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De Rosa L, Di Stasi R, Fusco V, D'Andrea LD. AXL receptor as an emerging molecular target in colorectal cancer. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:104005. [PMID: 38685399 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.104005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
AXL receptor tyrosine kinase (AXL) is a receptor tyrosine kinase whose aberrant expression has recently been associated with colorectal cancer (CRC), contributing to tumor growth, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), increased invasiveness, metastatic spreading, and the development of drug resistance. In this review we summarize preclinical data, the majority of which are limited to recent years, convincingly linking the AXL receptor to CRC. These findings support the value of targeting AXL with molecules in drug discovery, offering novel and advanced therapeutic or diagnostic tools for CRC management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia De Rosa
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, CNR, via P. Castellino, 111 - 80131 Naples, Italy.
| | - Rossella Di Stasi
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, CNR, via P. Castellino, 111 - 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Virginia Fusco
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, CNR, via P. Castellino, 111 - 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Luca D D'Andrea
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche 'G. Natta', CNR, via M. Bianco, 9 - 20131 Milan, Italy.
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2
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Bruce SF, Cho K, Noia H, Lomonosova E, Stock EC, Oplt A, Blachut B, Mullen MM, Kuroki LM, Hagemann AR, McCourt CK, Thaker PH, Khabele D, Powell MA, Mutch DG, Shriver LP, Patti GJ, Fuh KC. GAS6-AXL Inhibition by AVB-500 Overcomes Resistance to Paclitaxel in Endometrial Cancer by Decreasing Tumor Cell Glycolysis. Mol Cancer Ther 2022; 21:1348-1359. [PMID: 35588308 PMCID: PMC9370070 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-21-0704] [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: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Chemotherapy is often ineffective in advanced-stage and aggressive histologic subtypes of endometrial cancer. Overexpression of the receptor tyrosine kinase AXL has been found to be associated with therapeutic resistance, metastasis, and poor prognosis. However, the mechanism of how inhibition of AXL improves response to chemotherapy is still largely unknown. Thus, we aimed to determine whether treatment with AVB-500, a selective inhibitor of GAS6-AXL, improves endometrial cancer cell sensitivity to chemotherapy particularly through metabolic changes. We found that both GAS6 and AXL expression were higher by immunohistochemistry in patient tumors with a poor response to chemotherapy compared with tumors with a good response to chemotherapy. We showed that chemotherapy-resistant endometrial cancer cells (ARK1, uterine serous carcinoma and PUC198, grade 3 endometrioid adenocarcinoma) had improved sensitivity and synergy with paclitaxel and carboplatin when treated in combination with AVB-500. We also found that in vivo intraperitoneal models with ARK1 and PUC198 cells had decreased tumor burden when treated with AVB-500 + paclitaxel compared with paclitaxel alone. Treatment with AVB-500 + paclitaxel decreased AKT signaling, which resulted in a decrease in basal glycolysis. Finally, multiple glycolytic metabolites were lower in the tumors treated with AVB-500 + paclitaxel than in tumors treated with paclitaxel alone. Our study provides strong preclinical rationale for combining AVB-500 with paclitaxel in aggressive endometrial cancer models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaina F. Bruce
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Barnes Jewish Hospital, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Kevin Cho
- Center for Metabolomics and Isotope Tracing, Department of Chemistry, Department of Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Hollie Noia
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Barnes Jewish Hospital, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Elena Lomonosova
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Barnes Jewish Hospital, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Elizabeth C. Stock
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Barnes Jewish Hospital, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Alyssa Oplt
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Barnes Jewish Hospital, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Barbara Blachut
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Barnes Jewish Hospital, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Mary M. Mullen
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Barnes Jewish Hospital, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Lindsay M. Kuroki
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Barnes Jewish Hospital, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Andrea R. Hagemann
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Barnes Jewish Hospital, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Carolyn K. McCourt
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Barnes Jewish Hospital, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Premal H. Thaker
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Barnes Jewish Hospital, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Dineo Khabele
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Barnes Jewish Hospital, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Matthew A. Powell
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Barnes Jewish Hospital, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - David G. Mutch
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Barnes Jewish Hospital, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Leah P. Shriver
- Center for Metabolomics and Isotope Tracing, Department of Chemistry, Department of Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Gary J. Patti
- Center for Metabolomics and Isotope Tracing, Department of Chemistry, Department of Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Katherine C. Fuh
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Barnes Jewish Hospital, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
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AXL inhibition improves BRAF-targeted treatment in melanoma. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5076. [PMID: 35332208 PMCID: PMC8948193 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09078-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
More than half of metastatic melanoma patients receiving standard therapy fail to achieve a long-term survival due to primary and/or acquired resistance. Tumor cell ability to switch from epithelial to a more aggressive mesenchymal phenotype, attributed with AXLhigh molecular profile in melanoma, has been recently linked to such event, limiting treatment efficacy. In the current study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of the AXL inhibitor (AXLi) BGB324 alone or in combination with the clinically relevant BRAF inhibitor (BRAFi) vemurafenib. Firstly, AXL was shown to be expressed in majority of melanoma lymph node metastases. When treated ex vivo, the largest reduction in cell viability was observed when the two drugs were combined. In addition, a therapeutic benefit of adding AXLi to the BRAF-targeted therapy was observed in pre-clinical AXLhigh melanoma models in vitro and in vivo. When searching for mechanistic insights, AXLi was found to potentiate BRAFi-induced apoptosis, stimulate ferroptosis and inhibit autophagy. Altogether, our findings propose AXLi as a promising treatment in combination with standard therapy to improve therapeutic outcome in metastatic melanoma.
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Zdżalik-Bielecka D, Kozik K, Poświata A, Jastrzębski K, Jakubik M, Miączyńska M. Bemcentinib and Gilteritinib Inhibit Cell Growth and Impair the Endo-Lysosomal and Autophagy Systems in an AXL-Independent Manner. Mol Cancer Res 2022; 20:446-455. [PMID: 34782372 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-21-0444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
AXL, a receptor tyrosine kinase from the TAM (TYRO3 AXL and MER) subfamily, and its ligand growth arrest-specific 6 (GAS6) are implicated in pathogenesis of a wide array of cancers, acquisition of resistance to diverse anticancer therapies and cellular entry of viruses. The continuous development of AXL inhibitors for treatment of patients with cancer and COVID-19 underscores the need to better characterize the cellular effects of AXL targeting. In the present study, we compared the cellular phenotypes of CRISPR-Cas9-induced depletion of AXL and its pharmacological inhibition with bemcentinib, LDC1267 and gilteritinib. Specifically, we evaluated GAS6-AXL signaling, cell viability and invasion, the endo-lysosomal system and autophagy in glioblastoma cells. We showed that depletion of AXL but not of TYRO3 inhibited GAS6-induced phosphorylation of downstream signaling effectors, AKT and ERK1/2, indicating that AXL is a primary receptor for GAS6. AXL was also specifically required for GAS6-dependent increase in cell viability but was dispensable for viability of cells grown without exogenous addition of GAS6. Furthermore, we revealed that LDC1267 is the most potent and specific inhibitor of AXL activation among the tested compounds. Finally, we found that, in contrast to AXL depletion and its inhibition with LDC1267, cell treatment with bemcentinib and gilteritinib impaired the endo-lysosomal and autophagy systems in an AXL-independent manner. IMPLICATIONS Altogether, our findings are of high clinical importance as we discovered that two clinically advanced AXL inhibitors, bemcentinib and gilteritinib, may display AXL-independent cellular effects and toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Zdżalik-Bielecka
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kamila Kozik
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agata Poświata
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kamil Jastrzębski
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Jakubik
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Miączyńska
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Warsaw, Poland
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Ni Q, Li M, Yu S. Research Progress of Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition Treatment and Drug Resistance in Colorectal Cancer. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2022; 21:15330338221081219. [PMID: 35435774 PMCID: PMC9019367 DOI: 10.1177/15330338221081219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies in the world that seriously affects human health. Activation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a physiological phenomenon during embryonic development that is essential for cell metastasis. EMT participates in various biological processes associated with trauma repair, organ fibrosis, migration, metastasis, and infiltration of tumor cells. EMT is a new therapeutic target for CRC; however, some patients with CRC develop resistance to some drugs due to EMT. This review focuses specifically on the status of treatments that target the EMT process and its role in the therapeutic resistance observed in patients with CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianyang Ni
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, 74725The Third Hospital Affiliated to Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Meng Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, 74725The Third Hospital Affiliated to Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.,Meng Li has become the co-first author due to his outstanding contribution
| | - Suyang Yu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, 74725The Third Hospital Affiliated to Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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Solanes-Casado S, Cebrián A, Rodríguez-Remírez M, Mahíllo I, García-García L, Río-Vilariño A, Baños N, de Cárcer G, Monfort-Vengut A, Castellano V, Fernández-Aceñero MJ, García-Foncillas J, Del Puerto-Nevado L. Overcoming PLK1 inhibitor resistance by targeting mevalonate pathway to impair AXL-TWIST axis in colorectal cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 144:112347. [PMID: 34700228 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
New therapeutic targets are revolutionizing colorectal cancer clinical management, opening new horizons in metastatic patients' outcome. Polo Like Kinase1 (PLK1) inhibitors have high potential as antitumoral agents, however, the emergence of drug resistance is a major challenge for their use in clinical practice. Overcoming this challenge represents a hot topic in current drug discovery research. BI2536-resistant colorectal cancer cell lines HT29R, RKOR, SW837R and HCT116R, were generated in vitro and validated by IG50 assays and xenografts models by the T/C ratio. Exons 1 and 2 of PLK1 gene were sequenced by Sanger method. AXL pathway, Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal transition (EMT) and Multidrug Resistance (MDR1) were studied by qPCR and western blot in resistant cells. Simvastatin as a re-sensitizer drug was tested in vitro and the drug combination strategies were validated in vitro and in vivo. PLK1 gene mutation R136G was found for RKOR. AXL pathway trough TWIST1 transcription factor was identified as one of the mechanisms involved in HT29R, SW837R and HCT116R lines, inducing EMT and upregulation of MDR1. Simvastatin was able to impair the mechanisms activated by adaptive resistance and its combination with BI2536 re-sensitized resistant cells in vitro and in vivo. Targeting the mevalonate pathway contributes to re-sensitizing BI2536-resistant cells in vitro and in vivo, raising as a new strategy for the clinical management of PLK1 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Solanes-Casado
- Translational Oncology Division, Oncohealth Institute, IIS - Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Arancha Cebrián
- Translational Oncology Division, Oncohealth Institute, IIS - Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain.
| | | | - Ignacio Mahíllo
- Department of Statistics, IIS - Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura García-García
- Translational Oncology Division, Oncohealth Institute, IIS - Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Anxo Río-Vilariño
- Translational Oncology Division, Oncohealth Institute, IIS - Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Natalia Baños
- Translational Oncology Division, Oncohealth Institute, IIS - Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Guillermo de Cárcer
- Cell Cycle & Cancer Biomarkers Group, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols" (IIBm) CSIC-UAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Monfort-Vengut
- Cell Cycle & Cancer Biomarkers Group, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols" (IIBm) CSIC-UAM, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Víctor Castellano
- Department of Pathology, Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital (UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Jesús Fernández-Aceñero
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús García-Foncillas
- Translational Oncology Division, Oncohealth Institute, IIS - Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Laura Del Puerto-Nevado
- Translational Oncology Division, Oncohealth Institute, IIS - Fundación Jiménez Díaz University Hospital (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain.
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Toboni MD, Lomonosova E, Bruce SF, Tankou JI, Mullen MM, Schab A, Oplt A, Noia H, Wilke D, Kuroki LM, Hagemann AR, McCourt CK, Thaker PH, Powell MA, Khabele D, Mutch DG, Fuh KC. Inhibition of AXL and VEGF-A Has Improved Therapeutic Efficacy in Uterine Serous Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5877. [PMID: 34884986 PMCID: PMC8656641 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13235877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cancer remains the most prevalent gynecologic cancer with continued rising incidence. A less common form of this cancer is uterine serous cancer, which represents 10% of endometrial cancer cases. However, this is the most aggressive cancer. The objective was to assess whether inhibiting the receptor tyrosine kinase AXL with AVB-500 in combination with bevacizumab would improve response in uterine serous cancer. To prove this, we conducted multiple angiogenesis assays including tube formation assays and angiogenesis invasion assays. In addition, we utilized mouse models with multiple cells lines and subsequently analyzed harvested tissue through immunohistochemistry CD31 staining to assess microvessel density. The combination treatment arms demonstrated decreased angiogenic potential in each assay. In addition, intraperitoneal mouse models demonstrated a significant decrease in tumor burden in two cell lines. The combination of AVB-500 and bevacizumab reduced tumor burden in vivo and reduced morphogenesis and migration in vitro which are vital to the process of angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D. Toboni
- Barnes Jewish Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (M.D.T.); (E.L.); (S.F.B.); (J.I.T.); (M.M.M.); (A.S.); (A.O.); (H.N.); (D.W.); (L.M.K.); (A.R.H.); (C.K.M.); (P.H.T.); (M.A.P.); (D.K.); (D.G.M.)
| | - Elena Lomonosova
- Barnes Jewish Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (M.D.T.); (E.L.); (S.F.B.); (J.I.T.); (M.M.M.); (A.S.); (A.O.); (H.N.); (D.W.); (L.M.K.); (A.R.H.); (C.K.M.); (P.H.T.); (M.A.P.); (D.K.); (D.G.M.)
- Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Shaina F. Bruce
- Barnes Jewish Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (M.D.T.); (E.L.); (S.F.B.); (J.I.T.); (M.M.M.); (A.S.); (A.O.); (H.N.); (D.W.); (L.M.K.); (A.R.H.); (C.K.M.); (P.H.T.); (M.A.P.); (D.K.); (D.G.M.)
| | - Jo’an I. Tankou
- Barnes Jewish Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (M.D.T.); (E.L.); (S.F.B.); (J.I.T.); (M.M.M.); (A.S.); (A.O.); (H.N.); (D.W.); (L.M.K.); (A.R.H.); (C.K.M.); (P.H.T.); (M.A.P.); (D.K.); (D.G.M.)
| | - Mary M. Mullen
- Barnes Jewish Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (M.D.T.); (E.L.); (S.F.B.); (J.I.T.); (M.M.M.); (A.S.); (A.O.); (H.N.); (D.W.); (L.M.K.); (A.R.H.); (C.K.M.); (P.H.T.); (M.A.P.); (D.K.); (D.G.M.)
| | - Angela Schab
- Barnes Jewish Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (M.D.T.); (E.L.); (S.F.B.); (J.I.T.); (M.M.M.); (A.S.); (A.O.); (H.N.); (D.W.); (L.M.K.); (A.R.H.); (C.K.M.); (P.H.T.); (M.A.P.); (D.K.); (D.G.M.)
- Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Alyssa Oplt
- Barnes Jewish Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (M.D.T.); (E.L.); (S.F.B.); (J.I.T.); (M.M.M.); (A.S.); (A.O.); (H.N.); (D.W.); (L.M.K.); (A.R.H.); (C.K.M.); (P.H.T.); (M.A.P.); (D.K.); (D.G.M.)
- Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Hollie Noia
- Barnes Jewish Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (M.D.T.); (E.L.); (S.F.B.); (J.I.T.); (M.M.M.); (A.S.); (A.O.); (H.N.); (D.W.); (L.M.K.); (A.R.H.); (C.K.M.); (P.H.T.); (M.A.P.); (D.K.); (D.G.M.)
- Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Danny Wilke
- Barnes Jewish Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (M.D.T.); (E.L.); (S.F.B.); (J.I.T.); (M.M.M.); (A.S.); (A.O.); (H.N.); (D.W.); (L.M.K.); (A.R.H.); (C.K.M.); (P.H.T.); (M.A.P.); (D.K.); (D.G.M.)
- Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Lindsay M. Kuroki
- Barnes Jewish Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (M.D.T.); (E.L.); (S.F.B.); (J.I.T.); (M.M.M.); (A.S.); (A.O.); (H.N.); (D.W.); (L.M.K.); (A.R.H.); (C.K.M.); (P.H.T.); (M.A.P.); (D.K.); (D.G.M.)
| | - Andrea R. Hagemann
- Barnes Jewish Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (M.D.T.); (E.L.); (S.F.B.); (J.I.T.); (M.M.M.); (A.S.); (A.O.); (H.N.); (D.W.); (L.M.K.); (A.R.H.); (C.K.M.); (P.H.T.); (M.A.P.); (D.K.); (D.G.M.)
| | - Carolyn K. McCourt
- Barnes Jewish Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (M.D.T.); (E.L.); (S.F.B.); (J.I.T.); (M.M.M.); (A.S.); (A.O.); (H.N.); (D.W.); (L.M.K.); (A.R.H.); (C.K.M.); (P.H.T.); (M.A.P.); (D.K.); (D.G.M.)
| | - Premal H. Thaker
- Barnes Jewish Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (M.D.T.); (E.L.); (S.F.B.); (J.I.T.); (M.M.M.); (A.S.); (A.O.); (H.N.); (D.W.); (L.M.K.); (A.R.H.); (C.K.M.); (P.H.T.); (M.A.P.); (D.K.); (D.G.M.)
| | - Matthew A. Powell
- Barnes Jewish Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (M.D.T.); (E.L.); (S.F.B.); (J.I.T.); (M.M.M.); (A.S.); (A.O.); (H.N.); (D.W.); (L.M.K.); (A.R.H.); (C.K.M.); (P.H.T.); (M.A.P.); (D.K.); (D.G.M.)
| | - Dineo Khabele
- Barnes Jewish Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (M.D.T.); (E.L.); (S.F.B.); (J.I.T.); (M.M.M.); (A.S.); (A.O.); (H.N.); (D.W.); (L.M.K.); (A.R.H.); (C.K.M.); (P.H.T.); (M.A.P.); (D.K.); (D.G.M.)
| | - David G. Mutch
- Barnes Jewish Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (M.D.T.); (E.L.); (S.F.B.); (J.I.T.); (M.M.M.); (A.S.); (A.O.); (H.N.); (D.W.); (L.M.K.); (A.R.H.); (C.K.M.); (P.H.T.); (M.A.P.); (D.K.); (D.G.M.)
| | - Katherine C. Fuh
- Barnes Jewish Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; (M.D.T.); (E.L.); (S.F.B.); (J.I.T.); (M.M.M.); (A.S.); (A.O.); (H.N.); (D.W.); (L.M.K.); (A.R.H.); (C.K.M.); (P.H.T.); (M.A.P.); (D.K.); (D.G.M.)
- Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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8
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Chang H, An R, Li X, Lang X, Feng J, Lv M. Anti-Axl monoclonal antibodies attenuate the migration of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Oncol Lett 2021; 22:749. [PMID: 34539853 PMCID: PMC8436363 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.13010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The receptor tyrosine kinase, anexelekto (Axl) is involved in tumor cell growth, migration and invasion, and has been associated with chemotherapy resistance, which makes it an attractive target for cancer therapy. In total, six Axl-targeted monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and two antibody-drug conjugates have been reported in the last 10 years, which have been shown to have bioactivity in inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and migration. The Axl external cell domain (Axl−ECD), consisting of 426 amino acids, has always been used as an antigen in the screening process for all six of these Axl-targeted mAbs. However, the Axl functional domain, which interacts with its natural ligand, growth arrest-specific protein 6 (Gas6), is only a small part of the Axl−ECD. Antibodies targeting the Axl functional domain may efficiently block Gas6-Axl binding and attenuate its downstream signals and activities. To the best of our knowledge, no mAbs targeting the Axl functional domain have been reported. In the present study, a major Axl functional domain interacting with Gas6 was determined using bioinformatics and structural biology methods. In MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell assays, anti-Axl mAbs targeting this relatively specific Axl functional domain almost completely neutralized the stimulation of Gas6 in both Axl phosphorylation and cell migration assays, and showed similar activity to the positive control drug R428 (a small molecular tyrosine kinase inhibitor of Axl currently in phase II clinical trials) in the cell migration assay. Given the important role of Axl in tumor development and chemotherapy resistance, Axl-targeted mAbs could be used to inhibit tumor cells directly, as well as reduce the development of chemotherapy resistance by blocking Axl activity. The application of Axl-targeted mAbs combined with chemotherapy provides a promising treatment strategy for patients with tumors, particularly those with triple-negative breast cancer, for whom no targeted therapy is currently available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Chang
- Institute of Medical Technology, Suzhou Vocational Health College, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215009, P.R. China.,College of Basic Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050200, P.R. China
| | - Ran An
- College of Basic Medicine, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050200, P.R. China.,Hebei Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Research on Cardio-cerebrovascular Disease, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050051, P.R. China
| | - Xinying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoling Lang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Gene Engineering Antibody, Beijing 100850, P.R. China
| | - Jiannan Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing 100850, P.R. China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Gene Engineering Antibody, Beijing 100850, P.R. China
| | - Ming Lv
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Gene Engineering Antibody, Beijing 100850, P.R. China.,Laboratory of Immunology, Institute of Military Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Beijing 100850, P.R. China
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9
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Ashrafizadeh M, Mirzaei S, Hashemi F, Zarrabi A, Zabolian A, Saleki H, Sharifzadeh SO, Soleymani L, Daneshi S, Hushmandi K, Khan H, Kumar AP, Aref AR, Samarghandian S. New insight towards development of paclitaxel and docetaxel resistance in cancer cells: EMT as a novel molecular mechanism and therapeutic possibilities. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 141:111824. [PMID: 34175815 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) mechanism is responsible for metastasis and migration of cancer cells to neighboring cells and tissues. Morphologically, epithelial cells are transformed to mesenchymal cells, and at molecular level, E-cadherin undergoes down-regulation, while an increase occurs in N-cadherin and vimentin levels. Increasing evidence demonstrates role of EMT in mediating drug resistance of cancer cells. On the other hand, paclitaxel (PTX) and docetaxel (DTX) are two chemotherapeutic agents belonging to taxene family, capable of inducing cell cycle arrest in cancer cells via preventing microtubule depolymerization. Aggressive behavior of cancer cells resulted from EMT-mediated metastasis can lead to PTX and DTX resistance. Upstream mediators of EMT such as ZEB1/2, TGF-β, microRNAs, and so on are involved in regulating response of cancer cells to PTX and DTX. Tumor-suppressing factors inhibit EMT to promote PTX and DTX sensitivity of cancer cells. Furthermore, three different strategies including using anti-tumor compounds, gene therapy and delivery systems have been developed for suppressing EMT, and enhancing cytotoxicity of PTX and DTX against cancer cells that are mechanistically discussed in the current review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Orta Mahalle, Üniversite Caddesi No. 27, Orhanlı, Tuzla, 34956 Istanbul, Turkey; Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Tuzla, 34956 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sepideh Mirzaei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farid Hashemi
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Zarrabi
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Tuzla, 34956 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Amirhossein Zabolian
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Saleki
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Omid Sharifzadeh
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leyla Soleymani
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran
| | - Salman Daneshi
- Department of Public Health, School of Health, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Jiroft, Iran
| | - Kiavash Hushmandi
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Division of epidemiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Haroon Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan 23200, Pakistan
| | - Alan Prem Kumar
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore and Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore; NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117600, Singapore.
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Vice President at Translational Sciences, Xsphera Biosciences Inc. 6 Tide Street, Boston, MA 02210, USA
| | - Saeed Samarghandian
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran.
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10
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Zhou L, Matsushima GK. Tyro3, Axl, Mertk receptor-mediated efferocytosis and immune regulation in the tumor environment. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 361:165-210. [PMID: 34074493 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2021.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Three structurally related tyrosine receptor cell surface kinases, Tyro3, Axl, and Mertk (TAM) have been recognized to modulate immune function, tissue homeostasis, cardiovasculature, and cancer. The TAM receptor family appears to operate in adult mammals across multiple cell types, suggesting both widespread and specific regulation of cell functions and immune niches. TAM family members regulate tissue homeostasis by monitoring the presence of phosphatidylserine expressed on stressed or apoptotic cells. The detection of phosphatidylserine on apoptotic cells requires intermediary molecules that opsonize the dying cells and tether them to TAM receptors on phagocytes. This complex promotes the engulfment of apoptotic cells, also known as efferocytosis, that leads to the resolution of inflammation and tissue healing. The immune mechanisms dictating these processes appear to fall upon specific family members or may involve a complex of different receptors acting cooperatively to resolve and repair damaged tissues. Here, we focus on the role of TAM receptors in triggering efferocytosis and its consequences in the regulation of immune responses in the context of inflammation and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liwen Zhou
- UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina-CH, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Glenn K Matsushima
- UNC Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina-CH, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; UNC Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of North Carolina-CH, Chapel Hill, NC, United States; UNC Integrative Program for Biological & Genome Sciences, University of North Carolina-CH, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.
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11
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Du W, Phinney NZ, Huang H, Wang Z, Westcott J, Toombs JE, Zhang Y, Beg MS, Wilkie TM, Lorens JB, Brekken RA. AXL Is a Key Factor for Cell Plasticity and Promotes Metastasis in Pancreatic Cancer. Mol Cancer Res 2021; 19:1412-1421. [PMID: 33811159 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-20-0860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA), a leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States, has a high metastatic rate, and is associated with persistent immune suppression. AXL, a member of the TAM (TYRO3, AXL, MERTK) receptor tyrosine kinase family, is a driver of metastasis and immune suppression in multiple cancer types. Here we use single-cell RNA-sequencing to reveal that AXL is expressed highly in tumor cells that have a mesenchymal-like phenotype and that AXL expression correlates with classic markers of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. We demonstrate that AXL deficiency extends survival, reduces primary and metastatic burden, and enhances sensitivity to gemcitabine in an autochthonous model of PDA. PDA in AXL-deficient mice displayed a more differentiated histology, higher nucleoside transporter expression, and a more active immune microenvironment compared with PDA in wild-type mice. Finally, we demonstrate that AXL-positive poorly differentiated tumor cells are critical for PDA progression and metastasis, emphasizing the potential of AXL as a therapeutic target in PDA. IMPLICATIONS: These studies implicate AXL as a marker of undifferentiated PDA cells and a target for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Du
- Department of Surgery and Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Natalie Z Phinney
- Department of Surgery and Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Huocong Huang
- Department of Surgery and Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Zhaoning Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Jill Westcott
- Department of Surgery and Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Jason E Toombs
- Department of Surgery and Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Yuqing Zhang
- Department of Surgery and Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Muhammad S Beg
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Thomas M Wilkie
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - James B Lorens
- Department of Biomedicine, Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, Norwegian Centre of Excellence, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Rolf A Brekken
- Department of Surgery and Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas. .,Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
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12
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Bufalin down-regulates Axl expression to inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in non-small-cell lung cancer cells. Biosci Rep 2021; 40:222485. [PMID: 32219334 PMCID: PMC7146032 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20193959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Axl, a member of the TAM (Tyro3, AXL, Mer) receptor tyrosine kinase family, plays critical roles in cell growth, proliferation, apoptosis, and migration. In the present study, we demonstrated that the anti-cancer activity of bufalin, a major bioactive component of the Chinese traditional medicine Chan Su, is mediated by the down-regulation of Axl in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. We observed the inhibitory effect of bufalin on the proliferation of A549 and H460 NSCLC cells and the clonogenicity of these cells was reduced by bufalin treatment in a dose-dependent manner. Next, we found that the protein level of Axl was decreased in proportion to the concentration of bufalin in both A549 and H460 cells. Moreover, the promoter activity of the Axl gene was decreased by bufalin in a dose- and time-dependent manner, indicating that bufalin down-regulates Axl gene expression at the transcriptional level. We further examined if the anti-proliferative property of bufalin is influenced by Axl at the protein level. Axl overexpression attenuated the effect of bufalin in inhibiting cell proliferation and colony formation and inducing apoptosis in H460 cells, while knockdown of Axl gene expression induced the opposite effect. Taken together, our data indicate that the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of bufalin were associated with the protein level of Axl, suggesting that Axl is a potent therapeutic target of bufalin in suppressing proliferation and inducing apoptosis in NSCLC cells.
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13
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von Itzstein MS, Burke MC, Brekken RA, Aguilera TA, Zeh HJ, Beg MS. Targeting TAM to Tame Pancreatic Cancer. Target Oncol 2020; 15:579-588. [PMID: 32996059 DOI: 10.1007/s11523-020-00751-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is expected to become the second leading cause of cancer-related death within the next few years. Current therapeutic strategies have limited effectiveness and therefore there is an urgency to develop novel effective therapies. The receptor tyrosine kinase subfamily TAM (Tyro3, Axl, MerTK) is directly implicated in the pathogenesis of the metastatic, chemoresistant, and immunosuppressive phenotype in pancreatic cancer. TAM inhibitors are promising investigational therapies for pancreatic cancer due to their potential to target multiple aspects of pancreatic cancer biology. Specifically, recent mechanistic investigations and therapeutic combinations in the preclinical setting suggest that TAM inhibition with chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy should be evaluated clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell S von Itzstein
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390-8852, USA
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Michael C Burke
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390-8852, USA
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Rolf A Brekken
- Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Todd A Aguilera
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Herbert J Zeh
- Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Muhammad Shaalan Beg
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX, 75390-8852, USA.
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
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14
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Najjar O, Erickson BK, Nickles-Fader AN. Diagnosis and management of uterine serous carcinoma: current strategies and clinical challenges. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2020.1784723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Omar Najjar
- The Kelly Gynecologic Oncology Service, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Britt K. Erickson
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Amanda N. Nickles-Fader
- The Kelly Gynecologic Oncology Service, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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15
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He L, Lei Y, Hou J, Wu J, Lv G. Implications of the Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Axl in Gastric Cancer Progression. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:5901-5911. [PMID: 32606800 PMCID: PMC7319943 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s257606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gastric cancer (GC) is an aggressive malignancy with high lethality. Systematic chemotherapy is the main therapeutic strategy for advanced GC patients. The overexpression of Axl is associated with poor prognosis and regulates tumor growth and metastasis in many types of cancer. However, the role of Axl in GC progression remains elusive. Materials and Methods Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR assay (RT-PCR) assays were used to detect the expression of Gas6, Axl, ZEB1 and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related markers in GC cells. Cell proliferation was determined by EdU cell proliferation assay and CCK-8 assay. Transwell invasion assay was performed to explore the effect of Axl and ZEB1 on cell invasion. Tumor xenografts and lung metastasis models were conducted to examine the effect of Axl on the growth and lung metastasis of GC cells. Results In our study, we found that high levels of Gas6 and Axl expression were associated with reduced overall survival (OS) in GC patients and the expression of Gas6 and Axl was upregulated in GC cell lines. Ectopic expression of Axl induced EMT and promoted GC cell invasion and proliferation. The knockdown of Axl inhibited EMT and suppressed the proliferation and invasion of GC cell. In vivo study showed that inhibition of Axl impaired tumor growth and lung metastasis of GC cells. Mechanistic investigations revealed that Axl promoted EMT, invasion, and proliferation via upregulating ZEB1 expression in GC cells. Conclusion Our results demonstrated that the Gas6/Axl/ZEB1 signaling pathway regulated EMT, invasion, and proliferation in GC cells and might represent a potential therapeutic target for GC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lirui He
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunpeng Lei
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianing Hou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianlong Wu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, People's Republic of China
| | - Guoqing Lv
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, People's Republic of China
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16
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Arner EN, Du W, Brekken RA. Behind the Wheel of Epithelial Plasticity in KRAS-Driven Cancers. Front Oncol 2019; 9:1049. [PMID: 31681587 PMCID: PMC6798880 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular plasticity, a feature associated with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), contributes to tumor cell survival, migration, invasion, and therapy resistance. Phenotypic plasticity of the epithelium is a critical feature in multiple phases of human cancer in an oncogene- and tissue-specific context. Many factors can drive epithelial plasticity, including activating mutations in KRAS, which are found in an estimated 30% of all cancers. In this review, we will introduce cellular plasticity and its effect on cancer progression and therapy resistance and then summarize the drivers of EMT with an emphasis on KRAS effector signaling. Lastly, we will discuss the contribution of cellular plasticity to metastasis and its potential clinical implications. Understanding oncogenic KRAS cellular reprogramming has the potential to reveal novel strategies to control metastasis in KRAS-driven cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily N Arner
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Department of Surgery and the Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Wenting Du
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Department of Surgery and the Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Rolf A Brekken
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, Department of Surgery and the Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
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17
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Xiao Y, Zhao H, Tian L, Nolley R, Diep AN, Ernst A, Fuh KC, Miao YR, von Eyben R, Leppert JT, Brooks JD, Peehl DM, Giaccia AJ, Rankin EB. S100A10 Is a Critical Mediator of GAS6/AXL-Induced Angiogenesis in Renal Cell Carcinoma. Cancer Res 2019; 79:5758-5768. [PMID: 31585940 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-1366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a hallmark of cancer that promotes tumor progression and metastasis. However, antiangiogenic agents have limited efficacy in cancer therapy due to the development of resistance. In clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), AXL expression is associated with antiangiogenic resistance and poor survival. Here, we establish a role for GAS6/AXL signaling in promoting the angiogenic potential of ccRCC cells through the regulation of the plasminogen receptor S100A10. Genetic and therapeutic inhibition of AXL signaling in ccRCC tumor xenografts reduced tumor vessel density and growth under the renal capsule. GAS6/AXL signaling activated the expression of S100A10 through SRC to promote plasmin production, endothelial cell invasion, and angiogenesis. Importantly, treatment with the small molecule AXL inhibitor cabozantinib or an ultra-high affinity soluble AXL Fc fusion decoy receptor (sAXL) reduced the growth of a pazopanib-resistant ccRCC patient-derived xenograft. Moreover, the combination of sAXL synergized with pazopanib and axitinib to reduce ccRCC patient-derived xenograft growth and vessel density. These findings highlight a role for AXL/S100A10 signaling in mediating the angiogenic potential of ccRCC cells and support the combination of AXL inhibitors with antiangiogenic agents for advanced ccRCC. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings show that angiogenesis in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is regulated through AXL/S100A10 signaling and support the combination of AXL inhibitors with antiangiogenic agents for the treatment of RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiren Xiao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Hongjuan Zhao
- Department of Urology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Lei Tian
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Rosalie Nolley
- Department of Urology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Anh N Diep
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Anne Ernst
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Katherine C Fuh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Yu Rebecca Miao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Rie von Eyben
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - John T Leppert
- Department of Urology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - James D Brooks
- Department of Urology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Donna M Peehl
- Department of Urology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Amato J Giaccia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Erinn B Rankin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California.
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
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18
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Axl Inhibitor R428 Enhances TRAIL-Mediated Apoptosis Through Downregulation of c-FLIP and Survivin Expression in Renal Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20133253. [PMID: 31269715 PMCID: PMC6651098 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20133253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 06/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
R428, a selective small molecule Axl inhibitor, is known to have anti-cancer effects, such as inhibition of invasion and proliferation and induction of cell death in cancer cells. The Axl receptor tyrosine kinase is highly expressed in cancer cells and the level of Axl expression is associated with survival, metastasis, and drug resistance of many cancer cells. However, the effect of Axl inhibition on overcoming anti-cancer drugs resistance is unclear. Therefore, we investigated the capability of Axl inhibition as a therapeutic agent for the induction of TRAIL (tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand) sensitivity. In this study, R428 markedly sensitized cancer cells to TRAIL-induced apoptotic cell death, but not in normal human skin fibroblast (HSF) and human umbilical vein cells (EA.hy926). Moreover, knockdown of Axl by siRNA also increased TRAIL-induced apoptosis. R428 decreased c-FLIP proteins levels via induction of miR-708 expression and survivin protein levels at the post-translational level, and we found that knockdown of Axl also decreased both c-FLIP and survivin protein expression. Overexpression of c-FLIP and survivin markedly inhibited R428 plus TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, R428 sensitized cancer cells to multiple anti-cancer drugs-mediated cell death. Our results provide that inhibition of Axl could improve sensitivity to TRAIL through downregulation of c-FLIP and survivin expression in renal carcinoma cells. Taken together, Axl may be a tempting target to overcome TRAIL resistance.
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19
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Myers KV, Amend SR, Pienta KJ. Targeting Tyro3, Axl and MerTK (TAM receptors): implications for macrophages in the tumor microenvironment. Mol Cancer 2019; 18:94. [PMID: 31088471 PMCID: PMC6515593 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-019-1022-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 225] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages are an abundant cell type in the tumor microenvironment. These macrophages serve as a promising target for treatment of cancer due to their roles in promoting cancer progression and simultaneous immunosuppression. The TAM receptors (Tyro3, Axl and MerTK) are promising therapeutic targets on tumor-associated macrophages. The TAM receptors are a family of receptor tyrosine kinases with shared ligands Gas6 and Protein S that skew macrophage polarization towards a pro-tumor M2-like phenotype. In macrophages, the TAM receptors also promote apoptotic cell clearance, a tumor-promoting process called efferocytosis. The TAM receptors bind the "eat-me" signal phosphatidylserine on apoptotic cell membranes using Gas6 and Protein S as bridging ligands. Post-efferocytosis, macrophages are further polarized to a pro-tumor M2-like phenotype and secrete increased levels of immunosuppressive cytokines. Since M2 polarization and efferocytosis are tumor-promoting processes, the TAM receptors on macrophages serve as exciting targets for cancer therapy. Current TAM receptor-directed therapies in preclinical development and clinical trials may have anti-cancer effects though impacting macrophage phenotype and function in addition to the cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla V. Myers
- 0000 0001 2171 9311grid.21107.35Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA ,0000 0001 2171 9311grid.21107.35The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Department of Urology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Sarah R. Amend
- 0000 0001 2171 9311grid.21107.35The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Department of Urology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Kenneth J. Pienta
- 0000 0001 2171 9311grid.21107.35Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA ,0000 0001 2171 9311grid.21107.35The James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Department of Urology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA ,0000 0001 2171 9311grid.21107.35Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA ,0000 0001 2171 9311grid.21107.35Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA
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20
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A niche-dependent myeloid transcriptome signature defines dormant myeloma cells. Blood 2019; 134:30-43. [PMID: 31023703 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2018880930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The era of targeted therapies has seen significant improvements in depth of response, progression-free survival, and overall survival for patients with multiple myeloma. Despite these improvements in clinical outcome, patients inevitably relapse and require further treatment. Drug-resistant dormant myeloma cells that reside in specific niches within the skeleton are considered a basis of disease relapse but remain elusive and difficult to study. Here, we developed a method to sequence the transcriptome of individual dormant myeloma cells from the bones of tumor-bearing mice. Our analyses show that dormant myeloma cells express a distinct transcriptome signature enriched for immune genes and, unexpectedly, genes associated with myeloid cell differentiation. These genes were switched on by coculture with osteoblastic cells. Targeting AXL, a gene highly expressed by dormant cells, using small-molecule inhibitors released cells from dormancy and promoted their proliferation. Analysis of the expression of AXL and coregulated genes in human cohorts showed that healthy human controls and patients with monoclonal gammopathy of uncertain significance expressed higher levels of the dormancy signature genes than patients with multiple myeloma. Furthermore, in patients with multiple myeloma, the expression of this myeloid transcriptome signature translated into a twofold increase in overall survival, indicating that this dormancy signature may be a marker of disease progression. Thus, engagement of myeloma cells with the osteoblastic niche induces expression of a suite of myeloid genes that predicts disease progression and that comprises potential drug targets to eradicate dormant myeloma cells.
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21
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Badarni M, Prasad M, Balaban N, Zorea J, Yegodayev KM, Joshua BZ, Dinur AB, Grénman R, Rotblat B, Cohen L, Elkabets M. Repression of AXL expression by AP-1/JNK blockage overcomes resistance to PI3Ka therapy. JCI Insight 2019; 5:125341. [PMID: 30860495 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.125341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
AXL overexpression is a common resistance mechanism to anti-cancer therapies, including the resistance to BYL719 (Alpelisib) - the p110α isoform specific inhibitor of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) - in esophagus and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC, HNSCC respectively). However, the mechanisms underlying AXL overexpression in resistance to BYL719 remain elusive. Here we demonstrated that the AP-1 transcription factors, c-JUN and c-FOS, regulate AXL overexpression in HNSCC and ESCC. The expression of AXL was correlated with that of c-JUN both in HNSCC patients and in HNSCC and ESCC cell lines. Silencing of c-JUN and c-FOS expression in tumor cells downregulated AXL expression and enhanced the sensitivity of human papilloma virus positive (HPVPos) and negative (HPVNeg) tumor cells to BYL719 in vitro. Blocking of the c-JUN N-terminal kinase (JNK) using SP600125 in combination with BYL719 showed a synergistic anti-proliferative effect in vitro, which was accompanied by AXL downregulation and potent inhibition of the mTOR pathway. In vivo, the BYL719-SP600125 drug combination led to the arrest of tumor growth in cell line-derived and patient-derived xenograft models, and in syngeneic head and neck murine cancer models. Collectively, our data suggests that JNK inhibition in combination with anti-PI3K therapy is a new therapeutic strategy that should be tested in HPVPos and HPVNeg HNSCC and ESCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Badarni
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, and.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Manu Prasad
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, and.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Noa Balaban
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, and.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Jonathan Zorea
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, and.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Ksenia M Yegodayev
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, and.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Ben-Zion Joshua
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.,Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Anat Bahat Dinur
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.,Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Reidar Grénman
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Turku University and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Barak Rotblat
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, and.,The National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Limor Cohen
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, and.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Moshe Elkabets
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, and.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
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22
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Sabnis AJ, Bivona TG. Principles of Resistance to Targeted Cancer Therapy: Lessons from Basic and Translational Cancer Biology. Trends Mol Med 2019; 25:185-197. [PMID: 30686761 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2018.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 12/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Identification of the genomic drivers of cancer has led to the clinical development of targeted therapies that strike at the heart of many malignancies. Nonetheless, many cancers outsmart such precision-medicine efforts, and thus therapeutic resistance contributes significantly to cancer mortality. Attempts to understand the basis for resistance in patient samples and laboratory models has yielded two major benefits: one, more effective chemical inhibitors and rational combination therapies are now employed to prevent or circumvent resistance pathways; and two, our understanding of how oncogenic mutations drive cancer cell survival and oncogene addiction is deeper and broader, highlighting downstream or parallel cellular programs that shape these phenotypes. This review discusses emerging principles of resistance to therapies targeted against key oncogenic drivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit J Sabnis
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Trever G Bivona
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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23
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Quinn JM, Greenwade MM, Palisoul ML, Opara G, Massad K, Guo L, Zhao P, Beck-Noia H, Hagemann IS, Hagemann AR, McCourt CK, Thaker PH, Powell MA, Mutch DG, Fuh KC. Therapeutic Inhibition of the Receptor Tyrosine Kinase AXL Improves Sensitivity to Platinum and Taxane in Ovarian Cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2018; 18:389-398. [PMID: 30478151 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-18-0537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer, one of the deadliest malignancies in female cancer patients, is characterized by recurrence and poor response to cytotoxic chemotherapies. Fewer than 30% of patients with resistant disease will respond to additional chemotherapy treatments. This study aims to determine whether and how inhibition of the receptor tyrosine kinase AXL can restore sensitivity to first-line platinum and taxane therapy in ovarian cancer. AXL staining was quantified in a patient tissue microarray and correlated with chemoresponse of patients. We used small hairpin RNAs to knock down AXL expression and the small-molecule inhibitor BGB324 to inhibit AXL and assessed sensitivity of cell lines and primary patient-derived cells to chemotherapy. We quantified platinum accumulation by inductivity-coupled plasma phase mass spectrometry. Finally, we treated chemoresistant patient-derived xenografts with chemotherapy, BGB324, or chemotherapy plus BGB324 and monitored tumor burden. AXL expression was higher in chemoresistant patient tumors and cell lines than in chemosensitive tumors and cell lines. AXL staining significantly predicted chemoresponse. Knockdown and inhibition of AXL dose-dependently improved response to paclitaxel and carboplatin in both cell lines and primary cells. AXL inhibition increased platinum accumulation by 2-fold (*, P < 0.05). In vivo studies indicated that AXL inhibition enhanced the ability of chemotherapy to prevent tumor growth (****, P < 0.0001). AXL contributes to platinum and taxane resistance in ovarian cancer, and inhibition of AXL improves chemoresponse and accumulation of chemotherapy drugs. This study supports continued investigation into AXL as a clinical target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne M Quinn
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri.,Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Molly M Greenwade
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri.,Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Marguerite L Palisoul
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri.,Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Gregory Opara
- Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Katina Massad
- Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Lei Guo
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri.,Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Peinan Zhao
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Hollie Beck-Noia
- Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Ian S Hagemann
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Andrea R Hagemann
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Carolyn K McCourt
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Premal H Thaker
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Matthew A Powell
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - David G Mutch
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Katherine C Fuh
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri. .,Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
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24
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Du W, Brekken RA. Does Axl have potential as a therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer? Expert Opin Ther Targets 2018; 22:955-966. [PMID: 30244621 PMCID: PMC6292430 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2018.1527315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pancreatic cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death. Metastasis, therapy resistance, and immunosuppression are dominant characteristics of pancreatic tumors. Strategies that enhance the efficacy of standard of care and/or immune therapy are likely the most efficient route to improve overall survival in this disease. Areas covered: Axl, a member of the TAM (Tyro3, Axl, MerTK) family of receptor tyrosine kinases, is involved in cell plasticity, chemoresistance, immune suppression, and metastasis in various cancers, including pancreatic cancer. This review provides an overview of Axl and its function in normal conditions, summarizes the regulation and function of Axl in cancer, and highlights the contribution of Axl to pancreatic cancer as well as its potential as a therapeutic target. Expert opinion: Axl is an attractive therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer because it contributes to many of the roadblocks that hamper therapeutic efficacy. Clinical evidence supporting Axl inhibition in pancreatic cancer is currently limited; however, multiple clinical trials have been initiated or are in the planning phase to test the effect of inhibiting Axl in conjunction with standard therapy in pancreatic cancer patients. We anticipate that these studies will provide robust validation of Axl as a therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer.
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25
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Mills KA, Roach ST, Quinn JM, Guo L, Beck HM, Lomonosova E, Ilivicky AR, Starks CM, Lawrence JA, Hagemann AR, McCourt C, Thaker PH, Powell MA, Mutch DG, Fuh KC. SQ1274, a novel microtubule inhibitor, inhibits ovarian and uterine cancer cell growth. Gynecol Oncol 2018; 151:337-344. [PMID: 30190114 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2018.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Revised: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Paclitaxel, a microtubule inhibitor, is subject to tumor resistance while treating high-grade serous ovarian and uterine cancer. This study aims to directly compare the effects of SQ1274, a novel microtubule inhibitor that binds to the colchicine-binding site on tubulin, and paclitaxel in high-grade serous ovarian and uterine cancer cell lines both in vitro and in vivo. METHODS We assessed the sensitivity of ovarian (OVCAR8) and uterine (ARK1) cancer cell lines to SQ1274 and paclitaxel using XTT assays. We used western blot and quantitative real-time PCR to analyze changes in AXL RNA and protein expression by SQ1274 and paclitaxel. Differences in cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis were investigated using flow cytometry. Finally, we treated ovarian and uterine xenograft models with vehicle, paclitaxel, or SQ1274. RESULTS First, we demonstrate that SQ1274 has a much lower IC50 than paclitaxel in both ARK1 (1.26 nM vs. 15.34 nM, respectively) and OVCAR8 (1.34 nM vs. 10.29 nM, respectively) cancer cell lines. Second, we show SQ1274 decreases both RNA and protein expression of AXL. Third, we show that SQ1274 causes increased cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis compared to paclitaxel. Finally, we report that SQ1274 more effectively inhibits tumor growth in vivo compared to paclitaxel. CONCLUSIONS SQ1274 presents as a viable alternative to paclitaxel for treating ovarian and uterine cancer. This study supports the development of SQ1274 as a chemotherapeutic to treat ovarian and uterine cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn A Mills
- Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, 425 S. Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States of America; Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States of America
| | - S Tanner Roach
- Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, 425 S. Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States of America
| | - Jeanne M Quinn
- Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, 425 S. Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States of America
| | - Lei Guo
- Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, 425 S. Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States of America
| | - Hollie M Beck
- Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, 425 S. Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States of America
| | - Elena Lomonosova
- Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, 425 S. Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States of America
| | - Anna R Ilivicky
- Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, 425 S. Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States of America
| | - Courtney M Starks
- Sequoia Sciences, 1912 Innerbelt Business Center Drive, St. Louis, MO 63114, United States of America
| | - Julie A Lawrence
- Sequoia Sciences, 1912 Innerbelt Business Center Drive, St. Louis, MO 63114, United States of America
| | - Andrea R Hagemann
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States of America
| | - Carolyn McCourt
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States of America
| | - Premal H Thaker
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States of America
| | - Matthew A Powell
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States of America
| | - David G Mutch
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States of America
| | - Katherine C Fuh
- Center for Reproductive Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, 425 S. Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States of America; Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States of America.
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