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Yuan Y, Wu D, Hou Y, Zhang Y, Tan C, Nie X, Zhao Z, Hou J. Wnt signaling: Modulating tumor-associated macrophages and related immunotherapeutic insights. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 223:116154. [PMID: 38513742 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Wnt signaling pathways are highly conserved cascades that mediate multiple biological processes through canonical or noncanonical pathways, from embryonic development to tissue maintenance, but they also contribute to the pathogenesis of numerous cancers. Recent studies have revealed that Wnt signaling pathways critically control the interplay between cancer cells and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and potentially impact the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we summarize the evidence that Wnt signaling pathways boost the maturation and infiltration of macrophages for immune surveillance in the steady state but also polarize TAMs toward immunosuppressive M2-like phenotypes for immune escape in the TME. Both cancer cells and TAMs utilize Wnt signaling to transmit signals, and this interaction is crucial for the carcinogenesis and progression of common solid cancers, such as colorectal, gastric, hepatocellular, breast, thyroid, prostate, kidney, and lung cancers; osteosarcoma; and glioma. Specifically, compared with those in solid cancers, Wnt signaling pathways play a distinct role in the pathogenesis of leukemia. Efforts to develop Wnt-based drugs for cancer treatment are still ongoing, and some indeed enhance the anticancer immune response. We believe that the combination of Wnt signaling-based therapy with conventional or immune therapies is a promising therapeutic approach and can facilitate personalized treatment for most cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimeng Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Department of Urinary Surgery, Huaihe Hospital, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Dapeng Wu
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Department of Urinary Surgery, Huaihe Hospital, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Yifan Hou
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Department of Urinary Surgery, Huaihe Hospital, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Department of Urinary Surgery, Huaihe Hospital, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Cong Tan
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Department of Urinary Surgery, Huaihe Hospital, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Xiaobo Nie
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Department of Urinary Surgery, Huaihe Hospital, Henan University, Kaifeng, China; Henan Provincial Research Center for the Prevention and Diagnosis of Prostate Diseases, Henan University, Kaifeng, China.
| | - Zhenhua Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Department of Urinary Surgery, Huaihe Hospital, Henan University, Kaifeng, China; Henan Provincial Research Center for the Prevention and Diagnosis of Prostate Diseases, Henan University, Kaifeng, China.
| | - Junqing Hou
- Kaifeng 155 Hospital, China RongTong Medical Healthcare Group Co. Ltd., Kaifeng, China; Henan Provincial Research Center for the Prevention and Diagnosis of Prostate Diseases, Henan University, Kaifeng, China.
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2
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MacLean MR, Walker OL, Arun RP, Fernando W, Marcato P. Informed by Cancer Stem Cells of Solid Tumors: Advances in Treatments Targeting Tumor-Promoting Factors and Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4102. [PMID: 38612911 PMCID: PMC11012648 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a subpopulation within tumors that promote cancer progression, metastasis, and recurrence due to their self-renewal capacity and resistance to conventional therapies. CSC-specific markers and signaling pathways highly active in CSCs have emerged as a promising strategy for improving patient outcomes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the therapeutic targets associated with CSCs of solid tumors across various cancer types, including key molecular markers aldehyde dehydrogenases, CD44, epithelial cellular adhesion molecule, and CD133 and signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, and Sonic Hedgehog. We discuss a wide array of therapeutic modalities ranging from targeted antibodies, small molecule inhibitors, and near-infrared photoimmunotherapy to advanced genetic approaches like RNA interference, CRISPR/Cas9 technology, aptamers, antisense oligonucleotides, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, CAR natural killer cells, bispecific T cell engagers, immunotoxins, drug-antibody conjugates, therapeutic peptides, and dendritic cell vaccines. This review spans developments from preclinical investigations to ongoing clinical trials, highlighting the innovative targeting strategies that have been informed by CSC-associated pathways and molecules to overcome therapeutic resistance. We aim to provide insights into the potential of these therapies to revolutionize cancer treatment, underscoring the critical need for a multi-faceted approach in the battle against cancer. This comprehensive analysis demonstrates how advances made in the CSC field have informed significant developments in novel targeted therapeutic approaches, with the ultimate goal of achieving more effective and durable responses in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya R. MacLean
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Olivia L. Walker
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Raj Pranap Arun
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Wasundara Fernando
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - Paola Marcato
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
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3
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Sui X, Wang K, Song K, Xu C, Song J, Lee CW, Liao M, Farese RV, Walther TC. Mechanism of action for small-molecule inhibitors of triacylglycerol synthesis. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3100. [PMID: 37248213 PMCID: PMC10227072 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38934-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhibitors of triacylglycerol (TG) synthesis have been developed to treat metabolism-related diseases, but we know little about their mechanisms of action. Here, we report cryo-EM structures of the TG-synthesis enzyme acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1), a membrane bound O-acyltransferase (MBOAT), in complex with two different inhibitors, T863 and DGAT1IN1. Each inhibitor binds DGAT1's fatty acyl-CoA substrate binding tunnel that opens to the cytoplasmic side of the ER. T863 blocks access to the tunnel entrance, whereas DGAT1IN1 extends further into the enzyme, with an amide group interacting with more deeply buried catalytic residues. A survey of DGAT1 inhibitors revealed that this amide group may serve as a common pharmacophore for inhibition of MBOATs. The inhibitors were minimally active against the related MBOAT acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase 1 (ACAT1), yet a single-residue mutation sensitized ACAT1 for inhibition. Collectively, our studies provide a structural foundation for developing DGAT1 and other MBOAT inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuewu Sui
- Department of Molecular Metabolism, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Kun Wang
- Department of Molecular Metabolism, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kangkang Song
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Cryo-EM Core Facility, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Chen Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Cryo-EM Core Facility, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jiunn Song
- Department of Molecular Metabolism, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Chia-Wei Lee
- Department of Molecular Metabolism, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maofu Liao
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Robert V Farese
- Department of Molecular Metabolism, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Cell Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Tobias C Walther
- Department of Molecular Metabolism, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Cell Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
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4
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Park WJ, Kim MJ. A New Wave of Targeting 'Undruggable' Wnt Signaling for Cancer Therapy: Challenges and Opportunities. Cells 2023; 12:cells12081110. [PMID: 37190019 DOI: 10.3390/cells12081110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant Wnt signaling activation is frequently observed in many cancers. The mutation acquisition of Wnt signaling leads to tumorigenesis, whereas the inhibition of Wnt signaling robustly suppresses tumor development in various in vivo models. Based on the excellent preclinical effect of targeting Wnt signaling, over the past 40 years, numerous Wnt-targeted therapies have been investigated for cancer treatment. However, Wnt signaling-targeting drugs are still not clinically available. A major obstacle to Wnt targeting is the concomitant side effects during treatment due to the pleiotropic role of Wnt signaling in development, tissue homeostasis, and stem cells. Additionally, the complexity of the Wnt signaling cascades across different cancer contexts hinders the development of optimized targeted therapies. Although the therapeutic targeting of Wnt signaling remains challenging, alternative strategies have been continuously developed alongside technological advances. In this review, we give an overview of current Wnt targeting strategies and discuss recent promising trials that have the potential to be clinically realized based on their mechanism of action. Furthermore, we highlight new waves of Wnt targeting that combine recently developed technologies such as PROTAC/molecular glue, antibody-drug conjugates (ADC), and anti-sense oligonucleotides (ASO), which may provide us with new opportunities to target 'undruggable' Wnt signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woo-Jung Park
- Department of Life Science, Gachon University, Seongnam 13120, Republic of Korea
| | - Moon Jong Kim
- Department of Life Science, Gachon University, Seongnam 13120, Republic of Korea
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea
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5
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The Roles of Secreted Wnt Ligands in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065349. [PMID: 36982422 PMCID: PMC10049518 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Wnt ligands are secreted signaling proteins that display a wide range of biological effects. They play key roles in stimulating Wnt signaling pathways to facilitate processes such as tissue homeostasis and regeneration. Dysregulation of Wnt signaling is a hallmark of many cancers and genetic alterations in various Wnt signaling components, which result in ligand-independent or ligand-dependent hyperactivation of the pathway that have been identified. Recently, research is focusing on the impact of Wnt signaling on the interaction between tumor cells and their micro-environment. This Wnt-mediated crosstalk can act either in a tumor promoting or suppressing fashion. In this review, we comprehensively outline the function of Wnt ligands in different tumor entities and their impact on key phenotypes, including cancer stemness, drug resistance, metastasis, and immune evasion. Lastly, we elaborate approaches to target Wnt ligands in cancer therapy.
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6
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Phillips C, Bhamra I, Eagle C, Flanagan E, Armer R, Jones CD, Bingham M, Calcraft P, Edmenson Cook A, Thompson B, Woodcock SA. The Wnt Pathway Inhibitor RXC004 Blocks Tumor Growth and Reverses Immune Evasion in Wnt Ligand-dependent Cancer Models. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 2:914-928. [PMID: 36922934 PMCID: PMC10010340 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-21-0095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Wnt signaling is implicated in the etiology of gastrointestinal tract cancers. Targeting Wnt signaling is challenging due to on-target toxicity concerns and lack of druggable pathway components. We describe the discovery and characterization of RXC004, a potent and selective inhibitor of the membrane-bound o-acyl transferase Porcupine, essential for Wnt ligand secretion. Absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion and safety pharmacology studies were conducted with RXC004 in vitro, and pharmacokinetic exposure assessed in vivo. RXC004 effects on proliferation and tumor metabolism were explored in genetically defined colorectal and pancreatic cancer models in vitro and in vivo. RXC004 effects on immune evasion were assessed in B16F10 immune "cold" and CT26 immune "hot" murine syngeneic models, and in human cell cocultures. RXC004 showed a promising pharmacokinetic profile, inhibited Wnt ligand palmitoylation, secretion, and pathway activation, and demonstrated potent antiproliferative effects in Wnt ligand-dependent (RNF43-mutant or RSPO3-fusion) colorectal and pancreatic cell lines. Reduced tumor growth and increased cancer cell differentiation were observed in SNU-1411 (RSPO3-fusion), AsPC1 and HPAF-II (both RNF43-mutant) xenograft models, with a therapeutic window versus Wnt homeostatic functions. Additional effects of RXC004 on tumor cell metabolism were confirmed in vitro and in vivo by glucose uptake and 18fluorodeoxyglucose-PET, respectively. RXC004 stimulated host tumor immunity; reducing resident myeloid-derived suppressor cells within B16F10 tumors and synergizing with anti-programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) to increase CD8+/regulatory T cell ratios within CT26 tumors. Moreover, RXC004 reversed the immunosuppressive effects of HPAF-II cells cocultured with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, confirming the multiple anticancer mechanisms of this compound, which has progressed into phase II clinical trials. Significance Wnt pathway dysregulation drives many gastrointestinal cancers; however, there are no approved therapies that target the pathway. RXC004 has demonstrated the potential to block both tumor growth and tumor immune evasion in a genetically defined, clinically actionable subpopulation of Wnt ligand-dependent gastrointestinal cancers. The clinical utility of RXC004, and other Porcupine inhibitors, in such Wnt ligand-dependent cancers is currently being assessed in patient trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Inder Bhamra
- Redx Oncology Ltd, Redx Pharma PLC; Cheshire, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine Eagle
- Redx Oncology Ltd, Redx Pharma PLC; Cheshire, United Kingdom
| | - Eimear Flanagan
- Redx Oncology Ltd, Redx Pharma PLC; Cheshire, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Armer
- Redx Oncology Ltd, Redx Pharma PLC; Cheshire, United Kingdom
| | | | - Matilda Bingham
- Redx Oncology Ltd, Redx Pharma PLC; Cheshire, United Kingdom.,Concept Life Sciences Ltd, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Calcraft
- Redx Oncology Ltd, Redx Pharma PLC; Cheshire, United Kingdom.,Analytical Development, Flu-BPD, AstraZeneca PLC, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Alicia Edmenson Cook
- Redx Oncology Ltd, Redx Pharma PLC; Cheshire, United Kingdom.,Oncology Cell Therapy, GlaxoSmithKline PLC, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ben Thompson
- Redx Oncology Ltd, Redx Pharma PLC; Cheshire, United Kingdom.,In Vitro, RxCelerate Ltd, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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7
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Seeber A, Battaglin F, Zimmer K, Kocher F, Baca Y, Xiu J, Spizzo G, Novotny-Diermayr V, Rieder D, Puccini A, Swensen J, Ellis M, Goldberg RM, Grothey A, Shields AF, Marshall JL, Weinberg BA, Sackstein PE, Hon Lim K, San Tan G, Nabhan C, Korn WM, Amann A, Trajanoski Z, Berger MD, Lou E, Wolf D, Lenz HJ. Comprehensive analysis of R-spondin fusions and RNF43 mutations implicate novel therapeutic options in colorectal cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:1863-1870. [PMID: 35254413 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-3018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Gene fusions involving R-spondin (RSPOfp) and RNF43 mutations have been shown to drive Wnt-dependent tumor initiation in colorectal cancer (CRC). Herein, we aimed to characterize the molecular features of RSPOfp/RNF43 mutated (mut) compared to wildtype CRCs to gain insights into potential rationales for therapeutic strategies. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN A discovery cohort was classified for RSPOfp/RNF43 status using DNA/RNA sequencing and immunohistochemistry. An independent cohort was used to validate our findings. RESULTS The discovery cohort consisted of 7,245 CRC samples. RSPOfp and RNF43 mutations were detected in 1.3% (n=94) and 6.1% (n=443) of cases. We found 5 RSPO fusion events that had not previously been reported (e.g. IFNGR1-RSPO3). RNF43-mut tumors were associated with right-sided primary tumors. No RSPOfp tumors had RNF43 mutations. In comparison to wildtype CRCs, RSPOfp tumors were characterized by a higher frequency of BRAF, BMPR1A and SMAD4 mutations. APC mutations were observed in only a minority of RSPOfp-positive compared to wildtype cases (4.4 vs. 81.4%). Regarding RNF43 mutations, a higher rate of KMT2D and BRAF mutations were detectable compared to wildtype samples. While RNF43 mutations were associated with a microsatellite instability (MSI-H)/mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR) phenotype (64.3%), and a TMB {greater than or equal to}10 mt/Mb (65.8%), RSPOfp was not associated with MSI-H/dMMR. The validation cohort replicated our genetic findings. CONCLUSIONS This is the largest series of RSPOfp/RNF43-mut CRCs reported to date. Comprehensive molecular analyses asserted the unique molecular landscape associated with RSPO/RNF43 and suggested potential alternative strategies to overcome the low clinical impact of Wnt-targeted agents and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesca Battaglin
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Kai Zimmer
- Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Yasmine Baca
- Caris Life Sciences (United States), Phoenix, United States
| | - Joanne Xiu
- Caris Life Sciences (United States), Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Gilbert Spizzo
- Department of Internale Medicine, Oncologic Day Hospital, Bressanone-Brixen, South Tyrol, Italy
| | | | | | - Alberto Puccini
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy, Italy
| | | | - Michelle Ellis
- Caris Life Sciences (United States), Phoenix, United States
| | - Richard M Goldberg
- The West Virginia University Cancer Institute, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Axel Grothey
- West Cancer Center, Germantown, TN, Germantown, TN, United States
| | | | | | - Benjamin A Weinberg
- Ruesch Center for the Cure of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Paul E Sackstein
- Ruesch Center for The Cure of Gastrointestinal Cancers, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, United States
| | - Kiat Hon Lim
- Translational Pathology centre, Department of Molecular Pathology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Gek San Tan
- Translational Pathology centre, Department of Molecular Pathology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Chadi Nabhan
- Caris Life Sciences and College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Deerfield, United States
| | - W Michael Korn
- Caris Life Sciences (United States), Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Arno Amann
- Innsbruck Medical Universtiy, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | | | - Emil Lou
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Dominik Wolf
- Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria
| | - Heinz-Josef Lenz
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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8
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Do M, Wu CCN, Sonavane PR, Juarez EF, Adams SR, Ross J, Rodriguez Y Baena A, Patel C, Mesirov JP, Carson DA, Advani SJ, Willert K. A FZD7-specific Antibody-Drug Conjugate Induces Ovarian Tumor Regression in Preclinical Models. Mol Cancer Ther 2022; 21:113-124. [PMID: 34667113 PMCID: PMC8742765 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-21-0548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Although WNT signaling is frequently dysregulated in solid tumors, drugging this pathway has been challenging due to off-tumor effects. Current clinical pan-WNT inhibitors are nonspecific and lead to adverse effects, highlighting the urgent need for more specific WNT pathway-targeting strategies. We identified elevated expression of the WNT receptor Frizzled class receptor 7 (FZD7) in multiple solid cancers in The Cancer Genome Atlas, particularly in the mesenchymal and proliferative subtypes of ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma, which correlate with poorer median patient survival. Moreover, we observed increased FZD7 protein expression in ovarian tumors compared with normal ovarian tissue, indicating that FZD7 may be a tumor-specific antigen. We therefore developed a novel antibody-drug conjugate, septuximab vedotin (F7-ADC), which is composed of a chimeric human-mouse antibody to human FZD7 conjugated to the microtubule-inhibiting drug monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE). F7-ADC selectively binds human FZD7, potently kills ovarian cancer cells in vitro, and induces regression of ovarian tumor xenografts in murine models. To evaluate F7-ADC toxicity in vivo, we generated mice harboring a modified Fzd7 gene where the resulting Fzd7 protein is reactive with the human-targeting F7-ADC. F7-ADC treatment of these mice did not induce acute toxicities, indicating a potentially favorable safety profile in patients. Overall, our data suggest that the antibody-drug conjugate approach may be a powerful strategy to combat FZD7-expressing ovarian cancers in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myan Do
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Christina C N Wu
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Pooja R Sonavane
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Edwin F Juarez
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Stephen R Adams
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Jason Ross
- Department of Global Creative Studio, Illumina, Inc., San Diego, California
| | | | - Charmi Patel
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Jill P Mesirov
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California.,Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Dennis A Carson
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Sunil J Advani
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Science, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Karl Willert
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California.
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9
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Neiheisel A, Kaur M, Ma N, Havard P, Shenoy AK. Wnt pathway modulators in cancer therapeutics: An update on completed and ongoing clinical trials. Int J Cancer 2021; 150:727-740. [PMID: 34536299 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.33811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Wnt signaling plays an essential role in the initiation and progression of various types of cancer. Besides, the Wnt pathway components have been established as reliable biomarkers and potential targets for cancer therapy. Wnt signaling is categorized into canonical and noncanonical pathways. The canonical pathway is involved in cell survival, proliferation, differentiation and migration, while the noncanonical pathway regulates cell polarity and migration. Apart from its biological role in development and homeostasis, the Wnt pathway has been implicated in several pathological disorders, including cancer. As a result, inhibiting this pathway has been a focus of cancer research with multiple targetable candidates in development. In this review, our focus will be to summarize information about ongoing and completed clinical trials targeting various Wnt pathway components, along with describing current and emerging Wnt targeted therapies. In addition, we will discuss potential opportunities and associated challenges of inhibiting Wnt signaling for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Neiheisel
- College of Pharmacy, California Health Sciences University, Clovis, California, USA
| | - Manpreet Kaur
- College of Pharmacy, California Health Sciences University, Clovis, California, USA
| | - Nancy Ma
- College of Pharmacy, California Health Sciences University, Clovis, California, USA
| | - Patty Havard
- Kaweah Health Foundation, Kaweah Health, Visalia, California, USA
| | - Anitha K Shenoy
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, California Health Sciences University, Clovis, California, USA
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10
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Rodon J, Argilés G, Connolly RM, Vaishampayan U, de Jonge M, Garralda E, Giannakis M, Smith DC, Dobson JR, McLaughlin ME, Seroutou A, Ji Y, Morawiak J, Moody SE, Janku F. Phase 1 study of single-agent WNT974, a first-in-class Porcupine inhibitor, in patients with advanced solid tumours. Br J Cancer 2021; 125:28-37. [PMID: 33941878 PMCID: PMC8257624 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-021-01389-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This Phase 1 study assessed the safety and efficacy of the Porcupine inhibitor, WNT974, in patients with advanced solid tumours. METHODS Patients (n = 94) received oral WNT974 at doses of 5-30 mg once-daily, plus additional dosing schedules. RESULTS The maximum tolerated dose was not established; the recommended dose for expansion was 10 mg once-daily. Dysgeusia was the most common adverse event (50% of patients), likely resulting from on-target Wnt pathway inhibition. No responses were seen by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) v1.1; 16% of patients had stable disease (median duration 19.9 weeks). AXIN2 expression by RT-PCR was reduced in 94% of paired skin biopsies (n = 52) and 74% of paired tumour biopsies (n = 35), confirming inhibition of the Wnt pathway. In an exploratory analysis, an inverse association was observed between AXIN2 change and immune signature change in paired tumour samples (n = 8). CONCLUSIONS Single-agent WNT974 treatment was generally well tolerated. Biomarker analyses suggest that WNT974 may influence immune cell recruitment to tumours, and may enhance checkpoint inhibitor activity. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT01351103.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Rodon
- grid.411083.f0000 0001 0675 8654Vall d’Hebron University Hospital and Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain ,grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Present Address: The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Guillem Argilés
- grid.411083.f0000 0001 0675 8654Vall d’Hebron University Hospital and Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roisin M. Connolly
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA ,grid.7872.a0000000123318773Present Address: CancerResearch@UCC, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Ulka Vaishampayan
- grid.477517.70000 0004 0396 4462Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI USA
| | - Maja de Jonge
- grid.5645.2000000040459992XDepartment of Medical Oncology, Erasmus Medical Center Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elena Garralda
- grid.488453.60000000417724902START Madrid, Hospital Universitario Madrid Sanchinarro, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marios Giannakis
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - David C. Smith
- grid.214458.e0000000086837370University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA
| | - Jason R. Dobson
- grid.418424.f0000 0004 0439 2056Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Margaret E. McLaughlin
- grid.418424.f0000 0004 0439 2056Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA USA
| | | | - Yan Ji
- grid.418424.f0000 0004 0439 2056Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, East Hanover, NJ USA
| | - Jennifer Morawiak
- grid.418424.f0000 0004 0439 2056Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Susan E. Moody
- grid.418424.f0000 0004 0439 2056Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Filip Janku
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics (Phase 1 Clinical Trials Program), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
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11
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Bugter JM, Fenderico N, Maurice MM. Mutations and mechanisms of WNT pathway tumour suppressors in cancer. Nat Rev Cancer 2021; 21:5-21. [PMID: 33097916 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-020-00307-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 225] [Impact Index Per Article: 75.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Mutation-induced activation of WNT-β-catenin signalling is a frequent driver event in human cancer. Sustained WNT-β-catenin pathway activation endows cancer cells with sustained self-renewing growth properties and is associated with therapy resistance. In healthy adult stem cells, WNT pathway activity is carefully controlled by core pathway tumour suppressors as well as negative feedback regulators. Gene inactivation experiments in mouse models unequivocally demonstrated the relevance of WNT tumour suppressor loss-of-function mutations for cancer growth. However, in human cancer, a far more complex picture has emerged in which missense or truncating mutations mediate stable expression of mutant proteins, with distinct functional and phenotypic ramifications. Herein, we review recent advances and challenges in our understanding of how different mutational subsets of WNT tumour suppressor genes link to distinct cancer types, clinical outcomes and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen M Bugter
- Oncode Institute and Department of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Nicola Fenderico
- Oncode Institute and Department of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Madelon M Maurice
- Oncode Institute and Department of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.
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12
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Lai KKY, Kahn M. Pharmacologically Targeting the WNT/β-Catenin Signaling Cascade: Avoiding the Sword of Damocles. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2021; 269:383-422. [PMID: 34463849 DOI: 10.1007/164_2021_523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
WNT/β-catenin signaling plays fundamental roles in numerous developmental processes and in adult tissue homeostasis and repair after injury, by controlling cellular self-renewal, activation, division, differentiation, movement, genetic stability, and apoptosis. As such, it comes as no surprise that dysregulation of WNT/β-catenin signaling is associated with various diseases, including cancer, fibrosis, neurodegeneration, etc. Although multiple agents that specifically target the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway have been studied preclinically and a number have entered clinical trials, none has been approved by the FDA to date. In this chapter, we provide our insights as to the reason(s) it has been so difficult to safely pharmacologically target the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway and discuss the significant efforts undertaken towards this goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keane K Y Lai
- Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Michael Kahn
- Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA.
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13
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Kim MJ, Huang Y, Park JI. Targeting Wnt Signaling for Gastrointestinal Cancer Therapy: Present and Evolving Views. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3638. [PMID: 33291655 PMCID: PMC7761926 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Wnt signaling governs tissue development, homeostasis, and regeneration. However, aberrant activation of Wnt promotes tumorigenesis. Despite the ongoing efforts to manipulate Wnt signaling, therapeutic targeting of Wnt signaling remains challenging. In this review, we provide an overview of current clinical trials to target Wnt signaling, with a major focus on gastrointestinal cancers. In addition, we discuss the caveats and alternative strategies for therapeutically targeting Wnt signaling for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moon Jong Kim
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (M.J.K.); (Y.H.)
| | - Yuanjian Huang
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (M.J.K.); (Y.H.)
| | - Jae-Il Park
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (M.J.K.); (Y.H.)
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and Health Science Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Program in Genetics and Epigenetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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14
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Chua K, Virshup DM, Odono EG, Chang KTE, Tan NJH, Hue SSS, Sim AYL, Lee VKM. YJ5 as an immunohistochemical marker of osteogenic lineage. Pathology 2020; 53:229-238. [PMID: 33187685 DOI: 10.1016/j.pathol.2020.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Overexpression of WLS, an upstream protein in the Wnt pathway, has been implicated in several non-osteogenic tumours. This study represents the first attempt at evaluating WLS expression in various bone and soft tissue tumours using YJ5, a monoclonal antibody specific to WLS, with the aim of elucidating its utility in discerning tumours with aberrant Wnt signalling and as a marker of osteogenic lineage in challenging cases. Tumour tissue sections of 144 bone mass lesions and 63 soft tissue mass lesions were immunostained with the YJ5 antibody following standardised protocols. Subsequent assessment of immunoreactivity segregated cases into one of three groups: absent/weak, moderate, or strong YJ5 immunoreactivity. For the bone tumours, strong YJ5 immunoreactivity was seen in almost all osteosarcomas and chondroblastomas, all osteoblastomas and osteoid osteomas. In contrast, all other cartilaginous tumours, chordomas, aneurysmal bone cysts, chondromyxoid fibromas, most fibrous dysplasias and most giant cell tumours exhibited absent/weak YJ5 immunostaining. For the soft tissue tumours, a more heterogeneous pattern of YJ5 immunoreactivity was observed. Because diffuse and strong YJ5 expression is identified in almost all benign and malignant bone tumours with osteoblastic activity, it can be potentially utilised as an immunohistochemical marker to support osteogenic lineage. If interpreted in the appropriate context, this marker is useful in determining whether a malignant bone tumour is an osteosarcoma, particularly in those subtypes with no or minimal osteoid or unusual morphological features. This marker can also complement SATB2 to denote osteogenic lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenon Chua
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore; Programme in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - David M Virshup
- Programme in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Eugene G Odono
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
| | - Kenneth Tou En Chang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore
| | - Nicholas Jin Hong Tan
- Department of Pathology, National University Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Susan Swee-Shan Hue
- Department of Pathology, NUH Advance Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Singapore
| | - Arthur Yi Loong Sim
- Department of Pathology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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15
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Liu S, Harmston N, Glaser TL, Wong Y, Zhong Z, Madan B, Virshup DM, Petretto E. Wnt-regulated lncRNA discovery enhanced by in vivo identification and CRISPRi functional validation. Genome Med 2020; 12:89. [PMID: 33092630 PMCID: PMC7580003 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-020-00788-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wnt signaling is an evolutionarily conserved developmental pathway that is frequently hyperactivated in cancer. While multiple protein-coding genes regulated by Wnt signaling are known, the functional lncRNAs regulated by Wnt signaling have not been systematically characterized. METHODS We comprehensively mapped Wnt-regulated lncRNAs from an orthotopic Wnt-addicted pancreatic cancer model and examined the response of lncRNAs to Wnt inhibition between in vivo and in vitro cancer models. We further annotated and characterized these Wnt-regulated lncRNAs using existing genomic classifications (using data from FANTOM5) in the context of Wnt signaling and inferred their role in cancer pathogenesis (using GWAS and expression data from the TCGA). To functionally validate Wnt-regulated lncRNAs, we performed CRISPRi screens to assess their role in cancer cell proliferation both in vivo and in vitro. RESULTS We identified 3633 lncRNAs, of which 1503 were regulated by Wnt signaling in an orthotopic Wnt-addicted pancreatic cancer model. These lncRNAs were much more sensitive to changes in Wnt signaling in xenografts than in cultured cells. Our analysis suggested that Wnt signaling inhibition could influence the co-expression relationship of Wnt-regulated lncRNAs and their eQTL-linked protein-coding genes. Wnt-regulated lncRNAs were also implicated in specific gene networks involved in distinct biological processes that contribute to the pathogenesis of cancers. Consistent with previous genome-wide lncRNA CRISPRi screens, around 1% (13/1503) of the Wnt-regulated lncRNAs were found to modify cancer cell growth in vitro. This included CCAT1 and LINC00263, previously reported to regulate cancer growth. Using an in vivo CRISPRi screen, we doubled the discovery rate, identifying twice as many Wnt-regulated lncRNAs (25/1503) that had a functional effect on cancer cell growth. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates the value of studying lncRNA functions in vivo, provides a valuable resource of lncRNAs regulated by Wnt signaling, and establishes a framework for systematic discovery of functional lncRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyang Liu
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Program in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Trudy Lee Glaser
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yunka Wong
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zheng Zhong
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Babita Madan
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - David M Virshup
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA.
| | - Enrico Petretto
- Program in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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16
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Turkes F, Mencel J, Starling N. Targeting the immune milieu in gastrointestinal cancers. J Gastroenterol 2020; 55:909-926. [PMID: 32748171 PMCID: PMC7519898 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-020-01710-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are among the most common and lethal solid tumors worldwide. Unlike in malignancies such as lung, renal and skin cancers, the activity of immunotherapeutic agents in GI cancers has, on the whole, been much less remarkable and do not apply to the majority. Furthermore, while incremental progress has been made and approvals for use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in specific subsets of patients with GI cancers are coming through, in a population of 'all-comers', it is frequently unclear as to who may benefit most due to the relative lack of reliable predictive biomarkers. For most patients with newly diagnosed advanced or metastatic GI cancer, the mainstay of treatment still involves chemotherapy and/or a targeted agent however, beyond the second-line this paradigm confers minimal patient benefit. Thus, current research efforts are concentrating on broadening the applicability of ICIs in GI cancers by combining them with agents designed to beneficially remodel the tumor microenvironment (TME) for more effective anti-cancer immunity with intention of improving patient outcomes. This review will discuss the currently approved ICIs available for the treatment of GI cancers, the strategies underway focusing on combining ICIs with agents that target the TME and touch on recent progress toward identification of predictors of sensitivity to immune checkpoint blockade in GI cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Turkes
- Department of Medicine, Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Justin Mencel
- Department of Medicine, Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Naureen Starling
- Department of Medicine, Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
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17
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van Schie EH, van Amerongen R. Aberrant WNT/CTNNB1 Signaling as a Therapeutic Target in Human Breast Cancer: Weighing the Evidence. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:25. [PMID: 32083079 PMCID: PMC7005411 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
WNT signaling is crucial for tissue morphogenesis during development in all multicellular animals. After birth, WNT/CTNNB1 responsive stem cells are responsible for tissue homeostasis in various organs and hyperactive WNT/CTNNB1 signaling is observed in many different human cancers. The first link between WNT signaling and breast cancer was established almost 40 years ago, when Wnt1 was identified as a proto-oncogene capable of driving mammary tumor formation in mice. Since that discovery, there has been a dedicated search for aberrant WNT signaling in human breast cancer. However, much debate and controversy persist regarding the importance of WNT signaling for the initiation, progression or maintenance of different breast cancer subtypes. As the first drugs designed to block functional WNT signaling have entered clinical trials, many questions about the role of aberrant WNT signaling in human breast cancer remain. Here, we discuss three major research gaps in this area. First, we still lack a basic understanding of the function of WNT signaling in normal human breast development and physiology. Second, the overall extent and precise effect of (epi)genetic changes affecting the WNT pathway in different breast cancer subtypes are still unknown. Which underlying molecular and cell biological mechanisms are disrupted as a result also awaits further scrutiny. Third, we survey the current status of targeted therapeutics that are aimed at interfering with the WNT pathway in breast cancer patients and highlight the importance and complexity of selecting the subset of patients that may benefit from treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Renée van Amerongen
- Section of Molecular Cytology and van Leeuwenhoek Centre for Advanced Microscopy, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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18
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Zhong Z, Sepramaniam S, Chew XH, Wood K, Lee MA, Madan B, Virshup DM. PORCN inhibition synergizes with PI3K/mTOR inhibition in Wnt-addicted cancers. Oncogene 2019; 38:6662-6677. [PMID: 31391551 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-019-0908-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, PDAC) is aggressive and lethal. Although there is an urgent need for effective therapeutics in treating pancreatic cancer, none of the targeted therapies tested in clinical trials to date significantly improve its outcome. PORCN inhibitors show efficacy in preclinical models of Wnt-addicted cancers, including RNF43-mutant pancreatic cancers and have advanced to clinical trials. In this study, we aimed to develop drug combination strategies to further enhance the therapeutic efficacy of the PORCN inhibitor ETC-159. To identify additional druggable vulnerabilities in Wnt-driven pancreatic cancers, we performed an in vivo CRISPR loss-of-function screen. CTNNB1, KRAS, and MYC were reidentified as key oncogenic drivers. Notably, glucose metabolism pathway genes were important in vivo but less so in vitro. Knockout of multiple genes regulating PI3K/mTOR signaling impacted the growth of Wnt-driven pancreatic cancer cells in vivo. Importantly, multiple PI3K/mTOR pathway inhibitors in combination with ETC-159 synergistically suppressed the growth of multiple Wnt-addicted cancer cell lines in soft agar. Furthermore, the combination of the PORCN inhibitor ETC-159 and the pan-PI3K inhibitor GDC-0941 potently suppressed the in vivo growth of RNF43-mutant pancreatic cancer xenografts. This was largely due to enhanced suppressive effects on both cell proliferation and glucose metabolism. These findings demonstrate that dual PORCN and PI3K/mTOR inhibition is a potential strategy for treating Wnt-driven pancreatic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Zhong
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Xin Hui Chew
- Experimental Therapeutics Centre, A*STAR, Biopolis, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kris Wood
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - May Ann Lee
- Experimental Therapeutics Centre, A*STAR, Biopolis, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Babita Madan
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - David M Virshup
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore. .,Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
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19
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Mirabelli CK, Nusse R, Tuveson DA, Williams BO. Perspectives on the role of Wnt biology in cancer. Sci Signal 2019; 12:12/589/eaay4494. [PMID: 31289213 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aay4494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Selected members of the Wnt signaling community met during a 4-day period in October 2018 to discuss the current challenges and opportunities associated with targeting the Wnt pathway for therapeutic benefit. A summary of key points of these discussions is presented in this report.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roel Nusse
- Department of Developmental Biology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - David A Tuveson
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA.,Lustgarten Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Bart O Williams
- Center for Cancer and Cell Biology, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA.
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20
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Harb J, Lin PJ, Hao J. Recent Development of Wnt Signaling Pathway Inhibitors for Cancer Therapeutics. Curr Oncol Rep 2019; 21:12. [PMID: 30715618 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-019-0763-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Review current understanding of both canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling in cancer and provide updated knowledge in current clinical trials of Wnt signaling drugs. RECENT FINDINGS Important roles of both canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling in cancer have been increasingly recognized. Recent clinical trials of several Wnt-signaling drugs have showed promising outcomes. In addition, some drugs that were originally approved for the treatment of other diseases have been recently found to block Wnt signaling, highlighting their potential to treat Wnt-dependent cancer. Dysfunction of Wnt signaling is implicated in cancer, and targeting Wnt signaling represents a useful approach to treat cancer. Current clinical trials of Wnt signaling drugs have showed promising outcomes, and repurposing the previously approved drugs for other diseases to treat Wnt-dependent cancer requires further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerry Harb
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, 91766, USA
| | - Pen-Jen Lin
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, 91766, USA
| | - Jijun Hao
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, 91766, USA. .,College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E 2nd Street, Pomona, CA, 91766, USA.
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21
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Wong ALA, Bellot GL, Hirpara JL, Pervaiz S. Understanding the cancer stem cell phenotype: A step forward in the therapeutic management of cancer. Biochem Pharmacol 2019; 162:79-88. [PMID: 30689981 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The experimental validation of the existence of cancer stem cells (CSC) has had a significant impact on our understanding of the cellular mechanisms and signaling networks involved in the process of carcinogenesis and its progression. These findings provide insights into the critical role that tumor microenvironment and metabolism play in the acquisition of the drug resistance phenotype as well as provide potential targets for therapeutic exploitation. Here we briefly review the literature on the involvement of key signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, Hedgehog and STAT3 in the appearance of cancer cells with stem cells-like characteristics. In addition, we also highlight some of the recent therapeutic strategies used to target these pathways as well as approaches aiming to specifically target CSCs through their distinctive metabolic features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Li Ann Wong
- Cancer Science Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Hematology-Oncology, National University Health System, Singapore; Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Gregory Lucien Bellot
- Department of Hand & Reconstructive Microsurgery, University Orthopedic, Hand & Reconstructive Microsurgery Cluster, National University Health System, Singapore; Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jayshree L Hirpara
- Cancer Science Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shazib Pervaiz
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Medical Science Cluster Cancer Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; National University Cancer Institute, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore; NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
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22
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23
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Abstract
The intestinal lining faces a constant assault from harmful gut contents. A study by Chee and colleagues in this issue of Developmental Cell describes how a population of myofibroblasts resists these threats and boosts regeneration of the intestinal epithelium.
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24
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Intrinsic Xenobiotic Resistance of the Intestinal Stem Cell Niche. Dev Cell 2018; 46:681-695.e5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2018.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Revised: 05/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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