1
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Behrooz AB, Shojaei S. Mechanistic insights into mesenchymal-amoeboid transition as an intelligent cellular adaptation in cancer metastasis and resistance. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167332. [PMID: 38960056 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Malignant cell plasticity is an important hallmark of tumor biology and crucial for metastasis and resistance. Cell plasticity lets cancer cells adapt to and escape the therapeutic strategies, which is the leading cause of cancer patient mortality. Epithelial cells acquire mobility via epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), whereas mesenchymal cells enhance their migratory ability and clonogenic potential by acquiring amoeboid characteristics through mesenchymal-amoeboid transition (MAT). Tumor formation, progression, and metastasis depend on the tumor microenvironment (TME), a complex ecosystem within and around a tumor. Through increased migration and metastasis of cancer cells, the TME also contributes to malignancy. This review underscores the distinction between invasion pattern morphological manifestations and the diverse structures found within the TME. Furthermore, the mechanisms by which amoeboid-associated characteristics promote resistance and metastasis and how these mechanisms may represent therapeutic opportunities are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Barzegar Behrooz
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Sciences, University of Manitoba, Max Rady College of Medicine, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Electrophysiology Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahla Shojaei
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Sciences, University of Manitoba, Max Rady College of Medicine, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
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2
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Lu M, Xu Z, Xu F, Yin C, Guo H, Cheng B. Mechanical network motifs as targets for mechanomedicine. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:104145. [PMID: 39182599 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.104145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
The identification and analysis of network motifs has been widely used in the functional analysis of signaling components, disease discovery and other fields. The positive feedback loop (PFL) is a simple but important network motif. The formation of a PFL is regulated by mechanical cues such as substrate stiffness, fiber stretching and cell compression in the cell microenvironment. Here, we propose a new term, 'mechanical PFL', and analyze the mechanisms of mechanical PFLs at molecular, subcellular and cellular scales. More and more therapies are being targeted against mechanosignaling pathways at the experimental and preclinical stages, and exploring mechanical PFLs as potential mechanomedicine targets could be a new direction for disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengnan Lu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710054, PR China; Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China
| | - Zhao Xu
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China; The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China
| | - Feng Xu
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China; The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China
| | - Chunyan Yin
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710054, PR China.
| | - Hui Guo
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China; Department of Medical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710054, PR China.
| | - Bo Cheng
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China; The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China.
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3
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Dee W, Sequeira I, Lobley A, Slabaugh G. Cell-vision fusion: A Swin transformer-based approach for predicting kinase inhibitor mechanism of action from Cell Painting data. iScience 2024; 27:110511. [PMID: 39175778 PMCID: PMC11340608 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Image-based profiling of the cellular response to drug compounds has proven effective at characterizing the morphological changes resulting from perturbation experiments. As data availability increases, however, there are growing demands for novel deep-learning methods. We applied the SwinV2 computer vision architecture to predict the mechanism of action of 10 kinase inhibitor compounds directly from Cell Painting images. This method outperforms the standard approach of using image-based profiles (IBP)-multidimensional feature set representations generated by bioimaging software. Furthermore, our fusion approach-cell-vision fusion, combining three different data modalities, images, IBPs, and chemical structures-achieved 69.79% accuracy and 70.56% F1 score, 4.20% and 5.49% higher, respectively, than the best-performing IBP method. We provide three techniques, specific to Cell Painting images, which enable deep-learning architectures to train effectively and demonstrate approaches to combat the significant batch effects present in large Cell Painting datasets.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Dee
- Digital Environment Research Institute (DERI), Queen Mary University of London, London E1 1HH, UK
- Centre for Oral Immunobiology and Regenerative Medicine, Barts Centre for Squamous Cancer, Institute of Dentistry, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AD, UK
- Exscientia Plc, The Schrödinger Building Oxford Science Park, Oxford OX4 4GE, UK
| | - Ines Sequeira
- Centre for Oral Immunobiology and Regenerative Medicine, Barts Centre for Squamous Cancer, Institute of Dentistry, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AD, UK
| | - Anna Lobley
- Exscientia Plc, The Schrödinger Building Oxford Science Park, Oxford OX4 4GE, UK
| | - Gregory Slabaugh
- Digital Environment Research Institute (DERI), Queen Mary University of London, London E1 1HH, UK
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4
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Škarková A, Bizzarri M, Janoštiak R, Mašek J, Rosel D, Brábek J. Educate, not kill: treating cancer without triggering its defenses. Trends Mol Med 2024; 30:673-685. [PMID: 38658206 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2024.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Traditionally, anticancer therapies focus on restraining uncontrolled proliferation. However, these cytotoxic therapies expose cancer cells to direct killing, instigating the process of natural selection favoring survival of resistant cells that become the foundation for tumor progression and therapy failure. Recognizing this phenomenon has prompted the development of alternative therapeutic strategies. Here we propose strategies targeting cancer hallmarks beyond proliferation, aiming at re-educating cancer cells towards a less malignant phenotype. These strategies include controlling cell dormancy, transdifferentiation therapy, normalizing the cancer microenvironment, and using migrastatic therapy. Adaptive resistance to these educative strategies does not confer a direct proliferative advantage to resistant cells, as non-resistant cells are not subject to eradication, thereby delaying or preventing the development of therapy-resistant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneta Škarková
- Department of Cell Biology, BIOCEV, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Mariano Bizzarri
- System Biology Group Laboratory, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Radoslav Janoštiak
- First Faculty of Medicine, BIOCEV, Charles University, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Mašek
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Rosel
- Department of Cell Biology, BIOCEV, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Vestec, Czech Republic.
| | - Jan Brábek
- Department of Cell Biology, BIOCEV, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Vestec, Czech Republic.
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5
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Driscoll MK, Welf ES, Weems A, Sapoznik E, Zhou F, Murali VS, García-Arcos JM, Roh-Johnson M, Piel M, Dean KM, Fiolka R, Danuser G. Proteolysis-free amoeboid migration of melanoma cells through crowded environments via bleb-driven worrying. Dev Cell 2024:S1534-5807(24)00342-3. [PMID: 38870943 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2024.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
In crowded microenvironments, migrating cells must find or make a path. Amoeboid cells are thought to find a path by deforming their bodies to squeeze through tight spaces. Yet, some amoeboid cells seem to maintain a near-spherical morphology as they move. To examine how they do so, we visualized amoeboid human melanoma cells in dense environments and found that they carve tunnels via bleb-driven degradation of extracellular matrix components without the need for proteolytic degradation. Interactions between adhesions and collagen at the cell front induce a signaling cascade that promotes bleb enlargement via branched actin polymerization. Large blebs abrade collagen, creating feedback between extracellular matrix structure, cell morphology, and polarization that enables both path generation and persistent movement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan K Driscoll
- Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Erik S Welf
- Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Andrew Weems
- Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Etai Sapoznik
- Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Felix Zhou
- Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Vasanth S Murali
- Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | | | - Minna Roh-Johnson
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84113, USA
| | - Matthieu Piel
- Institut Curie, UMR144, CNRS, PSL University, Paris, France
| | - Kevin M Dean
- Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Reto Fiolka
- Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
| | - Gaudenz Danuser
- Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
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6
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Wu Z, Chen S, Wang Y, Li F, Xu H, Li M, Zeng Y, Wu Z, Gao Y. Current perspectives and trend of computer-aided drug design: a review and bibliometric analysis. Int J Surg 2024; 110:3848-3878. [PMID: 38502850 PMCID: PMC11175770 DOI: 10.1097/js9.0000000000001289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
AIM Computer-aided drug design (CADD) is a drug design technique for computing ligand-receptor interactions and is involved in various stages of drug development. To better grasp the frontiers and hotspots of CADD, we conducted a review analysis through bibliometrics. METHODS A systematic review of studies published between 2000 and 20 July 2023 was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Literature on CADD was selected from the Web of Science Core Collection. General information, publications, output trends, countries/regions, institutions, journals, keywords, and influential authors were visually analyzed using software such as Excel, VOSviewer, RStudio, and CiteSpace. RESULTS A total of 2031 publications were included. These publications primarily originated from 99 countries or regions led by the U.S. and China. Among the contributors, MacKerell AD had the highest number of articles and the greatest influence. The Journal of Medicinal Chemistry was the most cited journal, whereas the Journal of Chemical Information and Modeling had the highest number of publications. CONCLUSIONS Influential authors in the field were identified. Current research shows active collaboration between countries, institutions, and companies. CADD technologies such as homology modeling, pharmacophore modeling, quantitative conformational relationships, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, binding free energy prediction, and high-throughput virtual screening can effectively improve the efficiency of new drug discovery. Artificial intelligence-assisted drug design and screening based on CADD represent key topics that will influence future development. Furthermore, this paper will be helpful in better understanding the frontiers and hotspots of CADD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenhui Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine
- School of Clinical Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shupeng Chen
- School of Clinical Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang
| | - Yihao Wang
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fangyang Li
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huanhua Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Maoxing Li
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yingjian Zeng
- School of Clinical Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang
| | - Zhenfeng Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Yue Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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7
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Xu X, Yao L. Recent advances in the development of Rho kinase inhibitors (2015-2021). Med Res Rev 2024; 44:406-421. [PMID: 37265266 DOI: 10.1002/med.21980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Rho-associated coiled-coil kinases (ROCKs) are key downstream effectors of small GTPases. ROCK plays a central role in diverse cellular events with accumulating evidence supporting the concept that ROCK is important in tumor development and progression. Numerous ROCK inhibitors have been investigated for their therapeutic potential in the treatment of cancers. In this article, we review recent research progress on ROCK inhibitors, especially those with potential for the treatment of cancers, reported in the literature from 2015 to 2021. Most ROCK inhibitors show potent in vitro and in vivo antitumor activities and have potential in the treatment of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangrong Xu
- Yantai University Hospital, Yantai University, Yantai, China
| | - Lei Yao
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, China
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8
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Raudenská M, Petrláková K, Juriňáková T, Leischner Fialová J, Fojtů M, Jakubek M, Rösel D, Brábek J, Masařík M. Engine shutdown: migrastatic strategies and prevention of metastases. Trends Cancer 2023; 9:293-308. [PMID: 36804341 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2023.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Most cancer-related deaths among patients with solid tumors are caused by metastases. Migrastatic strategies represent a unique therapeutic approach to prevent all forms of cancer cell migration and invasion. Because the migration machinery has been shown to promote metastatic dissemination, successful migrastatic therapy may reduce the need for high-dose cytotoxic therapies that are currently used to prevent the risk of metastatic dissemination. In this review we focus on anti-invasive and antimetastatic strategies that hold promise for the treatment of solid tumors. The best targets for migrastatic therapy would be those that are required by all forms of motility, such as ATP availability, mitochondrial metabolism, and cytoskeletal dynamics and cell contractility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Raudenská
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Petrláková
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tamara Juriňáková
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jindřiška Leischner Fialová
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Fojtů
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Milan Jakubek
- BIOCEV (Biotechnology and Biomedicine Center in Vestec), First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prumyslova 595, CZ-252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Rösel
- Department of Cell Biology, BIOCEV, Faculty of Science, Charles University, CZ-252 50, Vestec, Prague-West, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Brábek
- Department of Cell Biology, BIOCEV, Faculty of Science, Charles University, CZ-252 50, Vestec, Prague-West, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Masařík
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Pathological Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, CZ-625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; BIOCEV (Biotechnology and Biomedicine Center in Vestec), First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prumyslova 595, CZ-252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic.
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9
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Discovery of unglycosylated indolocarbazoles as ROCK2 isoform-selective inhibitors for the treatment of breast cancer metastasis. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 250:115181. [PMID: 36764122 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115181] [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: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer metastasis is a major challenge in clinical therapy because of the absence of effective treatments. Rho-associated coiled-coil kinase (ROCK), which is essential for cell invasion and migration, has recently been suggested as a potential target for the treatment of cancer metastasis. Herein, we report the structure-activity relationships (SAR) of indolocarbazoles against ROCK2 and reveal the crucial role of the C-3 hydroxyl for ROCK2 inhibition. The most potent unglycosylated aglycone THK01 was demonstrated to bind to and stabilize ROCK2 with potent anti-metastatic effects in breast cancer in vitro and in vivo with no obvious toxicities. Further mechanistic studies revealed that the anti-metastatic effect of THK01 was closely related to the suppression of STAT3Y705 activation. Moreover, THK01 exhibited excellent selectivity over the isoform protein ROCK1 (>100-fold). Taken together, with low toxicity, the ROCK2 inhibitor THK01 potently inhibited breast cancer metastasis through the ROCK2-STAT3 signaling pathway, which offers a new opportunity for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer.
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10
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Barcelo J, Samain R, Sanz-Moreno V. Preclinical to clinical utility of ROCK inhibitors in cancer. Trends Cancer 2023; 9:250-263. [PMID: 36599733 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2022.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
ROCK belongs to the AGC family of Ser/Thr protein kinases that are involved in many cellular processes. ROCK-driven actomyosin contractility regulates cytoskeletal dynamics underpinning cell migration, proliferation, and survival in many cancer types. ROCK1/2 play key protumorigenic roles in several subtypes and stages of cancer development. Therefore, successfully targeting ROCK and its downstream effectors presents an interesting avenue for cancer treatment. Because local use of ROCK inhibitors will reduce the side effects of systemic administration, we propose different therapeutic strategies and latest-generation ROCK inhibitors for use in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaume Barcelo
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Remi Samain
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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11
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Liu X, Jiang Y, Zhou H, Zhao X, Li M, Bao Z, Wang Z, Zhang C, Xie Z, Zhao J, Dong Z, Liu K, Guo Z. Dasabuvir suppresses esophageal squamous cell carcinoma growth in vitro and in vivo through targeting ROCK1. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:118. [PMID: 36781836 PMCID: PMC9924867 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05633-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is an upper gastrointestinal cancer with high morbidity and mortality. New strategies are urgently needed to prolong patients' survival. Through screening FDA-approved drugs, we found dasabuvir, a drug approved for hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment, suppressed ESCC proliferation. Dasabuvir could inhibit the growth of ESCC cells in a time and dose-dependent manner and arrested cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase. The antitumor activity was further validated in vivo using patient-derived xenograft tumor models. In terms of mechanism, we unveil that dasabuvir is a Rho-associated protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) inhibitor. Dasabuvir can bind to ROCK1 and suppress its kinase activity, thus downregulating the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 by ROCK1 and the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) and cyclin D1. These results provide evidence that dasabuvir suppresses ESCC growth in vivo and in vitro through blocking ROCK1/ERK signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinning Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- China-US Hormel (Henan) Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanan Jiang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- China-US Hormel (Henan) Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hao Zhou
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- China-US Hormel (Henan) Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xiaokun Zhao
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- China-US Hormel (Henan) Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Mingzhu Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- China-US Hormel (Henan) Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zhuo Bao
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- China-US Hormel (Henan) Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zitong Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Chenyang Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zhenliang Xie
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jimin Zhao
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou, China
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zigang Dong
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- China-US Hormel (Henan) Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Kangdong Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
- China-US Hormel (Henan) Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
- Henan Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou, China.
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
- Cancer Chemoprevention International Collaboration Laboratory, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Zhiping Guo
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
- China-US Hormel (Henan) Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
- Fuwai Central China Cardiovascular Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
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12
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Santos JC, Profitós-Pelejà N, Sánchez-Vinces S, Roué G. RHOA Therapeutic Targeting in Hematological Cancers. Cells 2023; 12:cells12030433. [PMID: 36766776 PMCID: PMC9914237 DOI: 10.3390/cells12030433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Primarily identified as an important regulator of cytoskeletal dynamics, the small GTPase Ras homolog gene family member A (RHOA) has been implicated in the transduction of signals regulating a broad range of cellular functions such as cell survival, migration, adhesion and proliferation. Deregulated activity of RHOA has been linked to the growth, progression and metastasis of various cancer types. Recent cancer genome-wide sequencing studies have unveiled both RHOA gain and loss-of-function mutations in primary leukemia/lymphoma, suggesting that this GTPase may exert tumor-promoting or tumor-suppressive functions depending on the cellular context. Based on these observations, RHOA signaling represents an attractive therapeutic target for the development of selective anticancer strategies. In this review, we will summarize the molecular mechanisms underlying RHOA GTPase functions in immune regulation and in the development of hematological neoplasms and will discuss the current strategies aimed at modulating RHOA functions in these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Carvalho Santos
- Lymphoma Translational Group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), 08916 Badalona, Spain
| | - Núria Profitós-Pelejà
- Lymphoma Translational Group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), 08916 Badalona, Spain
| | - Salvador Sánchez-Vinces
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology and Molecular Biology, Sao Francisco University Medical School, Braganca Paulista 01246-100, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gaël Roué
- Lymphoma Translational Group, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), 08916 Badalona, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-935572835
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13
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Naylor G, Julian L, Watson-Bryce S, Mullin M, Nibbs RJ, Olson MF. Immunogenic Death of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells in Mice Expressing Caspase-Resistant ROCK1 Is Not Replicated by ROCK Inhibitors. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235943. [PMID: 36497425 PMCID: PMC9740421 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The morphological changes during apoptosis help facilitate "immunologically silent" cell death. Caspase cleavage of the ROCK1 kinase results in its activation, which drives the forceful contraction of apoptotic cells. We previously showed that when ROCK1 was mutated to render it caspase-resistant, there was greater liver damage and neutrophil recruitment after treatment with the hepatotoxin diethylnitrosamine (DEN). We now show that acute DEN-induced liver damage induced higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines, indicative of immunogenic cell death (ICD), in mice expressing non-cleavable ROCK1 (ROCK1nc). Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumours in ROCK1nc mice had more neutrophils and CD8+ T cells relative to mice expressing wild-type ROCK1, indicating that spontaneous tumour cell death also was more immunogenic. Since ICD induction has been proposed to be tumour-suppressive, the effects of two distinct ROCK inhibitors on HCC tumours was examined. Both fasudil and AT13148 significantly decreased tumour numbers, areas and volumes, but neither resulted in greater numbers of neutrophils or CD8+ T cells to be recruited. In the context of acute DEN-induced liver damage, AT13148 inhibited the recruitment of dendritic, natural killer and CD8+ T cells to livers. These observations indicate that there is an important role for ROCK1 cleavage to limit immunogenic cell death, which was not replicated by systemic ROCK inhibitor administration. As a result, concomitant administration of ROCK inhibitors with cancer therapeutics would be unlikely to result in therapeutic benefit by inducing ICD to increase anti-tumour immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Naylor
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Linda Julian
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Steven Watson-Bryce
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Margaret Mullin
- Electron Microscopy Facility, School of Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Robert J. Nibbs
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, School of Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Michael F. Olson
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Toronto Metropolitan University, 661 University Avenue Suite 1105, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
- Correspondence:
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14
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Nevarez AJ, Hao N. Quantitative cell imaging approaches to metastatic state profiling. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1048630. [PMID: 36393865 PMCID: PMC9640958 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1048630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic heterogeneity of metastatic dissemination has proven challenging to identify exploitable markers of metastasis; this bottom-up approach has caused a stalemate between advances in metastasis and the late stage of the disease. Advancements in quantitative cellular imaging have allowed the detection of morphological phenotype changes specific to metastasis, the morphological changes connected to the underlying complex signaling pathways, and a robust readout of metastatic cell state. This review focuses on the recent machine and deep learning developments to gain detailed information about the metastatic cell state using light microscopy. We describe the latest studies using quantitative cell imaging approaches to identify cell appearance-based metastatic patterns. We discuss how quantitative cancer biologists can use these frameworks to work backward toward exploitable hidden drivers in the metastatic cascade and pioneering new Frontier drug discoveries specific for metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nan Hao
- *Correspondence: Andres J. Nevarez, ; Nan Hao,
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15
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Alexandrova A, Lomakina M. How does plasticity of migration help tumor cells to avoid treatment: Cytoskeletal regulators and potential markers. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:962652. [PMID: 36278174 PMCID: PMC9582651 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.962652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor shrinkage as a result of antitumor therapy is not the only and sufficient indicator of treatment success. Cancer progression leads to dissemination of tumor cells and formation of metastases - secondary tumor lesions in distant organs. Metastasis is associated with acquisition of mobile phenotype by tumor cells as a result of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and further cell migration based on cytoskeleton reorganization. The main mechanisms of individual cell migration are either mesenchymal, which depends on the activity of small GTPase Rac, actin polymerization, formation of adhesions with extracellular matrix and activity of proteolytic enzymes or amoeboid, which is based on the increase in intracellular pressure caused by the enhancement of actin cortex contractility regulated by Rho-ROCK-MLCKII pathway, and does not depend on the formation of adhesive structures with the matrix, nor on the activity of proteases. The ability of tumor cells to switch from one motility mode to another depending on cell context and environmental conditions, termed migratory plasticity, contributes to the efficiency of dissemination and often allows the cells to avoid the applied treatment. The search for new therapeutic targets among cytoskeletal proteins offers an opportunity to directly influence cell migration. For successful treatment it is important to assess the likelihood of migratory plasticity in a particular tumor. Therefore, the search for specific markers that can indicate a high probability of migratory plasticity is very important.
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16
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Emran TB, Shahriar A, Mahmud AR, Rahman T, Abir MH, Siddiquee MFR, Ahmed H, Rahman N, Nainu F, Wahyudin E, Mitra S, Dhama K, Habiballah MM, Haque S, Islam A, Hassan MM. Multidrug Resistance in Cancer: Understanding Molecular Mechanisms, Immunoprevention and Therapeutic Approaches. Front Oncol 2022; 12:891652. [PMID: 35814435 PMCID: PMC9262248 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.891652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 71.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Several treatments are available for cancer treatment, but many treatment methods are ineffective against multidrug-resistant cancer. Multidrug resistance (MDR) represents a major obstacle to effective therapeutic interventions against cancer. This review describes the known MDR mechanisms in cancer cells and discusses ongoing laboratory approaches and novel therapeutic strategies that aim to inhibit, circumvent, or reverse MDR development in various cancer types. In this review, we discuss both intrinsic and acquired drug resistance, in addition to highlighting hypoxia- and autophagy-mediated drug resistance mechanisms. Several factors, including individual genetic differences, such as mutations, altered epigenetics, enhanced drug efflux, cell death inhibition, and various other molecular and cellular mechanisms, are responsible for the development of resistance against anticancer agents. Drug resistance can also depend on cellular autophagic and hypoxic status. The expression of drug-resistant genes and the regulatory mechanisms that determine drug resistance are also discussed. Methods to circumvent MDR, including immunoprevention, the use of microparticles and nanomedicine might result in better strategies for fighting cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talha Bin Emran
- Department of Pharmacy, BGC Trust University Bangladesh, Chittagong, Bangladesh
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Asif Shahriar
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX, United States
| | - Aar Rafi Mahmud
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, Bangladesh
| | - Tanjilur Rahman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Chittagong, Chittagong, Bangladesh
| | - Mehedy Hasan Abir
- Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | | | - Hossain Ahmed
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, University of Development Alternative, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Nova Rahman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Firzan Nainu
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
| | - Elly Wahyudin
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia
| | - Saikat Mitra
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Kuldeep Dhama
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, India
| | - Mahmoud M Habiballah
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
- SMIRES for Consultation in Specialized Medical Laboratories, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shafiul Haque
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
- Bursa Uludağ University Faculty of Medicine, Bursa, Turkey
| | | | - Mohammad Mahmudul Hassan
- Queensland Alliance for One Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, Australia
- Department of Physiology, Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram, Bangladesh
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17
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Beunk L, Bakker GJ, van Ens D, Bugter J, Gal F, Svoren M, Friedl P, Wolf K. Actomyosin contractility requirements and reciprocal cell-tissue mechanics for cancer cell invasion through collagen-based channels. THE EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL. E, SOFT MATTER 2022; 45:48. [PMID: 35575822 PMCID: PMC9110550 DOI: 10.1140/epje/s10189-022-00182-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The interstitial tumor microenvironment is composed of heterogeneously organized collagen-rich porous networks as well as channel-like structures and interfaces which provide both barriers and guidance for invading cells. Tumor cells invading 3D random porous collagen networks depend upon actomyosin contractility to deform and translocate the nucleus, whereas Rho/Rho-associated kinase-dependent contractility is largely dispensable for migration in stiff capillary-like confining microtracks. To investigate whether this dichotomy of actomyosin contractility dependence also applies to physiological, deformable linear collagen environments, we developed nearly barrier-free collagen-scaffold microtracks of varying cross section using two-photon laser ablation. Both very narrow and wide tracks supported single-cell migration by either outward pushing of collagen up to four times when tracks were narrow, or cell pulling on collagen walls down to 50% of the original diameter by traction forces of up to 40 nN when tracks were wide, resulting in track widths optimized to single-cell diameter. Targeting actomyosin contractility by synthetic inhibitors increased cell elongation and nuclear shape change in narrow tracks and abolished cell-mediated deformation of both wide and narrow tracks. Accordingly, migration speeds in all channel widths reduced, with migration rates of around 45-65% of the original speed persisting. Together, the data suggest that cells engage actomyosin contraction to reciprocally adjust both own morphology and linear track width to optimal size for effective cellular locomotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianne Beunk
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Gert-Jan Bakker
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Diede van Ens
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Bugter
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Floris Gal
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Svoren
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Friedl
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- David H. Koch Center for Applied Research of Genitourinary Cancers, Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Cancer Genomics Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Katarina Wolf
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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18
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Xia N, Yang N, Shan Q, Wang Z, Liu X, Chen Y, Lu J, Huang W, Wang Z. HNRNPC regulates RhoA to induce DNA damage repair and cancer-associated fibroblast activation causing radiation resistance in pancreatic cancer. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 26:2322-2336. [PMID: 35277915 PMCID: PMC8995438 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most lethal types of cancer due to its asymptomatic nature in the early stages and consequent late diagnosis. Its mortality rate remains high despite advances in treatment strategies, which include a combination of surgical resection and adjuvant therapy. Although these approaches may have a positive effect on prognosis, the development of chemo- and radioresistance still poses a significant challenge for successful PC treatment. Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein C1/C2 (HNRNPC) and RhoA have been implicated in the regulation of tumour cell proliferation and chemo- and radioresistance. Our study aims to investigate the mechanism for HNRNPC regulation of PC radiation resistance via the RhoA pathway. We found that HNRNPC and RhoA mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly higher in PC tissues compared to adjacent non-tumour tissue. Furthermore, high HNRNPC expression was associated with poor patient prognosis. Using HNRNPC overexpression and siRNA interference, we demonstrated that HNRNPC overexpression promoted radiation resistance in PC cells, while HNRNPC knockdown increased radiosensitivity. However, silencing of RhoA expression was shown to attenuate radiation resistance caused by HNRNPC overexpression. Next, we identified RhoA as a downstream target of HNRNPC and showed that inhibition of the RhoA/ROCK2-YAP/TAZ pathway led to a reduction in DNA damage repair and radiation resistance. Finally, using both in vitro assays and an in vivo subcutaneous tumour xenograft model, we demonstrated that RhoA inhibition can hinder the activity of cancer-related fibroblasts and weaken PC radiation resistance. Our study describes a role for HNRNPC and the RhoA/ROCK2-YAP/TAZ signalling pathways in mediating radiation resistance and provides a potential therapeutic target for improving the treatment of PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Xia
- Department of RadiologyRuijin Hospital Luwan BranchShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Nannan Yang
- Department of RadiologyRuijin Hospital Luwan BranchShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Qungang Shan
- Department of Interventional RadiologyRuijin HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Ziyin Wang
- Department of Interventional RadiologyRuijin HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- Department of Interventional RadiologyRuijin HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Yingjie Chen
- Department of Interventional RadiologyRuijin HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Jian Lu
- Department of RadiologyRuijin Hospital Luwan BranchShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Interventional RadiologyRuijin HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Zhongmin Wang
- Department of RadiologyRuijin Hospital Luwan BranchShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- Department of Interventional RadiologyRuijin HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
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19
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Kim S, Kim SA, Han J, Kim IS. Rho-Kinase as a Target for Cancer Therapy and Its Immunotherapeutic Potential. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222312916. [PMID: 34884721 PMCID: PMC8657458 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy is fast rising as a prominent new pillar of cancer treatment, harnessing the immune system to fight against numerous types of cancer. Rho-kinase (ROCK) pathway is involved in diverse cellular activities, and is therefore the target of interest in various diseases at the cellular level including cancer. Indeed, ROCK is well-known for its involvement in the tumor cell and tumor microenvironment, especially in its ability to enhance tumor cell progression, migration, metastasis, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Importantly, ROCK is also considered to be a novel and effective modulator of immune cells, although further studies are needed. In this review article, we describe the various activities of ROCK and its potential to be utilized in cancer treatment, particularly in cancer immunotherapy, by shining a light on its activities in the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seohyun Kim
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (S.K.); (S.A.K.); (J.H.)
- Center for Theragnosis, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Korea
| | - Seong A. Kim
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (S.K.); (S.A.K.); (J.H.)
- Center for Theragnosis, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Korea
| | - Jihoon Han
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (S.K.); (S.A.K.); (J.H.)
- Center for Theragnosis, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Korea
| | - In-San Kim
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (S.K.); (S.A.K.); (J.H.)
- Center for Theragnosis, Biomedical Research Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul 02792, Korea
- Correspondence:
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20
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Graziani V, Rodriguez-Hernandez I, Maiques O, Sanz-Moreno V. The amoeboid state as part of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition programme. Trends Cell Biol 2021; 32:228-242. [PMID: 34836782 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2021.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Cell migration is essential for many biological processes, while abnormal cell migration is characteristic of cancer cells. Epithelial cells become motile by undergoing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and mesenchymal cells increase migration speed by adopting amoeboid features. This review highlights how amoeboid behaviour is not merely a migration mode but rather a cellular state - within the EMT spectra - by which cancer cells survive, invade and colonise challenging microenvironments. Molecular biomarkers and physicochemical triggers associated with amoeboid behaviour are discussed, including an amoeboid associated tumour microenvironment. We reflect on how amoeboid characteristics support metastasis and how their liabilities could turn into therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittoria Graziani
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | | | - Oscar Maiques
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
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21
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Kinsella S, Evandy CA, Cooper K, Iovino L, deRoos PC, Hopwo KS, Granadier DW, Smith CW, Rafii S, Dudakov JA. Attenuation of apoptotic cell detection triggers thymic regeneration after damage. Cell Rep 2021; 37:109789. [PMID: 34610317 PMCID: PMC8627669 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The thymus, which is the primary site of T cell development, is particularly sensitive to insult but also has a remarkable capacity for repair. However, the mechanisms orchestrating regeneration are poorly understood, and delayed repair is common after cytoreductive therapies. Here, we demonstrate a trigger of thymic regeneration, centered on detecting the loss of dying thymocytes that are abundant during steady-state T cell development. Specifically, apoptotic thymocytes suppressed production of the regenerative factors IL-23 and BMP4 via TAM receptor signaling and activation of the Rho-GTPase Rac1, the intracellular pattern recognition receptor NOD2, and micro-RNA-29c. However, after damage, when profound thymocyte depletion occurs, this TAM-Rac1-NOD2-miR29c pathway is attenuated, increasing production of IL-23 and BMP4. Notably, pharmacological inhibition of Rac1-GTPase enhanced thymic function after acute damage. These findings identify a complex trigger of tissue regeneration and offer a regenerative strategy for restoring immune competence in patients whose thymic function has been compromised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinéad Kinsella
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
| | - Cindy A Evandy
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Kirsten Cooper
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Lorenzo Iovino
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Paul C deRoos
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Kayla S Hopwo
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - David W Granadier
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Colton W Smith
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Shahin Rafii
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Jarrod A Dudakov
- Program in Immunology, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
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22
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Crosas-Molist E, Samain R, Kohlhammer L, Orgaz J, George S, Maiques O, Barcelo J, Sanz-Moreno V. RhoGTPase Signalling in Cancer Progression and Dissemination. Physiol Rev 2021; 102:455-510. [PMID: 34541899 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00045.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rho GTPases are a family of small G proteins that regulate a wide array of cellular processes related to their key roles controlling the cytoskeleton. On the other hand, cancer is a multi-step disease caused by the accumulation of genetic mutations and epigenetic alterations, from the initial stages of cancer development when cells in normal tissues undergo transformation, to the acquisition of invasive and metastatic traits, responsible for a large number of cancer related deaths. In this review, we discuss the role of Rho GTPase signalling in cancer in every step of disease progression. Rho GTPases contribute to tumour initiation and progression, by regulating proliferation and apoptosis, but also metabolism, senescence and cell stemness. Rho GTPases play a major role in cell migration, and in the metastatic process. They are also involved in interactions with the tumour microenvironment and regulate inflammation, contributing to cancer progression. After years of intensive research, we highlight the importance of relevant models in the Rho GTPase field, and we reflect on the therapeutic opportunities arising for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Crosas-Molist
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Remi Samain
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Leonie Kohlhammer
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jose Orgaz
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom.,Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas 'Alberto Sols', CSIC-UAM, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Samantha George
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Oscar Maiques
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jaume Barcelo
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
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23
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Pecora A, Laprise J, Dahmene M, Laurin M. Skin Cancers and the Contribution of Rho GTPase Signaling Networks to Their Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4362. [PMID: 34503171 PMCID: PMC8431333 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13174362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Skin cancers are the most common cancers worldwide. Among them, melanoma, basal cell carcinoma of the skin and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma are the three major subtypes. These cancers are characterized by different genetic perturbations even though they are similarly caused by a lifelong exposure to the sun. The main oncogenic drivers of skin cancer initiation have been known for a while, yet it remains unclear what are the molecular events that mediate their oncogenic functions and that contribute to their progression. Moreover, patients with aggressive skin cancers have been known to develop resistance to currently available treatment, which is urging us to identify new therapeutic opportunities based on a better understanding of skin cancer biology. More recently, the contribution of cytoskeletal dynamics and Rho GTPase signaling networks to the progression of skin cancers has been highlighted by several studies. In this review, we underline the various perturbations in the activity and regulation of Rho GTPase network components that contribute to skin cancer development, and we explore the emerging therapeutic opportunities that are surfacing from these studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Pecora
- Oncology Division, CHU de Québec–Université Laval Research Center, Québec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada; (A.P.); (J.L.); (M.D.)
| | - Justine Laprise
- Oncology Division, CHU de Québec–Université Laval Research Center, Québec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada; (A.P.); (J.L.); (M.D.)
| | - Manel Dahmene
- Oncology Division, CHU de Québec–Université Laval Research Center, Québec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada; (A.P.); (J.L.); (M.D.)
| | - Mélanie Laurin
- Oncology Division, CHU de Québec–Université Laval Research Center, Québec City, QC G1V 4G2, Canada; (A.P.); (J.L.); (M.D.)
- Université Laval Cancer Research Center, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1R 3S3, Canada
- Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC G1V OA6, Canada
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24
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Maiques O, Fanshawe B, Crosas-Molist E, Rodriguez-Hernandez I, Volpe A, Cantelli G, Boehme L, Orgaz JL, Mardakheh FK, Sanz-Moreno V, Fruhwirth GO. A preclinical pipeline to evaluate migrastatics as therapeutic agents in metastatic melanoma. Br J Cancer 2021; 125:699-713. [PMID: 34172930 PMCID: PMC8405734 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-021-01442-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metastasis is a hallmark of cancer and responsible for most cancer deaths. Migrastatics were defined as drugs interfering with all modes of cancer cell invasion and thus cancers' ability to metastasise. First anti-metastatic treatments have recently been approved. METHODS We used bioinformatic analyses of publicly available melanoma databases. Experimentally, we performed in vitro target validation (including 2.5D cell morphology analysis and mass spectrometric analysis of RhoA binding partners), developed a new traceable spontaneously metastasising murine melanoma model for in vivo validation, and employed histology (haematoxylin/eosin and phospho-myosin II staining) to confirm drug action in harvested tumour tissues. RESULTS Unbiased and targeted bioinformatic analyses identified the Rho kinase (ROCK)-myosin II pathway and its various components as potentially relevant targets in melanoma. In vitro validation demonstrated redundancy of several RhoGEFs upstream of RhoA and confirmed ROCK as a druggable target downstream of RhoA. The anti-metastatic effects of two ROCK inhibitors were demonstrated through in vivo melanoma metastasis tracking and inhibitor effects also confirmed ex vivo by digital pathology. CONCLUSIONS We proposed a migrastatic drug development pipeline. As part of the pipeline, we provide a new traceable spontaneous melanoma metastasis model for in vivo quantification of metastasis and anti-metastatic effects by non-invasive imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Maiques
- Centre for Tumour Microenvironment at Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square Campus, John Vane Science Centre, London, UK
- Randall Division of Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, New Hunt's House, Guy's Campus, London, UK
| | - Bruce Fanshawe
- Randall Division of Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, New Hunt's House, Guy's Campus, London, UK
- Imaging Therapies and Cancer Group, Comprehensive Cancer Centre, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Studies, King's College London, Guy's Campus, London, UK
| | - Eva Crosas-Molist
- Centre for Tumour Microenvironment at Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square Campus, John Vane Science Centre, London, UK
- Randall Division of Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, New Hunt's House, Guy's Campus, London, UK
| | - Irene Rodriguez-Hernandez
- Centre for Tumour Microenvironment at Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square Campus, John Vane Science Centre, London, UK
- Randall Division of Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, New Hunt's House, Guy's Campus, London, UK
| | - Alessia Volpe
- Imaging Therapies and Cancer Group, Comprehensive Cancer Centre, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Studies, King's College London, Guy's Campus, London, UK
- Molecular Imaging Group, Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gaia Cantelli
- Randall Division of Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, New Hunt's House, Guy's Campus, London, UK
| | - Lena Boehme
- Randall Division of Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, New Hunt's House, Guy's Campus, London, UK
| | - Jose L Orgaz
- Centre for Tumour Microenvironment at Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square Campus, John Vane Science Centre, London, UK
- Randall Division of Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, New Hunt's House, Guy's Campus, London, UK
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomedicas 'Alberto Sols', CSIC-UAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Faraz K Mardakheh
- Centre for Cancer Cell & Molecular Biology at Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square Campus, John Vane Science Centre, London, UK
| | - Victoria Sanz-Moreno
- Centre for Tumour Microenvironment at Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square Campus, John Vane Science Centre, London, UK.
- Randall Division of Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, New Hunt's House, Guy's Campus, London, UK.
| | - Gilbert O Fruhwirth
- Imaging Therapies and Cancer Group, Comprehensive Cancer Centre, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Studies, King's College London, Guy's Campus, London, UK.
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, St. Thomas' Hospital, London, UK.
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25
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Zaritsky A, Jamieson AR, Welf ES, Nevarez A, Cillay J, Eskiocak U, Cantarel BL, Danuser G. Interpretable deep learning uncovers cellular properties in label-free live cell images that are predictive of highly metastatic melanoma. Cell Syst 2021; 12:733-747.e6. [PMID: 34077708 PMCID: PMC8353662 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2021.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Deep learning has emerged as the technique of choice for identifying hidden patterns in cell imaging data but is often criticized as "black box." Here, we employ a generative neural network in combination with supervised machine learning to classify patient-derived melanoma xenografts as "efficient" or "inefficient" metastatic, validate predictions regarding melanoma cell lines with unknown metastatic efficiency in mouse xenografts, and use the network to generate in silico cell images that amplify the critical predictive cell properties. These exaggerated images unveiled pseudopodial extensions and increased light scattering as hallmark properties of metastatic cells. We validated this interpretation using live cells spontaneously transitioning between states indicative of low and high metastatic efficiency. This study illustrates how the application of artificial intelligence can support the identification of cellular properties that are predictive of complex phenotypes and integrated cell functions but are too subtle to be identified in the raw imagery by a human expert. A record of this paper's transparent peer review process is included in the supplemental information. VIDEO ABSTRACT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assaf Zaritsky
- Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Software and Information Systems Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel.
| | - Andrew R Jamieson
- Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Erik S Welf
- Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Andres Nevarez
- Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Section of Molecular Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Justin Cillay
- Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Ugur Eskiocak
- Children's Research Institute and Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Brandi L Cantarel
- Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Gaudenz Danuser
- Lyda Hill Department of Bioinformatics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
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26
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Claisened Hexafluoro Inhibits Metastatic Spreading of Amoeboid Melanoma Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13143551. [PMID: 34298765 PMCID: PMC8305480 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastatic melanoma is characterized by poor prognosis and a low free-survival rate. Thanks to their high plasticity, melanoma cells are able to migrate exploiting different cell motility strategies, such as the rounded/amoeboid-type motility and the elongated/mesenchymal-type motility. In particular, the amoeboid motility strongly contributes to the dissemination of highly invasive melanoma cells and no treatment targeting this process is currently available for clinical application. Here, we tested Claisened Hexafluoro as a novel inhibitor of the amoeboid motility. Reported data demonstrate that Claisened Hexafluoro specifically inhibits melanoma cells moving through amoeboid motility by deregulating mitochondrial activity and activating the AMPK signaling. Moreover, Claisened Hexafluoro is able to interfere with the adhesion abilities and the stemness features of melanoma cells, thus decreasing the in vivo metastatic process. This evidence may contribute to pave the way for future possible therapeutic applications of Claisened Hexafluoro to counteract metastatic melanoma dissemination.
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27
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Turnham DJ, Yang WW, Davies J, Varnava A, Ridley AJ, Conlan RS, Clarkson RWE. Bcl-3 promotes multi-modal tumour cell migration via NF-κB1 mediated regulation of Cdc42. Carcinogenesis 2021; 41:1432-1443. [PMID: 31957805 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgaa005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A key challenge in the implementation of anti-metastatics as cancer therapies is the multi-modal nature of cell migration, which allows tumour cells to evade the targeted inhibition of specific cell motility pathways. The nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) co-factor B-cell lymphoma 3 (Bcl-3) has been implicated in breast cancer cell migration and metastasis, yet it remains to be determined exactly which cell motility pathways are controlled by Bcl-3 and whether migrating tumour cells are able to evade Bcl-3 intervention. Addressing these questions and the mechanism underpinning Bcl-3's role in this process would help determine its potential as a therapeutic target. Here we identify Bcl-3 as an upstream regulator of the two principal forms of breast cancer cell motility, involving collective and single-cell migration. This was found to be mediated by the master regulator Cdc42 through binding of the NF-κB transcription factor p50 to the Cdc42 promoter. Notably, Bcl-3 depletion inhibited both stable and transitory motility phenotypes in breast cancer cells with no evidence of migratory adaptation. Overexpression of Bcl-3 enhanced migration and increased metastatic tumour burden of breast cancer cells in vivo, whereas overexpression of a mutant Bcl-3 protein, which is unable to bind p50, suppressed cell migration and metastatic tumour burden suggesting that disruption of Bcl-3/NF-κB complexes is sufficient to inhibit metastasis. These findings identify a novel role for Bcl-3 in intrinsic and adaptive multi-modal cell migration mediated by its direct regulation of the Rho GTPase Cdc42 and identify the upstream Bcl-3:p50 transcription complex as a potential therapeutic target for metastatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Turnham
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Bioscience, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - William W Yang
- Department of Pathology, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Julia Davies
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, UK
| | - Athina Varnava
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Bioscience, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Anne J Ridley
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Biomedical Sciences Building, University Walk, Bristol, UK
| | - R Steven Conlan
- Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Park, Swansea, UK
| | - Richard W E Clarkson
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Bioscience, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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28
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Weidle UH, AuslÄnder S, Brinkmann U. Micro RNAs Promoting Growth and Metastasis in Preclinical In Vivo Models of Subcutaneous Melanoma. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2021; 17:651-667. [PMID: 33099468 DOI: 10.21873/cgp.20221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
During the last years a considerable therapeutic progress in melanoma patients with the RAF V600E mutation via RAF/MEK pathway inhibition and immuno-therapeutic modalities has been witnessed. However, the majority of patients relapse after therapy. Therefore, a deeper understanding of the pathways driving oncogenicity and metastasis of melanoma is of paramount importance. In this review, we summarize microRNAs modulating tumor growth, metastasis, or both, in preclinical melanoma-related in vivo models and possible clinical impact in melanoma patients as modalities and targets for treatment of melanoma. We have identified miR-199a (ApoE, DNAJ4), miR-7-5p (RelA), miR-98a (IL6), miR-219-5p (BCL2) and miR-365 (NRP1) as possible targets to be scrutinized in further target validation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich H Weidle
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Large Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Simon AuslÄnder
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Large Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Brinkmann
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development (pRED), Large Molecule Research, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
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29
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WNT5A inhibition alters the malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor microenvironment and enhances tumor growth. Oncogene 2021; 40:4229-4241. [PMID: 34079083 PMCID: PMC8217297 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-01773-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) are aggressive soft-tissue sarcomas that cause significant mortality in adults with neurofibromatosis type 1. We compared gene expression of growth factors in normal human nerves to MPNST and normal human Schwann cells to MPNST cell lines. We identified WNT5A as the most significantly upregulated ligand-coding gene and verified its protein expression in MPNST cell lines and tumors. In many contexts WNT5A acts as an oncogene. However, inhibiting WNT5A expression using shRNA did not alter MPNST cell proliferation, invasion, migration, or survival in vitro. Rather, shWNT5A-treated MPNST cells upregulated mRNAs associated with the remodeling of extracellular matrix and with immune cell communication. In addition, these cells secreted increased amounts of the proinflammatory cytokines CXCL1, CCL2, IL6, CXCL8, and ICAM1. Versus controls, shWNT5A-expressing MPNST cells formed larger tumors in vivo. Grafted tumors contained elevated macrophage/stromal cells, larger and more numerous blood vessels, and increased levels of Mmp9, Cxcl13, Lipocalin-1, and Ccl12. In some MPNST settings, these effects were mimicked by targeting the WNT5A receptor ROR2. These data suggest that the non-canonical Wnt ligand WNT5A inhibits MPNST tumor formation by modulating the MPNST microenvironment, so that blocking WNT5A accelerates tumor growth in vivo.
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30
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Contractility, focal adhesion orientation, and stress fiber orientation drive cancer cell polarity and migration along wavy ECM substrates. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2021135118. [PMID: 34031242 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2021135118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Contact guidance is a powerful topographical cue that induces persistent directional cell migration. Healthy tissue stroma is characterized by a meshwork of wavy extracellular matrix (ECM) fiber bundles, whereas metastasis-prone stroma exhibit less wavy, more linear fibers. The latter topography correlates with poor prognosis, whereas more wavy bundles correlate with benign tumors. We designed nanotopographic ECM-coated substrates that mimic collagen fibril waveforms seen in tumors and healthy tissues to determine how these nanotopographies may regulate cancer cell polarization and migration machineries. Cell polarization and directional migration were inhibited by fibril-like wave substrates above a threshold amplitude. Although polarity signals and actin nucleation factors were required for polarization and migration on low-amplitude wave substrates, they did not localize to cell leading edges. Instead, these factors localized to wave peaks, creating multiple "cryptic leading edges" within cells. On high-amplitude wave substrates, retrograde flow from large cryptic leading edges depolarized stress fibers and focal adhesions and inhibited cell migration. On low-amplitude wave substrates, actomyosin contractility overrode the small cryptic leading edges and drove stress fiber and focal adhesion orientation along the wave axis to mediate directional migration. Cancer cells of different intrinsic contractility depolarized at different wave amplitudes, and cell polarization response to wavy substrates could be tuned by manipulating contractility. We propose that ECM fibril waveforms with sufficiently high amplitude around tumors may serve as "cell polarization barriers," decreasing directional migration of tumor cells, which could be overcome by up-regulation of tumor cell contractility.
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31
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Mousson A, Legrand M, Steffan T, Vauchelles R, Carl P, Gies JP, Lehmann M, Zuber G, De Mey J, Dujardin D, Sick E, Rondé P. Inhibiting FAK-Paxillin Interaction Reduces Migration and Invadopodia-Mediated Matrix Degradation in Metastatic Melanoma Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13081871. [PMID: 33919725 PMCID: PMC8070677 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13081871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is over-expressed in a variety of human tumors and is involved in many aspects of the metastatic process. This has led to the development of small inhibitors of FAK kinase function which are currently evaluated in clinical trials. We demonstrate here that this class of inhibitors, while decreasing melanoma cell migration, increases invadopodia activity in metastatic melanoma cells. Searching for an alternative strategy to inhibit the oncogenic activity of FAK, we show that inhibiting FAK scaffolding function using a small peptide altering FAK–paxillin interactions reduces both migration and invadopodia-mediated matrix degradation in metastatic melanoma cells. Abstract The nonreceptor tyrosine kinase FAK is a promising target for solid tumor treatment because it promotes invasion, tumor progression, and drug resistance when overexpressed. Investigating the role of FAK in human melanoma cells, we found that both in situ and metastatic melanoma cells strongly express FAK, where it controls tumor cells’ invasiveness by regulating focal adhesion-mediated cell motility. Inhibiting FAK in human metastatic melanoma cells with either siRNA or a small inhibitor targeting the kinase domain impaired migration but led to increased invadopodia formation and extracellular matrix degradation. Using FAK mutated at Y397, we found that this unexpected increase in invadopodia activity is due to the lack of phosphorylation at this residue. To preserve FAK–Src interaction while inhibiting pro-migratory functions of FAK, we found that altering FAK–paxillin interaction, with either FAK mutation in the focal adhesion targeting (FAT) domain or a competitive inhibitor peptide mimicking paxillin LD domains drastically reduces cell migration and matrix degradation by preserving FAK activity in the cytoplasm. In conclusion, our data show that targeting FAK–paxillin interactions could be a potential therapeutic strategy to prevent metastasis formation, and molecules targeting this interface could be alternative to inhibitors of FAK kinase activity which display unexpected effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Mousson
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UMR7021, Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, Migration, Invasion et Microenvironnement, Faculté de Pharmacie, 67401 Illkirch, France; (A.M.); (M.L.); (T.S.); (P.C.); (J.-P.G.); (M.L.); (J.D.M.); (D.D.); (E.S.)
| | - Marlène Legrand
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UMR7021, Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, Migration, Invasion et Microenvironnement, Faculté de Pharmacie, 67401 Illkirch, France; (A.M.); (M.L.); (T.S.); (P.C.); (J.-P.G.); (M.L.); (J.D.M.); (D.D.); (E.S.)
| | - Tania Steffan
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UMR7021, Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, Migration, Invasion et Microenvironnement, Faculté de Pharmacie, 67401 Illkirch, France; (A.M.); (M.L.); (T.S.); (P.C.); (J.-P.G.); (M.L.); (J.D.M.); (D.D.); (E.S.)
| | - Romain Vauchelles
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UMR7021, Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, Plateforme PIQ, Faculté de Pharmacie, 67401 Illkirch, France;
| | - Philippe Carl
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UMR7021, Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, Migration, Invasion et Microenvironnement, Faculté de Pharmacie, 67401 Illkirch, France; (A.M.); (M.L.); (T.S.); (P.C.); (J.-P.G.); (M.L.); (J.D.M.); (D.D.); (E.S.)
| | - Jean-Pierre Gies
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UMR7021, Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, Migration, Invasion et Microenvironnement, Faculté de Pharmacie, 67401 Illkirch, France; (A.M.); (M.L.); (T.S.); (P.C.); (J.-P.G.); (M.L.); (J.D.M.); (D.D.); (E.S.)
| | - Maxime Lehmann
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UMR7021, Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, Migration, Invasion et Microenvironnement, Faculté de Pharmacie, 67401 Illkirch, France; (A.M.); (M.L.); (T.S.); (P.C.); (J.-P.G.); (M.L.); (J.D.M.); (D.D.); (E.S.)
| | - Guy Zuber
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UMR7242, Intervention Chémobiologique, ESBS, 67412 Illkirch, France;
| | - Jan De Mey
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UMR7021, Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, Migration, Invasion et Microenvironnement, Faculté de Pharmacie, 67401 Illkirch, France; (A.M.); (M.L.); (T.S.); (P.C.); (J.-P.G.); (M.L.); (J.D.M.); (D.D.); (E.S.)
| | - Denis Dujardin
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UMR7021, Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, Migration, Invasion et Microenvironnement, Faculté de Pharmacie, 67401 Illkirch, France; (A.M.); (M.L.); (T.S.); (P.C.); (J.-P.G.); (M.L.); (J.D.M.); (D.D.); (E.S.)
| | - Emilie Sick
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UMR7021, Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, Migration, Invasion et Microenvironnement, Faculté de Pharmacie, 67401 Illkirch, France; (A.M.); (M.L.); (T.S.); (P.C.); (J.-P.G.); (M.L.); (J.D.M.); (D.D.); (E.S.)
| | - Philippe Rondé
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UMR7021, Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, Migration, Invasion et Microenvironnement, Faculté de Pharmacie, 67401 Illkirch, France; (A.M.); (M.L.); (T.S.); (P.C.); (J.-P.G.); (M.L.); (J.D.M.); (D.D.); (E.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-3-6885-4184
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32
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Soukupová J, Bordoni C, Turnham DJ, Yang WW, Seaton G, Gruca A, French R, Lee KY, Varnava A, Piggott L, Clarkson RWE, Westwell AD, Brancale A. The Discovery of a Novel Antimetastatic Bcl3 Inhibitor. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 20:775-786. [PMID: 33649105 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-20-0283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The development of antimetastatic drugs is an urgent healthcare priority for patients with cancer, because metastasis is thought to account for around 90% of cancer deaths. Current antimetastatic treatment options are limited and often associated with poor long-term survival and systemic toxicities. Bcl3, a facilitator protein of the NF-κB family, is associated with poor prognosis in a range of tumor types. Bcl3 has been directly implicated in the metastasis of tumor cells, yet is well tolerated when constitutively deleted in murine models, making it a promising therapeutic target. Here, we describe the identification and characterization of the first small-molecule Bcl3 inhibitor, by using a virtual drug design and screening approach against a computational model of the Bcl3-NF-kB1(p50) protein-protein interaction. From selected virtual screening hits, one compound (JS6) showed potent intracellular Bcl3-inhibitory activity. JS6 treatment led to reductions in Bcl3-NF-kB1 binding, tumor colony formation, and cancer cell migration in vitro; and tumor stasis and antimetastatic activity in vivo, while being devoid of overt systemic toxicity. These results represent a successful application of in silico screening in the identification of protein-protein inhibitors for novel intracellular targets, and confirm Bcl3 as a potential antimetastatic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitka Soukupová
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom.,European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Cinzia Bordoni
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel J Turnham
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - William W Yang
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Gillian Seaton
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Aleksandra Gruca
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Rhiannon French
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Kok Yung Lee
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Athina Varnava
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Luke Piggott
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Richard W E Clarkson
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew D Westwell
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Brancale
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom.
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33
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Targeting the cytoskeleton against metastatic dissemination. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2021; 40:89-140. [PMID: 33471283 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-020-09936-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a pathology characterized by a loss or a perturbation of a number of typical features of normal cell behaviour. Indeed, the acquisition of an inappropriate migratory and invasive phenotype has been reported to be one of the hallmarks of cancer. The cytoskeleton is a complex dynamic network of highly ordered interlinking filaments playing a key role in the control of fundamental cellular processes, like cell shape maintenance, motility, division and intracellular transport. Moreover, deregulation of this complex machinery contributes to cancer progression and malignancy, enabling cells to acquire an invasive and metastatic phenotype. Metastasis accounts for 90% of death from patients affected by solid tumours, while an efficient prevention and suppression of metastatic disease still remains elusive. This results in the lack of effective therapeutic options currently available for patients with advanced disease. In this context, the cytoskeleton with its regulatory and structural proteins emerges as a novel and highly effective target to be exploited for a substantial therapeutic effort toward the development of specific anti-metastatic drugs. Here we provide an overview of the role of cytoskeleton components and interacting proteins in cancer metastasis with a special focus on small molecule compounds interfering with the actin cytoskeleton organization and function. The emerging involvement of microtubules and intermediate filaments in cancer metastasis is also reviewed.
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McLeod R, Kumar R, Papadatos-Pastos D, Mateo J, Brown JS, Garces AHI, Ruddle R, Decordova S, Jueliger S, Ferraldeschi R, Maiques O, Sanz-Moreno V, Jones P, Traub S, Halbert G, Mellor S, Swales KE, Raynaud FI, Garrett MD, Banerji U. First-in-Human Study of AT13148, a Dual ROCK-AKT Inhibitor in Patients with Solid Tumors. Clin Cancer Res 2020; 26:4777-4784. [PMID: 32616501 PMCID: PMC7611345 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-20-0700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE AT13148 is an oral AGC kinase inhibitor, which potently inhibits ROCK and AKT kinases. In preclinical models, AT13148 has been shown to have antimetastatic and antiproliferative activity. PATIENTS AND METHODS The trial followed a rolling six design during dose escalation. An intrapatient dose escalation arm to evaluate tolerability and a biopsy cohort to study pharmacodynamic effects were later added. AT13148 was administered orally three days a week (Mon-Wed-Fri) in 28-day cycles. Pharmacokinetic profiles were assessed using mass spectrometry and pharmacodynamic studies included quantifying p-GSK3β levels in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and p-cofilin and p-MLC2 levels in tumor biopsies. RESULTS Fifty-one patients were treated on study. The safety of 5-300 mg of AT13148 was studied. Further, the doses of 120-180-240 mg were studied in an intrapatient dose escalation cohort. The dose-limiting toxicities included hypotension (300 mg), pneumonitis, and elevated liver enzymes (240 mg), and skin rash (180 mg). The most common side effects were fatigue, nausea, headaches, and hypotension. On the basis of tolerability, 180 mg was considered the maximally tolerated dose. At 180 mg, mean C max and AUC were 400 nmol/L and 13,000 nmol/L/hour, respectively. At 180 mg, ≥50% reduction of p-cofilin was observed in 3 of 8 posttreatment biopsies. CONCLUSIONS AT13148 was the first dual potent ROCK-AKT inhibitor to be investigated for the treatment of solid tumors. The narrow therapeutic index and the pharmacokinetic profile led to recommend not developing this compound further. There are significant lessons learned in designing and testing agents that simultaneously inhibit multiple kinases including AGC kinases in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rajiv Kumar
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Joaquin Mateo
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jessica S Brown
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ruth Ruddle
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Oscar Maiques
- Bart's Cancer Centre, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Paul Jones
- Cancer Research UK, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Gavin Halbert
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | - Karen E Swales
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Michelle D Garrett
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
| | - Udai Banerji
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom.
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
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de Sousa GR, Vieira GM, das Chagas PF, Pezuk JA, Brassesco MS. Should we keep rocking? Portraits from targeting Rho kinases in cancer. Pharmacol Res 2020; 160:105093. [PMID: 32726671 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cancer targeted therapy, either alone or in combination with conventional chemotherapy, could allow the survival of patients with neoplasms currently considered incurable. In recent years, the dysregulation of the Rho-associated coiled-coil kinases (ROCK1 and ROCK2) has been associated with increased metastasis and poorer patient survival in several tumor types, and due to their essential roles in regulating the cytoskeleton, have gained popularity and progressively been researched as targets for the development of novel anti-cancer drugs. Nevertheless, in a pediatric scenario, the influence of both isoforms on prognosis remains a controversial issue. In this review, we summarize the functions of ROCKs, compile their roles in human cancer and their value as prognostic factors in both, adult and pediatric cancer. Moreover, we provide the up-to-date advances on their pharmacological inhibition in pre-clinical models and clinical trials. Alternatively, we highlight and discuss detrimental effects of ROCK inhibition provoked not only by the action on off-targets, but most importantly, by pro-survival effects on cancer stem cells, dormant cells, and circulating tumor cells, along with cell-context or microenvironment-dependent contradictory responses. Together these drawbacks represent a risk for cancer cell dissemination and metastasis after anti-ROCK intervention, a caveat that should concern scientists and clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - María Sol Brassesco
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil.
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36
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Palhares LCGF, Barbosa JS, Scortecci KC, Rocha HAO, Brito AS, Chavante SF. In vitro antitumor and anti-angiogenic activities of a shrimp chondroitin sulfate. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 162:1153-1165. [PMID: 32553958 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.06.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Thrombin triggers cellular responses that are crucial for development and progression of cancer, such as proliferation, migration, oncogene expression and angiogenesis. Thus, biomolecules capable of inhibiting this protease have become targets in cancer research. The present work describes the in vitro antitumor properties of a chondroitin sulfate with anti-thrombin activity, isolated from the Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp (sCS). Although the compound was unable to induce cytotoxicity or cell death and/or cell cycle changes after 24 h incubation, it showed a long-term antiproliferative effect, reducing the tumor colony formation of melanoma cells by 75% at 100 μg/mL concentration and inhibiting the anchorage-independent colony formation. sCS reduced 66% of melanoma cell migration in the wound healing assay and 70% in the transwell assay. The compound also decreased melanin and TNF-α content of melanoma cells by 52% and 75% respectively. Anti-angiogenic experiments showed that sCS promoted 100% reduction of tubular structure formation at 100 μg/mL. These results are in accordance with the sCS-mediated in vitro expression of genes related to melanoma development (Cx-43, MAPK, RhoA, PAFR, NFKB1 and VEGFA). These findings bring a new insight to CS molecules in cancer biology that can contribute to ongoing studies for new approaches in designing anti-tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lais C G F Palhares
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Jefferson S Barbosa
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil; Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Rio Grande do Norte, Campus São Gonçalo do Amarante, RN, Brazil
| | - Kátia C Scortecci
- Departamento de Biologia celular e genética, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Hugo A O Rocha
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Adriana S Brito
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil; Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde do Trairi, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Santa Cruz, RN, Brazil.
| | - Suely F Chavante
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil.
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37
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Guzman A, Avard RC, Devanny AJ, Kweon OS, Kaufman LJ. Delineating the role of membrane blebs in a hybrid mode of cancer cell invasion in three-dimensional environments. J Cell Sci 2020; 133:jcs236778. [PMID: 32193332 PMCID: PMC7197870 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.236778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of cancer cell invasion in 3D environments in vitro has revealed a variety of invasive modes, including amoeboid migration, characterized by primarily round cells that invade in a protease- and adhesion-independent manner. Here, we delineate a contractility-dependent migratory mode of primarily round breast cancer cells that is associated with extensive integrin-mediated extracellular matrix (ECM) reorganization that occurs at membrane blebs, with bleb necks sites of integrin clustering and integrin-dependent ECM alignment. We show that the spatiotemporal distribution of blebs and their utilization for ECM reorganization is mediated by functional β1 integrin receptors and other components of focal adhesions. Taken together, the work presented here characterizes a migratory mode of primarily round cancer cells in complex 3D environments and reveals a fundamentally new function for membrane blebs in cancer cell invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asja Guzman
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Rachel C Avard
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | | | - Oh Sang Kweon
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Laura J Kaufman
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
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38
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Porazinski S, Parkin A, Pajic M. Rho-ROCK Signaling in Normal Physiology and as a Key Player in Shaping the Tumor Microenvironment. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1223:99-127. [PMID: 32030687 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-35582-1_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The Rho-ROCK signaling network has a range of specialized functions of key biological importance, including control of essential developmental processes such as morphogenesis and physiological processes including homeostasis, immunity, and wound healing. Deregulation of Rho-ROCK signaling actively contributes to multiple pathological conditions, and plays a major role in cancer development and progression. This dynamic network is critical in modulating the intricate communication between tumor cells, surrounding diverse stromal cells and the matrix, shaping the ever-changing microenvironment of aggressive tumors. In this chapter, we overview the complex regulation of the Rho-ROCK signaling axis, its role in health and disease, and analyze progress made with key approaches targeting the Rho-ROCK pathway for therapeutic benefit. Finally, we conclude by outlining likely future trends and key questions in the field of Rho-ROCK research, in particular surrounding Rho-ROCK signaling within the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Porazinski
- Personalised Cancer Therapeutics Lab, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, St Vincent's Clinical School, University of NSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ashleigh Parkin
- Personalised Cancer Therapeutics Lab, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Marina Pajic
- Personalised Cancer Therapeutics Lab, The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia. .,Faculty of Medicine, St Vincent's Clinical School, University of NSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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39
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Orgaz JL, Crosas-Molist E, Sadok A, Perdrix-Rosell A, Maiques O, Rodriguez-Hernandez I, Monger J, Mele S, Georgouli M, Bridgeman V, Karagiannis P, Lee R, Pandya P, Boehme L, Wallberg F, Tape C, Karagiannis SN, Malanchi I, Sanz-Moreno V. Myosin II Reactivation and Cytoskeletal Remodeling as a Hallmark and a Vulnerability in Melanoma Therapy Resistance. Cancer Cell 2020; 37:85-103.e9. [PMID: 31935375 PMCID: PMC6958528 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2019.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Despite substantial clinical benefit of targeted and immune checkpoint blockade-based therapies in melanoma, resistance inevitably develops. We show cytoskeletal remodeling and changes in expression and activity of ROCK-myosin II pathway during acquisition of resistance to MAPK inhibitors. MAPK regulates myosin II activity, but after initial therapy response, drug-resistant clones restore myosin II activity to increase survival. High ROCK-myosin II activity correlates with aggressiveness, identifying targeted therapy- and immunotherapy-resistant melanomas. Survival of resistant cells is myosin II dependent, regardless of the therapy. ROCK-myosin II ablation specifically kills resistant cells via intrinsic lethal reactive oxygen species and unresolved DNA damage and limits extrinsic myeloid and lymphoid immunosuppression. Efficacy of targeted therapies and immunotherapies can be improved by combination with ROCK inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose L Orgaz
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Building, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; Randall Division of Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, New Hunt's House, Guy's Campus, London SE1 1UL, UK.
| | - Eva Crosas-Molist
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Building, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; Randall Division of Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, New Hunt's House, Guy's Campus, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Amine Sadok
- Translational Cancer Discovery Team, Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, The Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, London SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Anna Perdrix-Rosell
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Building, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; Randall Division of Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, New Hunt's House, Guy's Campus, London SE1 1UL, UK; Tumour Host Interaction, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Oscar Maiques
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Building, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; Randall Division of Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, New Hunt's House, Guy's Campus, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Irene Rodriguez-Hernandez
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Building, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; Randall Division of Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, New Hunt's House, Guy's Campus, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Jo Monger
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Building, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Silvia Mele
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, King's College London & NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Guy's and St. Thomas's Hospitals and King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Mirella Georgouli
- Randall Division of Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, New Hunt's House, Guy's Campus, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Victoria Bridgeman
- Tumour Host Interaction, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Panagiotis Karagiannis
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, King's College London & NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Guy's and St. Thomas's Hospitals and King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK; Department of Oncology, Haematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital of Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg 20246, Germany
| | - Rebecca Lee
- Molecular Oncology Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, Manchester M20 4BX, UK
| | - Pahini Pandya
- Randall Division of Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, New Hunt's House, Guy's Campus, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Lena Boehme
- Randall Division of Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, New Hunt's House, Guy's Campus, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Fredrik Wallberg
- The Institute of Cancer Research, Chester Beatty Laboratories, 237 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Chris Tape
- Cell Communication Lab, UCL Cancer Institute, 72 Huntley Street, London WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Sophia N Karagiannis
- St. John's Institute of Dermatology, King's College London & NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at Guy's and St. Thomas's Hospitals and King's College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Ilaria Malanchi
- Tumour Host Interaction, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Victoria Sanz-Moreno
- Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Building, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; Randall Division of Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, New Hunt's House, Guy's Campus, London SE1 1UL, UK.
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40
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Vennin C, Rath N, Pajic M, Olson MF, Timpson P. Targeting ROCK activity to disrupt and prime pancreatic cancer for chemotherapy. Small GTPases 2020; 11:45-52. [PMID: 28972449 PMCID: PMC6959285 DOI: 10.1080/21541248.2017.1345712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Revised: 06/15/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a devastating disease; the identification of novel targets and development of effective treatment strategies are urgently needed to improve patient outcomes. Remodeling of the pancreatic stroma occurs during PDAC development, which drives disease progression and impairs responses to therapy. The actomyosin regulatory ROCK1 and ROCK2 kinases govern cell motility and contractility, and have been suggested to be potential targets for cancer therapy, particularly to reduce the metastatic spread of tumor cells. However, ROCK inhibitors are not currently used for cancer patient treatment, largely due to the overwhelming challenge faced in the development of anti-metastatic drugs, and a lack of clarity as to the cancer types most likely to benefit from ROCK inhibitor therapy. In 2 recent publications, we discovered that ROCK1 and ROCK2 expression were increased in PDAC, and that increased ROCK activity was associated with reduced survival and PDAC progression by enabling extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and invasive growth of pancreatic cancer cells. We also used intravital imaging to optimize ROCK inhibition using the pharmacological ROCK inhibitor fasudil (HA-1077), and demonstrated that short-term ROCK targeting, or 'priming', improved chemotherapy efficacy, disrupted cancer cell collective movement, and impaired metastasis. This body of work strongly indicates that the use of ROCK inhibitors in pancreatic cancer therapy as 'priming' agents warrants further consideration, and provides insights as to how transient mechanical manipulation, or fine-tuning the ECM, rather than chronic stromal ablation might be beneficial for improving chemotherapeutic efficacy in the treatment of this deadly disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Vennin
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney Australia
| | - Nicola Rath
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Marina Pajic
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney Australia
| | - Michael F. Olson
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Timpson
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Sydney, Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney Australia
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41
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Thompson JM, Landman J, Razorenova OV. Targeting the RhoGTPase/ROCK pathway for the treatment of VHL/HIF pathway-driven cancers. Small GTPases 2020; 11:32-38. [PMID: 28632992 PMCID: PMC6959287 DOI: 10.1080/21541248.2017.1336193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Revised: 05/22/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The loss of the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumor-suppressor is a major driver of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma (CC-RCC) resulting in the stabilization and overactivation of hypoxia inducible factors (HIFs). ROCK1 is a well-known protein serine/threonine kinase which is recognized as having a role in cancer including alterations in cell motility, metastasis and angiogenesis. We recently investigated and identified a synthetic lethal interaction between VHL loss and ROCK1 inhibition in CC-RCC that is dependent on HIF overactivation. Increased expression and activity of both HIFs and ROCK1 occurs in many types of cancer supporting the potential therapeutic role of ROCK inhibitors beyond CC-RCC. We also discuss future research required to establish prognostic markers to predict tumor response to ROCK inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan M. Thompson
- Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Department, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Jaime Landman
- Urology Department, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Olga V. Razorenova
- Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Department, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
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Inhibition of Rho-Associated Kinase Suppresses Medulloblastoma Growth. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 12:cancers12010073. [PMID: 31888022 PMCID: PMC7016943 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12010073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma is one of the most common malignant brain tumor types in children, with an overall survival of 70%. Mortality is associated with metastatic relapsed tumors. Rho-associated kinases (ROCKs), important for epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and proper nervous system development, have previously been identified as a promising drug target to inhibit cancer growth and metastatic spread. Here, we show that ROCKs are expressed in medulloblastoma, with higher ROCK2 mRNA expression in metastatic compared to non-metastatic tumors. By evaluating three ROCK inhibitors in a panel of medulloblastoma cell lines we demonstrated that medulloblastoma cells were sensitive for pharmacological ROCK inhibition. The specific ROCK inhibitor RKI-1447 inhibited the tumorigenicity in medulloblastoma cells as well as impeded cell migration and invasion. Differential gene expression analysis suggested that ROCK inhibition was associated with the downregulation of signaling pathways important in proliferation and metastasis e.g., TNFα via NFκβ, TGFβ, and EMT. Expression of key proteins in these pathways such as RHOA, RHOB, JUN, and vimentin was downregulated in ROCK inhibited cells. Finally, we showed that ROCK inhibition by RKI-1447 suppressed medulloblastoma growth and proliferation in vivo. Collectively, our results suggest that ROCK inhibition presents a potential new therapeutic option in medulloblastoma, especially for children with metastatic disease.
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Lamač M, Horáček M, Červenková Šťastná L, Karban J, Sommerová L, Skoupilová H, Hrstka R, Pinkas J. Harmless glucose‐modified ruthenium complexes suppressing cell migration of highly invasive cancer cell lines. Appl Organomet Chem 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/aoc.5318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Lamač
- Academy of Sciences of the Czech RepublicJ. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry v.v.i., Dolejškova 2155/3, 182 23 Prague Czech Republic
| | - Michal Horáček
- Academy of Sciences of the Czech RepublicJ. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry v.v.i., Dolejškova 2155/3, 182 23 Prague Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Červenková Šťastná
- Academy of Sciences of the Czech RepublicInstitute of Chemical Process Fundamentals v.v.i., Rozvojová 135, 165 02 Prague Czech Republic
| | - Jindřich Karban
- Academy of Sciences of the Czech RepublicInstitute of Chemical Process Fundamentals v.v.i., Rozvojová 135, 165 02 Prague Czech Republic
| | - Lucia Sommerová
- Regional Centre for Applied and Molecular OncologyMasaryk Memorial Cancer Institute Žlutý kopec 7 Brno Czech Republic
| | - Hana Skoupilová
- Regional Centre for Applied and Molecular OncologyMasaryk Memorial Cancer Institute Žlutý kopec 7 Brno Czech Republic
| | - Roman Hrstka
- Regional Centre for Applied and Molecular OncologyMasaryk Memorial Cancer Institute Žlutý kopec 7 Brno Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Pinkas
- Academy of Sciences of the Czech RepublicJ. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry v.v.i., Dolejškova 2155/3, 182 23 Prague Czech Republic
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Yin H, Jiang Z, Wang S, Zhang P. Actinomycin D-Activated RNase L Promotes H2A.X/H2B-Mediated DNA Damage and Apoptosis in Lung Cancer Cells. Front Oncol 2019; 9:1086. [PMID: 31750234 PMCID: PMC6842983 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Chemotherapy is an essential component for comprehensive cancer treatment, while drug resistance usually fails therapy. DNA repair mechanism of cancer cells restrains the efficacy of therapeutics targeting DNA damage. Investigating target-inducing irreversible cell death of cancer cells may be promising. Methods: The present study used lung cancer cell lines, transplanted tumor model of lung cancers derived from patients with lung adenocarcinoma, and molecular experiments to investigate the effects and mechanism of Actinomycin D (Act D)-activated RNase L in lung canceers. Results: We report that RNase L, when activated by Act D, induces Caspase-3/PARP activation. The latter further enables ROCK-1 to initiate subsequent membrane blebbing and, meanwhile, result in DNA cleavage and cell cycle arrest mediated by H2A.X/H2B-p21 axis, leading to irreversible DNA damage, and apoptosis of lung cancer cells. The present study highlighted the crucial role of RNase L in triggering apoptosis mechanism through the Caspase-3/ROCK-1/PARP/H2A.X+H2B/p21 axis during Act D treatment. Moreover, activation of RNase L suppressed the tumor formation and the induction of lung cancer stem cells. Conclusion: This study unveiled the regulatory function and related mechanism of RNase L and implied the promising application of therapeutics targeting RNase L in lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huijing Yin
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Immunology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhengyu Jiang
- Faculty of Anesthesiology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuoer Wang
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Central Laboratory, The Fifth People's Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Zhang
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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45
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Pranatharthi A, Thomas P, Udayashankar AH, Bhavani C, Suresh SB, Krishna S, Thatte J, Srikantia N, Ross CR, Srivastava S. RhoC regulates radioresistance via crosstalk of ROCK2 with the DNA repair machinery in cervical cancer. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2019; 38:392. [PMID: 31488179 PMCID: PMC6729006 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-019-1385-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Background Radioresistance remains a challenge to the successful treatment of various tumors. Intrinsic factors like alterations in signaling pathways regulate response to radiation. RhoC, which has been shown to modulate several tumor phenotypes has been investigated in this report for its role in radioresistance. In vitro and clinical sample-based studies have been performed to understand its contribution to radiation response in cervical cancer and this is the first report to establish the role of RhoC and its effector ROCK2 in cervical cancer radiation response. Methods Biochemical, transcriptomic and immunological approaches including flow cytometry and immunofluorescence were used to understand the role of RhoC and ROCK2. RhoC variants, siRNA and chemical inhibitors were used to alter the function of RhoC and ROCK2. Transcriptomic profiling was performed to understand the gene expression pattern of the cells. Live sorting using an intracellular antigen has been developed to isolate the cells for transcriptomic studies. Results Enhanced expression of RhoC conferred radioprotection on the tumor cells while inhibition of RhoC resulted in sensitization of cells to radiation. The RhoC overexpressing cells had a better DNA repair machinery as observed using transcriptomic analysis. Similarly, overexpression of ROCK2, protected tumor cells against radiation while its inhibition increased radiosensitivity in vitro. Further investigations revealed that ROCK2 inhibition abolished the radioresistance phenotype, conferred by RhoC on SiHa cells, confirming that it is a downstream effector of RhoC in this context. Additionally, transcriptional analysis of the live sorted ROCK2 high and ROCK2 low expressing SiHa cells revealed an upregulation of the DNA repair pathway proteins. Consequently, inhibition of ROCK2 resulted in reduced expression of pH2Ax and MRN complex proteins, critical to repair of double strand breaks. Clinical sample-based studies also demonstrated that ROCK2 inhibition sensitizes tumor cells to irradiation. Conclusions Our data primarily indicates that RhoC and ROCK2 signaling is important for the radioresistance phenotype in cervical cancer tumor cells and is regulated via association of ROCK2 with the proteins of DNA repair pathway involving pH2Ax, MRE11 and RAD50 proteins, partly offering insights into the mechanism of radioresistance in tumor cells. These findings highlight RhoC-ROCK2 signaling involvement in DNA repair and urge the need for development of these molecules as targets to alleviate the non-responsiveness of cervical cancer tumor cells to irradiation treatment. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13046-019-1385-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annapurna Pranatharthi
- National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bangalore, 560065, India.,Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore, 560041, India.,Translational and Molecular Biology Laboratory (TMBL), Department of Medicine, St. John's Medical College Hospital (SJMCH), Bangalore, 560034, India
| | - Pavana Thomas
- School of Integrative Health Sciences, The University of Trans-Disciplinary Health Sciences and Technology (TDU), Bangalore, 560064, India.,Translational and Molecular Biology Laboratory (TMBL), St. John's Research Institute (SJRI), Bangalore, 560034, India
| | - Avinash H Udayashankar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, St John's Medical College Hospital (SJMCH), Bangalore, 560034, India
| | - Chandra Bhavani
- Translational and Molecular Biology Laboratory (TMBL), St. John's Research Institute (SJRI), Bangalore, 560034, India
| | - Srinag Bangalore Suresh
- Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore, 560041, India.,Translational and Molecular Biology Laboratory (TMBL), Department of Medicine, St. John's Medical College Hospital (SJMCH), Bangalore, 560034, India
| | - Sudhir Krishna
- National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bangalore, 560065, India
| | - Jayashree Thatte
- National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bangalore, 560065, India
| | - Nirmala Srikantia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, St John's Medical College Hospital (SJMCH), Bangalore, 560034, India
| | - Cecil R Ross
- Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore, 560041, India.,Translational and Molecular Biology Laboratory (TMBL), Department of Medicine, St. John's Medical College Hospital (SJMCH), Bangalore, 560034, India
| | - Sweta Srivastava
- Translational and Molecular Biology Laboratory (TMBL), Department of Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology, St. John's Medical College Hospital (SJMCH), Bangalore, 560034, India. .,School of Integrative Health Sciences, The University of Trans-Disciplinary Health Sciences and Technology (TDU), Bangalore, 560064, India.
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46
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Parkin A, Man J, Timpson P, Pajic M. Targeting the complexity of Src signalling in the tumour microenvironment of pancreatic cancer: from mechanism to therapy. FEBS J 2019; 286:3510-3539. [PMID: 31330086 PMCID: PMC6771888 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2019] [Revised: 05/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer, a disease with extremely poor prognosis, has been notoriously resistant to virtually all forms of treatment. The dynamic crosstalk that occurs between tumour cells and the surrounding stroma, frequently mediated by intricate Src/FAK signalling, is increasingly recognised as a key player in pancreatic tumourigenesis, disease progression and therapeutic resistance. These important cues are fundamental for defining the invasive potential of pancreatic tumours, and several components of the Src and downstream effector signalling have been proposed as potent anticancer therapeutic targets. Consequently, numerous agents that block this complex network are being extensively investigated as potential antiinvasive and antimetastatic therapeutic agents for this disease. In this review, we will discuss the latest evidence of Src signalling in PDAC progression, fibrotic response and resistance to therapy. We will examine future opportunities for the development and implementation of more effective combination regimens, targeting key components of the oncogenic Src signalling axis, and in the context of a precision medicine-guided approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashleigh Parkin
- The Kinghorn Cancer CentreThe Garvan Institute of Medical ResearchSydneyAustralia
| | - Jennifer Man
- The Kinghorn Cancer CentreThe Garvan Institute of Medical ResearchSydneyAustralia
| | - Paul Timpson
- The Kinghorn Cancer CentreThe Garvan Institute of Medical ResearchSydneyAustralia
- Faculty of MedicineSt Vincent's Clinical SchoolUniversity of NSWSydneyAustralia
| | - Marina Pajic
- The Kinghorn Cancer CentreThe Garvan Institute of Medical ResearchSydneyAustralia
- Faculty of MedicineSt Vincent's Clinical SchoolUniversity of NSWSydneyAustralia
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47
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Libanje F, Raingeaud J, Luan R, Thomas Z, Zajac O, Veiga J, Marisa L, Adam J, Boige V, Malka D, Goéré D, Hall A, Soazec J, Prall F, Gelli M, Dartigues P, Jaulin F. ROCK2 inhibition triggers the collective invasion of colorectal adenocarcinomas. EMBO J 2019; 38:e99299. [PMID: 31304629 PMCID: PMC6627234 DOI: 10.15252/embj.201899299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Revised: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The metastatic progression of cancer is a multi-step process initiated by the local invasion of the peritumoral stroma. To identify the mechanisms underlying colorectal carcinoma (CRC) invasion, we collected live human primary cancer specimens at the time of surgery and monitored them ex vivo. This revealed that conventional adenocarcinomas undergo collective invasion while retaining their epithelial glandular architecture with an inward apical pole delineating a luminal cavity. To identify the underlying mechanisms, we used microscopy-based assays on 3D organotypic cultures of Caco-2 cysts as a model system. We performed two siRNA screens targeting Rho-GTPases effectors and guanine nucleotide exchange factors. These screens revealed that ROCK2 inhibition triggers the initial leader/follower polarization of the CRC cell cohorts and induces collective invasion. We further identified FARP2 as the Rac1 GEF necessary for CRC collective invasion. However, FARP2 activation is not sufficient to trigger leader cell formation and the concomitant inhibition of Myosin-II is required to induce invasion downstream of ROCK2 inhibition. Our results contrast with ROCK pro-invasive function in other cancers, stressing that the molecular mechanism of metastatic spread likely depends on tumour types and invasion mode.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rui Luan
- INSERM U‐981Gustave RoussyVillejuifFrance
| | | | - Olivier Zajac
- INSERM U‐981Gustave RoussyVillejuifFrance
- Present address:
Department of Translational ResearchCurie InstituteParisFrance
| | - Joel Veiga
- Cell Biology ProgramMemorial Sloan‐Kettering Cancer CenterNew YorkNYUSA
- Present address:
Imagine InstituteParisFrance
| | - Laetitia Marisa
- Programme “Cartes d'Identité des Tumeurs”Ligue Nationale Contre le CancerParisFrance
| | - Julien Adam
- Pathology DepartmentGustave RoussyVillejuifFrance
| | | | - David Malka
- Digestive Cancer UnitGustave RoussyVillejuifFrance
| | - Diane Goéré
- Digestive Cancer UnitGustave RoussyVillejuifFrance
| | - Alan Hall
- Cell Biology ProgramMemorial Sloan‐Kettering Cancer CenterNew YorkNYUSA
| | | | - Friedrich Prall
- Institute of PathologyUniversity Medicine of RostockRostockGermany
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48
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Dayal N, Mikek CG, Hernandez D, Naclerio GA, Yin Chu EF, Carter-Cooper BA, Lapidus RG, Sintim HO. Potently inhibiting cancer cell migration with novel 3H-pyrazolo[4,3-f]quinoline boronic acid ROCK inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 180:449-456. [PMID: 31330446 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.06.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Rho-associated protein kinases (ROCKs) are ubiquitously expressed in most adult tissues, and are involved in modulating the cytoskeleton, protein synthesis and degradation pathways, synaptic function, and autophagy to list a few. A few ROCK inhibitors, such as fasudil and netarsudil, are approved for clinical use. Here we present a new ROCK inhibitor, boronic acid containing HSD1590, which is more potent than netarsudil at binding to or inhibiting ROCK enzymatic activities. This compound exhibits single digit nanomolar binding to ROCK (Kds < 2 nM) and subnanomolar enzymatic inhibition profile (ROCK2 IC50 is 0.5 nM for HSD1590. Netarsudil, an FDA-approved drug, inhibited ROCK2 with IC50 = 11 nM under similar conditions). Whereas netarsudil was cytotoxic to breast cancer cell line, MDA-MB-231 (greater than 80% growth inhibition at concentrations greater than 5 μM), HSD1590 displayed low cytotoxicity to MDA-MB-231. Interestingly, at 1 μM HSD1590 inhibited the migration of MDA-MB-231 whereas netarsudil did not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neetu Dayal
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Clinton G Mikek
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Delmis Hernandez
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - George A Naclerio
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Elizabeth Fei Yin Chu
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Brandon A Carter-Cooper
- Translational Core Laboratory, University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center, 655 W Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Rena G Lapidus
- Translational Core Laboratory, University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center, 655 W Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Herman O Sintim
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA; Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, 720 Clinic Drive, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA; Purdue Institute of Inflammation and Infectious Diseases, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
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49
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6-Substituted purines as ROCK inhibitors with anti-metastatic activity. Bioorg Chem 2019; 90:103005. [PMID: 31271944 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2019.103005] [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] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Revised: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 05/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Rho-associated serine/threonine kinases (ROCKs) are principal regulators of the actin cytoskeleton that regulate the contractility, shape, motility, and invasion of cells. We explored the relationships between structure and anti-ROCK2 activity in a group of purine derivatives substituted at the C6 atom by piperidin-1-yl or azepan-1-yl groups. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) analyses suggested that anti-ROCK activity is retained, and may be further increased, by substitution of the parent compounds at the C2 atom or by expansion of the C6 side chain. These inhibitors of ROCK can reach effective concentrations within cells, as demonstrated by a decrease in phosphorylation of the ROCK target MLC, and by inhibition of the ROCK-dependent invasion of melanoma cells in the collagen matrix. Our study may be useful for further optimization of C6-substituted purine inhibitors of ROCKs and of other sensitive kinases identified by the screening of a broad panel of protein kinases.
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50
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Krajnović T, Drača D, Kaluđerović GN, Dunđerović D, Mirkov I, Wessjohann LA, Maksimović-Ivanić D, Mijatović S. The hop-derived prenylflavonoid isoxanthohumol inhibits the formation of lung metastasis in B16-F10 murine melanoma model. Food Chem Toxicol 2019; 129:257-268. [PMID: 31034931 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2019.04.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Revised: 04/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Isoxanthohumol (IXN), a prenylflavonoid from hops and beer, gained increasing attention as a potential chemopreventive agent. In the present study, IXN antimetastatic potential in vitro against the highly invasive melanoma cell line B16-F10 and in vivo in a murine metastatic model was investigated. Melanoma cell viability was diminished in a dose-dependent manner following the treatment with IXN. This decrease was a consequence of autophagy and caspase-dependent apoptosis. Additionally, the dividing potential of highly proliferative melanoma cells was dramatically affected by this isoflavanone, which was in correlation with an abrogated cell colony forming potential, indicating changes in their metastatic features. Concordantly, IXN promoted strong suppression of the processes that define metastasis- cell adhesion, invasion, and migration. Further investigation at the molecular level revealed that the abolished metastatic potential of a melanoma subclone was due to disrupted integrin signaling. Importantly, these results were reaffirmed in vivo where IXN inhibited the development of lung metastatic foci in tumor-challenged animals. The results of the present study may highlight the beneficial effects of IXN on melanoma as the most aggressive type of skin cancer and will hopefully shed a light on the possible use of this prenylflavonoid in the treatment of metastatic malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Krajnović
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11060, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Dijana Drača
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11060, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Goran N Kaluđerović
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Leibniz-Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, D 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Duško Dunđerović
- Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, dr Subotića 1, 11000, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Ivana Mirkov
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11060, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Ludger A Wessjohann
- Department of Bioorganic Chemistry, Leibniz-Institute of Plant Biochemistry, Weinberg 3, D 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Danijela Maksimović-Ivanić
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11060, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Sanja Mijatović
- Department of Immunology, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković", University of Belgrade, Bulevar despota Stefana 142, 11060, Belgrade, Serbia.
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