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Miao T, Symonds A, Hickman OJ, Wu D, Wang P, Lemoine N, Wang Y, Linardopoulos S, Halldén G. Inhibition of Bromodomain Proteins Enhances Oncolytic HAdVC5 Replication and Efficacy in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) Models. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1265. [PMID: 38279262 PMCID: PMC10816486 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most aggressive type of pancreatic cancer, which rapidly develops resistance to the current standard of care. Several oncolytic Human AdenoViruses (HAdVs) have been reported to re-sensitize drug-resistant cancer cells and in combination with chemotherapeutics attenuate solid tumour growth. Obstacles preventing greater clinical success are rapid hepatic elimination and limited viral replication and spread within the tumour microenvironment. We hypothesised that higher intratumoural levels of the virus could be achieved by altering cellular epigenetic regulation. Here we report on the screening of an enriched epigenetics small molecule library and validation of six compounds that increased viral gene expression and replication. The greatest effects were observed with three epigenetic inhibitors targeting bromodomain (BRD)-containing proteins. Specifically, BRD4 inhibitors enhanced the efficacy of Ad5 wild type, Ad∆∆, and Ad-3∆-A20T in 3-dimensional co-culture models of PDAC and in vivo xenografts. RNAseq analysis demonstrated that the inhibitors increased viral E1A expression, altered expression of cell cycle regulators and inflammatory factors, and attenuated expression levels of tumour cell oncogenes such as c-Myc and Myb. The data suggest that the tumour-selective Ad∆∆ and Ad-3∆-A20T combined with epigenetic inhibitors is a novel strategy for the treatment of PDAC by eliminating both cancer and associated stromal cells to pave the way for immune cell access even after systemic delivery of the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tizong Miao
- Centre for Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; (T.M.); (N.L.); (Y.W.)
- Centre for Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK; (A.S.); (P.W.)
| | - Alistair Symonds
- Centre for Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK; (A.S.); (P.W.)
| | - Oliver J. Hickman
- Cancer Drug Target Discovery Laboratory, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, UK; (O.J.H.); (S.L.)
| | - Dongsheng Wu
- Bioimaging Centre, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK;
| | - Ping Wang
- Centre for Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK; (A.S.); (P.W.)
| | - Nick Lemoine
- Centre for Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; (T.M.); (N.L.); (Y.W.)
| | - Yaohe Wang
- Centre for Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; (T.M.); (N.L.); (Y.W.)
| | - Spiros Linardopoulos
- Cancer Drug Target Discovery Laboratory, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, UK; (O.J.H.); (S.L.)
| | - Gunnel Halldén
- Centre for Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; (T.M.); (N.L.); (Y.W.)
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2
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Sun Z, Fan J, Dang Y, Zhao Y. Enhancer in cancer pathogenesis and treatment. Genet Mol Biol 2023; 46:e20220313. [PMID: 37548349 PMCID: PMC10405138 DOI: 10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2022-0313] [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: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Enhancers are essential cis-acting regulatory elements that determine cell identity and tumor progression. Enhancer function is dependent on the physical interaction between the enhancer and its target promoter inside its local chromatin environment. Enhancer reprogramming is an important mechanism in cancer pathogenesis and can be driven by both cis and trans factors. Super enhancers are acquired at oncogenes in numerous cancer types and represent potential targets for cancer treatment. BET and CDK inhibitors act through mechanisms of enhancer function and have shown promising results in therapy for various types of cancer. Genome editing is another way to reprogram enhancers in cancer treatment. The relationship between enhancers and cancer has been revised by several authors in the past few years, which mainly focuses on the mechanisms by which enhancers can impact cancer. Here, we emphasize SE's role in cancer pathogenesis and the new therapies involving epigenetic regulators (BETi and CDKi). We suggest that understanding mechanisms of activity would aid clinical success for these anti-cancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Sun
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microorganism and Tumor Immunity, Weiyang District, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, No.1 XinWang Rd, Weiyang District, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jinbo Fan
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microorganism and Tumor Immunity, Weiyang District, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yixiong Dang
- Xi’an Medical University, School of Public Health, Weiyang District, Xi’an, 710021 Shaanxi, China
| | - Yufeng Zhao
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, No.1 XinWang Rd, Weiyang District, Shaanxi, China
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Rana M, Kansal RG, Bisunke B, Fang J, Shibata D, Bajwa A, Yang J, Glazer ES. Bromo- and Extra-Terminal Domain Inhibitors Induce Mitochondrial Stress in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Mol Cancer Ther 2023; 22:936-946. [PMID: 37294884 PMCID: PMC10527726 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-23-0149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Identifying novel, unique, and personalized molecular targets for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains the greatest challenge in altering the biology of fatal tumors. Bromo- and extra-terminal domain (BET) proteins are activated in a noncanonical fashion by TGFβ, a ubiquitous cytokine in the PDAC tumor microenvironment (TME). We hypothesized that BET inhibitors (BETi) represent a new class of drugs that attack PDAC tumors via a novel mechanism. Using a combination of patient and syngeneic murine models, we investigated the effects of the BETi drug BMS-986158 on cellular proliferation, organoid growth, cell-cycle progression, and mitochondrial metabolic disruption. These were investigated independently and in combination with standard cytotoxic chemotherapy (gemcitabine + paclitaxel [GemPTX]). BMS-986158 reduced cell viability and proliferation across multiple PDAC cell lines in a dose-dependent manner, even more so in combination with cytotoxic chemotherapy (P < 0.0001). We found that BMS-986158 reduced both human and murine PDAC organoid growth (P < 0.001), with associated perturbations in the cell cycle leading to cell-cycle arrest. BMS-986158 disrupts normal cancer-dependent mitochondrial function, leading to aberrant mitochondrial metabolism and stress via dysfunctional cellular respiration, proton leakage, and ATP production. We demonstrated mechanistic and functional data that BETi induces metabolic mitochondrial dysfunction, abrogating PDAC progression and proliferation, alone and in combination with systemic cytotoxic chemotherapies. This novel approach improves the therapeutic window in patients with PDAC and offers another treatment approach distinct from cytotoxic chemotherapy that targets cancer cell bioenergetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjul Rana
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
| | - Rita G. Kansal
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
| | - Bijay Bisunke
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
| | - Jie Fang
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - David Shibata
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
- Center for Cancer Research, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
| | - Amandeep Bajwa
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
- Transplant Research Institute, James D. Eason Transplant Institute, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
- Department of Genetics, Genomics, and Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
- Transplant Research Institute, James D. Eason Transplant Institute, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
- Department of Genetics, Genomics, and Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
- St. Jude Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Evan S. Glazer
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
- Center for Cancer Research, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN
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Kumar K, Kanojia D, Bentrem DJ, Hwang RF, Butchar JP, Tridandapani S, Munshi HG. Targeting BET Proteins Decreases Hyaluronidase-1 in Pancreatic Cancer. Cells 2023; 12:1490. [PMID: 37296612 PMCID: PMC10253193 DOI: 10.3390/cells12111490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by the presence of dense stroma that is enriched in hyaluronan (HA), with increased HA levels associated with more aggressive disease. Increased levels of the HA-degrading enzymes hyaluronidases (HYALs) are also associated with tumor progression. In this study, we evaluate the regulation of HYALs in PDAC. METHODS Using siRNA and small molecule inhibitors, we evaluated the regulation of HYALs using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blot analysis, and ELISA. The binding of BRD2 protein on the HYAL1 promoter was evaluated by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay. Proliferation was evaluated by WST-1 assay. Mice with xenograft tumors were treated with BET inhibitors. The expression of HYALs in tumors was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and by qRT-PCR. RESULTS We show that HYAL1, HYAL2, and HYAL3 are expressed in PDAC tumors and in PDAC and pancreatic stellate cell lines. We demonstrate that inhibitors targeting bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) proteins, which are readers of histone acetylation marks, primarily decrease HYAL1 expression. We show that the BET family protein BRD2 regulates HYAL1 expression by binding to its promoter region and that HYAL1 downregulation decreases proliferation and enhances apoptosis of PDAC and stellate cell lines. Notably, BET inhibitors decrease the levels of HYAL1 expression in vivo without affecting the levels of HYAL2 or HYAL3. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate the pro-tumorigenic role of HYAL1 and identify the role of BRD2 in the regulation of HYAL1 in PDAC. Overall, these data enhance our understanding of the role and regulation of HYAL1 and provide the rationale for targeting HYAL1 in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishan Kumar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, and Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Deepak Kanojia
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - David J. Bentrem
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Rosa F. Hwang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jonathan P. Butchar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, and Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Susheela Tridandapani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, and Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Hidayatullah G. Munshi
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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5
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Elrakaybi A, Ruess DA, Lübbert M, Quante M, Becker H. Epigenetics in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Impact on Biology and Utilization in Diagnostics and Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235926. [PMID: 36497404 PMCID: PMC9738647 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive malignancies with high potential of metastases and therapeutic resistance. Although genetic mutations drive PDAC initiation, they alone do not explain its aggressive nature. Epigenetic mechanisms, including aberrant DNA methylation and histone modifications, significantly contribute to inter- and intratumoral heterogeneity, disease progression and metastasis. Thus, increased understanding of the epigenetic landscape in PDAC could offer new potential biomarkers and tailored therapeutic approaches. In this review, we shed light on the role of epigenetic modifications in PDAC biology and on the potential clinical applications of epigenetic biomarkers in liquid biopsy. In addition, we provide an overview of clinical trials assessing epigenetically targeted treatments alone or in combination with other anticancer therapies to improve outcomes of patients with PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa Elrakaybi
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Dietrich A. Ruess
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Center of Surgery, Medical Center University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Partner Site Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael Lübbert
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Partner Site Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael Quante
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Partner Site Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Heiko Becker
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Partner Site Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-761-270-36000
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6
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Garcia PL, Miller AL, Zeng L, van Waardenburg RCAM, Yang ES, Yoon KJ. The BET Inhibitor JQ1 Potentiates the Anticlonogenic Effect of Radiation in Pancreatic Cancer Cells. Front Oncol 2022; 12:925718. [PMID: 35795040 PMCID: PMC9252418 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.925718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We reported previously that the BET inhibitor (BETi) JQ1 decreases levels of the DNA repair protein RAD51 and that this decrease is concomitant with increased levels of DNA damage. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that a BETi would augment DNA damage produced by radiation and function as a radiosensitizer. We used clonogenic assays to evaluate the effect of JQ1 ± ionizing radiation (IR) on three pancreatic cancer cell lines in vitro. We performed immunofluorescence assays to assess the impact of JQ1 ± IR on DNA damage as reflected by levels of the DNA damage marker γH2AX, and immunoblots to assess levels of the DNA repair protein RAD51. We also compared the effect of these agents on the clonogenic potential of transfectants that expressed contrasting levels of the principle molecular targets of JQ1 (BRD2, BRD4) to determine whether levels of these BET proteins affected sensitivity to JQ1 ± IR. The data show that JQ1 + IR decreased the clonogenic potential of pancreatic cancer cells more than either modality alone. This anticlonogenic effect was associated with increased DNA damage and decreased levels of RAD51. Further, lower levels of BRD2 or BRD4 increased sensitivity to JQ1 and JQ1 + IR, suggesting that pre-treatment levels of BRD2 or BRD4 may predict sensitivity to a BETi or to a BETi + IR. We suggest that a BETi + IR merits evaluation as therapy prior to surgery for pancreatic cancer patients with borderline resectable disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick L. Garcia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Aubrey L. Miller
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Ling Zeng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- UAB Medicine Nursing, Oncology Services, UAB Hospital, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | | | - Eddy S. Yang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Karina J. Yoon
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
- *Correspondence: Karina J. Yoon,
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Principe DR. Precision Medicine for BRCA/PALB2-Mutated Pancreatic Cancer and Emerging Strategies to Improve Therapeutic Responses to PARP Inhibition. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14040897. [PMID: 35205643 PMCID: PMC8869830 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14040897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary For the small subset of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients with loss-of-function mutations to BRCA1/2 or PALB2, both first-line and maintenance therapy differs significantly. These mutations confer a loss of double-strand break DNA homologous recombination (HR), substantially altering drug sensitivities. In this review, we discuss the current treatment guidelines for PDAC tumors deficient in HR, as well as newly emerging strategies to improve drug responses in this population. We also highlight additional patient populations in which these strategies may also be effective, and novel strategies aiming to confer similar drug sensitivity to tumors proficient in HR repair. Abstract Pancreatic cancer is projected to become the second leading cause of cancer-related death by 2030. As patients typically present with advanced disease and show poor responses to broad-spectrum chemotherapy, overall survival remains a dismal 10%. This underscores an urgent clinical need to identify new therapeutic approaches for PDAC patients. Precision medicine is now the standard of care for several difficult-to-treat cancer histologies. Such approaches involve the identification of a clinically actionable molecular feature, which is matched to an appropriate targeted therapy. Selective poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors such as Niraparib, Olaparib, Talazoparib, Rucaparib, and Veliparib are now approved for several cancers with loss of high-fidelity double-strand break homologous recombination (HR), namely those with deleterious mutations to BRCA1/2, PALB2, and other functionally related genes. Recent evidence suggests that the presence of such mutations in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most common and lethal pancreatic cancer histotype, significantly alters drug responses both with respect to first-line chemotherapy and maintenance therapy. In this review, we discuss the current treatment paradigm for PDAC tumors with confirmed deficits in double-strand break HR, as well as emerging strategies to both improve responses to PARP inhibition in HR-deficient PDAC and confer sensitivity to tumors proficient in HR repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R Principe
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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8
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Versemann L, Hessmann E, Ulisse M. Epigenetic Therapeutic Strategies to Target Molecular and Cellular Heterogeneity in Pancreatic Cancer. Visc Med 2022; 38:11-19. [PMID: 35291698 PMCID: PMC8874235 DOI: 10.1159/000519859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a major challenge in cancer medicine and is characterized by a 5-year survival rate of <10%. Compelling evidence suggests that the devastating disease outcome of PDAC patients is linked to a high degree of intra- and interindividual tumor heterogeneity, which is predominantly installed at the level of gene transcription. The cellular and molecular complexities of the disease explain the poor efficacy of "one-size-fits-all" therapeutic approaches in PDAC treatment and strongly argue for pursuing tailored therapeutic strategies to tackle PDAC. In a highly dynamic manner, a network of transcription factors and epigenetic regulatory proteins temporally and spatially control the diverse transcriptomic states determining PDAC heterogeneity. Given the reversibility of epigenetic processes, pharmacological intervention with key epigenetic drivers of PDAC heterogeneity appeals as a promising concept to shift the transcriptomic phenotype of PDAC toward a less aggressive and more chemosensible state. SUMMARY In this review, we discuss the chances and pitfalls of epigenetic treatment strategies in overcoming and shifting molecular and cellular PDAC heterogeneities in order to combat PDAC. To this end, we utilized the keywords "pancreatic cancer," "heterogeneity," and "epigenetics" to search for relevant articles on the database PubMed and selected interventional studies enrolling PDAC patients as displayed in clinicaltrails.gov to generate a synopsis of clinical trials involving epigenetic targeting. KEY MESSAGES Targeting epigenetic regulators in PDAC represents a promising concept to reprogram molecular and cellular tumor heterogeneities in the pancreas and hence to modulate the PDAC phenotype in favor of a less aggressive and more therapy susceptible disease course. However, we just start to understand the complex interactions of epigenetic regulators in controlling PDAC plasticity, and a clinical breakthrough utilizing epigenetic targeting in PDAC patients has not been achieved yet. Nevertheless, increasing translational efforts which consider the pleiotropic effects of targeting epigenetic regulation in different cellular compartments of the tumor and that focus on the utility and sequence of combinatory treatment approaches might pave the way toward novel epigenetic treatment strategies in PDAC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lennart Versemann
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Hessmann
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
- Clinical Research Unit KFO5002, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Maria Ulisse
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
- Clinical Research Unit KFO5002, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
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9
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XP-524 is a dual-BET/EP300 inhibitor that represses oncogenic KRAS and potentiates immune checkpoint inhibition in pancreatic cancer. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:2116764119. [PMID: 35064087 PMCID: PMC8795568 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2116764119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There are currently no effective treatments for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), which displays widespread resistance to chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. Here, we demonstrate that the multispecificity BET/EP300 inhibitor XP-524 has pronounced single-agent efficacy in vitro, in vivo, and in ex vivo human PDAC slice cultures, functioning in part by attenuating oncogenic KRAS signaling. In vivo XP-524 led to extensive reprogramming of the pancreatic tumor microenvironment, sensitizing murine carcinoma to immune checkpoint inhibition and further extending survival. Given the urgent need for therapeutic approaches in PDAC, the combination of XP-524 and immune checkpoint inhibition warrants additional exploration. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is associated with extensive dysregulation of the epigenome and epigenetic regulators, such as bromodomain and extraterminal motif (BET) proteins, have been suggested as potential targets for therapy. However, single-agent BET inhibition has shown poor efficacy in clinical trials, and no epigenetic approaches are currently used in PDAC. To circumvent the limitations of the current generation of BET inhibitors, we developed the compound XP-524 as an inhibitor of the BET protein BRD4 and the histone acetyltransferase EP300/CBP, both of which are ubiquitously expressed in PDAC tissues and cooperate to enhance tumorigenesis. XP-524 showed increased potency and superior tumoricidal activity than the benchmark BET inhibitor JQ-1 in vitro, with comparable efficacy to higher-dose JQ-1 combined with the EP300/CBP inhibitor SGC-CBP30. We determined that this is in part due to the epigenetic silencing of KRAS in vitro, with similar results observed using ex vivo slice cultures of human PDAC tumors. Accordingly, XP-524 prevented KRAS-induced, neoplastic transformation in vivo and extended survival in two transgenic mouse models of aggressive PDAC. In addition to the inhibition of KRAS/MAPK signaling, XP-524 also enhanced the presentation of self-peptide and tumor recruitment of cytotoxic T lymphocytes, though these lymphocytes remained refractory from full activation. We, therefore, combined XP-524 with an anti–PD-1 antibody in vivo, which reactivated the cytotoxic immune program and extended survival well beyond XP-524 in monotherapy. Pending a comprehensive safety evaluation, these results suggest that XP-524 may benefit PDAC patients and warrant further exploration, particularly in combination with immune checkpoint inhibition.
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10
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Sun HY, Du ST, Li YY, Deng GT, Zeng FR. Bromodomain and extra-terminal inhibitors emerge as potential therapeutic avenues for gastrointestinal cancers. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2022; 14:75-89. [PMID: 35116104 PMCID: PMC8790409 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v14.i1.75] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, including colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, liver cancer and gastric cancer, are severe social burdens due to high incidence and mortality rates. Bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) proteins are epigenetic readers consisting of four conserved members (BRD2, BRD3, BRD4 and BRDT). BET family perform pivotal roles in tumorigenesis through transcriptional regulation, thereby emerging as potential therapeutic targets. BET inhibitors, disrupting the interaction between BET proteins and acetylated lysines, have been reported to suppress tumor initiation and progression in most of GI cancers. In this review, we will demonstrate how BET proteins participate in the GI cancers progression and highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting BET proteins for GI cancers treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Yan Sun
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan Province, China
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan Province, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan Province, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan Province, China
| | - Song-Tao Du
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan Province, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan Province, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan Province, China
- Department of Colorectal Surgical Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin 150081, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Ya-Yun Li
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan Province, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan Province, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan Province, China
| | - Guang-Tong Deng
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan Province, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan Province, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan Province, China
| | - Fu-Rong Zeng
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan Province, China
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan Province, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan Province, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, Hunan Province, China
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11
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DFMO Improves Survival and Increases Immune Cell Infiltration in Association with MYC Downregulation in the Pancreatic Tumor Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413175. [PMID: 34947972 PMCID: PMC8706739 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has an extremely poor five-year survival rate of less than 10%. Immune suppression along with chemoresistance are obstacles for PDAC therapeutic treatment. Innate immune cells, such as tumor-associated macrophages, are recruited to the inflammatory environment of PDAC and adversely suppress cytotoxic T lymphocytes. KRAS and MYC are important oncogenes associated with immune suppression and pose a challenge to successful therapies. Here, we targeted KRAS, through inhibition of downstream c-RAF with GW5074, and MYC expression via difluoromethylornithine (DFMO). DFMO alone and with GW5074 reduced in vitro PDAC cell viability. Both DFMO and GW5074 showed efficacy in reducing in vivo PDAC growth in an immunocompromised model. Results in immunocompetent syngeneic tumor-bearing mice showed that DFMO and combination treatment markedly decreased tumor size, but only DFMO increased survival in mice. To further investigate, immunohistochemical staining showed DFMO diminished MYC expression and increased tumor infiltration of macrophages, CD86+ cells, CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes. GW5074 was not as effective in modulating the tumor infiltration of total CD3+ lymphocytes or tumor progression and maintained MYC expression. Collectively, this study highlights that in contrast to GW5074, the inhibition of MYC through DFMO may be an effective treatment modality to modulate PDAC immunosuppression.
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12
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Kang SK, Bae HJ, Kwon WS, Kim TS, Kim KH, Park S, Yu SY, Hwang J, Park J, Chung HC, Rha SY. Inhibition of the bromodomain and extra-terminal family of epigenetic regulators as a promising therapeutic approach for gastric cancer. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2021; 44:1387-1403. [PMID: 34791636 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-021-00647-4] [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] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Epigenetic dysregulation is a common characteristic of cancers, including gastric cancer (GC), and contributes to cancer development and progression. Although the efficacy of BET (an epigenetic regulator) inhibition has been demonstrated in various cancer types, predictive genetic markers of its efficacy in GC are currently lacking. Therefore, we aimed to identify markers that predict the response of BET inhibition in GC and, suggest an effective treatment regimen through combined therapy. METHODS The effect of BET inhibition was evaluated using iBET-151, a small-molecule inhibitor of BET proteins, in a large panel (n = 49) of GC cell lines and xenograft mouse models. Comprehensive genetic information was used to identify cell lines sensitive to iBET-151. Flow cytometry, Western blotting, and colony-formation and migration assays were used to evaluate the effects of iBET-151 and/or paclitaxel. The synergistic effect of iBET-151 and paclitaxel was evaluated using an organoid model. RESULTS We found that iBET-151 showed a modest growth-inhibitory effect in GC cells (73%, 36/49). iBET-151 inhibited tumorigenicity in vitro and significantly promoted cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Based on comprehensive genetic information analysis in relation to BET family expression, we found that BRD4 was highly expressed in the iBET-151-sensitive cell lines. We also identified WNT5B and IRS2 as potential biomarkers that are predictive for sensitivity to iBET-151. In GC xenograft model mice, iBET-151 significantly decreased tumor volumes and Ki-67 and BRD4 expression. Combination treatment showed that iBET-151 increased the sensitivity of GC cells to paclitaxel in approximately 70% of the cell lines (34/49) tested. iBET-151 plus paclitaxel significantly promoted cell cycle arrest and apoptosis and suppressed c-Myc, Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL expression. In GC organoids, iBET-151 and paclitaxel showed a synergistic effect. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our data suggest that iBET-151 is a potential therapeutic agent for GC, especially in combination with paclitaxel, and that WNT5B and IRS2 may predict iBET-151 sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sun Kyoung Kang
- Songdang Institute for Cancer Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- MD Biolab Co., Ltd, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Joo Bae
- Songdang Institute for Cancer Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo Sun Kwon
- Songdang Institute for Cancer Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Soo Kim
- Songdang Institute for Cancer Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoo Hyun Kim
- Songdang Institute for Cancer Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sejung Park
- Songdang Institute for Cancer Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biostatistics and Computing, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seo Young Yu
- Songdang Institute for Cancer Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihyun Hwang
- Songdang Institute for Cancer Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Juin Park
- Songdang Institute for Cancer Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Cheol Chung
- Songdang Institute for Cancer Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Young Rha
- Songdang Institute for Cancer Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
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13
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Pook H, Pauklin S. Mechanisms of Cancer Cell Death: Therapeutic Implications for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4834. [PMID: 34638318 PMCID: PMC8508208 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a type of cancer that is strongly associated with poor prognosis and short median survival times. In stark contrast to the progress seen in other cancer types in recent decades, discoveries of new treatments in PDAC have been few and far between and there has been little improvement in overall survival (OS). The difficulty in treating this disease is multifactorial, contributed to by late presentation, difficult access to primary tumour sites, an 'immunologically cold' phenotype, and a strong tendency of recurrence likely driven by cancer stem cell (CSC) populations. Furthermore, apparently contrasting roles of tumour components (such as fibrotic stroma) and intracellular pathways (such as autophagy and TGFβ) have made it difficult to distinguish beneficial from detrimental drug targets. Despite this, progress has been made in the field, including the determination of mFOLFIRINOX as the standard-of-care adjuvant therapy and the discovery of KRASG12C mutant inhibitors. Moreover, new research, as outlined in this review, has highlighted promising new approaches including the targeting of the tumour microenvironment, enhancement of immunotherapies, epigenetic modulation, and destruction of CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Siim Pauklin
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Old Road, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LD, UK;
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14
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Niu H, Song F, Wei H, Li Y, Huang H, Wu C. Inhibition of BRD4 Suppresses the Growth of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancer Invest 2021; 39:826-841. [PMID: 34519605 DOI: 10.1080/07357907.2021.1975736] [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] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) binds acetylated lysine residues on histones to facilitate the epigenetic regulation of many genes, and it plays a key role in many cancer types. Despite many prior reports that have explored the importance of BRD4 in oncogenesis and the regulation of epigenetic memory, its role in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) progression is poorly understood. Here, we investigated BRD4 expression in human ESCC tissues to understand how it regulates the biology of these tumor cells. METHODS BRD4 expression in ESCC tissues was measured via immunohistochemical staining. BRD4 inhibition in the Eca-109 and KYSE-150 ESCC cell lines was conducted to explore its functional role in these tumor cells. RESULTS BRD4 overexpression was observed in ESCC tissues and cells, and inhibiting the function of the gene impaired the proliferative, invasive, and migratory activity of these cells while promoting their apoptosis. Cyclin D1 and c-Myc expression were also suppressed by BRD4 inhibition, and the expression of key epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers including E-cadherin and Vimentin was markedly altered by such inhibition. CONCLUSIONS BRD4 plays key functional roles in the biology of ESCC, proposing that it could be a viable therapeutic target for treating this cancer type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyu Niu
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China.,Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China.,Department of Oncology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,Institute of Cell Therapy, Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Feixue Song
- Department of Oncology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hanwen Wei
- Department of Cardiology, The First People's Hospital of Lanzhou, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China.,Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China.,Institute of Cell Therapy, Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Hao Huang
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China.,Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China.,Institute of Cell Therapy, Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Changping Wu
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China.,Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China.,Institute of Cell Therapy, Soochow University, Changzhou, China.,Department of Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
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15
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Tan M, Brusgaard K, Gerdes AM, Mortensen MB, Detlefsen S, Schaffalitzky de Muckadell OB, Joergensen MT. Whole genome sequencing identifies rare germline variants enriched in cancer related genes in first degree relatives of familial pancreatic cancer patients. Clin Genet 2021; 100:551-562. [PMID: 34313325 PMCID: PMC9291090 DOI: 10.1111/cge.14038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
First-degree relatives (FDRs) of familial pancreatic cancer (FPC) patients have increased risk of developing pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Investigating and understanding the genetic basis for PDAC susceptibility in FPC predisposed families may contribute toward future risk-assessment and management of high-risk individuals. Using a Danish cohort of 27 FPC families, we performed whole-genome sequencing of 61 FDRs of FPC patients focusing on rare genetic variants that may contribute to familial aggregation of PDAC. Statistical analysis was performed using the gnomAD database as external controls. Through analysis of heterozygous premature truncating variants (PTV), we identified cancer-related genes and cancer-driver genes harboring multiple germline mutations. Association analysis detected 20 significant genes with false discovery rate, q < 0.05 including: PALD1, LRP1B, COL4A2, CYLC2, ZFYVE9, BRD3, AHDC1, etc. Functional annotation showed that the significant genes were enriched by gene clusters encoding for extracellular matrix and associated proteins. PTV genes were over-represented by functions related to transport of small molecules, innate immune system, ion channel transport, and stimuli-sensing channels. In conclusion, FDRs of FPC patients carry rare germline variants related to cancer pathogenesis that may contribute to increased susceptibility to PDAC. The identified variants may potentially be useful for risk prediction of high-risk individuals in predisposed families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Tan
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Medical Gastroenterology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Odense Pancreas Center (OPAC), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Klaus Brusgaard
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Genetics, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Anne-Marie Gerdes
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Bau Mortensen
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Odense Pancreas Center (OPAC), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Surgery, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Sönke Detlefsen
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Odense Pancreas Center (OPAC), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Pathology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Ove B Schaffalitzky de Muckadell
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Medical Gastroenterology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Odense Pancreas Center (OPAC), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Maiken Thyregod Joergensen
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Medical Gastroenterology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.,Odense Pancreas Center (OPAC), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
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16
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Li GH, Qu Q, Qi TT, Teng XQ, Zhu HH, Wang JJ, Lu Q, Qu J. Super-enhancers: a new frontier for epigenetic modifiers in cancer chemoresistance. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2021; 40:174. [PMID: 34011395 PMCID: PMC8132395 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-01974-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although new developments of surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy treatments for cancer have improved patient survival, the emergence of chemoresistance in cancer has significant impacts on treatment effects. The development of chemoresistance involves several polygenic, progressive mechanisms at the molecular and cellular levels, as well as both genetic and epigenetic heterogeneities. Chemotherapeutics induce epigenetic reprogramming in cancer cells, converting a transient transcriptional state into a stably resistant one. Super-enhancers (SEs) are central to the maintenance of identity of cancer cells and promote SE-driven-oncogenic transcriptions to which cancer cells become highly addicted. This dependence on SE-driven transcription to maintain chemoresistance offers an Achilles' heel for chemoresistance. Indeed, the inhibition of SE components dampens oncogenic transcription and inhibits tumor growth to ultimately achieve combined sensitization and reverse the effects of drug resistance. No reviews have been published on SE-related mechanisms in the cancer chemoresistance. In this review, we investigated the structure, function, and regulation of chemoresistance-related SEs and their contributions to the chemotherapy via regulation of the formation of cancer stem cells, cellular plasticity, the microenvironment, genes associated with chemoresistance, noncoding RNAs, and tumor immunity. The discovery of these mechanisms may aid in the development of new drugs to improve the sensitivity and specificity of cancer cells to chemotherapy drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Hua Li
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University; Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Qu
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting-Ting Qi
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University; Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin-Qi Teng
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University; Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, People's Republic of China
| | - Hai-Hong Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University; Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiao-Jiao Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University; Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiong Lu
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University; Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jian Qu
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University; Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, 139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, People's Republic of China.
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17
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Targeted Therapies for Pancreatic Cancer: Overview of Current Treatments and New Opportunities for Personalized Oncology. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040799. [PMID: 33672917 PMCID: PMC7918504 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytotoxic chemotherapy remains the only treatment option for most pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients. Currently, the median overall survival of patients with advanced disease rarely exceeds 1 year. The complex network of pancreatic cancer composed of immune cells, endothelial cells, and cancer-associated fibroblasts confers intratumoral and intertumoral heterogeneity with distinct proliferative and metastatic propensity. This heterogeneity can explain why tumors do not behave uniformly and are able to escape therapy. The advance in technology of whole-genome sequencing has now provided the possibility of identifying every somatic mutation, copy-number change, and structural variant in a given cancer, giving rise to personalized targeted therapies. In this review, we provide an overview of the current and emerging treatment strategies in pancreatic cancer. By highlighting new paradigms in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma treatment, we hope to stimulate new thoughts for clinical trials aimed at improving patient outcomes.
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18
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Principe DR, Korc M, Kamath SD, Munshi HG, Rana A. Trials and tribulations of pancreatic cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Lett 2021; 504:1-14. [PMID: 33549709 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.01.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment in the last decade, and strategies to re-activate cytotoxic immunity are now standard of care in several malignancies. Despite rapid advances in immunotherapy for most solid cancers, progress in immunotherapy against pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has been exceptionally difficult. This is true for several approaches, most notably immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and GM-CSF cell-based vaccines (GVAX). Though many immunotherapies have been explored in clinical trials, few have shown significant therapeutic efficacy. Further, many have shown high rates of serious adverse effects and dose-limiting toxicities, and to date, immunotherapy regimens have not been successfully implemented in PDAC. Here, we provide a comprehensive summary of the key clinical trials exploring immunotherapy in PDAC, followed by a brief discussion of emerging molecular mechanisms that may explain the relative failure of immunotherapy in pancreas cancer thus far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R Principe
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Murray Korc
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Suneel D Kamath
- Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Hidayatullah G Munshi
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA; Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ajay Rana
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA.
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19
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Layeghi-Ghalehsoukhteh S, Pal Choudhuri S, Ocal O, Zolghadri Y, Pashkov V, Niederstrasser H, Posner BA, Kantheti HS, Azevedo-Pouly AC, Huang H, Girard L, MacDonald RJ, Brekken RA, Wilkie TM. Concerted cell and in vivo screen for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) chemotherapeutics. Sci Rep 2020; 10:20662. [PMID: 33244070 PMCID: PMC7693321 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-77373-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PDA is a major cause of US cancer-related deaths. Oncogenic Kras presents in 90% of human PDAs. Kras mutations occur early in pre-neoplastic lesions but are insufficient to cause PDA. Other contributing factors early in disease progression include chronic pancreatitis, alterations in epigenetic regulators, and tumor suppressor gene mutation. GPCRs activate heterotrimeric G-proteins that stimulate intracellular calcium and oncogenic Kras signaling, thereby promoting pancreatitis and progression to PDA. By contrast, Rgs proteins inhibit Gi/q-coupled GPCRs to negatively regulate PDA progression. Rgs16::GFP is expressed in response to caerulein-induced acinar cell dedifferentiation, early neoplasia, and throughout PDA progression. In genetically engineered mouse models of PDA, Rgs16::GFP is useful for pre-clinical rapid in vivo validation of novel chemotherapeutics targeting early lesions in patients following successful resection or at high risk for progressing to PDA. Cultured primary PDA cells express Rgs16::GFP in response to cytotoxic drugs. A histone deacetylase inhibitor, TSA, stimulated Rgs16::GFP expression in PDA primary cells, potentiated gemcitabine and JQ1 cytotoxicity in cell culture, and Gem + TSA + JQ1 inhibited tumor initiation and progression in vivo. Here we establish the use of Rgs16::GFP expression for testing drug combinations in cell culture and validation of best candidates in our rapid in vivo screen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somayeh Layeghi-Ghalehsoukhteh
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Drive, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Department of Basic Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Shreoshi Pal Choudhuri
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Drive, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Ozhan Ocal
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Drive, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bilkent University, 06800, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Yalda Zolghadri
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Drive, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Department of Basic Science, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Victor Pashkov
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Drive, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Hanspeter Niederstrasser
- Department of Biochemistry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Bruce A Posner
- Department of Biochemistry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Havish S Kantheti
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Drive, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Cancer Discovery (CanDisc) Group, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Drive, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Ana C Azevedo-Pouly
- Department of Surgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Huocong Huang
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Luc Girard
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Drive, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Raymond J MacDonald
- Department of Molecular Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Rolf A Brekken
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Thomas M Wilkie
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Drive, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
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20
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Kunadis E, Lakiotaki E, Korkolopoulou P, Piperi C. Targeting post-translational histone modifying enzymes in glioblastoma. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 220:107721. [PMID: 33144118 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary brain tumor in adults, and the most lethal form of glioma, characterized by variable histopathology, aggressiveness and poor clinical outcome and prognosis. GBMs constitute a challenge for oncologists because of their molecular heterogeneity, extensive invasion, and tendency to relapse. Glioma cells demonstrate a variety of deregulated genomic pathways and extensive interplay with epigenetic alterations. Epigenetic modifications have emerged as essential players in GBM research, with biomarker potential for tumor classification and prognosis and for drug targeting. Histone posttranslational modifications (PTMs) are crucial regulators of chromatin architecture and gene expression, playing a pivotal role in malignant transformation, tumor development and progression. Alteration in the expression of genes coding for lysine and arginine methyltransferases (G9a, SUV39H1 and SETDB1) and acetyltransferases and deacetylases (KAT6A, SIRT2, SIRT7, HDAC4, 6, 9) contribute to GBM pathogenesis. In addition, proteins of the sumoylation pathway are upregulated in GBM cell lines, including E1 (SAE1), E2 (Ubc9) components, and a SUMO-specific protease (SENP1). Preclinical and clinical studies are currently in progress targeting epigenetic enzymes in gliomas, including a new generation of histone deacetylase (HDAC), protein arginine methyltransferase (PRMT) and bromodomain (BRD) inhibitors. Herein, we provide an update on recent advances in glioma epigenetic research, focusing on the role of histone modifications and the use of epigenetic therapy as a valid treatment option for glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Kunadis
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Eleftheria Lakiotaki
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Penelope Korkolopoulou
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Christina Piperi
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece.
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21
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Hessmann E, Buchholz SM, Demir IE, Singh SK, Gress TM, Ellenrieder V, Neesse A. Microenvironmental Determinants of Pancreatic Cancer. Physiol Rev 2020; 100:1707-1751. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00042.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) belongs to the most lethal solid tumors in humans. A histological hallmark feature of PDAC is the pronounced tumor microenvironment (TME) that dynamically evolves during tumor progression. The TME consists of different non-neoplastic cells such as cancer-associated fibroblasts, immune cells, endothelial cells, and neurons. Furthermore, abundant extracellular matrix components such as collagen and hyaluronic acid as well as matricellular proteins create a highly dynamic and hypovascular TME with multiple biochemical and physical interactions among the various cellular and acellular components that promote tumor progression and therapeutic resistance. In recent years, intensive research efforts have resulted in a significantly improved understanding of the biology and pathophysiology of the TME in PDAC, and novel stroma-targeted approaches are emerging that may help to improve the devastating prognosis of PDAC patients. However, none of anti-stromal therapies has been approved in patients so far, and there is still a large discrepancy between multiple successful preclinical results and subsequent failure in clinical trials. Furthermore, recent findings suggest that parts of the TME may also possess tumor-restraining properties rendering tailored therapies even more challenging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Hessmann
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology, and Endocrinology, University Medical Centre Goettingen, Georg August University, Goettingen, Germany; Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, School of Medicine Munich, Munich, Germany; Sonderforschungsbereich/Collaborative Research Centre 1321 Modeling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Munich, Germany; Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK) Munich Site, Munich, Germany; and
| | - Soeren M. Buchholz
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology, and Endocrinology, University Medical Centre Goettingen, Georg August University, Goettingen, Germany; Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, School of Medicine Munich, Munich, Germany; Sonderforschungsbereich/Collaborative Research Centre 1321 Modeling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Munich, Germany; Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK) Munich Site, Munich, Germany; and
| | - Ihsan Ekin Demir
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology, and Endocrinology, University Medical Centre Goettingen, Georg August University, Goettingen, Germany; Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, School of Medicine Munich, Munich, Germany; Sonderforschungsbereich/Collaborative Research Centre 1321 Modeling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Munich, Germany; Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK) Munich Site, Munich, Germany; and
| | - Shiv K. Singh
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology, and Endocrinology, University Medical Centre Goettingen, Georg August University, Goettingen, Germany; Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, School of Medicine Munich, Munich, Germany; Sonderforschungsbereich/Collaborative Research Centre 1321 Modeling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Munich, Germany; Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK) Munich Site, Munich, Germany; and
| | - Thomas M. Gress
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology, and Endocrinology, University Medical Centre Goettingen, Georg August University, Goettingen, Germany; Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, School of Medicine Munich, Munich, Germany; Sonderforschungsbereich/Collaborative Research Centre 1321 Modeling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Munich, Germany; Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK) Munich Site, Munich, Germany; and
| | - Volker Ellenrieder
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology, and Endocrinology, University Medical Centre Goettingen, Georg August University, Goettingen, Germany; Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, School of Medicine Munich, Munich, Germany; Sonderforschungsbereich/Collaborative Research Centre 1321 Modeling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Munich, Germany; Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK) Munich Site, Munich, Germany; and
| | - Albrecht Neesse
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology, and Endocrinology, University Medical Centre Goettingen, Georg August University, Goettingen, Germany; Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, School of Medicine Munich, Munich, Germany; Sonderforschungsbereich/Collaborative Research Centre 1321 Modeling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Munich, Germany; Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK) Munich Site, Munich, Germany; and
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22
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Pegoraro S, Ros G, Sgubin M, Petrosino S, Zambelli A, Sgarra R, Manfioletti G. Targeting the intrinsically disordered architectural High Mobility Group A (HMGA) oncoproteins in breast cancer: learning from the past to design future strategies. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 24:953-969. [PMID: 32970506 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1814738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most difficult breast cancer subtype to treat because of its heterogeneity and lack of specific therapeutic targets. High Mobility Group A (HMGA) proteins are chromatin architectural factors that have multiple oncogenic functions in breast cancer, and they represent promising molecular therapeutic targets for this disease. AREAS COVERED We offer an overview of the strategies that have been exploited to counteract HMGA oncoprotein activities at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. We also present the possibility of targeting cancer-associated factors that lie downstream of HMGA proteins and discuss the contribution of HMGA proteins to chemoresistance. EXPERT OPINION Different strategies have been exploited to counteract HMGA protein activities; these involve interfering with their nucleic acid binding properties and the blocking of HMGA expression. Some approaches have provided promising results. However, some unique characteristics of the HMGA proteins have not been exploited; these include their extensive protein-protein interaction network and their intrinsically disordered status that present the possibility that HMGA proteins could be involved in the formation of proteinaceous membrane-less organelles (PMLO) by liquid-liquid phase separation. These unexplored characteristics could open new pharmacological avenues to counteract the oncogenic contributions of HMGA proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Pegoraro
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste , Trieste, Italy
| | - Gloria Ros
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste , Trieste, Italy
| | - Michela Sgubin
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste , Trieste, Italy
| | - Sara Petrosino
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste , Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Riccardo Sgarra
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste , Trieste, Italy
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23
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Honselmann KC, Finetti P, Birnbaum DJ, Monsalve CS, Wellner UF, Begg SKS, Nakagawa A, Hank T, Li A, Goldsworthy MA, Sharma H, Bertucci F, Birnbaum D, Tai E, Ligorio M, Ting DT, Schilling O, Biniossek ML, Bronsert P, Ferrone CR, Keck T, Mino-Kenudson M, Lillemoe KD, Warshaw AL, Fernández-Del Castillo C, Liss AS. Neoplastic-Stromal Cell Cross-talk Regulates Matrisome Expression in Pancreatic Cancer. Mol Cancer Res 2020; 18:1889-1902. [PMID: 32873625 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-20-0439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by a highly desmoplastic reaction, warranting intense cancer-stroma communication. In this study, we interrogated the contribution of the BET family of chromatin adaptors to the cross-talk between PDAC cells and the tumor stroma. Short-term treatment of orthotopic xenograft tumors with CPI203, a small-molecule inhibitor of BET proteins, resulted in broad changes in the expression of genes encoding components of the extracellular matrix (matrisome) in both cancer and stromal cells. Remarkably, more than half of matrisome genes were expressed by cancer cells. In vitro cocultures of PDAC cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) demonstrated that matrisome expression was regulated by BET-dependent cancer-CAF cross-talk. Disrupting this cross-talk in vivo resulted in diminished growth of orthotopic patient-derived xenograft tumors, reduced proliferation of cancer cells, and changes in collagen structure consistent with that of patients who experienced better survival. Examination of matrisome gene expression in publicly available data sets of 573 PDAC tumors identified a 65-gene signature that was able to distinguish long- and short-term PDAC survivors. Importantly, the expression of genes predictive of short-term survival was diminished in the cancer cells of orthotopic xenograft tumors of mice treated with CPI203. Taken together, these results demonstrate that inhibiting the activity BET proteins results in transcriptional and structural differences in the matrisome are associated with better patient survival. IMPLICATIONS: These studies highlight the biological relevance of the matrisome program in PDAC and suggest targeting of epigenetically driven tumor-stroma cross-talk as a potential therapeutic avenue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim C Honselmann
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Pascal Finetti
- Laboratoire d'Oncologie Prédictive, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, INSERM UMR1068, CNRS UMR7258, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - David J Birnbaum
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Laboratoire d'Oncologie Prédictive, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, INSERM UMR1068, CNRS UMR7258, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France.,Département de Chirurgie Générale et Viscérale, AP-HM, Marseille, France
| | - Christian S Monsalve
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ulrich F Wellner
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Sebastian K S Begg
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Akifumi Nakagawa
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Thomas Hank
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Annie Li
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Mathew A Goldsworthy
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Himanshu Sharma
- Partners Healthcare Personalized Medicine Center, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - François Bertucci
- Laboratoire d'Oncologie Prédictive, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, INSERM UMR1068, CNRS UMR7258, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France.,Département d'Oncologie Médicale, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Daniel Birnbaum
- Laboratoire d'Oncologie Prédictive, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, INSERM UMR1068, CNRS UMR7258, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Eric Tai
- MGH Cancer Research Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Matteo Ligorio
- MGH Cancer Research Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - David T Ting
- MGH Cancer Research Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Oliver Schilling
- Institute of Surgical Pathology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martin L Biniossek
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Peter Bronsert
- Institute of Surgical Pathology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Comprehensive Cancer Center Freiburg, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Cristina R Ferrone
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Tobias Keck
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Mari Mino-Kenudson
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Keith D Lillemoe
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Andrew L Warshaw
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Andrew S Liss
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
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24
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Saraswat A, Patki M, Fu Y, Barot S, Dukhande VV, Patel K. Nanoformulation of PROteolysis TArgeting Chimera targeting ‘undruggable’ c-Myc for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2020; 15:1761-1777. [DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2020-0156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To explore the anticancer activity of a novel BRD4 protein degrader ARV-825 (ARV) and its nanoformulation development (ARV-NP) for treatment of pancreatic cancer. Materials & methods: ARV-NP were prepared using nanoprecipitation method and characterized for their physicochemical properties and various anticancer cell culture assays. Results: ARV-NP (89.63 ± 16.39 nm) demonstrated good physical stability, negligible hemolysis and improved half-life of ARV. ARV-NP showed significant cytotoxicity, apoptosis and anticlonogenic effect in pancreatic cancer cells. Significant downregulation of target proteins BRD4, c-Myc, Bcl-2 and upregulation of apoptotic marker cleaved caspase-3 was observed. Most importantly, ARV-NP treatment significantly inhibited the cell viability of 3D tumor spheroids of pancreatic cancer. Conclusion: ARV-NP represents a novel therapeutic strategy for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aishwarya Saraswat
- College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, St. John’s University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Manali Patki
- College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, St. John’s University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Yige Fu
- College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, St. John’s University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Shrikant Barot
- College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, St. John’s University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Vikas V Dukhande
- College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, St. John’s University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Ketan Patel
- College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, St. John’s University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
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25
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Quagliano A, Gopalakrishnapillai A, Barwe SP. Understanding the Mechanisms by Which Epigenetic Modifiers Avert Therapy Resistance in Cancer. Front Oncol 2020; 10:992. [PMID: 32670880 PMCID: PMC7326773 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of resistance to anti-cancer therapeutics remains one of the core issues preventing the improvement of survival rates in cancer. Therapy resistance can arise in a multitude of ways, including the accumulation of epigenetic alterations in cancer cells. By remodeling DNA methylation patterns or modifying histone proteins during oncogenesis, cancer cells reorient their epigenomic landscapes in order to aggressively resist anti-cancer therapy. To combat these chemoresistant effects, epigenetic modifiers such as DNA hypomethylating agents, histone deacetylase inhibitors, histone demethylase inhibitors, along with others have been used. While these modifiers have achieved moderate success when used either alone or in combination with one another, the most positive outcomes were achieved when they were used in conjunction with conventional anti-cancer therapies. Epigenome modifying drugs have succeeded in sensitizing cancer cells to anti-cancer therapy via a variety of mechanisms: disrupting pro-survival/anti-apoptotic signaling, restoring cell cycle control and preventing DNA damage repair, suppressing immune system evasion, regulating altered metabolism, disengaging pro-survival microenvironmental interactions and increasing protein expression for targeted therapies. In this review, we explore different mechanisms by which epigenetic modifiers induce sensitivity to anti-cancer therapies and encourage the further identification of the specific genes involved with sensitization to facilitate development of clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Quagliano
- Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
| | - Anilkumar Gopalakrishnapillai
- Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
| | - Sonali P. Barwe
- Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, United States
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26
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Takagawa Y, Gen Y, Muramatsu T, Tanimoto K, Inoue J, Harada H, Inazawa J. miR-1293, a Candidate for miRNA-Based Cancer Therapeutics, Simultaneously Targets BRD4 and the DNA Repair Pathway. Mol Ther 2020; 28:1494-1505. [PMID: 32320642 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2020.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BRD4, a member of the bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) protein family, plays a role in the organization of super-enhancers and transcriptional activation of oncogenes in cancer and is recognized as a promising target for cancer therapy. microRNAs (miRNAs), endogenous small noncoding RNAs, cause mRNA degradation or inhibit protein translation of their target genes by binding to complementary sequences. miRNA mimics simultaneously targeting several tumor-promoting genes and BRD4 may be useful as therapeutic agents of tumor-suppressive miRNAs (TS-miRs) for cancer therapy. To investigate TS-miRs for the development of miRNA-based cancer therapeutics, we performed function-based screening in 10 cancer cell lines with a library containing 2,565 human miRNA mimics. Consequently, miR-1293, miR-876-3p, and miR-6571-5p were identified as TS-miRs targeting BRD4 in this screening. Notably, miR-1293 also suppressed DNA repair pathways by directly suppressing the DNA repair genes APEX1 (apurinic-apyrimidinic endonuclease 1), RPA1 (replication protein A1), and POLD4 (DNA polymerase delta 4, accessory subunit). Concurrent suppression of BRD4 and these DNA repair genes synergistically inhibited tumor cell growth in vitro. Furthermore, administration of miR-1293 suppressed in vivo tumor growth in a xenograft mouse model. These results suggest that miR-1293 is a candidate for the development of miRNA-based cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Takagawa
- Department of Molecular Cytogenetics, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Gen
- Department of Molecular Cytogenetics, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Tomoki Muramatsu
- Department of Molecular Cytogenetics, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kousuke Tanimoto
- Genome Laboratory, Medical Research Institute, TMDU, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jun Inoue
- Department of Molecular Cytogenetics, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Harada
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Graduate School, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Johji Inazawa
- Department of Molecular Cytogenetics, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan; Bioresource Research Center, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
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27
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Sodir NM, Kortlever RM, Barthet VJA, Campos T, Pellegrinet L, Kupczak S, Anastasiou P, Swigart LB, Soucek L, Arends MJ, Littlewood TD, Evan GI. MYC Instructs and Maintains Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Phenotype. Cancer Discov 2020; 10:588-607. [PMID: 31941709 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-19-0435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The signature features of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are its fibroinflammatory stroma, poor immune activity, and dismal prognosis. We show that acute activation of Myc in indolent pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasm (PanIN) epithelial cells in vivo is, alone, sufficient to trigger immediate release of instructive signals that together coordinate changes in multiple stromal and immune-cell types and drive transition to pancreatic adenocarcinomas that share all the characteristic stromal features of their spontaneous human counterpart. We also demonstrate that this Myc-driven PDAC switch is completely and immediately reversible: Myc deactivation/inhibition triggers meticulous disassembly of advanced PDAC tumor and stroma and concomitant death of tumor cells. Hence, both the formation and deconstruction of the complex PDAC phenotype are continuously dependent on a single, reversible Myc switch. SIGNIFICANCE: We show that Myc activation in indolent Kras G12D-induced PanIN epithelium acts as an immediate pleiotropic switch, triggering tissue-specific signals that instruct all the diverse signature stromal features of spontaneous human PDAC. Subsequent Myc deactivation or inhibition immediately triggers a program that coordinately disassembles PDAC back to PanIN.See related commentary by English and Sears, p. 495.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M Sodir
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Roderik M Kortlever
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Tania Campos
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Luca Pellegrinet
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Steven Kupczak
- Cambridge Research Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | | | - Lamorna Brown Swigart
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Laura Soucek
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mark J Arends
- Division of Pathology, Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Trevor D Littlewood
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Gerard I Evan
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom.
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28
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Miller AL, Garcia PL, Yoon KJ. Developing effective combination therapy for pancreatic cancer: An overview. Pharmacol Res 2020; 155:104740. [PMID: 32135247 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.104740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a fatal disease. The five-year survival for patients with all stages of this tumor type is less than 10%, with a majority of patients dying from drug resistant, metastatic disease. Gemcitabine has been a standard of care for the treatment of pancreatic cancer for over 20 years, but as a single agent gemcitabine is not curative. Since the only therapeutic option for the over 80 percent of pancreatic cancer patients ineligible for surgical resection is chemotherapy with or without radiation, the last few decades have seen a significant effort to develop effective therapy for this disease. This review addresses preclinical and clinical efforts to identify agents that target molecular characteristics common to pancreatic tumors and to develop mechanism-based combination approaches to therapy. Some of the most promising combinations include agents that inhibit transcription dependent on BET proteins (BET bromodomain inhibitors) or that inhibit DNA repair mediated by PARP (PARP inhibitors).
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Affiliation(s)
- Aubrey L Miller
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham AL, 35294 USA
| | - Patrick L Garcia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham AL, 35294 USA
| | - Karina J Yoon
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham AL, 35294 USA.
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29
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Jiao F, Han T, Yuan C, Liang Y, Cui J, Zhuo M, Wang L. Caveolin-2 is regulated by BRD4 and contributes to cell growth in pancreatic cancer. Cancer Cell Int 2020; 20:55. [PMID: 32099528 PMCID: PMC7029443 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-020-1135-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) family of proteins, especially BRD4 play an important role in epigenetic regulation, and are essential for cell survival and also are promising anticancer targets. This study aims to analyze the effect of BRD4 on the cell growth and progression of pancreatic cancer and novel mechanisms involved. Methods Expression of BRD4 in pancreatic cancer and paired adjacent noncancerous tissues from 76 patients was analyzed by western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and real time PCR. Its correlation with the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients was analyzed. The effects of BRD4 on the cell proliferation were detected by colony formation assay and sulforhodamine B assay. Migration and invasion were determined by Transwell assays, and the effect of BRD4 on subcutaneous tumor formation was verified in nude mice. Cell cycle analysis was detected by flow cytometry. The potential downstream targets of BRD4 and related molecular mechanisms were clarified by RNA sequencing, chromatin immunoprecipitation and dual luciferase reporter assay. Results BRD4 was overexpressed in pancreatic cancer. Biological results showed that BRD4 functioned as tumor promoter, facilitated cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro and in vivo. Further, caveolin-2 was selected as the downstream gene of BRD4 by RNA sequencing. Caveolin-2 overexpression can partially reverse the decreased cell growth ability caused by BRD4 knockdown, but did not affect cell migration and invasion. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay and dual luciferase reporter assay revealed BRD4 could bind to the promoter region of caveolin-2 and upregulate caveolin-2 expression. Clinical data further indicated a positive correlation between BRD4 and caveolin-2 expression. BRD4 (high)/caveolin-2 (high) correlated with shorter overall survival of patients with pancreatic cancer. Multivariate analysis revealed that both BRD4 and caveolin-2 were independent factors. Conclusions Our findings reveal the oncogenic effects of BRD4 in pancreatic cancer and elucidate a possible mechanism by which BRD4 and caveolin-2 act to enhance cell growth. Targeting the BRD4-caveolin-2 interaction by development of BET inhibitors will be a therapeutic strategy for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Jiao
- 1Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127 China
| | - Ting Han
- 1Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127 China
| | - Cuncun Yuan
- 2Department of Pathology, Fudan University Eye Ear Nose and Throat Hospital, 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai, 201114 China
| | - Yiyi Liang
- 1Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127 China
| | - Jiujie Cui
- 1Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127 China
| | - Meng Zhuo
- 1Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127 China
| | - Liwei Wang
- 1Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200127 China
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Wang S, Shen D, Zhao L, Yuan X, Cheng J, Yu B, Zheng Y, Liu H. Discovery of [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine derivatives as new bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) inhibitors. CHINESE CHEM LETT 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2019.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Zhu X, Zhang T, Zhang Y, Chen H, Shen J, Jin X, Wei J, Zhang E, Xiao M, Fan Y, Mao R, Zhou G. A super-enhancer controls TGF- β signaling in pancreatic cancer through downregulation of TGFBR2. Cell Signal 2020; 66:109470. [PMID: 31730895 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2019.109470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal malignant tumors due to a late diagnosis and highly invasion and metastasis. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling plays a vital role in the progression of pancreatic cancer. The delicate activity of TGF-β signaling is particular important for the development of aggression and metastasis which must be fine-tuned. Here, we investigated the role of super-enhancers in regulating the expression of TGF-β signaling pathway in pancreatic cancer. TGFBR2 owns the modification of H3K27Ac around the gene in pancreatic cancer cells. Inhibition of BRD4 by JQ1 robustly blocked the expression of TGFBR2 in a dose dependent manner. We successfully mapped a super-enhancer in TGFBR2 by sgRNA. Deletion of the super-enhancer in TGFBR2 (sgTGFBR2-SEΔ) significantly reduced the expression of TGFBR2 in pancreatic cancer cells. TGF-β-induced p-SMAD2/3 was greatly impaired in TGFBR2 super-enhancer deleted cells. Both migration and EMT induced by TGF-β in pancreatic cancer cells were impaired after deleting the super-enhancer of TGFBR2. Our data suggest a novel molecular mechanism by which a super-enhancer regulates TGFBR2, affecting the activity of TGF-β as well as its function in pancreatic cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Ye Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Jianbo Shen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Xinxin Jin
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Jinhuan Wei
- Laboratory of Medical Science, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Erhao Zhang
- Laboratory of Medical Science, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Mingbing Xiao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital, Nantong University, Jiangsu, 226001, China
| | - Yihui Fan
- Laboratory of Medical Science, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Jiangsu 226001, China; Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Jiangsu 226001, China
| | - Renfang Mao
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Jiangsu 226001, China; Laboratory of Medical Science, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Jiangsu 226001, China.
| | - Guoxiong Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong University, Jiangsu 226001, China
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Li K, Yang J, Chen J, Shi Y, Zhang Z, Chen W. High mobility group AT-hook 2 and c-MYC as potential prognostic factors in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Oncol Lett 2019; 19:1584-1592. [PMID: 31966084 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.11205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study investigated if c-MYC and high mobility group AT-hook 2 (HMGA2) expression was associated with prognosis of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). A total of 102 patients undergoing surgery for PDAC were retrospectively reviewed. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect c-MYC and HMGA2 protein expression in PDAC and peritumoral tissue samples. Expression of c-MYC and HMGA2 was associated with clinicopathological characteristics and prognoses of patients with PDAC using multivariate analysis. HMGA2 and c-MYC protein expression was significantly higher in PDAC tissues compared with peritumoral tissue (P<0.001). HMGA2 and c-MYC expression was also significantly higher in patients with PDAC who had lymph node metastasis, invasion of regional tissues and tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage III or IV disease compared with those who had no lymph node metastasis, no invasion of regional tissues and TNM stage I or II disease (P<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify TNM stage (P=0.007) and invasion (P=0.003) as significant independent predictors of c-MYC expression (model AUC=0.8201), and lymph node metastasis (P=0.002) and invasion (P=0.003) as significant independent predictors of HMGA2 expression (model AUC=0.7638). Cox multivariate analysis showed that expression of c-MYC (P=0.019) and HMGA2 (P<0.001), TNM stage (P=0.014) and lymph node metastasis (P=0.032) were associated with reduced overall survival time. HMGA2 and c-MYC may be important biological markers and potential therapeutic targets involved in the tumorigenesis, metastasis, invasion and prognosis of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Li
- Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, P.R. China
| | - Jiali Yang
- Institute of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, P.R. China
| | - Jiafei Chen
- Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, P.R. China
| | - Yanshu Shi
- Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, P.R. China
| | - Zhuoli Zhang
- Northwestern Quantitative Imaging Core Lab, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, P.R. China
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Letson C, Padron E. Non-canonical transcriptional consequences of BET inhibition in cancer. Pharmacol Res 2019; 150:104508. [PMID: 31698067 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Inhibition of the bromo and extra-terminal domain (BET) protein family in preclinical studies has demonstrated that BET proteins are critical for cancer progression and important therapeutic targets. Downregulation of the MYC oncogene, CDK6, BCL2 and FOSL1 are just a few examples of the effects of BET inhibitors that can lead to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in cancer cells. However, BET inhibitors have had little success in the clinic as a single agent, and there are an increasing number of reports of resistance to BET inhibition emerging after sustained treatment of cancer cells in vitro. Here we summarize the non-canonical consequences of BET inhibition in cancer, and discuss how these may both lead to resistance and inform rational combinations that could greatly enhance the clinical application of these inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Letson
- Moffitt Cancer Center: 12902 USF Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, United States.
| | - Eric Padron
- Moffitt Cancer Center: 12902 USF Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, United States.
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Lu Q, Ding X, Huang T, Zhang S, Li Y, Xu L, Chen G, Ying Y, Wang Y, Feng Z, Wang L, Zou X. BRD4 degrader ARV-825 produces long-lasting loss of BRD4 protein and exhibits potent efficacy against cholangiocarcinoma cells. Am J Transl Res 2019; 11:5728-5739. [PMID: 31632543 PMCID: PMC6789278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BRD4, a member of the bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) family and an important epigenetic reader, has emerged as an attractive oncology target. Cholangiocarcinoma is a lethal neoplasm without approved targeted therapies. BET bromodomain inhibitors have shown promising effects in certain cancers including cholangiocarcinoma. Recently developed BRD4 Proteolysis Targeting Chimera (PROTAC) compounds lead to fast and efficient degradation of BRD4 and provides longer-lasting effect than small molecule BRD4 inhibitors. In this study, we investigated the antitumor effect of a newly developed BRD4 degrader ARV-825 in cholangiocarcinoma. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were used to determine the expression level of BRD4. CCK-8 assay and BrdU ELISA assay were used to assess cell proliferation. Caspase 3/7 activity and Annexin V/PI staining were used to assess apoptosis. We demonstrated that BRD4 expression was elevated in cholangiocarcinoma tissues compared to normal bile duct or surrounding normal liver tissues. ARV-825 produced fast and long-lasting loss of BRD4 protein, resulting in more inhibition of CCA cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis than BRD4 inhibitors OTX-015 and JQ1. C-Myc is a well-known downstream target of BRD4. We found that ARV-825 suppressed c-Myc levels more effectively than BRD4 inhibitors. However, ARV-825 did not inhibit c-Myc expression in CCA cells with low basal c-Myc levels. Further analysis showed that ARV-825 significantly upregulated p21 expression and arrested cell cycle progression at G1 phase. In conclusion, BRD4 degrader ARV-825 leads to rapid and sustained degradation of BRD4 and is effective against cholangiocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjing 210008, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast UniversityNanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiwei Ding
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical SchoolNanjing 210008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tianlu Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical SchoolNanjing 210008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shu Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical SchoolNanjing 210008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical UniversityHefei 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Lei Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjing 210008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Division of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuyao Ying
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical SchoolNanjing 210008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Suqian People’s Hospital of Nanjing Drum-Tower Hospital GroupSuqian 223800, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhenqing Feng
- Department of Pathology, Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical SchoolNanjing 210008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoping Zou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjing 210008, Jiangsu, China
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Pham TND, Stempel S, Shields MA, Spaulding C, Kumar K, Bentrem DJ, Matsangou M, Munshi HG. Quercetin Enhances the Anti-Tumor Effects of BET Inhibitors by Suppressing hnRNPA1. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E4293. [PMID: 31480735 PMCID: PMC6747365 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20174293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) proteins, which are important epigenetic readers, are often dysregulated in cancer. While a number of BET inhibitors are currently in early phase clinical trials, BET inhibitors show limited single-agent activity. The purpose of this study is to determine if Quercetin, a naturally occurring polyphenolic flavonoid often found abundant in fruits and vegetables, can enhance the anti-tumor effects of BET inhibitors. The efficacy of the combination was evaluated in vitro and in a xenograft model of pancreatic cancer. Co-treatment with BET inhibitors and Quercetin promoted apoptosis, decreased sphere-forming ability by cancer cells, and decreased cell proliferation. We found that hnRNPA1, a nuclear protein known to control mRNA export and mRNA translation of anti-apoptotic proteins, mediates some anti-tumor effects by Quercetin. Additionally, we show that combining BET inhibitors with Quercetin or hnRNPA1 knockdown decreased the anti-apoptotic protein Survivin. Significantly, Quercetin decreased hnRNPA1 in vivo and enhanced the effects of BET inhibitors at suppressing tumor growth. Together, these results demonstrate that Quercetin enhances the efficacy of BET inhibitors by suppressing hnRNPA1, and identify combination therapy with Quercetin and BET inhibitors for the treatment of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thao N D Pham
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
| | - Sophie Stempel
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Mario A Shields
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Christina Spaulding
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Krishan Kumar
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - David J Bentrem
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Maria Matsangou
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Hidayatullah G Munshi
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
- The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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Wen N, Guo B, Zheng H, Xu L, Liang H, Wang Q, Wang D, Chen X, Zhang S, Li Y, Zhang L. Bromodomain inhibitor jq1 induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of glioma stem cells through the VEGF/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Int J Oncol 2019; 55:879-895. [PMID: 31485609 PMCID: PMC6741838 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2019.4863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bromodomain and extraterminal domain proteins, especially bromodomain-containing protein 4 (Brd4), have recently emerged as therapeutic targets for several cancers, although the role and mechanism of Brd4 in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) are unclear. In this study, we aimed to explore the underlying mechanisms of the anti-tumor effects of Brd4 and the bromodomain inhibitor JQ1 on glioma stem cells (GSCs). In vitro, JQ1 and small interfering RNAs targeting Brd4 (siBrd4) inhibited the proliferation and self-renewal of GSCs. In vivo, JQ1 significantly inhibited the growth of xenograft GSCs tumors. The RNA-seq analysis revealed that the PI3K-AKT pathway played an important role in GBM. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF receptor 2 phosphorylation was downregulated by exposure to JQ1 in GSCs, thereby reducing PI3K and AKT activity. In addition, treatment with JQ1 inhibited MMP expression, thereby inhibiting degradation of the extracellular matrix by MMP and angiogenesis in GBM tumors. Suppression of AKT phosphorylation inhibited the expression of the retinoblastoma/E2F1 complex, resulting in cell cycle arrest. In addition, treatment with siBrd4 or JQ1 induced apoptosis by activating AKT downstream target genes involved in apoptosis. In conclusion, these results suggest that Brd4 has great potential as a therapeutic target, and JQ1 has notable anti-tumor effects against GBM which may be mediated via the VEGF/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naiyan Wen
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Baofeng Guo
- Department of Plastic Surgery, China‑Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130033, P.R. China
| | - Hongwu Zheng
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Libo Xu
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Hang Liang
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Ding Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Xuyang Chen
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Shengnan Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
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Hosein AN, Huang H, Wang Z, Parmar K, Du W, Huang J, Maitra A, Olson E, Verma U, Brekken RA. Cellular heterogeneity during mouse pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma progression at single-cell resolution. JCI Insight 2019; 5:129212. [PMID: 31335328 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.129212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is a major cause of cancer-related death with limited therapeutic options available. This highlights the need for improved understanding of the biology of PDA progression, a highly complex and dynamic process featuring changes in cancer cells and stromal cells. A comprehensive characterization of PDA cancer cell and stromal cell heterogeneity during disease progression is lacking. In this study, we aimed to profile cell populations and understand their phenotypic changes during PDA progression. To that end, we employed single-cell RNA sequencing technology to agnostically profile cell heterogeneity during different stages of PDA progression in genetically engineered mouse models. Our data indicate that an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of cancer cells accompanies tumor progression in addition to distinct populations of macrophages with increasing inflammatory features. We also noted the existence of three distinct molecular subtypes of fibroblasts in the normal mouse pancreas, which ultimately gave rise to two distinct populations of fibroblasts in advanced PDA, supporting recent reports on intratumoral fibroblast heterogeneity. Our data also suggest that cancer cells and fibroblasts may be dynamically regulated by epigenetic mechanisms. This study systematically describes the landscape of cellular heterogeneity during the progression of PDA and has the potential to act as a resource in the development of therapeutic strategies against specific cell populations of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdel Nasser Hosein
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, and.,Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.,Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Huocong Huang
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, and
| | | | - Kamalpreet Parmar
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Wenting Du
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, and
| | - Jonathan Huang
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Anirban Maitra
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Udit Verma
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Rolf A Brekken
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, and.,Department of Pharmacology and.,Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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Miller AL, Fehling SC, Garcia PL, Gamblin TL, Council LN, van Waardenburg RCAM, Yang ES, Bradner JE, Yoon KJ. The BET inhibitor JQ1 attenuates double-strand break repair and sensitizes models of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma to PARP inhibitors. EBioMedicine 2019; 44:419-430. [PMID: 31126889 PMCID: PMC6604668 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2019.05.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND DNA repair deficiency accumulates DNA damage and sensitizes tumor cells to PARP inhibitors (PARPi). Based on our observation that the BET inhibitor JQ1 increases levels of DNA damage, we evaluated the efficacy of JQ1 + the PARPi olaparib in preclinical models of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We also addressed the mechanism by which JQ1 increased DNA damage. METHODS The effect of JQ1 + olaparib on in vivo tumor growth was assessed with patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of PDAC. Changes in protein expression were detected by immunohistochemistry and immunoblot. In vitro growth inhibition and mechanistic studies were done using alamarBlue, qRT-PCR, immunoblot, immunofluorescence, ChIP, and shRNA knockdown assays. FINDINGS Tumors exposed in vivo to JQ1 had higher levels of the DNA damage marker γH2AX than tumors exposed to vehicle only. Increases in γH2AX was concomitant with decreased expression of DNA repair proteins Ku80 and RAD51. JQ1 + olaparib inhibited the growth of PDX tumors greater than either drug alone. Mechanistically, ChIP assays demonstrated that JQ1 decreased the association of BRD4 and BRD2 with promoter loci of Ku80 and RAD51, and shRNA data showed that expression of Ku80 and RAD51 was BRD4- and BRD2-dependent in PDAC cell lines. INTERPRETATION The data are consistent with the hypothesis that JQ1 confers a repair deficient phenotype and the consequent accumulation of DNA damage sensitizes PDAC cells to PARPi. Combinations of BET inhibitors with PARPi may provide a novel strategy for treating PDAC. FUND: NIH grants R01CA208272 and R21CA205501; UAB CMB T32 predoctoral training grant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aubrey L Miller
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1670 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Samuel C Fehling
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1670 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Patrick L Garcia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1670 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Tracy L Gamblin
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1670 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Leona N Council
- Department of Pathology, Division of Anatomic Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, NP3551 North Pavilion UAB Hospital, Birmingham, AL, USA; The Birmingham Veterans Administration Medical Center, 700 19(th) St S, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Robert C A M van Waardenburg
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1670 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Eddy S Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Hazelrig Salter Radiation Oncology Center, 1700 6(th) Avenue S, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - James E Bradner
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Karina J Yoon
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1670 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL, USA.
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39
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Rozengurt E, Eibl G. Central role of Yes-associated protein and WW-domain-containing transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif in pancreatic cancer development. World J Gastroenterol 2019; 25:1797-1816. [PMID: 31057295 PMCID: PMC6478619 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v25.i15.1797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a deadly disease with no efficacious treatment options. PDAC incidence is projected to increase, which may be caused at least partially by the obesity epidemic. Significantly enhanced efforts to prevent or intercept this cancer are clearly warranted. Oncogenic KRAS mutations are recognized initiating events in PDAC development, however, they are not entirely sufficient for the development of fully invasive PDAC. Additional genetic alterations and/or environmental, nutritional, and metabolic signals, as present in obesity, type-2 diabetes mellitus, and inflammation, are required for full PDAC formation. We hypothesize that oncogenic KRAS increases the intensity and duration of the growth-promoting signaling network. Recent exciting studies from different laboratories indicate that the activity of the transcriptional co-activators Yes-associated protein (YAP) and WW-domain-containing transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) play a critical role in the promotion and maintenance of PDAC operating as key downstream target of KRAS signaling. While initially thought to be primarily an effector of the tumor-suppressive Hippo pathway, more recent studies revealed that YAP/TAZ subcellular localization and co-transcriptional activity is regulated by multiple upstream signals. Overall, YAP has emerged as a central node of transcriptional convergence in growth-promoting signaling in PDAC cells. Indeed, YAP expression is an independent unfavorable prognostic marker for overall survival of PDAC. In what follows, we will review studies implicating YAP/TAZ in pancreatic cancer development and consider different approaches to target these transcriptional regulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Rozengurt
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
- CURE: Digestive Diseases Research Center, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
| | - Guido Eibl
- Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
- CURE: Digestive Diseases Research Center, Los Angeles, CA 90095, United States
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40
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Shi W, Zhang C, Ning Z, Hua Y, Li Y, Chen L, Liu L, Chen Z, Meng Z. Long non-coding RNA LINC00346 promotes pancreatic cancer growth and gemcitabine resistance by sponging miR-188-3p to derepress BRD4 expression. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2019; 38:60. [PMID: 30728036 PMCID: PMC6366022 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-019-1055-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long non-coding RNA LINC00346 has been recently suggested as a prognostic marker in pancreatic cancer. However, its biological function in pancreatic cancer has not yet been determined. In this study, we attempted to ascertain the role of LINC00346 in regulating the aggressiveness of pancreatic cancer. METHODS The effects of overexpression and knockdown of LINC00346 on the proliferation, cell cycle progression, apoptosis, and gemcitabine resistance were investigated. Bioinformatic analysis, luciferase reporter assay, and RNA immunoprecipitation assay were performed to search for potential microRNAs (miRs) that can interact with LINC00346. RESULTS Overexpression of LINC00346 significantly enhanced the proliferation, colony formation, and tumorigenesis of pancreatic cancer cells. Conversely, knockdown of LINC00346 suppressed pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and caused a cell-cycle arrest at the G2/M-phase. Depletion of LINC00346 also enhanced gemcitabine sensitivity in pancreatic cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistic investigation revealed that LINC00346 acted as a sponge for miR-188-3p and blocked the repression of BRD4 by miR-188-3p in pancreatic cancer cells. Clinical evidence indicated a negative correlation between LINC00346 and miR-188-3p in pancreatic cancer specimens. Rescue experiments showed that LINC00346 attenuated the growth-suppressing and chemosensitizing effects of miR-188-3p on pancreatic cancer cells. In addition, silencing of BRD4 significantly inhibited LINC00346-induced pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and colony formation. CONCLUSIONS LINC00346 shows the ability to promote pancreatic cancer growth and gemcitabine resistance, which is in part mediated by antagonization of miR-188-3p and induction of BRD4. Targeting LINC00346 may improve gemcitabine-based therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weidong Shi
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenyue Zhang
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhouyu Ning
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongqiang Hua
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Ye Li
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Lianyu Chen
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Luming Liu
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen Chen
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiqiang Meng
- Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. .,Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
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41
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Chandana S, Babiker HM, Mahadevan D. Therapeutic trends in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2018; 28:161-177. [DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2019.1557145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sreenivasa Chandana
- Phase I program, START Midwest, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Cancer and Hematology Centers of Western Michigan, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
- Department of Medicine, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Hani M. Babiker
- Early Phase Therapeutics Program, University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Daruka Mahadevan
- Early Phase Therapeutics Program, University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ, USA
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42
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Pham TND, Kumar K, DeCant BT, Shang M, Munshi SZ, Matsangou M, Ebine K, Munshi HG. Induction of MNK Kinase-dependent eIF4E Phosphorylation by Inhibitors Targeting BET Proteins Limits Efficacy of BET Inhibitors. Mol Cancer Ther 2018; 18:235-244. [PMID: 30446586 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-18-0768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BET inhibitors (BETi), which target transcription of key oncogenic genes, are currently being evaluated in early-phase clinical trials. However, because BETis show limited single-agent activity, there is increasing interest in identifying signaling pathways to enhance the efficacy of BETis. Here, we demonstrate increased MNK kinase-dependent eIF4E phosphorylation following treatment with BETis, indicating activation of a prosurvival feedback mechanism in response to BETis. BET PROTACs, which promote degradation of BET proteins, also induced eIF4E phosphorylation in cancer cells. Mechanistically, we show that the effect of BETis on MNK-eIF4E phosphorylation was mediated by p38 MAPKs. We also show that BETis suppressed RacGAP1 to induce Rac signaling-mediated eIF4E phosphorylation. Significantly, MNK inhibitors and MNK1/2 knockdown enhanced the efficacy of BETis in suppressing proliferation of cancer cells in vitro and in a syngeneic mouse model. Together, these results demonstrate a novel prosurvival feedback signaling induced by BETis, providing a mechanistic rationale for combination therapy with BET and MNK inhibitors for synergistic inhibition of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thao N D Pham
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.
| | - Krishan Kumar
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.,The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Brian T DeCant
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Meng Shang
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.,Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Samad Z Munshi
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Maria Matsangou
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.,The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Kazumi Ebine
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.,Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Hidayatullah G Munshi
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois. .,The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, Illinois.,Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
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43
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Wang B, Fan P, Zhao J, Wu H, Jin X, Wu H. FBP1 loss contributes to BET inhibitors resistance by undermining c-Myc expression in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2018; 37:224. [PMID: 30201002 PMCID: PMC6131902 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-018-0888-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Background Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal tumor types worldwide. BET inhibitors display anti-tumor activity in pancreatic cancer, however the cells often develop resistance after a long-term treatment and the underlying molecular basis is not fully understood. Methods Drug screening assay in Fructose-1, 6-biphosphatase (FBP1) knockdown or overexpressing pancreatic cancer cells was performed. Tumor cell motility, FBP1 protein and mRNA changes were investigated after BET inhibitors treatment. The interaction between TRIM28 and FBP1 after BET inhibitors treatment was examined by Co-immunoprecipitation (IP) and GST pull-down. The relationship between FBP1 and c-Myc was examined by western blot, RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results The expression of FBP1 protein increased the sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells to JQ1. Furthermore, we showed that JQ1 stabilized FBP1 protein level by disrupting the interaction between FBP1 and TRIM28 in pancreatic cancer cells. Moreover, we demonstrated that FBP1 promoted c-Myc degradation through disrupting the ERK-c-Myc axis. Conclusions FBP1 modulates the sensitivity of pancreatic cancer cells to BET inhibitors by decreasing the expression of c-Myc. These findings highlight FBP1 could be used as a therapeutic niche for patient-tailored therapies. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13046-018-0888-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Ping Fan
- Department of Digestive Surgical Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Jingyuan Zhao
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Heyu Wu
- Operating Room, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
| | - Xin Jin
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China. .,Department of Digestive Surgical Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
| | - Heshui Wu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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44
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Ebine K, Kumar K, Pham TN, Shields MA, Collier KA, Shang M, DeCant BT, Urrutia R, Hwang RF, Grimaldo S, Principe DR, Grippo PJ, Bentrem DJ, Munshi HG. Interplay between interferon regulatory factor 1 and BRD4 in the regulation of PD-L1 in pancreatic stellate cells. Sci Rep 2018; 8:13225. [PMID: 30185888 PMCID: PMC6125340 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-31658-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The fibrotic reaction is a characteristic feature of human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tumors. It is associated with activation and proliferation of pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs), which are key regulators of fibrosis in vivo. While there is increasing interest in the regulation of PD-L1 expression in cancer and immune cells, the expression and regulation of PD-L1 in other stromal cells, such as PSCs, has not been fully evaluated. Here we show that PSCs in vitro express higher PD-L1 mRNA and protein levels compared to the levels present in PDAC cells. We show that inhibitors targeting bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) proteins and BRD4 knockdown decrease interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-induced PD-L1 expression in PSCs. We also show that c-MYC, one of the well-established targets of BET inhibitors, does not mediate IFN-γ-regulated PD-L1 expression in PSCs. Instead we show that interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1) mediates IFN-γ-induced PD-L1 expression in PSCs. Finally, while we show that BET inhibitors do not regulate IFN-γ-induced IRF1 expression in PSCs, BET inhibitors decrease binding of IRF1 and BRD4 to the PD-L1 promoter. Together, these results demonstrate the interplay between IRF1 and BRD4 in the regulation of PD-L1 in PSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazumi Ebine
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Krishan Kumar
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
- The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Thao N Pham
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mario A Shields
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, Cold Spring, NY, USA
| | - Katharine A Collier
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Meng Shang
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Brian T DeCant
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Raul Urrutia
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Chromatin Dynamics, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Epigenomics Translational Program, Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Rosa F Hwang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sam Grimaldo
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Paul J Grippo
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - David J Bentrem
- Department of Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
- The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Hidayatullah G Munshi
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA.
- The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, IL, USA.
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45
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Recent Advances in Chromatin Mechanisms Controlling Pancreatic Carcinogenesis. EPIGENOMES 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes2020011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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46
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47
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Jauset T, Massó-Vallés D, Martínez-Martín S, Beaulieu ME, Foradada L, Fiorentino FP, Yokota J, Haendler B, Siegel S, Whitfield JR, Soucek L. BET inhibition is an effective approach against KRAS-driven PDAC and NSCLC. Oncotarget 2018; 9:18734-18746. [PMID: 29721157 PMCID: PMC5922351 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Effectively treating KRAS-driven tumors remains an unsolved challenge. The inhibition of downstream signaling effectors is a way of overcoming the issue of direct targeting of mutant KRAS, which has shown limited efficacy so far. Bromodomain and Extra-Terminal (BET) protein inhibition has displayed anti-tumor activity in a wide range of cancers, including KRAS-driven malignancies. Here, we preclinically evaluate the effect of BET inhibition making use of a new BET inhibitor, BAY 1238097, against Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) models harboring RAS mutations both in vivo and in vitro. Our results demonstrate that BET inhibition displays significant therapeutic impact in genetic mouse models of KRAS-driven PDAC and NSCLC, reducing both tumor area and tumor grade. The same approach also causes a significant reduction in cell number of a panel of RAS-mutated human cancer cell lines (8 PDAC and 6 NSCLC). In this context, we demonstrate that while BET inhibition by BAY 1238097 decreases MYC expression in some cell lines, at least in PDAC cells its anti-tumorigenic effect is independent of MYC regulation. Together, these studies reinforce the use of BET inhibition and prompt the optimization of more efficient and less toxic BET inhibitors for the treatment of KRAS-driven malignancies, which are in urgent therapeutic need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toni Jauset
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Edifici Cellex, Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.,Peptomyc S.L., Edifici Cellex, Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniel Massó-Vallés
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Edifici Cellex, Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sandra Martínez-Martín
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Edifici Cellex, Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marie-Eve Beaulieu
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Edifici Cellex, Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain.,Peptomyc S.L., Edifici Cellex, Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laia Foradada
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Edifici Cellex, Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain.,Peptomyc S.L., Edifici Cellex, Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesco Paolo Fiorentino
- Kitos Biotech srls, Porto Conte Ricerche, Alghero, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Jun Yokota
- Genomics and Epigenomics of Cancer Prediction Program, Institut d'Investigació Germans Trias I Pujol (IGTP), Campus Can Ruti, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Jonathan R Whitfield
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Edifici Cellex, Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Soucek
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Edifici Cellex, Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.,Peptomyc S.L., Edifici Cellex, Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain.,Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
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48
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miR-3140 suppresses tumor cell growth by targeting BRD4 via its coding sequence and downregulates the BRD4-NUT fusion oncoprotein. Sci Rep 2018. [PMID: 29540837 PMCID: PMC5852021 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-22767-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Bromodomain Containing 4 (BRD4) mediates transcriptional elongation of the oncogene MYC by binding to acetylated histones. BRD4 has been shown to play a critical role in tumorigenesis in several cancers, and the BRD4-NUT fusion gene is a driver of NUT midline carcinoma (NMC), a rare but highly lethal cancer. microRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous small non-coding RNAs that suppress target gene expression by binding to complementary mRNA sequences. Here, we show that miR-3140, which was identified as a novel tumor suppressive miRNA by function-based screening of a library containing 1090 miRNA mimics, directly suppressed BRD4 by binding to its coding sequence (CDS). miR-3140 concurrently downregulated BRD3 by bind to its CDS as well as CDK2 and EGFR by binding to their 3' untranslated regions. miR-3140 inhibited tumor cell growth in vitro in various cancer cell lines, including EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor-resistant cells. Interestingly, we found that miR-3140 downregulated the BRD4-NUT fusion protein and suppressed in vitro tumor cell growth in a NMC cell line, Ty-82 cells. Furthermore, administration of miR-3140 suppressed in vivo tumor growth in a xenograft mouse model. Our results suggest that miR-3140 is a candidate for the development of miRNA-based cancer therapeutics.
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49
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Yamamoto K, Tateishi K, Kudo Y, Hoshikawa M, Tanaka M, Nakatsuka T, Fujiwara H, Miyabayashi K, Takahashi R, Tanaka Y, Ijichi H, Nakai Y, Isayama H, Morishita Y, Aoki T, Sakamoto Y, Hasegawa K, Kokudo N, Fukayama M, Koike K. Stromal remodeling by the BET bromodomain inhibitor JQ1 suppresses the progression of human pancreatic cancer. Oncotarget 2018; 7:61469-61484. [PMID: 27528027 PMCID: PMC5308665 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibitors of bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) proteins, a family of chromatin reader proteins, have therapeutic efficacy against various malignancies. However, the detailed mechanisms underlying the anti-tumor effects in distinct tumor types remain elusive. Here, we show a novel antitumor mechanism of BET inhibition in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). We found that JQ1, a BET inhibitor, decreased desmoplastic stroma, a hallmark of PDAC, and suppressed the growth of patient-derived tumor xenografts (PDX) of PDACs. In vivo antitumor effects of JQ1 were not always associated with the JQ1 sensitivity of respective PDAC cells, and were rather dependent on the suppression of tumor-promoting activity in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). JQ1 inhibited Hedgehog and TGF-β pathways as potent regulators of CAF activation and suppressed the expression of α-SMA, extracellular matrix, cytokines, and growth factors in human primary CAFs. Consistently, conditioned media (CM) from CAFs promoted the proliferation of PDAC cells along with the activation of ERK, AKT, and STAT3 pathways, though these effects were suppressed when CM from JQ1-treated CAFs was used. Mechanistically, chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments revealed that JQ1 reduced TGF-β–dependent gene expression by disrupting the recruitment of the transcriptional machinery containing BET proteins. Finally, combination therapy with gemcitabine plus JQ1 showed greater efficacy than gemcitabine monotherapy against PDAC in vivo. Thus, our results reveal BET proteins as the critical regulators of CAF-activation and also provide evidence that stromal remodeling by epigenetic modulators can be a novel therapeutic option for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Yamamoto
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Keisuke Tateishi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Yotaro Kudo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Mayumi Hoshikawa
- Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Mariko Tanaka
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostic Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Takuma Nakatsuka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Fujiwara
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Koji Miyabayashi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Ryota Takahashi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Yasuo Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Hideaki Ijichi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Yousuke Nakai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Isayama
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Morishita
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostic Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan.,Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Taku Aoki
- Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan.,Second Department of Surgery, Dokkyo Medical University, Mibu, Tochigi 321-0293, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Sakamoto
- Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Hasegawa
- Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Norihiro Kokudo
- Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Masashi Fukayama
- Department of Pathology and Diagnostic Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Koike
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
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Hanson RL, Brown RB, Steele MM, Grandgenett PM, Grunkemeyer JA, Hollingsworth MA. Identification of FRA-1 as a novel player in pancreatic cancer in cooperation with a MUC1: ERK signaling axis. Oncotarget 2018; 7:39996-40011. [PMID: 27220889 PMCID: PMC5129987 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The MUC1 glycoprotein is overexpressed and aberrantly glycosylated in >90% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cases and impacts tumor progression by initiating downstream signaling through phosphorylation of its cytoplasmic tail. Previous studies have demonstrated that MUC1 alters expression of known targets of activator protein 1 (AP-1); however, no studies have evaluated the precise impact of MUC1 signaling on the activity and formation of AP-1. Given the known role of these proteins in modulating migration, invasion, and tumor progression, we explored the effects of MUC1 on AP-1 dimer formation and function. We determined that MUC1 increased the protein levels of c-Jun, the major component of AP-1, and promoted dimerization of c-Jun with the Fos-protein FRA-1. We demonstrate that FRA-1 acts as a potent mediator of migration and invasion in a manner that is modulated by signals through MUC1, which acts as a dominant regulator of specific AP-1 and FRA-1 target genes. Our results provide the first in vivo evidence of a FRA-1 mediated expression profile that impacts pancreatic tumor growth properties. In summary, we show that MUC1 enhancement of ERK activation influences FRA-1 activity to modulate tumor migration, invasion and metastasis in a subset of pancreatic cancer cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan L Hanson
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Roger B Brown
- University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
| | - Maria M Steele
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Paul M Grandgenett
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - James A Grunkemeyer
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Michael A Hollingsworth
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
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