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Göbel A, Rachner TD, Hoffmann O, Klotz DM, Kasimir-Bauer S, Kimmig R, Hofbauer LC, Bittner AK. High serum levels of leucine-rich α-2 glycoprotein 1 (LRG-1) are associated with poor survival in patients with early breast cancer. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2024; 309:2789-2798. [PMID: 38413424 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-024-07434-0] [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: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leucine-rich α-2 glycoprotein 1 (LRG-1) is a secreted glycoprotein that is mainly produced in the liver. Elevated levels of LRG-1 are found in a multitude of pathological conditions including eye diseases, diabetes, infections, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. In patients with early breast cancer (BC), high intratumoral LRG-1 protein expression levels are associated with reduced survival. In this study, we assessed serum levels of LRG-1 in patients with early BC and investigated its correlation with the presence of disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) in the bone marrow and survival outcomes. METHODS Serum LRG-1 levels of 509 BC patients were determined using ELISA and DTCs were assessed by immunocytochemistry using the pan-cytokeratin antibody A45-B/B3. We stratified LRG-1 levels according to selected clinical parameters. Using the log-rank (Mantel-Cox) test and multivariate Cox regression analysis, Kaplan-Meier survival curves and prognostic relevance were assessed. RESULTS Mean serum levels of LRG-1 were 29.70 ± 8.67 µg/ml. Age was positively correlated with LRG-1 expression (r = 0.19; p < 0.0001) and significantly higher LRG-1 levels were found in patients over 60 years compared to younger ones (30.49 ± 8.63 µg/ml vs. 28.85 ± 8.63 µg/ml; p = 0.011) and in postmenopausal patients compared to premenopausal patients (30.15 ± 8.34 µg/ml vs. 26.936.94 µg/ml; p = 0.002). Patients with no DTCs showed significantly elevated LRG-1 levels compared to the DTC-positive group (30.51 ± 8.69 µg/ml vs. 28.51 ± 8.54 µg/ml; p = 0.004). Overall and BC-specific survival was significantly lower in patients with high serum LRG-1 levels (above a cut-off of 33.63 µg/ml) compared to patients with lower LRG-1 levels during a mean follow-up of 8.5 years (24.8% vs. 11.1% BC-specific death; p = 0.0003; odds ratio 2.63, 95%CI: 1.56-4.36). Multivariate analyses revealed that LRG-1 is an independent prognostic marker for BC-specific survival (p = 0.001; hazard ratio 2.61). CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the potential of LRG-1 as an independent prognostic biomarker in patients with early BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy Göbel
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolic Bone Diseases, Department of Medicine III, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
- Center for Healthy Ageing Department of Medicine III, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Dresden, Germany.
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Tilman D Rachner
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolic Bone Diseases, Department of Medicine III, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Center for Healthy Ageing Department of Medicine III, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Oliver Hoffmann
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), NCT West, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Daniel Martin Klotz
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Dresden, Germany
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
| | - Sabine Kasimir-Bauer
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), NCT West, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rainer Kimmig
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), NCT West, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lorenz C Hofbauer
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolic Bone Diseases, Department of Medicine III, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Center for Healthy Ageing Department of Medicine III, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ann-Kathrin Bittner
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), NCT West, Heidelberg, Germany
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Fahrmann JF, Wasylishen AR, Pieterman CRC, Irajizad E, Vykoukal J, Wu R, Dennison JB, Peterson CB, Zhao H, Do KA, Halperin DM, Agarwal SK, Blau JE, Jha S, Rivero JD, Nilubol N, Walter MF, Welch JM, Weinstein LS, Vriens MR, van Leeuwaarde RS, van Treijen MJC, Valk GD, Perrier ND, Hanash SM, Katayama H. Blood-based Proteomic Signatures Associated With MEN1-related Duodenopancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor Progression. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 108:3260-3271. [PMID: 37307230 PMCID: PMC11032251 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) are predisposed to develop duodenopancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (dpNETs), and metastatic dpNET is the primary cause of disease-related mortality. Presently, there is a paucity of prognostic factors that can reliably identify patients with MEN1-related dpNETS who are at high risk of distant metastasis. In the current study, we aimed to establish novel circulating molecular protein signatures associated with disease progression. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Mass spectrometry-based proteomic profiling was conducted on plasmas procured through an international collaboration between MD Anderson Cancer Center, the National Institutes of Health, and the University Medical Center Utrecht from a cohort of 56 patients with MEN1 [14 with distant metastasis dpNETs (cases) and 42 with either indolent dpNETs or no dpNETs (controls)]. Findings were compared to proteomic profiles generated from serially collected plasmas from a mouse model of Men1-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (Men1fl/flPdx1-CreTg) and control mice (Men1fl/fl). RESULTS A total of 187 proteins were found to be elevated in MEN1 patients with distant metastasis compared to controls, including 9 proteins previously associated with pancreatic cancer and other neuronal proteins. Analyses of mouse plasmas revealed 196 proteins enriched for transcriptional targets of oncogenic MYCN, YAP1, POU5F1, and SMAD that were associated with disease progression in Men1fl/flPdx1-CreTg mice. Cross-species intersection revealed 19 proteins positively associated with disease progression in both human patients and in Men1fl/flPdx1-CreTg mice. CONCLUSIONS Our integrated analyses identified novel circulating protein markers associated with disease progression in MEN1-related dpNET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes F Fahrmann
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Amanda R Wasylishen
- Department of Genetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Carolina R C Pieterman
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Section of Surgical Endocrinology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Endocrine Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3508 GA, the Netherlands
| | - Ehsan Irajizad
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jody Vykoukal
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ranran Wu
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jennifer B Dennison
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Christine B Peterson
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hua Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA
| | - Kim-Anh Do
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Daniel M Halperin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sunita K Agarwal
- Metabolic Diseases Branch, The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jenny E Blau
- Metabolic Diseases Branch, The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Smita Jha
- Metabolic Diseases Branch, The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jaydira Del Rivero
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, The National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Naris Nilubol
- Surgical Oncology Program, The National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Mary F Walter
- Core for Clinical Laboratory Services, The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - James M Welch
- Metabolic Diseases Branch, The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Lee S Weinstein
- Metabolic Diseases Branch, The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Menno R Vriens
- Department of Surgical Oncology and Endocrine Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CX, the Netherlands
- Center for Neuroendocrine Tumors, ENETS Center of Excellence, Netherlands Cancer Institute Amsterdam, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrect 1066 CX, the Netherlands
| | - Rachel S van Leeuwaarde
- Center for Neuroendocrine Tumors, ENETS Center of Excellence, Netherlands Cancer Institute Amsterdam, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrect 1066 CX, the Netherlands
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Mark J C van Treijen
- Center for Neuroendocrine Tumors, ENETS Center of Excellence, Netherlands Cancer Institute Amsterdam, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrect 1066 CX, the Netherlands
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Gerlof D Valk
- Center for Neuroendocrine Tumors, ENETS Center of Excellence, Netherlands Cancer Institute Amsterdam, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrect 1066 CX, the Netherlands
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Nancy D Perrier
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Section of Surgical Endocrinology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Samir M Hanash
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hiroyuki Katayama
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Kaçmaz M, Oğuzman H. The Leucine-Rich α2-Glycoprotein-1 Levels in Patients with Multiple Myeloma. Oncol Res Treat 2023; 46:415-423. [PMID: 37527638 DOI: 10.1159/000532042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Angiogenesis is considered important in the pathogenesis of multiple myeloma (MM), as well as in the targeted treatment of the disease. Leucine-rich α2-glycoprotein 1 (LRG1) is a protein that participates in angiogenesis and its effect on solid organ tumors has been investigated recently. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between MM and LRG1. METHODS The MM patients who admitted to Hatay Mustafa Kemal University Hematology Clinic between September 2021 and October 2022 were included in the study. The study consists of a total of 4 groups: newly diagnosed MM (NDMM), relapsed refractory MM (RRMM), MM in remission (Rem-MM), and control group. Demographic data were retrieved from hospital records. Blood samples of our study groups were centrifuged at 1,500 × g for 10 min and serum was collected. LRG1, IL-6, IL-8, TGF-β1, HIF-1α, FGF-2, and VEGF levels were analyzed in all groups by ELISA method, and statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS A total of 112 individuals, including NDMM (n: 27), RRMM (n: 18), Rem-MM (n: 42), and control group (n: 25), were enrolled in the study. Based on the analyses, the NDMM group exhibited significantly elevated levels of LRG1 (p < 0.001), TGF-1 (p < 0.001), and HIF-1α (p = 0.046, p < 0.001, and p = 0.003 compared to the RRMM, Rem-MM, and control groups, respectively) compared to the other groups. LRG1 levels were positively correlated with creatinine (r: 0.363, p = 0.001), calcium (r: 0.344, p = 0.001), total protein (r: 0.473, p < 0.001), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (r: 0.547, p < 0.001), lactate dehydrogenase (r: 0.321, p = 0.003), beta-2-microglobulin (r: 0.312, p = 0.017), IL-6 (r: 0.478, p < 0.001), IL-8 (r: 0.240, p = 0.03), TGF-β1 (r: 0.521, p < 0.001), and HIF-1α (r: 0.321, p = 0.003) levels and were negatively correlated with hemoglobin (r: -0.512, p < 0.001) and albumin (r: -0.549, p < 0.001) levels. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis revealed the association of LRG1 with the highest AUC value of 0.959 (95% CI: 0.904-1, p < 0.001) and the optimal cut-off value of 534.95 ng/mL (sensitivity: 93% and specificity: 99%) in the NDMM group compared to the control group. CONCLUSION In this study, providing data for the first time on LRG1 levels in the setting of MM. LRG1 levels were found to be significantly higher in NDMM patients and in our study discriminate this patient population from RRMM, Rem-MM, and normal controls. Therefore, LRG1 seems to a potential biomarker that should be evaluated in future studies addressing the diagnosis, staging, follow-up, prognosis, and treatment target of MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat Kaçmaz
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Antakya, Turkey
| | - Hamdi Oğuzman
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, Antakya, Turkey
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Zou Y, Xu Y, Chen X, Wu Y, Fu L, Lv Y. Research Progress on Leucine-Rich Alpha-2 Glycoprotein 1: A Review. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:809225. [PMID: 35095520 PMCID: PMC8797156 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.809225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Leucine-rich alpha⁃2 glycoprotein 1 (LRG1) is an important member of the leucine-rich repetitive sequence protein family. LRG1 was mainly involved in normal physiological activities of the nervous system, such as synapse formation, synapse growth, the development of nerve processes, neurotransmitter transfer and release, and cell adhesion molecules or ligand-binding proteins. Also, LRG1 affected the development of respiratory diseases, hematological diseases, endocrine diseases, tumor diseases, eye diseases, cardiovascular diseases, rheumatic immune diseases, infectious diseases, etc. LRG1 was a newly discovered important upstream signaling molecule of transforming growth factor⁃β (TGF⁃β) that affected various pathological processes through the TGF⁃β signaling pathway. However, research on LRG1 and its involvement in the occurrence and development of diseases was still in its infancy and the current studies were mainly focused on proteomic detection and basic animal experimental reports. We could reasonably predict that LRG1 might act as a new direction and strategy for the treatment of many diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonghui Zou
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,School of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yi Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,School of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xiaofeng Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,School of Clinical Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yaoqi Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,College of Pharmacy, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Longsheng Fu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yanni Lv
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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Camilli C, Hoeh AE, De Rossi G, Moss SE, Greenwood J. LRG1: an emerging player in disease pathogenesis. J Biomed Sci 2022; 29:6. [PMID: 35062948 PMCID: PMC8781713 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-022-00790-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The secreted glycoprotein leucine-rich α-2 glycoprotein 1 (LRG1) was first described as a key player in pathogenic ocular neovascularization almost a decade ago. Since then, an increasing number of publications have reported the involvement of LRG1 in multiple human conditions including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, neurological disease, and inflammatory disorders. The purpose of this review is to provide, for the first time, a comprehensive overview of the LRG1 literature considering its role in health and disease. Although LRG1 is constitutively expressed by hepatocytes and neutrophils, Lrg1-/- mice show no overt phenotypic abnormality suggesting that LRG1 is essentially redundant in development and homeostasis. However, emerging data are challenging this view by suggesting a novel role for LRG1 in innate immunity and preservation of tissue integrity. While our understanding of beneficial LRG1 functions in physiology remains limited, a consistent body of evidence shows that, in response to various inflammatory stimuli, LRG1 expression is induced and directly contributes to disease pathogenesis. Its potential role as a biomarker for the diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of multiple conditions is widely discussed while dissecting the mechanisms underlying LRG1 pathogenic functions. Emphasis is given to the role that LRG1 plays as a vasculopathic factor where it disrupts the cellular interactions normally required for the formation and maintenance of mature vessels, thereby indirectly contributing to the establishment of a highly hypoxic and immunosuppressive microenvironment. In addition, LRG1 has also been reported to affect other cell types (including epithelial, immune, mesenchymal and cancer cells) mostly by modulating the TGFβ signalling pathway in a context-dependent manner. Crucially, animal studies have shown that LRG1 inhibition, through gene deletion or a function-blocking antibody, is sufficient to attenuate disease progression. In view of this, and taking into consideration its role as an upstream modifier of TGFβ signalling, LRG1 is suggested as a potentially important therapeutic target. While further investigations are needed to fill gaps in our current understanding of LRG1 function, the studies reviewed here confirm LRG1 as a pleiotropic and pathogenic signalling molecule providing a strong rationale for its use in the clinic as a biomarker and therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlotta Camilli
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Alexandra E Hoeh
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Giulia De Rossi
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Stephen E Moss
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | - John Greenwood
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
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O'Connor MN, Kallenberg DM, Camilli C, Pilotti C, Dritsoula A, Jackstadt R, Bowers CE, Watson HA, Alatsatianos M, Ohme J, Dowsett L, George J, Blackburn JWD, Wang X, Singhal M, Augustin HG, Ager A, Sansom OJ, Moss SE, Greenwood J. LRG1 destabilizes tumor vessels and restricts immunotherapeutic potency. MED 2021; 2:1231-1252.e10. [PMID: 35590198 PMCID: PMC7614757 DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2021.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A poorly functioning tumor vasculature is pro-oncogenic and may impede the delivery of therapeutics. Normalizing the vasculature, therefore, may be beneficial. We previously reported that the secreted glycoprotein leucine-rich α-2-glycoprotein 1 (LRG1) contributes to pathogenic neovascularization. Here, we investigate whether LRG1 in tumors is vasculopathic and whether its inhibition has therapeutic utility. METHODS Tumor growth and vascular structure were analyzed in subcutaneous and genetically engineered mouse models in wild-type and Lrg1 knockout mice. The effects of LRG1 antibody blockade as monotherapy, or in combination with co-therapies, on vascular function, tumor growth, and infiltrated lymphocytes were investigated. FINDINGS In mouse models of cancer, Lrg1 expression was induced in tumor endothelial cells, consistent with an increase in protein expression in human cancers. The expression of LRG1 affected tumor progression as Lrg1 gene deletion, or treatment with a LRG1 function-blocking antibody, inhibited tumor growth and improved survival. Inhibition of LRG1 increased endothelial cell pericyte coverage and improved vascular function, resulting in enhanced efficacy of cisplatin chemotherapy, adoptive T cell therapy, and immune checkpoint inhibition (anti-PD1) therapy. With immunotherapy, LRG1 inhibition led to a significant shift in the tumor microenvironment from being predominantly immune silent to immune active. CONCLUSIONS LRG1 drives vascular abnormalization, and its inhibition represents a novel and effective means of improving the efficacy of cancer therapeutics. FUNDING Wellcome Trust (206413/B/17/Z), UKRI/MRC (G1000466, MR/N006410/1, MC/PC/14118, and MR/L008742/1), BHF (PG/16/50/32182), Health and Care Research Wales (CA05), CRUK (C42412/A24416 and A17196), ERC (ColonCan 311301 and AngioMature 787181), and DFG (CRC1366).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie N O'Connor
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London SE5 8BN, UK
| | - David M Kallenberg
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London SE5 8BN, UK
| | - Carlotta Camilli
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London SE5 8BN, UK
| | - Camilla Pilotti
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London SE5 8BN, UK
| | - Athina Dritsoula
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London SE5 8BN, UK
| | - Rene Jackstadt
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Chantelle E Bowers
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London SE5 8BN, UK
| | - H Angharad Watson
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine and Systems Immunity University Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Markella Alatsatianos
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine and Systems Immunity University Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Julia Ohme
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine and Systems Immunity University Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Laura Dowsett
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London SE5 8BN, UK
| | - Jestin George
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London SE5 8BN, UK
| | - Jack W D Blackburn
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London SE5 8BN, UK
| | - Xiaomeng Wang
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London SE5 8BN, UK
| | - Mahak Singhal
- Division of Vascular Oncology and Metastasis, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance), Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Vascular Biology and Tumor Angiogenesis, European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Hellmut G Augustin
- Division of Vascular Oncology and Metastasis, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance), Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Vascular Biology and Tumor Angiogenesis, European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Ann Ager
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine and Systems Immunity University Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Owen J Sansom
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK; Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Stephen E Moss
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London SE5 8BN, UK.
| | - John Greenwood
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London SE5 8BN, UK.
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Kwan YP, Teo MHY, Lim JCW, Tan MS, Rosellinny G, Wahli W, Wang X. LRG1 Promotes Metastatic Dissemination of Melanoma through Regulating EGFR/STAT3 Signalling. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3279. [PMID: 34208965 PMCID: PMC8269286 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Although less common, melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer largely due to its highly metastatic nature. Currently, there are limited treatment options for metastatic melanoma and many of them could cause serious side effects. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the complex disease pathophysiology of metastatic melanoma may lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets and facilitate the development of targeted therapeutics. In this study, we investigated the role of leucine-rich α-2-glycoprotein 1 (LRG1) in melanoma development and progression. We first established the association between LRG1 and melanoma in both human patient biopsies and mouse melanoma cell lines and revealed a significant induction of LRG1 expression in metastatic melanoma cells. We then showed no change in tumour cell growth, proliferation, and angiogenesis in the absence of the host Lrg1. On the other hand, there was reduced melanoma cell metastasis to the lungs in Lrg1-deficient mice. This observation was supported by the promoting effect of LRG1 in melanoma cell migration, invasion, and adhesion. Mechanistically, LRG1 mediates melanoma cell invasiveness in an EGFR/STAT3-dependent manner. Taken together, our studies provided compelling evidence that LRG1 is required for melanoma metastasis but not growth. Targeting LRG1 may offer an alternative strategy to control malignant melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuet Ping Kwan
- Centre for Vision Research, Duke NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore 169857, Singapore; (Y.P.K.); (M.H.Y.T.); (G.R.)
- Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI) The Academia, 20 College Road, Level 6 Discovery Tower, Singapore 169856, Singapore
| | - Melissa Hui Yen Teo
- Centre for Vision Research, Duke NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore 169857, Singapore; (Y.P.K.); (M.H.Y.T.); (G.R.)
- Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI) The Academia, 20 College Road, Level 6 Discovery Tower, Singapore 169856, Singapore
| | - Jonathan Chee Woei Lim
- Pharmacotherapeutics Unit, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia;
| | - Michelle Siying Tan
- Department of Surgery, Yong Yoo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, MD6, 14 Medical Drive, Singapore 117599, Singapore;
| | - Graciella Rosellinny
- Centre for Vision Research, Duke NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore 169857, Singapore; (Y.P.K.); (M.H.Y.T.); (G.R.)
- Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI) The Academia, 20 College Road, Level 6 Discovery Tower, Singapore 169856, Singapore
| | - Walter Wahli
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Université de Lausanne, Le Génopode, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland;
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Clinical Sciences Building, 11 Mandalay Road, Singapore 308232, Singapore
- Toxalim (Research Center in Food Toxicology), INRAE, ENVT, INP-PURPAN, UMR 1331, UPS, Université de Toulouse, F-31027 Toulouse, France
| | - Xiaomeng Wang
- Centre for Vision Research, Duke NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore 169857, Singapore; (Y.P.K.); (M.H.Y.T.); (G.R.)
- Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI) The Academia, 20 College Road, Level 6 Discovery Tower, Singapore 169856, Singapore
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Proteos, 61 Biopolis Dr, Singapore 138673, Singapore
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8
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Geary B, Peat E, Dransfield S, Cook N, Thistlethwaite F, Graham D, Carter L, Hughes A, Krebs MG, Whetton AD. Discovery and Evaluation of Protein Biomarkers as a Signature of Wellness in Late-Stage Cancer Patients in Early Phase Clinical Trials. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13102443. [PMID: 34069985 PMCID: PMC8157875 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
TARGET (tumour characterisation to guide experimental targeted therapy) is a cancer precision medicine programme focused on molecular characterisation of patients entering early phase clinical trials. Performance status (PS) measures a patient's ability to perform a variety of activities. However, the quality of present algorithms to assess PS is limited and based on qualitative clinician assessment. Plasma samples from patients enrolled into TARGET were analysed using the mass spectrometry (MS) technique: sequential window acquisition of all theoretical fragment ion spectra (SWATH)-MS. SWATH-MS was used on a discovery cohort of 55 patients to differentiate patients into either a good or poor prognosis by creation of a Wellness Score (WS) that showed stronger prediction of overall survival (p = 0.000551) compared to PS (p = 0.001). WS was then tested against a validation cohort of 77 patients showing significant (p = 0.000451) prediction of overall survival. WS in both sets had receiver operating characteristic curve area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.76 (p = 0.002) and 0.67 (p = 0.011): AUC of PS was 0.70 (p = 0.117) and 0.55 (p = 0.548). These signatures can now be evaluated further in larger patient populations to assess their utility in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany Geary
- Stoller Biomarker Discovery Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9NQ, UK;
- Division of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK; (F.T.); (L.C.); (A.H.)
| | - Erin Peat
- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M20 4BX, UK; (E.P.); (S.D.); (N.C.); (D.G.)
| | - Sarah Dransfield
- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M20 4BX, UK; (E.P.); (S.D.); (N.C.); (D.G.)
| | - Natalie Cook
- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M20 4BX, UK; (E.P.); (S.D.); (N.C.); (D.G.)
| | - Fiona Thistlethwaite
- Division of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK; (F.T.); (L.C.); (A.H.)
- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M20 4BX, UK; (E.P.); (S.D.); (N.C.); (D.G.)
| | - Donna Graham
- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M20 4BX, UK; (E.P.); (S.D.); (N.C.); (D.G.)
| | - Louise Carter
- Division of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK; (F.T.); (L.C.); (A.H.)
- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M20 4BX, UK; (E.P.); (S.D.); (N.C.); (D.G.)
| | - Andrew Hughes
- Division of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK; (F.T.); (L.C.); (A.H.)
| | - Matthew G. Krebs
- Division of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK; (F.T.); (L.C.); (A.H.)
- The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester M20 4BX, UK; (E.P.); (S.D.); (N.C.); (D.G.)
- Correspondence: (M.G.K.); (A.D.W.); Tel.: +44-(0)161-275-6267 (A.D.W.)
| | - Anthony D. Whetton
- Stoller Biomarker Discovery Centre, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9NQ, UK;
- Division of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK; (F.T.); (L.C.); (A.H.)
- Manchester National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester M13 9WL, UK
- Correspondence: (M.G.K.); (A.D.W.); Tel.: +44-(0)161-275-6267 (A.D.W.)
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