PO Box 9142, 1 Medical Center Drive, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV 26506.
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