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Repici A, Ardizzone A, De Luca F, Colarossi L, Prestifilippo A, Pizzino G, Paterniti I, Esposito E, Capra AP. Signaling Pathways of AXL Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Contribute to the Pathogenetic Mechanisms of Glioblastoma. Cells 2024; 13:361. [PMID: 38391974 PMCID: PMC10886920 DOI: 10.3390/cells13040361] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain tumors are a diverse collection of neoplasms affecting the brain with a high prevalence rate in people of all ages around the globe. In this pathological context, glioblastoma, a form of glioma that belongs to the IV-grade astrocytoma group, is the most common and most aggressive form of the primary brain tumors. Indeed, despite the best treatments available including surgery, radiotherapy or a pharmacological approach with Temozolomide, glioblastoma patients' mortality is still high, within a few months of diagnosis. Therefore, to increase the chances of these patients surviving, it is critical to keep finding novel treatment opportunities. In the past, efforts to treat glioblastoma have mostly concentrated on customized treatment plans that target specific mutations such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations, Neurotrophic Tyrosine Receptor Kinase (NTRK) fusions, or multiple receptors using multi-kinase inhibitors like Sunitinib and Regorafenib, with varying degrees of success. Here, we focused on the receptor tyrosine kinase AXL that has been identified as a mediator for tumor progression and therapy resistance in various cancer types, including squamous cell tumors, small cell lung cancer, and breast cancer. Activated AXL leads to a significant increase in tumor proliferation, tumor cell migration, and angiogenesis in different in vitro and in vivo models of cancer since this receptor regulates interplay with apoptotic, angiogenic and inflammatory pathways. Based on these premises, in this review we mainly focused on the role of AXL in the course of glioblastoma, considering its primary biological mechanisms and as a possible target for the application of the most recent treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Repici
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.R.); (A.A.); (F.D.L.); (I.P.); (A.P.C.)
| | - Alessio Ardizzone
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.R.); (A.A.); (F.D.L.); (I.P.); (A.P.C.)
| | - Fabiola De Luca
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.R.); (A.A.); (F.D.L.); (I.P.); (A.P.C.)
| | - Lorenzo Colarossi
- Istituto Oncologico del Mediterraneo, Via Penninazzo 7, 95029 Viagrande, Italy; (L.C.); (A.P.); (G.P.)
| | - Angela Prestifilippo
- Istituto Oncologico del Mediterraneo, Via Penninazzo 7, 95029 Viagrande, Italy; (L.C.); (A.P.); (G.P.)
| | - Gabriele Pizzino
- Istituto Oncologico del Mediterraneo, Via Penninazzo 7, 95029 Viagrande, Italy; (L.C.); (A.P.); (G.P.)
| | - Irene Paterniti
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.R.); (A.A.); (F.D.L.); (I.P.); (A.P.C.)
| | - Emanuela Esposito
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.R.); (A.A.); (F.D.L.); (I.P.); (A.P.C.)
| | - Anna Paola Capra
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.R.); (A.A.); (F.D.L.); (I.P.); (A.P.C.)
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2
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Jaradat SK, Ayoub NM, Al Sharie AH, Aldaod JM. Targeting Receptor Tyrosine Kinases as a Novel Strategy for the Treatment of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2024; 23:15330338241234780. [PMID: 38389413 PMCID: PMC10894558 DOI: 10.1177/15330338241234780] [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: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) comprises a group of aggressive and heterogeneous breast carcinoma. Chemotherapy is the mainstay for the treatment of triple-negative tumors. Nevertheless, the success of chemotherapeutic treatments is limited by their toxicity and development of acquired resistance leading to therapeutic failure and tumor relapse. Hence, there is an urgent need to explore novel targeted therapies for TNBC. Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are a family of transmembrane receptors that are key regulators of intracellular signaling pathways controlling cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, and motility. Aberrant activity and/or expression of several types of RTKs have been strongly connected to tumorigenesis. RTKs are frequently overexpressed and/or deregulated in triple-negative breast tumors and are further associated with tumor progression and reduced survival in patients. Therefore, targeting RTKs could be an appealing therapeutic strategy for the treatment of TNBC. This review summarizes the current evidence regarding the antitumor activity of RTK inhibitors in preclinical models of TNBC. The review also provides insights into the clinical trials evaluating the use of RTK inhibitors for the treatment of patients with TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara K. Jaradat
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST), Irbid, Jordan
| | - Nehad M. Ayoub
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST), Irbid, Jordan
| | - Ahmed H. Al Sharie
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST), Irbid, Jordan
| | - Julia M. Aldaod
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST), Irbid, Jordan
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3
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Bardol T, Eslami‐S Z, Masmoudi D, Alexandre M, Duboys de Labarre M, Bobrie A, D'Hondt V, Guiu S, Kurma K, Cayrefourcq L, Jacot W, Alix‐Panabières C. First evidence of AXL expression on circulating tumor cells in metastatic breast cancer patients: A proof-of-concept study. Cancer Med 2023; 13:e6843. [PMID: 38132919 PMCID: PMC10807582 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND For several years, the AXL tyrosine kinase receptor, a member of the Tyro3-Axl-Mer (TAM) family, has been considered a new strategic target in oncology. AXL overexpression is common in solid tumors and is associated with poor prognosis. In this context, the detection of a subset of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) that express AXL (AXL+ CTCs) could be clinically relevant. METHODS Immunostaining was performed to assess AXL expression in human breast cancer cell lines. The optimal conditions were established using flow cytometry. Spiking experiments were carried out to optimize the parameters of the CellSearch® system detection test. CTC enumeration and AXL expression were evaluated in patients with metastatic breast cancer (mBC) before treatment initiation. RESULTS An innovative AXL+ CTC detection assay to be used with the CellSearch® system was developed. In a prospective longitudinal clinical trial, blood samples from 60 patients with untreated mBC were analyzed to detect AXL+ CTCs with this new assay. CTCs were detected in 35/60 patients (58.3%) and AXL+ CTCs were identified in 7 of these 35 patients (11.7% of all patients). CONCLUSION This newly established AXL+ CTC assay is a promising tool that can be used for liquid biopsy in future clinical trials to stratify and monitor patients with cancer receiving anti-AXL therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Bardol
- Laboratory of Rare Circulating Human Cells—University Medical Center of MontpellierMontpellierFrance
- CREEC/CANECEV, MIVEGEC (CREES)Université de Montpellier, CNRS, IRDMontpellierFrance
| | - Zahra Eslami‐S
- Laboratory of Rare Circulating Human Cells—University Medical Center of MontpellierMontpellierFrance
- CREEC/CANECEV, MIVEGEC (CREES)Université de Montpellier, CNRS, IRDMontpellierFrance
- European Liquid Biopsy Society (ELBS)HamburgGermany
| | - Doryan Masmoudi
- Laboratory of Rare Circulating Human Cells—University Medical Center of MontpellierMontpellierFrance
- CREEC/CANECEV, MIVEGEC (CREES)Université de Montpellier, CNRS, IRDMontpellierFrance
| | - Marie Alexandre
- Department of Medical OncologyInstitut du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier UniversityMontpellierFrance
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de MontpellierINSERM U1194, Montpellier UniversityMontpellierFrance
| | - Marie Duboys de Labarre
- Department of Medical OncologyInstitut du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier UniversityMontpellierFrance
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de MontpellierINSERM U1194, Montpellier UniversityMontpellierFrance
| | - Angélique Bobrie
- Department of Medical OncologyInstitut du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier UniversityMontpellierFrance
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de MontpellierINSERM U1194, Montpellier UniversityMontpellierFrance
| | - Véronique D'Hondt
- Department of Medical OncologyInstitut du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier UniversityMontpellierFrance
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de MontpellierINSERM U1194, Montpellier UniversityMontpellierFrance
| | - Séverine Guiu
- Department of Medical OncologyInstitut du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier UniversityMontpellierFrance
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de MontpellierINSERM U1194, Montpellier UniversityMontpellierFrance
| | - Keerthi Kurma
- Laboratory of Rare Circulating Human Cells—University Medical Center of MontpellierMontpellierFrance
- CREEC/CANECEV, MIVEGEC (CREES)Université de Montpellier, CNRS, IRDMontpellierFrance
- European Liquid Biopsy Society (ELBS)HamburgGermany
| | - Laure Cayrefourcq
- Laboratory of Rare Circulating Human Cells—University Medical Center of MontpellierMontpellierFrance
- CREEC/CANECEV, MIVEGEC (CREES)Université de Montpellier, CNRS, IRDMontpellierFrance
- European Liquid Biopsy Society (ELBS)HamburgGermany
| | - William Jacot
- Department of Medical OncologyInstitut du Cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier UniversityMontpellierFrance
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de MontpellierINSERM U1194, Montpellier UniversityMontpellierFrance
| | - Catherine Alix‐Panabières
- Laboratory of Rare Circulating Human Cells—University Medical Center of MontpellierMontpellierFrance
- CREEC/CANECEV, MIVEGEC (CREES)Université de Montpellier, CNRS, IRDMontpellierFrance
- European Liquid Biopsy Society (ELBS)HamburgGermany
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Adam-Artigues A, Arenas EJ, Arribas J, Prat A, Cejalvo JM. AXL - a new player in resistance to HER2 blockade. Cancer Treat Rev 2023; 121:102639. [PMID: 37864955 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2023.102639] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
HER2 is a driver in solid tumors, mainly breast, oesophageal and gastric cancer, through activation of oncogenic signaling pathways such as PI3K or MAPK. HER2 overexpression associates with aggressive disease and poor prognosis. Despite targeted anti-HER2 therapy has improved outcomes and is the current standard of care, resistance emerge in some patients, requiring additional therapeutic strategies. Several mechanisms, including the upregulation of receptors tyrosine kinases such as AXL, are involved in resistance. AXL signaling leads to cancer cell proliferation, survival, migration, invasion and angiogenesis and correlates with poor prognosis. In addition, AXL overexpression accompanied by a mesenchymal phenotype result in resistance to chemotherapy and targeted therapies. Preclinical studies show that AXL drives anti-HER2 resistance and metastasis through dimerization with HER2 and activation of downstream pathways in breast cancer. Moreover, AXL inhibition restores response to HER2 blockade in vitro and in vivo. Limited data in gastric and oesophageal cancer also support these evidences. Furthermore, AXL shows a strong value as a prognostic and predictive biomarker in HER2+ breast cancer patients, adding a remarkable translational relevance. Therefore, current studies enforce the potential of co-targeting AXL and HER2 to overcome resistance and supports the use of AXL inhibitors in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Enrique J Arenas
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute, Spain; Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Spain.
| | - Joaquín Arribas
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Spain; Preclinical Research Program, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Spain; Cancer Research Program, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, Spain; Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Spain.
| | - Aleix Prat
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Spain; Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Spain; SOLTI Breast Cancer Research Group, Spain.
| | - Juan Miguel Cejalvo
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Spain; Preclinical Research Program, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Spain; Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de València, Spain.
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Gelebart P, Eriksen Gjerstad M, Benjaminsen S, Han J, Karlsen I, Safont MM, Leitch C, Fandalyuk Z, Popa M, Helgeland L, Papp B, Baran-Marszak F, McCormack E. Inhibition of a new AXL isoform, AXL3, induces apoptosis of mantle cell lymphoma cells. Blood 2023; 142:1478-1493. [PMID: 37339584 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2022015581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is an aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma having a poor overall survival that is in need for the development of new therapeutics. In this study, we report the identification and expression of a new isoform splice variant of the tyrosine kinase receptor AXL in MCL cells. This new AXL isoform, called AXL3, lacks the ligand-binding domain of the commonly described AXL splice variants and is constitutively activated in MCL cells. Interestingly, functional characterization of AXL3, using CRISPR inhibition, revealed that only the knock down of this isoform leads to apoptosis of MCL cells. Importantly, pharmacological inhibition of AXL activity resulted in a significant decrease in the activation of well-known proproliferative and survival pathways activated in MCL cells (ie, β-catenin, Ak strain transforming, and NF-κB). Therapeutically, preclinical studies using a xenograft mouse model of MCL indicated that bemcentinib is more effective than ibrutinib in reducing the tumor burden and to increase the overall survival. Our study highlights the importance of a previously unidentified AXL splice variant in cancer and the potential of bemcentinib as a targeted therapy for MCL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Gelebart
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Hematology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | | | | | - Jianhua Han
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ida Karlsen
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Calum Leitch
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Mihaela Popa
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars Helgeland
- Department of Pathology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Bela Papp
- INSERM, UMR U976, Institut Saint-Louis, Paris, France
- Institut de Recherche Saint-Louis, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, France
| | | | - Emmet McCormack
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Hematology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Science, Center for Pharmacy, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Science, Center for Cancer Biomarkers, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Mangeat T, Gracia M, Pichard A, Poty S, Martineau P, Robert B, Deshayes E. Fc-engineered monoclonal antibodies to reduce off-target liver uptake. EJNMMI Res 2023; 13:81. [PMID: 37697076 PMCID: PMC10495296 DOI: 10.1186/s13550-023-01030-0] [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: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Radiolabeled-antibodies usually display non-specific liver accumulation that may impair image analysis and antibody biodistribution. Here, we investigated whether Fc silencing influenced antibody biodistribution. We compared recombinant 89Zr-labeled antibodies (human IgG1 against different targets) with wild-type Fc and with mutated Fc (LALAPG triple mutation to prevent binding to Fc gamma receptors; FcγR). After antibody injection in mice harboring xenografts of different tumor cell lines or of immortalized human myoblasts, we analyzed antibody biodistribution by PET-CT and conventional biodistribution analysis. RESULTS Accumulation in liver was strongly reduced and tumor-specific targeting was increased for the antibodies with mutated Fc compared with wild-type Fc. CONCLUSION Antibodies with reduced binding to FcγR display lower liver accumulation and better tumor-to-liver ratios. These findings need to be taken into account to improve antibody-based theragnostic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tristan Mangeat
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier (IRCM), Inserm U1194, Université de Montpellier, ICM, 34298, Montpellier, France
| | - Matthieu Gracia
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier (IRCM), Inserm U1194, Université de Montpellier, ICM, 34298, Montpellier, France
| | - Alexandre Pichard
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier (IRCM), Inserm U1194, Université de Montpellier, ICM, 34298, Montpellier, France
| | - Sophie Poty
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier (IRCM), Inserm U1194, Université de Montpellier, ICM, 34298, Montpellier, France
| | - Pierre Martineau
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier (IRCM), Inserm U1194, Université de Montpellier, ICM, 34298, Montpellier, France
| | - Bruno Robert
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier (IRCM), Inserm U1194, Université de Montpellier, ICM, 34298, Montpellier, France.
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier (IRCM), 124 Avenue des Apothicaires, 34090, Montpellier, France.
| | - Emmanuel Deshayes
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier (IRCM), Inserm U1194, Université de Montpellier, ICM, 34298, Montpellier, France.
- Institut Régional du Cancer de Montpellier (ICM), Service de Médecine Nucléaire, 34298, Montpellier, France.
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier (IRCM), 124 Avenue des Apothicaires, 34090, Montpellier, France.
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Ji J, Ding Y, Kong Y, Fang M, Yu X, Lai X, Gu Q. Triple‑negative breast cancer cells that survive ionizing radiation exhibit an Axl‑dependent aggressive radioresistant phenotype. Exp Ther Med 2023; 26:448. [PMID: 37614420 PMCID: PMC10443063 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.12147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the aggressive behavior of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells that had survived ionizing radiation and explore the potential targets of TNBC combination treatment. Consistent with the previous literature, Axl was highly expressed in TNBC and closely associated with the degree of malignancy based on immunohistochemical staining. Using a gradient irradiation method, the ionizing radiation-resistant mouse TNBC cell line 4T-1/IRR was established. It was found that Axl expression was upregulated in 4T-1/IRR cells. After irradiation by X-ray, the cell viability and colony formation ability of 4T-1/IRR cells were significantly increased when compared with the 4T-1 cells. Combined radiotherapy with Axl inhibition by treatment with R428 and small interfering RNA lentivirus targeting Axl infection significantly reduced cell viability, colony formation ability, DNA double-stranded break repair, and the invasive and migratory ability of 4T-1/IRR cells. In vivo, the small animal radiation research platform was applied to precisely administer radiotherapy of the tumor-bearing mice. R428 treatment combined with 6 Gy X-ray significantly inhibited the growth of 4T-1/IRR cells-derived xenograft tumors in the BALB/c mouse. The results of western blotting showed that the critical molecular mechanism involved in the radioresistance of TNBC cells was the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway induced by Axl activation. Thus, it is hypothesized that targeted Axl therapy combined with radiotherapy may have significant potential for the treatment of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfeng Ji
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, P.R. China
| | - Yuqin Ding
- Department of Breast Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, P.R. China
| | - Yue Kong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, P.R. China
| | - Min Fang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, P.R. China
| | - Xiaofu Yu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, P.R. China
| | - Xiaojing Lai
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, P.R. China
| | - Qing Gu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, P.R. China
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Fan J, Yu Y, Yan L, Yuan Y, Sun B, Yang D, Liu N, Guo J, Zhang J, Zhao X. GAS6-based CAR-T cells exhibit potent antitumor activity against pancreatic cancer. J Hematol Oncol 2023; 16:77. [PMID: 37475048 PMCID: PMC10357739 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01467-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The receptor tyrosine kinases TAM family (TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK) are highly expressed in multiple forms of cancer cells and tumor-associated macrophages and promote the development of cancers including pancreatic tumor. Targeting TAM receptors could be a promising therapeutic option. METHODS We designed a novel CAR based on the extracellular domain of growth arrest-specific protein 6 (GAS6), a natural ligand for all TAM members. The ability of CAR-T to kill pancreatic cancer cells is tested in vitro and in vivo, and the safety is evaluated in mice and nonhuman primate. RESULTS GAS6-CAR-T cells efficiently kill TAM-positive pancreatic cancer cell lines, gemcitabine-resistant cancer cells, and cancer stem-like cells in vitro. GAS6-CAR-T cells also significantly suppressed the growth of PANC1 xenografts and patient-derived xenografts in mice. Furthermore, these CAR-T cells did not induce obvious side effects in nonhuman primate or mice although the CAR was demonstrated to recognize mouse TAM. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that GAS6-CAR-T-cell therapy may be effective for pancreatic cancers with low toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Fan
- Division of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Ye Yu
- Division of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Lanzhen Yan
- Division of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuncang Yuan
- Division of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Bin Sun
- Division of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Dong Yang
- Division of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Nan Liu
- Division of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Guo
- Division of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Core Facilities of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Xudong Zhao
- Division of Abdominal Tumor Multimodality Treatment and Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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Akhmetkaliyev A, Alibrahim N, Shafiee D, Tulchinsky E. EMT/MET plasticity in cancer and Go-or-Grow decisions in quiescence: the two sides of the same coin? Mol Cancer 2023; 22:90. [PMID: 37259089 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01793-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and mesenchymal epithelial transition (MET) are genetic determinants of cellular plasticity. These programs operate in physiological (embryonic development, wound healing) and pathological (organ fibrosis, cancer) conditions. In cancer, EMT and MET interfere with various signalling pathways at different levels. This results in gross alterations in the gene expression programs, which affect most, if not all hallmarks of cancer, such as response to proliferative and death-inducing signals, tumorigenicity, and cell stemness. EMT in cancer cells involves large scale reorganisation of the cytoskeleton, loss of epithelial integrity, and gain of mesenchymal traits, such as mesenchymal type of cell migration. In this regard, EMT/MET plasticity is highly relevant to the Go-or-Grow concept, which postulates the dichotomous relationship between cell motility and proliferation. The Go-or-Grow decisions are critically important in the processes in which EMT/MET plasticity takes the central stage, mobilisation of stem cells during wound healing, cancer relapse, and metastasis. Here we outline the maintenance of quiescence in stem cell and metastatic niches, focusing on the implication of EMT/MET regulatory networks in Go-or-Grow switches. In particular, we discuss the analogy between cells residing in hybrid quasi-mesenchymal states and GAlert, an intermediate phase allowing quiescent stem cells to enter the cell cycle rapidly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azamat Akhmetkaliyev
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Nazarbayev University School of Medicine, Astana, 020000, Kazakhstan
| | | | - Darya Shafiee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Nazarbayev University School of Medicine, Astana, 020000, Kazakhstan
| | - Eugene Tulchinsky
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Nazarbayev University School of Medicine, Astana, 020000, Kazakhstan.
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.
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10
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Casalino L, Talotta F, Matino I, Verde P. FRA-1 as a Regulator of EMT and Metastasis in Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098307. [PMID: 37176013 PMCID: PMC10179602 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Among FOS-related components of the dimeric AP-1 transcription factor, the oncoprotein FRA-1 (encoded by FOSL1) is a key regulator of invasion and metastasis. The well-established FRA-1 pro-invasive activity in breast cancer, in which FOSL1 is overexpressed in the TNBC (Triple Negative Breast Cancer)/basal subtypes, correlates with the FRA-1-dependent transcriptional regulation of EMT (Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition). After summarizing the major findings on FRA-1 in breast cancer invasiveness, we discuss the FRA-1 mechanistic links with EMT and cancer cell stemness, mediated by transcriptional and posttranscriptional interactions between FOSL1/FRA-1 and EMT-regulating transcription factors, miRNAs, RNA binding proteins and cytokines, along with other target genes involved in EMT. In addition to the FRA-1/AP-1 effects on the architecture of target promoters, we discuss the diagnostic and prognostic significance of the EMT-related FRA-1 transcriptome, along with therapeutic implications. Finally, we consider several novel perspectives regarding the less explored roles of FRA-1 in the tumor microenvironment and in control of the recently characterized hybrid EMT correlated with cancer cell plasticity, stemness, and metastatic potential. We will also examine the application of emerging technologies, such as single-cell analyses, along with animal models of TNBC and tumor-derived CTCs and PDXs (Circulating Tumor Cells and Patient-Derived Xenografts) for studying the FRA-1-mediated mechanisms in in vivo systems of EMT and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Casalino
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "A. Buzzati Traverso", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via Pietro Castellino, 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Talotta
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "A. Buzzati Traverso", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via Pietro Castellino, 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Ilenia Matino
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "A. Buzzati Traverso", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via Pietro Castellino, 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Pasquale Verde
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics "A. Buzzati Traverso", Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via Pietro Castellino, 111, 80131 Naples, Italy
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11
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Shi ZD, Pang K, Wu ZX, Dong Y, Hao L, Qin JX, Wang W, Chen ZS, Han CH. Tumor cell plasticity in targeted therapy-induced resistance: mechanisms and new strategies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:113. [PMID: 36906600 PMCID: PMC10008648 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01383-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the success of targeted therapies in cancer treatment, therapy-induced resistance remains a major obstacle to a complete cure. Tumor cells evade treatments and relapse via phenotypic switching driven by intrinsic or induced cell plasticity. Several reversible mechanisms have been proposed to circumvent tumor cell plasticity, including epigenetic modifications, regulation of transcription factors, activation or suppression of key signaling pathways, as well as modification of the tumor environment. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, tumor cell and cancer stem cell formation also serve as roads towards tumor cell plasticity. Corresponding treatment strategies have recently been developed that either target plasticity-related mechanisms or employ combination treatments. In this review, we delineate the formation of tumor cell plasticity and its manipulation of tumor evasion from targeted therapy. We discuss the non-genetic mechanisms of targeted drug-induced tumor cell plasticity in various types of tumors and provide insights into the contribution of tumor cell plasticity to acquired drug resistance. New therapeutic strategies such as inhibition or reversal of tumor cell plasticity are also presented. We also discuss the multitude of clinical trials that are ongoing worldwide with the intention of improving clinical outcomes. These advances provide a direction for developing novel therapeutic strategies and combination therapy regimens that target tumor cell plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Duo Shi
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.,School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Urology, Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Kun Pang
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhuo-Xun Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, 11439, USA
| | - Yang Dong
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lin Hao
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jia-Xin Qin
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China.,Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Medical College, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhe-Sheng Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, 11439, USA.
| | - Cong-Hui Han
- Department of Urology, Xuzhou Clinical School of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China. .,Department of Urology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China. .,School of Life Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Jiangsu, China. .,Department of Urology, Heilongjiang Provincial Hospital, Heilongjiang, China.
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12
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Oliveira NMT, Dos Santos AE, Corso CR, Galindo CM, Adami ER, da Silva LCM, de Lima LTF, de Santana Filho AP, Dittrich RL, Klassen G, de Souza Ramos EA, Sassaki GL, Acco A. Chemical characterization and antineoplastic effect of oligosaccharides from Cabernet Franc red wine in mammary tumor model in mice. J Nutr Biochem 2023; 113:109253. [PMID: 36565967 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2022.109253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The present study characterized oligosaccharide compounds (Oligo) in Cabernet Franc red wine and investigated its antineoplastic effects against mammary tumor cells in vivo and in vitro, isolated or in combination with chemotherapy. The Oligo fraction was characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The complex mixture of Oligo showed high amounts of oligoxyloglucuronans, oligorhamnogalacturonans, oligoarabinogalactans, and oligoglucans, such as trehalose and isomaltotriose. To investigate the antineoplastic effects of Oligo, Female Swiss mice were subcutaneously inoculated with Ehrlich tumor cells and then received vehicle (distilled water, p.o.), Oligo solution (9, 35, or 70 mg/kg, p.o.), or methotrexate (1.5 mg/kg, i.p.). The treatments were administered in a conventional (21-d) or chemopreventive (42-d) protocol. Oligo reduced the growth of Ehrlich tumors in both protocols and increased the effectiveness of methotrexate in controlling tumor growth. Oligo did not reduce the viability of MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-436, and HB4a human breast cells that were cultured for 48 h, showing no cytotoxicity. Overall, Oligo exerted an in vivo antineoplastic effect and modulated immune blood cells, dependent on treatment time, and was not directly cytotoxic to tumor cells. Thus, Oligo may indirectly regulate tumor cell development and may be a promising drug for cancer therapy in combination with methotrexate.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - André Eduardo Dos Santos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Claudia Rita Corso
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Giseli Klassen
- Department of Basic Pathology, Federal University of Parana, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | | | - Guilherme Lanzi Sassaki
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
| | - Alexandra Acco
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
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13
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Inhibitory effect of the novel tyrosine kinase inhibitor DCC-2036 on triple-negative breast cancer stem cells through AXL-KLF5 positive feedback loop. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:749. [PMID: 36042208 PMCID: PMC9428169 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05185-x] [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: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), an aggressive histological subtype of breast cancer, exhibits a high risk of early recurrence rate and a poor prognosis, and it is primarily associated with the abundance of cancer stem cells (CSCs). At present, the strategies for effectively eradicating or inhibiting TNBC CSCs are still limited, which makes the development of novel drugs with anti-CSCs function be of great value for the treatment of TNBC, especially the refractory TNBC. In this study, we found that the small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor DCC-2036 suppressed TNBC stem cells by inhibiting the tyrosine kinase AXL and the transcription factor KLF5. DCC-2036 downregulated the expression of KLF5 by decreasing the protein stability of KLF5 via the AXL-Akt-GSK3β signal axis, and in turn, the downregulation of KLF5 further reduced the expression of AXL via binding to its promotor (-171 to -162 bp). In addition, p-AXL/AXL levels were positively correlated with KLF5 expression in human TNBC specimens. These findings indicated that DCC-2036 is able to suppress the CSCs in TNBC by targeting the AXL-KLF5 positive feedback loop. Moreover, our findings indicated that DCC-2036 increased the sensitivity of TNBC chemotherapy. Therefore, this study proposes a potential drug candidate and several targets for the treatment of refractory TNBC.
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14
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Krebs N, Klein L, Wegwitz F, Espinet E, Maurer HC, Tu M, Penz F, Küffer S, Xu X, Bohnenberger H, Cameron S, Brunner M, Neesse A, Kishore U, Hessmann E, Trumpp A, Ströbel P, Brekken RA, Ellenrieder V, Singh SK. Axon guidance receptor ROBO3 modulates subtype identity and prognosis via AXL-associated inflammatory network in pancreatic cancer. JCI Insight 2022; 7:154475. [PMID: 35993361 PMCID: PMC9462476 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.154475] [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: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastatic pancreatic cancer (PDAC) has a poor clinical outcome with a 5-year survival rate below 3%. Recent transcriptome profiling of PDAC biopsies has identified 2 clinically distinct subtypes - the "basal-like" (BL) subtype with poor prognosis and therapy resistance compared with the less aggressive and drug-susceptible "classical" (CLA) subtype. However, the mechanistic events and environmental factors that promote the BL subtype identity are not very clear. Using preclinical models, patient-derived xenografts, and FACS-sorted PDAC patient biopsies, we report here that the axon guidance receptor, roundabout guidance receptor 3 (ROBO3), promotes the BL metastatic program via a potentially unique AXL/IL-6/phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3) regulatory axis. RNA-Seq identified a ROBO3-mediated BL-specific gene program, while tyrosine kinase profiling revealed AXL as the key mediator of the p-STAT3 activation. CRISPR/dCas9-based ROBO3 silencing disrupted the AXL/p-STAT3 signaling axis, thereby halting metastasis and enhancing therapy sensitivity. Transcriptome analysis of resected patient tumors revealed that AXLhi neoplastic cells associated with the inflammatory stromal program. Combining AXL inhibitor and chemotherapy substantially restored a CLA phenotypic state and reduced disease aggressiveness. Thus, we conclude that a ROBO3-driven hierarchical network determines the inflammatory and prometastatic programs in a specific PDAC subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niklas Krebs
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology and
| | - Lukas Klein
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology and
| | - Florian Wegwitz
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Elisa Espinet
- Division of Stem Cells and Cancer, DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany.,HI-STEM: The Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine gGmbH, Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapy, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.,Molecular Mechanisms and Experimental Therapy in Oncology Program (Oncobell), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Hans Carlo Maurer
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Mengyu Tu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology and
| | - Frederike Penz
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology and
| | | | - Xingbo Xu
- Department of Cardiology and Pneumology, and
| | | | - Silke Cameron
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology and
| | - Marius Brunner
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology and
| | - Albrecht Neesse
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology and,Clinical Research Unit 5002, KFO5002, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Uday Kishore
- Biosciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, United Kingdom.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Elisabeth Hessmann
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology and,Clinical Research Unit 5002, KFO5002, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Andreas Trumpp
- Division of Stem Cells and Cancer, DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany.,HI-STEM: The Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine gGmbH, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Philipp Ströbel
- Institute of Pathology,,Clinical Research Unit 5002, KFO5002, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Rolf A. Brekken
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, Departments of Surgery and Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Volker Ellenrieder
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology and,Clinical Research Unit 5002, KFO5002, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Shiv K. Singh
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology and,Clinical Research Unit 5002, KFO5002, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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15
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Multi-Level Control of the ATM/ATR-CHK1 Axis by the Transcription Factor E4F1 in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23169217. [PMID: 36012478 PMCID: PMC9409040 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
E4F1 is essential for early embryonic mouse development and for controlling the balance between proliferation and survival of actively dividing cells. We previously reported that E4F1 is essential for the survival of murine p53-deficient cancer cells by controlling the expression of genes involved in mitochondria functions and metabolism, and in cell-cycle checkpoints, including CHEK1, a major component of the DNA damage and replication stress responses. Here, combining ChIP-Seq and RNA-Seq approaches, we identified the transcriptional program directly controlled by E4F1 in Human Triple-Negative Breast Cancer cells (TNBC). E4F1 binds and regulates a limited list of direct target genes (57 genes) in these cells, including the human CHEK1 gene and, surprisingly, also two other genes encoding post-transcriptional regulators of the ATM/ATR-CHK1 axis, namely, the TTT complex component TTI2 and the phosphatase PPP5C, that are essential for the folding and stability, and the signaling of ATM/ATR kinases, respectively. Importantly, E4F1 also binds the promoter of these genes in vivo in Primary Derived Xenograft (PDX) of human TNBC. Consequently, the protein levels and signaling of CHK1 but also of ATM/ATR kinases are strongly downregulated in E4F1-depleted TNBC cells resulting in a deficiency of the DNA damage and replicative stress response in these cells. The E4F1-depleted cells fail to arrest into S-phase upon treatment with the replication-stalling agent Gemcitabine, and are highly sensitized to this drug, as well as to other DNA-damaging agents, such as Cisplatin. Altogether, our data indicate that in breast cancer cells the ATM/ATR-CHK1 signaling pathway and DNA damage-stress response are tightly controlled at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional level by E4F1.
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16
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Adam-Artigues A, Arenas EJ, Martínez-Sabadell A, Brasó-Maristany F, Cervera R, Tormo E, Hernando C, Martínez MT, Carbonell-Asins J, Simón S, Poveda J, Moragón S, Zazo S, Martínez D, Rovira A, Burgués O, Rojo F, Albanell J, Bermejo B, Lluch A, Prat A, Arribas J, Eroles P, Cejalvo JM. Targeting HER2-AXL heterodimerization to overcome resistance to HER2 blockade in breast cancer. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabk2746. [PMID: 35594351 PMCID: PMC9122332 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abk2746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Anti-HER2 therapies have markedly improved prognosis of HER2-positive breast cancer. However, different mechanisms play a role in treatment resistance. Here, we identified AXL overexpression as an essential mechanism of trastuzumab resistance. AXL orchestrates epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and heterodimerizes with HER2, leading to activation of PI3K/AKT and MAPK pathways in a ligand-independent manner. Genetic depletion and pharmacological inhibition of AXL restored trastuzumab response in vitro and in vivo. AXL inhibitor plus trastuzumab achieved complete regression in trastuzumab-resistant patient-derived xenograft models. Moreover, AXL expression in HER2-positive primary tumors was able to predict prognosis. Data from the PAMELA trial showed a change in AXL expression during neoadjuvant dual HER2 blockade, supporting its role in resistance. Therefore, our study highlights the importance of targeting AXL in combination with anti-HER2 drugs across HER2-amplified breast cancer patients with high AXL expression. Furthermore, it unveils the potential value of AXL as a druggable prognostic biomarker in HER2-positive breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Enrique J. Arenas
- Preclinical Research Program, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona 08035, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
| | - Alex Martínez-Sabadell
- Preclinical Research Program, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona 08035, Spain
| | - Fara Brasó-Maristany
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | | | - Eduardo Tormo
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia 46010, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
| | - Cristina Hernando
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia 46010, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de València, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - María Teresa Martínez
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia 46010, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de València, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | | | - Soraya Simón
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de València, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - Jesús Poveda
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de València, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - Santiago Moragón
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de València, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - Sandra Zazo
- Department of Pathology, IIS Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Débora Martínez
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Ana Rovira
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona 08003, Spain
- Cancer Research Program, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona 08003, Spain
| | - Octavio Burgués
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia 46010, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de València, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - Federico Rojo
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
- Department of Pathology, IIS Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Joan Albanell
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona 08003, Spain
- Cancer Research Program, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona 08003, Spain
- Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Barcelona 08002, Spain
| | - Begoña Bermejo
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia 46010, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de València, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - Ana Lluch
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia 46010, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de València, Valencia 46010, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - Aleix Prat
- August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clinic de Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
- SOLTI Breast Cancer Research Group, Barcelona 08008, Spain
| | - Joaquín Arribas
- Preclinical Research Program, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona 08035, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
- Cancer Research Program, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona 08003, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona 08193, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona 08010, Spain
| | - Pilar Eroles
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia 46010, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
- Department of Physiology, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia 46010, Spain
| | - Juan Miguel Cejalvo
- INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, Valencia 46010, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Cancer (CIBERONC), Madrid 28019, Spain
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de València, Valencia 46010, Spain
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17
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Two-Front War on Cancer-Targeting TAM Receptors in Solid Tumour Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14102488. [PMID: 35626092 PMCID: PMC9140196 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In recent years, many studies have shown the importance of TAM kinases in both normal and neoplastic cells. In this review, we present and discuss the role of the TAM family (AXL, MERTK, TYRO3) of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) as a dual target in cancer, due to their intrinsic roles in tumour cell survival, migration, chemoresistance, and their immunosuppressive roles in the tumour microenvironment. This review presents the potential of TAMs as emerging therapeutic targets in cancer treatment, focusing on the distinct structures of TAM receptor tyrosine kinases. We analyse and compare different strategies of TAM inhibition, for a full perspective of current and future battlefields in the war with cancer. Abstract Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are transmembrane receptors that bind growth factors and cytokines and contain a regulated kinase activity within their cytoplasmic domain. RTKs play an important role in signal transduction in both normal and malignant cells, and their encoding genes belong to the most frequently affected genes in cancer cells. The TAM family proteins (TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK) are involved in diverse biological processes: immune regulation, clearance of apoptotic cells, platelet aggregation, cell proliferation, survival, and migration. Recent studies show that TAMs share overlapping functions in tumorigenesis and suppression of antitumour immunity. MERTK and AXL operate in innate immune cells to suppress inflammatory responses and promote an immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment, while AXL expression correlates with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, metastasis, and motility in tumours. Therefore, TAM RTKs represent a dual target in cancer due to their intrinsic roles in tumour cell survival, migration, chemoresistance, and their immunosuppressive roles in the tumour microenvironment (TME). In this review, we discuss the potential of TAMs as emerging therapeutic targets in cancer treatment. We critically assess and compare current approaches to target TAM RTKs in solid tumours and the development of new inhibitors for both extra- and intracellular domains of TAM receptor kinases.
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18
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Genest M, Comunale F, Planchon D, Govindin P, Noly D, Vacher S, Bièche I, Robert B, Malhotra H, Schoenit A, Tashireva LA, Casas J, Gauthier-Rouvière C, Bodin S. Upregulated flotillins and sphingosine kinase 2 derail AXL vesicular traffic to promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition. J Cell Sci 2022; 135:274986. [PMID: 35394045 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.259178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Altered endocytosis and vesicular trafficking are major players during tumorigenesis. Flotillin overexpression, a feature observed in many invasive tumors and identified as a marker of poor prognosis, induces a deregulated endocytic and trafficking pathway called upregulated flotillin-induced trafficking (UFIT). Here, we found that in non-tumoral mammary epithelial cells, induction of the UFIT pathway promotes epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and accelerates the endocytosis of several transmembrane receptors, including AXL, in flotillin-positive late endosomes. AXL overexpression, frequently observed in cancer cells, is linked to EMT and metastasis formation. In flotillin-overexpressing non-tumoral mammary epithelial cells and in invasive breast carcinoma cells, we found that the UFIT pathway-mediated AXL endocytosis allows its stabilization and depends on sphingosine kinase 2, a lipid kinase recruited in flotillin-rich plasma membrane domains and endosomes. Thus, the deregulation of vesicular trafficking following flotillin upregulation, and through sphingosine kinase 2, emerges as a new mechanism of AXL overexpression and EMT-inducing signaling pathway activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mallory Genest
- CRBM, University of Montpellier, CNRS, 1919 route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France
| | - Franck Comunale
- CRBM, University of Montpellier, CNRS, 1919 route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France
| | - Damien Planchon
- CRBM, University of Montpellier, CNRS, 1919 route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France
| | - Pauline Govindin
- CRBM, University of Montpellier, CNRS, 1919 route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France
| | - Dune Noly
- CRBM, University of Montpellier, CNRS, 1919 route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France
| | - Sophie Vacher
- Department of Genetics, Institut Curie, Paris 75005, France
| | - Ivan Bièche
- Department of Genetics, Institut Curie, Paris 75005, France
| | - Bruno Robert
- IRCM, Campus Val d'Aurelle, 208 avenue des Apothicaires, 34298 Montpellier, France
| | - Himanshu Malhotra
- CRBM, University of Montpellier, CNRS, 1919 route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France
| | - Andreas Schoenit
- CRBM, University of Montpellier, CNRS, 1919 route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France
| | - Liubov A Tashireva
- Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk 634050, Russia
| | - Josefina Casas
- Research Unit on BioActive Molecules (RUBAM), Department of Biological Chemistry, Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC), Spanish Council for Scientific Research (CSIC), 08034 Barcelona, Spain.,Liver and Digestive Diseases Networking Biomedical Research Centre (CIBER-EHD), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Stéphane Bodin
- CRBM, University of Montpellier, CNRS, 1919 route de Mende, 34293 Montpellier, France
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19
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Zhong L, Fang S, Wang AQ, Zhang ZH, Wang T, Huang W, Zhou HX, Zhang H, Yin ZS. Identification of the Fosl1/AMPK/autophagy axis involved in apoptotic and inflammatory effects following spinal cord injury. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 103:108492. [PMID: 34973528 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.108492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Strategies for reducing spinal cord injury (SCI) have become a research focus because an effective treatment of SCI is unavailable. The objective of this study was to explore the underlying mechanisms of Fosl1 following SCI. Based on the analysis of the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, Fosl1 was found to be highly enhanced in SCI. This result was confirmed in our animal model, and Fosl1 was found to be obviously expressed in neurons. Next, we treated PC-12 cells with H2O2 to mimic injured neurons and further verified that Fosl1 silencing upregulated AMPK expression, promoted autophagy and inhibited inflammation and apoptosis. Subsequently, a special inhibitor of AMPK was used to examine the role of AMPK, and we learned that the inhibition of AMPK suppressed autophagy and promoted inflammation and apoptosis following Fosl1 silencing. These changes completely reversed the beneficial effects of Fosl1 silencing on injured PC-12 cells. Moreover, treatment with an AMPK activator resulted in effects that were opposite those of the inhibitor. Finally, rats were injected intrathecally with si-Fosl1 to detect its role in vivo. The results showed that si-Fosl1 improved neurological function and decreased apoptosis and inflammation at 14 d postoperation, and the activator further benefited the rats of si-Fosl1 treatment. In conclusion, Fosl1 inhibits autophagy and promotes inflammation and apoptosis through the AMPK signaling pathway following SCI in vivo and in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhong
- Department of Orthopedics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, #218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, China; Department of Orthopedics, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, #390 Huaihe Road, Hefei, 230061, China
| | - Sheng Fang
- Department of Orthopedics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, #218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - An-Quan Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, #218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Zhen-Hua Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Anhui Provincial Armed Police Corps Hospital, #78 Changfeng Road, Hefei, 230041, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Oncology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, #415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai, 200003 China
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, #17 Lujiang Road, Hefei, 230001, China
| | - Hong-Xiang Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, #218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, China.
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, #218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, China.
| | - Zong-Sheng Yin
- Department of Orthopedics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, #218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230022, China.
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20
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AXL Receptor Tyrosine Kinase as a Promising Therapeutic Target Directing Multiple Aspects of Cancer Progression and Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030466. [PMID: 35158733 PMCID: PMC8833413 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Metastasis is a complex process that requires the acquisition of certain traits by cancer cells as well as the cooperation of several non-neoplastic cells that populate the stroma. Cancer-related deaths are predominantly associated with complications arising from metastases. Limiting metastasis therefore represents an important clinical challenge. The receptor tyrosine kinase AXL is required at many steps of the metastatic cascade and contributes to tumor microenvironment deregulation. In this review, we describe how AXL contributes to metastatic progression by governing various biological processes in cancer cells and in stromal cells, highlighting the potential of its inhibition. Abstract The receptor tyrosine kinase AXL is emerging as a key player in tumor progression and metastasis and its expression correlates with poor survival in a plethora of cancers. While studies have shown the benefits of AXL inhibition for the treatment of metastatic cancers, additional roles for AXL in cancer progression are still being explored. This review discusses recent advances in understanding AXL’s functions in different tumor compartments including cancer, vascular, and immune cells. AXL is required at multiple steps of the metastatic cascade where its activation in cancer cells leads to EMT, invasion, survival, proliferation and therapy resistance. AXL activation in cancer cells and various stromal cells also results in tumor microenvironment deregulation, leading to modulation of angiogenesis, fibrosis, immune response and hypoxia. A better understanding of AXL’s role in these processes could lead to new therapeutic approaches that would benefit patients suffering from metastatic diseases.
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21
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Newton EE, Mueller LE, Treadwell SM, Morris CA, Machado HL. Molecular Targets of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Where Do We Stand? Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:482. [PMID: 35158750 PMCID: PMC8833442 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive form of breast cancer. Due to its heterogeneity and lack of hormone receptor expression, this subtype is more likely to metastasize and resist treatment attempts than are other forms of breast cancer. Due to the absence of targetable receptors, chemotherapy and breast conserving surgery have been the predominant treatment options for patients. However, resistance to chemotherapy and local recurrence of the tumors is frequent. Emerging immunotherapies have begun to change treatment plans for patients diagnosed with TNBC. In this review, we discuss the various immune pathways identified in TNBC and the role they play as targets for new potential treatment choices. Various therapeutic options that inhibit key pathways in cellular growth cycles, DNA repair mechanisms, epithelial mesenchymal transition, and immunosuppression have been shown to improve survival in patients with this disease. With promising results thus far, continued studies of immunotherapy and neoadjuvant therapy options for TNBC are likely to alter the treatment course for these diagnoses in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma E. Newton
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (E.E.N.); (L.E.M.); (S.M.T.)
| | - Lauren E. Mueller
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (E.E.N.); (L.E.M.); (S.M.T.)
| | - Scout M. Treadwell
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (E.E.N.); (L.E.M.); (S.M.T.)
| | - Cindy A. Morris
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| | - Heather L. Machado
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; (E.E.N.); (L.E.M.); (S.M.T.)
- Tulane Cancer Center, Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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22
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Shu L, Chen A, Li L, Yao L, He Y, Xu J, Gu W, Li Q, Wang K, Zhang T, Liu G. NRG1 regulates Fra-1 transcription and metastasis of triple-negative breast cancer cells via the c-Myc ubiquitination as manipulated by ERK1/2-mediated Fbxw7 phosphorylation. Oncogene 2022; 41:907-919. [PMID: 34992218 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-02142-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Neuregulin 1 (NRG1), an EGF family member, is expressed in most breast cancers. It promotes breast cancer growth and metastasis in HER2 receptor expressing breast cancer. However, its role in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has not been extensively investigated. In this study, we observed that NRG1 knockdown resulted in the suppression of TNBC cells (MDA-MB-231 cell and MDA-MB-468 cell) metastasis and downregulation of Fra-1 (FOS-like 1, AP-1 transcription factor subunit, which is an overexpressed transcription factor in TNBC and acts as a coordinator of metastasis). In addition, the transcriptional regulation of Fra-1 by NRG1 was mediated by ERK1/2-induced recruitment of c-Myc (MYC proto-oncogene, transcription factor) to the promoter of Fra-1. Furthermore, c-Myc was targeted by an E3 ligase Fbxw7 and its ubiquitination and degradation by Fbxw7 was regulated by NRG1 expression and ERK1/2-mediated Fbxw7 phosphorylation that results in the dissociation and nuclear import of c-Myc. Taken together, the results of our study demonstrated that NRG1 regulates the Fra-1 expression to coordinate the TNBC metastasis via the novel ERK1/2-Fbxw7-c-Myc pathway and targeting NRG1 expression could be a potential therapeutic strategy for TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Shu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233030, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ao Chen
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, College of Life Science and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Linrui Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Lun Yao
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiduo He
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianbo Xu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Gu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233030, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Laboratory Medicine, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233030, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Li
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233030, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China.,Department of Cell Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233030, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Kun Wang
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Tongcun Zhang
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, College of Life Science and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Industrial Fermentation Microbiology, Ministry of Education and Tianjin, College of Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, 300457, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoquan Liu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233030, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China. .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Laboratory Medicine, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233030, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China.
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23
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Cui J, Chen H, Zhang K, Li X. Targeting the Wnt signaling pathway for breast cancer bone metastasis therapy. J Mol Med (Berl) 2021; 100:373-384. [PMID: 34821953 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-021-02159-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Osteolytic bone destruction is found in approximately 60% of advanced breast cancer patients. With the pathogenesis of bone metastasis being unclear, traditional antiresorptive therapeutic strategies might not be ideal for treatment. The Wnt pathway is a highly organized cascade involved in multiple stages of cancer bone metastasis, and Wnt-targeted therapeutic strategies have shown promise in achieving favorable outcomes. In this review, we summarize the current progress of pharmacological Wnt modulators against breast cancer bone metastasis, discuss emerging therapeutic strategies based on Wnt pathway-related targets for bone therapy, and highlight opportunities to better harness the Wnt pathway for bone metastasis therapeutics to further reveal the implications of the Wnt pathway in bone metastasis pathology and provide new ideas for the development of Wnt-based intervention strategies against breast cancer bone metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyao Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Haoran Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Kaiwen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Xin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.
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24
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AXL Receptor in Cancer Metastasis and Drug Resistance: When Normal Functions Go Askew. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13194864. [PMID: 34638349 PMCID: PMC8507788 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary AXL is a member of the TAM (TYRO3, AXL, MER) family of receptor tyrosine kinases. In normal physiological conditions, AXL is involved in removing dead cells and their remains, and limiting the duration of immune responses. Both functions are utilized by cancers in the course of tumour progression. Cancer cells use the AXL pathway to detect toxic environments and to activate molecular mechanisms, thereby ensuring their survival or escape from the toxic zone. AXL is instrumental in controlling genetic programs of epithelial-mesenchymal and mesenchymal-epithelial transitions, enabling cancer cells to metastasize. Additionally, AXL signaling suppresses immune responses in tumour microenvironment and thereby helps cancer cells to evade immune surveillance. The broad role of AXL in tumour biology is the reason why its inhibition sensitizes tumours to a broad spectrum of anti-cancer drugs. In this review, we outline molecular mechanisms underlying AXL function in normal tissues, and discuss how these mechanisms are adopted by cancers to become metastatic and drug-resistant. Abstract The TAM proteins TYRO3, AXL, and MER are receptor tyrosine kinases implicated in the clearance of apoptotic debris and negative regulation of innate immune responses. AXL contributes to immunosuppression by terminating the Toll-like receptor signaling in dendritic cells, and suppressing natural killer cell activity. In recent years, AXL has been intensively studied in the context of cancer. Both molecules, the receptor, and its ligand GAS6, are commonly expressed in cancer cells, as well as stromal and infiltrating immune cells. In cancer cells, the activation of AXL signaling stimulates cell survival and increases migratory and invasive potential. In cells of the tumour microenvironment, AXL pathway potentiates immune evasion. AXL has been broadly implicated in the epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity of cancer cells, a key factor in drug resistance and metastasis. Several antibody-based and small molecule AXL inhibitors have been developed and used in preclinical studies. AXL inhibition in various mouse cancer models reduced metastatic spread and improved the survival of the animals. AXL inhibitors are currently being tested in several clinical trials as monotherapy or in combination with other drugs. Here, we give a brief overview of AXL structure and regulation and discuss the normal physiological functions of TAM receptors, focusing on AXL. We present a theory of how epithelial cancers exploit AXL signaling to resist cytotoxic insults, in order to disseminate and relapse.
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25
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Chang H, An R, Li X, Lang X, Feng J, Lv M. Anti-Axl monoclonal antibodies attenuate the migration of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Oncol Lett 2021; 22:749. [PMID: 34539853 PMCID: PMC8436363 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.13010] [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: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The receptor tyrosine kinase, anexelekto (Axl) is involved in tumor cell growth, migration and invasion, and has been associated with chemotherapy resistance, which makes it an attractive target for cancer therapy. In total, six Axl-targeted monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and two antibody-drug conjugates have been reported in the last 10 years, which have been shown to have bioactivity in inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and migration. The Axl external cell domain (Axl−ECD), consisting of 426 amino acids, has always been used as an antigen in the screening process for all six of these Axl-targeted mAbs. However, the Axl functional domain, which interacts with its natural ligand, growth arrest-specific protein 6 (Gas6), is only a small part of the Axl−ECD. Antibodies targeting the Axl functional domain may efficiently block Gas6-Axl binding and attenuate its downstream signals and activities. To the best of our knowledge, no mAbs targeting the Axl functional domain have been reported. In the present study, a major Axl functional domain interacting with Gas6 was determined using bioinformatics and structural biology methods. In MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell assays, anti-Axl mAbs targeting this relatively specific Axl functional domain almost completely neutralized the stimulation of Gas6 in both Axl phosphorylation and cell migration assays, and showed similar activity to the positive control drug R428 (a small molecular tyrosine kinase inhibitor of Axl currently in phase II clinical trials) in the cell migration assay. Given the important role of Axl in tumor development and chemotherapy resistance, Axl-targeted mAbs could be used to inhibit tumor cells directly, as well as reduce the development of chemotherapy resistance by blocking Axl activity. The application of Axl-targeted mAbs combined with chemotherapy provides a promising treatment strategy for patients with tumors, particularly those with triple-negative breast cancer, for whom no targeted therapy is currently available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Chang
- Institute of Medical Technology, Suzhou Vocational Health College, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215009, P.R. China.,College of Basic Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050200, P.R. China
| | - Ran An
- College of Basic Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050200, P.R. China.,Hebei Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Research on Cardio-cerebrovascular Disease, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050051, P.R. China
| | - Xinying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoling Lang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Gene Engineering Antibody, Beijing 100850, P.R. China
| | - Jiannan Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, P.R. China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Gene Engineering Antibody, Beijing 100850, P.R. China
| | - Ming Lv
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Gene Engineering Antibody, Beijing 100850, P.R. China.,Laboratory of Immunology, Institute of Military Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Beijing 100850, P.R. China
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26
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Therapeutic Targeting of the Gas6/Axl Signaling Pathway in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22189953. [PMID: 34576116 PMCID: PMC8469858 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Many signaling pathways are dysregulated in cancer cells and the host tumor microenvironment. Aberrant receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) pathways promote cancer development, progression, and metastasis. Hence, numerous therapeutic interventions targeting RTKs have been actively pursued. Axl is an RTK that belongs to the Tyro3, Axl, MerTK (TAM) subfamily. Axl binds to a high affinity ligand growth arrest specific 6 (Gas6) that belongs to the vitamin K-dependent family of proteins. The Gas6/Axl signaling pathway has been implicated to promote progression, metastasis, immune evasion, and therapeutic resistance in many cancer types. Therapeutic agents targeting Gas6 and Axl have been developed, and promising results have been observed in both preclinical and clinical settings when such agents are used alone or in combination therapy. This review examines the current state of therapeutics targeting the Gas6/Axl pathway in cancer and discusses Gas6- and Axl-targeting agents that have been evaluated preclinically and clinically.
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27
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Accelerating AXL targeting for TNBC therapy. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2021; 139:106057. [PMID: 34403827 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2021.106057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The tyrosine kinase receptor AXL of the TAM (TYRO3, AXL and MERTK) family is considered as a promising therapeutic target for different hematological cancers and solid tumors. AXL is involved in multiple pro-tumorigenic processes including cell migration, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and stemness, and recent studies demonstrated its impact on cancer metastasis and drug resistance. Extensive studies on AXL have highlighted its unique characteristics and physiological functions and suggest that targeting of AXL could be beneficial in combination with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. In this mini review, we discuss possible outcomes of AXL targeting either alone or together with other therapeutic agents and emphasize its impact on triple negative breast cancer (TNBC).
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28
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Zam W, Assaad A. Chimeric antigen receptor T-cells (CARs) in cancer treatment. Curr Mol Pharmacol 2021; 15:532-546. [PMID: 34382510 DOI: 10.2174/1874467214666210811150255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplantation were the main cancer treatment approaches for several years but due to their limited effectiveness, there was a constant search for new therapeutic approaches. Cancer immunotherapy that utilizes and enhances the normal capacity of the patient's immune system was used to fight against cancer. Genetically engineered T-cells that express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) showed remarkable anti-tumor activity against hematologic malignancies and is now being investigated in a variety of solid tumors. The use of this therapy in the last few years has been successful, achieving a great success in improving the quality of life and prolonging the survival time of patients with a reduction in remission rates. However, many challenges still need to be resolved in order for this technology to gain widespread adoption. <P> Objective: This review summarizes various experimental approaches towards the use of CAR T-cells in hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. <P> Conclusion: Finally, we address the challenges posed by CAR T-cells and discuss strategies for improving the performance of these T cells in fighting cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wissam Zam
- Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Wadi International University, Homs. Syrian Arab Republic
| | - Amany Assaad
- 2. Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy,Tartous University, Tartous. Syrian Arab Republic
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29
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Jaykumar AB, Jung JU, Parida PK, Dang TT, Wichaidit C, Kannangara AR, Earnest S, Goldsmith EJ, Pearson GW, Malladi S, Cobb MH. WNK1 Enhances Migration and Invasion in Breast Cancer Models. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 20:1800-1808. [PMID: 34253593 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-21-0174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis is the major cause of mortality in patients with breast cancer. Many signaling pathways have been linked to cancer invasiveness, but blockade of few protein components has succeeded in reducing metastasis. Thus, identification of proteins contributing to invasion that are manipulable by small molecules may be valuable in inhibiting spread of the disease. The protein kinase with no lysine (K) 1 (WNK1) has been suggested to induce migration of cells representing a range of cancer types. Analyses of mouse models and patient data have implicated WNK1 as one of a handful of genes uniquely linked to invasive breast cancer. Here, we present evidence that inhibition of WNK1 slows breast cancer metastasis. We show that depletion or inhibition of WNK1 reduces migration of several breast cancer cell lines in wound healing assays and decreases invasion in collagen matrices. Furthermore, WNK1 depletion suppresses expression of AXL, a tyrosine kinase implicated in metastasis. Finally, we demonstrate that WNK inhibition in mice attenuates tumor progression and metastatic burden. These data showing reduced migration, invasion, and metastasis upon WNK1 depletion in multiple breast cancer models suggest that WNK1 contributes to the metastatic phenotype, and that WNK1 inhibition may offer a therapeutic avenue for attenuating progression of invasive breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankita B Jaykumar
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Ji-Ung Jung
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | | | - Tuyen T Dang
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | | | | | - Svetlana Earnest
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | | | - Gray W Pearson
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Srinivas Malladi
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Melanie H Cobb
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.
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30
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Giorello MB, Borzone FR, Labovsky V, Piccioni FV, Chasseing NA. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in the Breast Tumor Microenvironment. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 2021; 26:135-155. [PMID: 33398516 DOI: 10.1007/s10911-020-09475-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Years of investigation have shed light on a theory in which breast tumor epithelial cells are under the effect of the stromal microenvironment. This review aims to discuss recent findings concerning the phenotypic and functional characteristics of cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and their involvement in tumor evolution, as well as their potential implications for anti-cancer therapy. In this manuscript, we reviewed that CAFs play a fundamental role in initiation, growth, invasion, and metastasis of breast cancer, and also serve as biomarkers in the clinical diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Belén Giorello
- Laboratorio de Inmunohematología (IBYME) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, CP, 1428, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Francisco Raúl Borzone
- Laboratorio de Inmunohematología (IBYME) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, CP, 1428, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Vivian Labovsky
- Laboratorio de Inmunohematología (IBYME) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, CP, 1428, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Flavia Valeria Piccioni
- Laboratorio de Oncología Molecular y Nuevos Blancos Terapéuticos (IBYME) y Laboratorio de Inmunohematología (IBYME) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, CP, 1428, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Norma Alejandra Chasseing
- Laboratorio de Inmunohematología (IBYME) - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, CP, 1428, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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31
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Kalita B, Coumar MS. Deciphering molecular mechanisms of metastasis: novel insights into targets and therapeutics. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2021; 44:751-775. [PMID: 33914273 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-021-00611-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The transition of a primary tumour to metastatic progression is driven by dynamic molecular changes, including genetic and epigenetic alterations. The metastatic cascade involves bidirectional interactions among extracellular and intracellular components leading to disintegration of cellular junctions, cytoskeleton reorganization and epithelial to mesenchymal transition. These events promote metastasis by reprogramming the primary cancer cell's molecular framework, enabling them to cause local invasion, anchorage-independent survival, cell death and immune resistance, extravasation and colonization of distant organs. Metastasis follows a site-specific pattern that is still poorly understood at the molecular level. Although various drugs have been tested clinically across different metastatic cancer types, it has remained difficult to develop efficacious therapeutics due to complex molecular layers involved in metastasis as well as experimental limitations. CONCLUSIONS In this review, a systemic evaluation of the molecular mechanisms of metastasis is outlined and the potential molecular components and their status as therapeutic targets and the associated pre-clinical and clinical agents available or under investigations are discussed. Integrative methods like pan-cancer data analysis, which can provide clinical insights into both targets and treatment decisions and help in the identification of crucial components driving metastasis such as mutational profiles, gene signatures, associated pathways, site specificities and disease-gene phenotypes, are discussed. A multi-level data integration of the metastasis signatures across multiple primary and metastatic cancer types may facilitate the development of precision medicine and open up new opportunities for future therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bikashita Kalita
- Centre for Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Kalapet, Pondicherry, 605014, India
| | - Mohane Selvaraj Coumar
- Centre for Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Kalapet, Pondicherry, 605014, India.
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32
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Zhang J, Du C, Zhang L, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Li J. lncRNA GSEC Promotes the Progression of Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) by Targeting the miR-202-5p/AXL Axis. Onco Targets Ther 2021; 14:2747-2759. [PMID: 33907418 PMCID: PMC8068510 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s293832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to explore the biological functions of G-quadruplex-forming sequence containing lncRNA (GSEC) in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Methods The expression of GSEC in TNBC tissues was evaluated by qRT-PCR. Cell viability was evaluated by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. Cell proliferation was evaluated by 5-ethynyl-20-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining assay. Cell invasion and migration were evaluated by Transwell assay. Gain- and loss-function assays were performed to assess the biological functions of GSEC in TNBC. The interactions between GSEC, miR-202-5p and AXL were determined by luciferase report assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. In addition, a nude mouse xenograft model was used to confirm the oncogenic role of GSEC in TNBC. Results GSEC was significantly upregulated in TNBC tissues and cancer cell lines, and high level of GSEC was associated with advanced tumor stage, positive lymph-node metastasis and the poor prognosis of TNBC patients. Knockdown of GSEC effectively inhibited TNBC cell proliferation, invasion and migration in vitro. GSEC regulated the expression of AXL by directly sponging miR-202-5p. Downregulation of miR-202-5p attenuated GSEC knockdown-induced inhibition on TNBC cell proliferation, invasion and migration in vitro. Meanwhile, overexpression of AXL obviously reversed the inhibitory effects of miR-202-5p mimics in TNBC progression in vitro. Conclusion GSEC functioned as a potential oncogene and promoted AXL-mediated TNBC progression by sponging miR-202-5p, which might be a novel diagnostic and therapeutic target for TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhua Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou City, Henan Province, 450000, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuang Du
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou City, Henan Province, 450000, People's Republic of China
| | - Linfeng Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou City, Henan Province, 450000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou City, Henan Province, 450000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingying Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou City, Henan Province, 450000, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingruo Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou City, Henan Province, 450000, People's Republic of China
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33
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Du W, Phinney NZ, Huang H, Wang Z, Westcott J, Toombs JE, Zhang Y, Beg MS, Wilkie TM, Lorens JB, Brekken RA. AXL Is a Key Factor for Cell Plasticity and Promotes Metastasis in Pancreatic Cancer. Mol Cancer Res 2021; 19:1412-1421. [PMID: 33811159 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-20-0860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA), a leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, has a high metastatic rate, and is associated with persistent immune suppression. AXL, a member of the TAM (TYRO3, AXL, MERTK) receptor tyrosine kinase family, is a driver of metastasis and immune suppression in multiple cancer types. Here we use single-cell RNA-sequencing to reveal that AXL is expressed highly in tumor cells that have a mesenchymal-like phenotype and that AXL expression correlates with classic markers of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. We demonstrate that AXL deficiency extends survival, reduces primary and metastatic burden, and enhances sensitivity to gemcitabine in an autochthonous model of PDA. PDA in AXL-deficient mice displayed a more differentiated histology, higher nucleoside transporter expression, and a more active immune microenvironment compared with PDA in wild-type mice. Finally, we demonstrate that AXL-positive poorly differentiated tumor cells are critical for PDA progression and metastasis, emphasizing the potential of AXL as a therapeutic target in PDA. IMPLICATIONS: These studies implicate AXL as a marker of undifferentiated PDA cells and a target for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Du
- Department of Surgery and Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Natalie Z Phinney
- Department of Surgery and Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Huocong Huang
- Department of Surgery and Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Zhaoning Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Jill Westcott
- Department of Surgery and Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Jason E Toombs
- Department of Surgery and Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Yuqing Zhang
- Department of Surgery and Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Muhammad S Beg
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Thomas M Wilkie
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - James B Lorens
- Department of Biomedicine, Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, Norwegian Centre of Excellence, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Rolf A Brekken
- Department of Surgery and Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas. .,Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
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34
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Khera L, Vinik Y, Maina F, Lev S. The AXL-PYK2-PKCα axis as a nexus of stemness circuits in TNBC. Life Sci Alliance 2021; 4:4/6/e202000985. [PMID: 33785524 PMCID: PMC8046419 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202000985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A clinically relevant AXL-PYK2-PKCα axis where PYK2 and PKCα act as signaling nodes and functionally cooperate to converge stemness promoting pathways and regulate Oct4 and Nanog pluripotent TFs. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are implicated in tumor initiation, metastasis and drug resistance, and considered as attractive targets for cancer therapy. Here we identified a clinically relevant signaling nexus mediated by AXL receptor, PYK2 and PKCα and show its impact on stemness in TNBC. AXL, PYK2, and PKCα expression correlates with stemness signature in basal-like breast cancer patients, and their depletion in multiple mesenchymal TNBC cell lines markedly reduced the number of mammosphere-forming cells and cells harboring CSCs characteristic markers. Knockdown of PYK2 reduced the levels of AXL, PKCα, FRA1, and PYK2 proteins, and similar trend was obtained upon PKCα depletion. PYK2 depletion decreased AXL transcription through feedback loops mediated by FRA1 and TAZ, whereas PKCα inhibition induced redistribution of AXL to endosomal/lysosomal compartment and enhanced its degradation. PYK2 and PKCα cooperate at a convergence point of multiple stemness-inducing pathways to regulate AXL levels and concomitantly the levels/activation of STAT3, TAZ, FRA1, and SMAD3 as well as the pluripotent transcription factors Nanog and Oct4. Induction of stemness in TNBC sensitized cells to PYK2 and PKCα inhibition suggesting that targeting the AXL-PYK2-PKCα circuit could be an efficient strategy to eliminate CSCs in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lohit Khera
- Molecular Cell Biology Department, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yaron Vinik
- Molecular Cell Biology Department, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Flavio Maina
- Aix Marseille University, Le Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Developmental Biology Institute of Marseille (IBDM) Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 7288, Marseille, France
| | - Sima Lev
- Molecular Cell Biology Department, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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Tanaka M, Dykes SS, Siemann DW. Inhibition of the Axl pathway impairs breast and prostate cancer metastasis to the bones and bone remodeling. Clin Exp Metastasis 2021; 38:321-335. [PMID: 33791875 PMCID: PMC8179919 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-021-10093-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Approximately 90% of cancer-related deaths result from cancer metastasis. In prostate and breast cancers, bone is the most common site of cancer cell dissemination. Key steps in the metastatic cascade are promoted through upregulation of critical cell signaling pathways in neoplastic cells. The present study assessed the role of the receptor tyrosine kinase Axl in prostate and breast cancer cell metastasis to bones using (i) Axl knockdown neoplastic cells and osteoclast progenitor cells in vitro, (ii) intracardiac injection of Axl knockdown tumor cells in vivo, and (iii) selective Axl inhibitor BGB324. Axl inhibition in neoplastic cells significantly decreased their metastatic potential, and suppression of Axl signaling in osteoclast precursor cells also reduced the formation of mature osteoclasts. In vivo, Axl knockdown in prostate and breast cancer cells significantly suppressed the formation and progression of bone metastases. Hence, therapeutic targeting of Axl may impair tumor metastasis to the bones through neoplastic and host cell signaling axes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Tanaka
- Department of Radiation Oncology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
| | - Samantha S Dykes
- Department of Radiation Oncology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.,GenCure, a Subsidiary of BioBridge Global, San Antonio, TX, 78201, USA
| | - Dietmar W Siemann
- Department of Radiation Oncology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
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36
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Guo CH, Hsia S, Chung CH, Lin YC, Shih MY, Chen PC, Hsu GSW, Fan CT, Peng CL. Combination of Fish Oil and Selenium Enhances Anticancer Efficacy and Targets Multiple Signaling Pathways in Anti-VEGF Agent Treated-TNBC Tumor-Bearing Mice. Mar Drugs 2021; 19:193. [PMID: 33805447 PMCID: PMC8065403 DOI: 10.3390/md19040193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Fish oil (FO) and selenium (Se) possess antiangiogenic potential in malignant tumors. This study aimed to determine whether combination of FO and Se enhanced treatment efficacy of low-dose antiangiogenic agent Avastin (bevacizumab) in a dose-dependent manner and targeted multiple signaling pathways in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)-bearing mice. Randomized into five groups, mice received treatment with either physiological saline (control), Avastin alone, or Avastin in combination with low, medium, and high doses of FO/Se. The target signaling molecules for anticancer were determined either by measuring protein or mRNA expression. Avastin-treated mice receiving FO/Se showed lower tumor growth and metastasis than did mice treated with Avastin alone. Combination-treated mice exhibited lower expressions in multiple proangiogenic (growth) factors and their membrane receptors, and altered cytoplasmic signaling molecules (PI3K-PTEN-AKT-TSC-mTOR-p70S6K-4EBP1, Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK, c-Src-JAK2-STAT3-TMEPAI-Smad, LKB1-AMPK, and GSK3β/β-catenin). Dose-dependent inhibition of down-stream targets including epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition transcription factors, nuclear cyclin and cyclin-dependent kinases, cancer stem cell markers, heat shock protein (HSP-90), hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF-1α/-2α), matrix metalloprotease (MMP-9), and increased apoptosis were observed. These results suggest that combination treatment with FO and Se increases the therapeutic efficacy of Avastin against TNBC in a dose-dependent manner through multiple signaling pathways in membrane, cytoplasmic, and nucleic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Hung Guo
- Micronutrition and Biomedical Nutrition Laboratories, Institute of Biomedical Nutrition, Hung-Kuang University, Taichung 433, Taiwan; (C.-H.C.); (Y.-C.L.); (M.-Y.S.)
- Taiwan Nutraceutical Association, Taipei 105, Taiwan; (S.H.); (P.-C.C.); (C.-T.F.); (C.-L.P.)
| | - Simon Hsia
- Taiwan Nutraceutical Association, Taipei 105, Taiwan; (S.H.); (P.-C.C.); (C.-T.F.); (C.-L.P.)
| | - Chieh-Han Chung
- Micronutrition and Biomedical Nutrition Laboratories, Institute of Biomedical Nutrition, Hung-Kuang University, Taichung 433, Taiwan; (C.-H.C.); (Y.-C.L.); (M.-Y.S.)
- Taiwan Nutraceutical Association, Taipei 105, Taiwan; (S.H.); (P.-C.C.); (C.-T.F.); (C.-L.P.)
| | - Yi-Chun Lin
- Micronutrition and Biomedical Nutrition Laboratories, Institute of Biomedical Nutrition, Hung-Kuang University, Taichung 433, Taiwan; (C.-H.C.); (Y.-C.L.); (M.-Y.S.)
- Taiwan Nutraceutical Association, Taipei 105, Taiwan; (S.H.); (P.-C.C.); (C.-T.F.); (C.-L.P.)
| | - Min-Yi Shih
- Micronutrition and Biomedical Nutrition Laboratories, Institute of Biomedical Nutrition, Hung-Kuang University, Taichung 433, Taiwan; (C.-H.C.); (Y.-C.L.); (M.-Y.S.)
- Taiwan Nutraceutical Association, Taipei 105, Taiwan; (S.H.); (P.-C.C.); (C.-T.F.); (C.-L.P.)
| | - Pei-Chung Chen
- Taiwan Nutraceutical Association, Taipei 105, Taiwan; (S.H.); (P.-C.C.); (C.-T.F.); (C.-L.P.)
| | - Guoo-Shyng W. Hsu
- Human Ecology College, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242, Taiwan;
| | - Ciou-Ting Fan
- Taiwan Nutraceutical Association, Taipei 105, Taiwan; (S.H.); (P.-C.C.); (C.-T.F.); (C.-L.P.)
| | - Chia-Lin Peng
- Taiwan Nutraceutical Association, Taipei 105, Taiwan; (S.H.); (P.-C.C.); (C.-T.F.); (C.-L.P.)
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Orfanou IM, Argyros O, Papapetropoulos A, Tseleni-Balafouta S, Vougas K, Tamvakopoulos C. Discovery and Pharmacological Evaluation of STEAP4 as a Novel Target for HER2 Overexpressing Breast Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:608201. [PMID: 33842315 PMCID: PMC8034292 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.608201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is a highly heterogeneous disease encompassing multiple subtypes with different molecular and histopathological features, disease prognosis, and therapeutic responses. Among these, the Triple Negative BC form (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype with poor prognosis and therapeutic outcome. With respect to HER2 overexpressing BC, although advanced targeted therapies have improved the survival of patients, disease relapse and metastasis remains a challenge for therapeutic efficacy. In this study the aim was to identify key membrane-associated proteins which are overexpressed in these aggressive BC subtypes and can serve as potential biomarkers or drug targets. We leveraged on the development of a membrane enrichment protocol in combination with the global profiling GeLC-MS/MS technique, and compared the proteomic profiles of a HER2 overexpressing (HCC-1954) and a TNBC (MDA-MB-231) cell line with that of a benign control breast cell line (MCF-10A). An average of 2300 proteins were identified from each cell line, of which approximately 600 were membrane-associated proteins. Our global proteomic methodology in tandem with invigoration by Western blot and Immunofluorescence analysis, readily detected several previously-established BC receptors like HER2 and EPHA2, but importantly STEAP4 and CD97 emerged as novel potential candidate markers. This is the first time that the mitochondrial iron reductase STEAP4 protein up-regulation is linked to BC (HER2+ subtype), while for CD97, its role in BC has been previously described, but never before by a global proteomic technology in TNBC. STEAP4 was selected for further detailed evaluation by the employment of Immunohistochemical analysis of BC xenografts and clinical tissue microarray studies. Results showed that STEAP4 expression was evident only in malignant breast tissues whereas all the benign breast cases had no detectable levels. A functional role of STEAP4 intervention was established in HER2 overexpressing BC by pharmacological studies, where blockage of the STEAP4 pathway with an iron chelator (Deferiprone) in combination with the HER2 inhibitor Lapatinib led to a significant reduction in cell growth in vitro. Furthermore, siRNA mediated knockdown of STEAP4 also suppressed cell proliferation and enhanced the inhibition of Lapatinib in HER2 overexpressing BC, confirming its potential oncogenic role in BC. In conclusion, STEAP4 may represent a novel BC related biomarker and a potential pharmacological target for the treatment of HER2 overexpressing BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioanna-Maria Orfanou
- Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Orestis Argyros
- Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Andreas Papapetropoulos
- Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Sofia Tseleni-Balafouta
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Vougas
- Proteomics Laboratory, Division of Biotechnology, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Constantin Tamvakopoulos
- Center for Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
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38
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Davra V, Kumar S, Geng K, Calianese D, Mehta D, Gadiyar V, Kasikara C, Lahey KC, Chang YJ, Wichroski M, Gao C, De Lorenzo MS, Kotenko SV, Bergsbaken T, Mishra PK, Gause WC, Quigley M, Spires TE, Birge RB. Axl and Mertk Receptors Cooperate to Promote Breast Cancer Progression by Combined Oncogenic Signaling and Evasion of Host Antitumor Immunity. Cancer Res 2021; 81:698-712. [PMID: 33239426 PMCID: PMC9999365 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-2066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Despite the promising clinical benefit of targeted and immune checkpoint blocking therapeutics, current strategies have limited success in breast cancer, indicating that additional inhibitory pathways are required to complement existing therapeutics. TAM receptors (Tyro-3, Axl, and Mertk) are often correlated with poor prognosis because of their capacities to sustain an immunosuppressive environment. Here, we ablate Axl on tumor cells using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, and by targeting Mertk in the tumor microenvironment (TME), we observed distinct functions of TAM as oncogenic kinases, as well as inhibitory immune receptors. Depletion of Axl suppressed cell intrinsic oncogenic properties, decreased tumor growth, reduced the incidence of lung metastasis and increased overall survival of mice when injected into mammary fat pad of syngeneic mice, and demonstrated synergy when combined with anti-PD-1 therapy. Blockade of Mertk function on macrophages decreased efferocytosis, altered the cytokine milieu, and resulted in suppressed macrophage gene expression patterns. Mertk-knockout mice or treatment with anti-Mertk-neutralizing mAb also altered the cellular immune profile, resulting in a more inflamed tumor environment with enhanced T-cell infiltration into tumors and T-cell-mediated cytotoxicity. The antitumor activity from Mertk inhibition was abrogated by depletion of cytotoxic CD8α T cells by using anti-CD8α mAb or by transplantation of tumor cells into B6.CB17-Prkdc SCID mice. Our data indicate that targeting Axl expressed on tumor cells and Mertk in the TME is predicted to have a combinatorial benefit to enhance current immunotherapies and that Axl and Mertk have distinct functional activities that impair host antitumor response. SIGNIFICANCE: This study demonstrates how TAM receptors act both as oncogenic tyrosine kinases and as receptors that mediate immune evasion in cancer progression.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cells, Cultured
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/immunology
- Humans
- Immune Evasion/genetics
- Immune Evasion/immunology
- Immunotherapy/methods
- Kaplan-Meier Estimate
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/genetics
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/immunology
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/therapy
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Mice, SCID
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins/immunology
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins/metabolism
- Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/genetics
- Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/immunology
- Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/genetics
- Signal Transduction/immunology
- c-Mer Tyrosine Kinase/genetics
- c-Mer Tyrosine Kinase/immunology
- c-Mer Tyrosine Kinase/metabolism
- Axl Receptor Tyrosine Kinase
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Viralkumar Davra
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Cancer Center, Rutgers- New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Sushil Kumar
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Cancer Center, Rutgers- New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Ke Geng
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Cancer Center, Rutgers- New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey
| | - David Calianese
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Cancer Center, Rutgers- New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Dhriti Mehta
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Cancer Center, Rutgers- New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Varsha Gadiyar
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Cancer Center, Rutgers- New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Canan Kasikara
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Cancer Center, Rutgers- New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Kevin C Lahey
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Cancer Center, Rutgers- New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Yun-Juan Chang
- Office of Advanced Research Computing, Rutgers- New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey
| | | | - Chan Gao
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Lawrenceville, New Jersey
| | | | - Sergei V Kotenko
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Cancer Center, Rutgers- New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Tessa Bergsbaken
- Center for Immunity and Inflammation, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Pankaj K Mishra
- Center for Immunity and Inflammation, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Newark, New Jersey
| | - William C Gause
- Center for Immunity and Inflammation, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Newark, New Jersey
| | | | | | - Raymond B Birge
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Cancer Center, Rutgers- New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey.
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39
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Xie Y, Hu Y, Zhou N, Yao C, Wu L, Liu L, Chen F. CAR T-cell therapy for triple-negative breast cancer: Where we are. Cancer Lett 2020; 491:121-131. [PMID: 32795486 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.07.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most complex and challenging breast cancer subtype to treat, and chemotherapy remains the standard of care. Clinically, TNBC has a relatively high rate of recurrence and poor prognosis, which leads to a significant effort to discover novel strategies to treat patients with these tumors. Currently, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell-based immunotherapy redirects the patient's immune system directly to recognize and eradicate tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) expressing tumor cells being explored as a treatment for TNBC. A steadily increasing research in CAR T-cell therapy targeting different TAAs in TNBC has reported. In this review, we introduce the CAR technology and summarize the potential TAAs, available CARs, the antitumor activity, and the related toxicity of CARs currently under investigation for TNBC. We also highlight the potential strategies to prevent/reduce potential "on target, off tumor" toxicity induced by CAR T-cell therapy. This review will help to explore proper targets to expand further the CAR T-cell therapy for TNBCs in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuetao Xie
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518038, China
| | - Yi Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518038, China
| | - Nawu Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518038, China
| | - Cuicui Yao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518038, China
| | - Lixin Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518038, China
| | - Lin Liu
- Everest Medical Care, 2010 West Chester Pike, Havertown, PA, 19083, USA
| | - Fang Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518038, China.
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40
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Bai X, Ni J, Beretov J, Graham P, Li Y. Triple-negative breast cancer therapeutic resistance: Where is the Achilles' heel? Cancer Lett 2020; 497:100-111. [PMID: 33069769 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) shows a higher response rate to systemic therapy compared with other breast cancer subtypes. However, the tumor differentiation of TNBC is poorer, with an early tendency to metastasis and a higher recurrence rate. Relapsed and metastatic TNBCs usually progress more rapidly, showing strong resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Due to the lack of combinatorial targeted drugs, alternative treatments fail to improve these patient's prognosis and the quality of life. Finding the Achilles' heel of TNBC is critical for patients with advanced TNBC. Here, we summarize the latest advances in the mechanisms underlying TNBC therapeutic resistance, consider how these mechanisms may affect the development and utilization of TNBC targeted drugs, and discuss the rationale of relevant signals as therapeutic targets. Also, we review the clinical trials registered in ClinicalTrial.gov for TNBC patients, which comprehensively reveals current research and development of novel TNBC targeted drugs and future trends.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xupeng Bai
- St George and Sutherland Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, 2052, Australia; Cancer Care Centre, St. George Hospital, Kogarah, NSW, 2217, Australia
| | - Jie Ni
- St George and Sutherland Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, 2052, Australia; Cancer Care Centre, St. George Hospital, Kogarah, NSW, 2217, Australia
| | - Julia Beretov
- St George and Sutherland Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, 2052, Australia; Cancer Care Centre, St. George Hospital, Kogarah, NSW, 2217, Australia; Anatomical Pathology, NSW Health Pathology, St. George Hospital, Kogarah, NSW, 2217, Australia
| | - Peter Graham
- St George and Sutherland Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, 2052, Australia; Cancer Care Centre, St. George Hospital, Kogarah, NSW, 2217, Australia
| | - Yong Li
- St George and Sutherland Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Kensington, NSW, 2052, Australia; Cancer Care Centre, St. George Hospital, Kogarah, NSW, 2217, Australia; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Henan, 450001, China.
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41
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Wang KH, Ding DC. Dual targeting of TAM receptors Tyro3, Axl, and MerTK: Role in tumors and the tumor immune microenvironment. Tzu Chi Med J 2020; 33:250-256. [PMID: 34386362 PMCID: PMC8323642 DOI: 10.4103/tcmj.tcmj_129_20] [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: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In both normal and tumor tissues, receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) may be pleiotropically expressed. The RTKs not only regulate ordinary cellular processes, including proliferation, survival, adhesion, and migration, but also have a critical role in the development of many types of cancer. The Tyro3, Axl, and MerTK (TAM) family of RTKs (Tyro3, Axl, and MerTK) plays a pleiotropic role in phagocytosis, inflammation, and normal cellular processes. In this article, we highlight the cellular activities of TAM receptors and discuss their roles in cancer and immune cells. We also discuss cancer therapies that target TAM receptors. Further research is needed to elucidate the function of TAM receptors in immune cells toward the development of new targeted immunotherapies for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Hung Wang
- Department of Medical Research, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Dah-Ching Ding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation and Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
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42
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Qin S, Jiang J, Lu Y, Nice EC, Huang C, Zhang J, He W. Emerging role of tumor cell plasticity in modifying therapeutic response. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:228. [PMID: 33028808 PMCID: PMC7541492 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-00313-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Resistance to cancer therapy is a major barrier to cancer management. Conventional views have proposed that acquisition of resistance may result from genetic mutations. However, accumulating evidence implicates a key role of non-mutational resistance mechanisms underlying drug tolerance, the latter of which is the focus that will be discussed here. Such non-mutational processes are largely driven by tumor cell plasticity, which renders tumor cells insusceptible to the drug-targeted pathway, thereby facilitating the tumor cell survival and growth. The concept of tumor cell plasticity highlights the significance of re-activation of developmental programs that are closely correlated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition, acquisition properties of cancer stem cells, and trans-differentiation potential during drug exposure. From observations in various cancers, this concept provides an opportunity for investigating the nature of anticancer drug resistance. Over the years, our understanding of the emerging role of phenotype switching in modifying therapeutic response has considerably increased. This expanded knowledge of tumor cell plasticity contributes to developing novel therapeutic strategies or combination therapy regimens using available anticancer drugs, which are likely to improve patient outcomes in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, 610041, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingwen Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, 610041, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Lu
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Edouard C Nice
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Canhua Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, 610041, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1166 Liutai Road, 611137, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jian Zhang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology Shenzhen, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, People's Republic of China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Weifeng He
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Institute of Burn Research, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, People's Republic of China.
- Chongqing Key Laboratory for Disease Proteomics, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.
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43
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Di Stasi R, De Rosa L, D'Andrea LD. Therapeutic aspects of the Axl/Gas6 molecular system. Drug Discov Today 2020; 25:2130-2148. [PMID: 33002607 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Axl receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) and its ligand, growth arrest-specific protein 6 (Gas6), are involved in several biological functions and participate in the development and progression of a range of malignancies and autoimmune disorders. In this review, we present this molecular system from a drug discovery perspective, highlighting its therapeutic implications and challenges that need to be addressed. We provide an update on Axl/Gas6 axis biology, exploring its role in fields ranging from angiogenesis, cancer development and metastasis, immune response and inflammation to viral infection. Finally, we summarize the molecules that have been developed to date to target the Axl/Gas6 molecular system for therapeutic and diagnostic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Di Stasi
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, CNR, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy
| | - Lucia De Rosa
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, CNR, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134 Napoli, Italy
| | - Luca D D'Andrea
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, CNR, Via Nizza 52, 10126 Torino, Italy.
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44
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Ryu YS, Shin S, An HG, Kwon TU, Baek HS, Kwon YJ, Chun YJ. Synergistic Induction of Apoptosis by the Combination of an Axl Inhibitor and Auranofin in Human Breast Cancer Cells. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2020; 28:473-481. [PMID: 32536618 PMCID: PMC7457171 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2020.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Axl receptor tyrosine kinase has been implicated in cancer progression, invasion, and metastasis in various cancer types. Axl overexpression has been observed in many cancers, and selective inhibitors of Axl, including R428, may be promising therapeutic agents for several human cancers, such as breast, lung, and pancreatic cancers. Here, we examined the cell growth inhibition mediated by R428 and auranofin individually as well as in combination in the human breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 to identify new advanced combination treatments for human breast cancer. Our data showed that combination therapy with R428 and auranofin markedly inhibited cancer cell proliferation. Isobologram analyses of these cells indicated a clear synergism between R428 and auranofin with a combination index value of 0.73. The combination treatment promoted apoptosis as indicated by caspase 3 activation and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage. Cancer cell migration was also significantly inhibited by this combination treatment. Moreover, we found that combination therapy significantly increased the expression level of Bax, a mitochondrial proapoptotic factor, but decreased that of the X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein. Furthermore, the suppression of cell viability and induction of Bax expression by the combination treatment were recovered by treatment with N-acetylcysteine. In conclusion, our data demonstrated that combined treatment with R428 and auranofin synergistically induced apoptosis in human breast cancer cells and may thus serve as a novel and valuable approach for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeon-Sang Ryu
- Center for Metareceptome Research, College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangyun Shin
- Center for Metareceptome Research, College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong-Gyu An
- Center for Metareceptome Research, College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Uk Kwon
- Center for Metareceptome Research, College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyoung-Seok Baek
- Center for Metareceptome Research, College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeo-Jung Kwon
- Center for Metareceptome Research, College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Jin Chun
- Center for Metareceptome Research, College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
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45
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Zhu C, Shi H, Wu M, Wei X. A dual MET/AXL small-molecule inhibitor exerts efficacy against gastric carcinoma through killing cancer cells as well as modulating tumor microenvironment. MedComm (Beijing) 2020; 1:103-118. [PMID: 34766112 PMCID: PMC8489669 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The receptor tyrosine kinases MET and AXL have been implicated in tumorigenesis and aggressiveness of multiple malignancies. We performed this study to evaluate the antitumor impact of LY2801653, a dual MET and AXL inhibitor on gastric cancer and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. In the present study, tissue microarrays containing gastric cancer tissues were stained with MET and AXL antibodies, which showed the prognostic values of MET and AXL. Administration of LY2801653 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, epithelial‐mesenchymal transition, induced apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest. Xenograft mouse models showed suppressed cell proliferation of tumors in high MET and AXL expression cells. LY2801653 also inhibited the growth of MET and AXL‐independent cells at higher but clinically relevant doses through decreased angiogenesis and M2 macrophages in the tumor microenvironment. In conclusion, our study provides evidence for MET and AXL as prognostic biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets in gastric cancer. The dual MET/AXL inhibitor LY2801653 represents a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of patients with gastric carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenjing Zhu
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan China.,Department of Radiation Oncology Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research & The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University Nanjing Jiangsu China
| | - Huashan Shi
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan China
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences School of Medicine and Health Sciences University of North Dakota Grand Forks North Dakota USA
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan China
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46
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Park SK, Byun WS, Lee S, Han YT, Jeong YS, Jang K, Chung SJ, Lee J, Suh YG, Lee SK. A novel small molecule STAT3 inhibitor SLSI-1216 suppresses proliferation and tumor growth of triple-negative breast cancer cells through apoptotic induction. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 178:114053. [PMID: 32450253 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive type of breast cancer, characterized by the lack of expression of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. Owing to the absence of molecular targets, there are limited treatment options, and TNBC patients exhibit high mortality rates. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is overexpressed and aberrantly activated in TNBC cells. Therefore, inhibition of STAT3-mediated signaling provides a potential strategy for the treatment of TNBC. In this study, A series of synthetic derivatives of SLSI-1 (a STAT3 inhibitor) were designed and evaluated for antitumor activity in TNBC cells. A novel derivative (SLSI-1216) exhibited the most potent anti-proliferative activity. SLSI-1216 effectively inhibited STAT3 activity and activation of STAT3, leading to the downregulation of AXL, a downstream target of STAT3 and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) progression. The inhibition of EMT by SLSI-1216 was associated with modulation of E-cadherin and N-cadherin. Furthermore, SLSI-1216 induced apoptosis by targeting STAT3 and effectively inhibited tumor growth in vivo. These findings suggest that SLSI-1216, as a potential inhibitor of STAT3, may be a promising therapeutic agent for TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo Kyung Park
- College of Pharmacy, Natural Products Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Woong Sub Byun
- College of Pharmacy, Natural Products Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungbeom Lee
- College of Pharmacy, CHA University, Gyeonggi-do 11160, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Taek Han
- College of Pharmacy, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoo-Seong Jeong
- College of Pharmacy, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungkuk Jang
- College of Pharmacy, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Suk-Jae Chung
- College of Pharmacy, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeeyeon Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Ger Suh
- College of Pharmacy, CHA University, Gyeonggi-do 11160, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sang Kook Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Natural Products Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
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47
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Ibrahim AM, Gray Z, Gomes AM, Myers L, Behbod F, Machado HL. Gas6 expression is reduced in advanced breast cancers. NPJ Precis Oncol 2020; 4:9. [PMID: 32352034 PMCID: PMC7181799 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-020-0116-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Growth arrest-specific gene 6 (Gas6) is a cytokine that binds to receptor tyrosine kinases Tyro3, Axl, and Mer. Numerous studies have suggested that macrophage-derived Gas6 interacts with Axl to promote cancer progression, and Axl has been associated with poor clinical outcome. However, the expression and relevance of Gas6 in human breast cancer patients has not been studied. Analysis of tissue microarrays showed that Gas6 was highly expressed in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) but markedly decreased in invasive breast cancer. Gas6 and Axl were weakly correlated, suggesting that their functions may not exclusively rely on each other. Analyses of publicly available databases showed significantly improved overall and relapse-free survival in patients with high Gas6 mRNA, particularly in luminal A breast cancers. These findings indicate that tumor-derived Gas6 is not overexpressed in invasive breast cancer, and may not be a negative prognostic factor in human breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman M. Ibrahim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA USA
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Zane Gray
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA USA
| | - Angelica M. Gomes
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA USA
| | - Leann Myers
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA USA
| | - Fariba Behbod
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS USA
| | - Heather L. Machado
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA USA
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48
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Testa U, Castelli G, Pelosi E. Breast Cancer: A Molecularly Heterogenous Disease Needing Subtype-Specific Treatments. Med Sci (Basel) 2020; 8:E18. [PMID: 32210163 PMCID: PMC7151639 DOI: 10.3390/medsci8010018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in women. There were over two-million new cases in world in 2018. It is the second leading cause of death from cancer in western countries. At the molecular level, breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease, which is characterized by high genomic instability evidenced by somatic gene mutations, copy number alterations, and chromosome structural rearrangements. The genomic instability is caused by defects in DNA damage repair, transcription, DNA replication, telomere maintenance and mitotic chromosome segregation. According to molecular features, breast cancers are subdivided in subtypes, according to activation of hormone receptors (estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor), of human epidermal growth factors receptor 2 (HER2), and or BRCA mutations. In-depth analyses of the molecular features of primary and metastatic breast cancer have shown the great heterogeneity of genetic alterations and their clonal evolution during disease development. These studies have contributed to identify a repertoire of numerous disease-causing genes that are altered through different mutational processes. While early-stage breast cancer is a curable disease in about 70% of patients, advanced breast cancer is largely incurable. However, molecular studies have contributed to develop new therapeutic approaches targeting HER2, CDK4/6, PI3K, or involving poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors for BRCA mutation carriers and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugo Testa
- Department of Oncology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.C.); (E.P.)
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49
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Dayoub AS, Brekken RA. TIMs, TAMs, and PS- antibody targeting: implications for cancer immunotherapy. Cell Commun Signal 2020; 18:29. [PMID: 32087708 PMCID: PMC7036251 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-020-0521-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy for cancer is making impressive strides at improving survival of a subset of cancer patients. To increase the breadth of patients that benefit from immunotherapy, new strategies that combat the immunosuppressive microenvironment of tumors are needed. Phosphatidylserine (PS) signaling is exploited by tumors to enhance tumor immune evasion and thus strategies to inhibit PS-mediated immune suppression have potential to increase the efficacy of immunotherapy. PS is a membrane lipid that flips to the outer surface of the cell membrane during apoptosis and/or cell stress. Externalized PS can drive efferocytosis or engage PS receptors (PSRs) to promote local immune suppression. In the tumor microenvironment (TME) PS-mediated immune suppression is often termed apoptotic mimicry. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting PS or PSRs have been developed and are in preclinical and clinical testing. The TIM (T-cell/transmembrane, immunoglobulin, and mucin) and TAM (Tyro3, AXL, and MerTK) family of receptors are PSRs that have been shown to drive PS-mediated immune suppression in tumors. This review will highlight the development of mAbs targeting PS, TIM-3 and the TAM receptors. Video Abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam S Dayoub
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX, 75390-8593, USA
| | - Rolf A Brekken
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX, 75390-8593, USA. .,Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
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50
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AXL as a Target in Breast Cancer Therapy. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2020; 2020:5291952. [PMID: 32148495 PMCID: PMC7042526 DOI: 10.1155/2020/5291952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
AXL is a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) that has been implicated in diverse tumor-promoting processes such as proliferation, migration, invasion, survival, and apoptosis. AXL therefore plays a role in cancer progression, and AXL has been implicated in a wide variety of malignancies from solid tumors to hematopoietic cancers where it is often associated with poor prognosis. In cancer, AXL has been shown to promote epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), metastasis formation, drug resistance, and a role for AXL in modulation of the tumor microenvironment and immune response has been identified. In light of these activities multiple AXL inhibitors have been developed, and several of these have entered clinical trials in the U.S. In breast cancer, high levels of AXL expression have been observed. The role of AXL in cancer with a focus on therapeutic implications for breast cancer is discussed.
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