1
|
Mitchell SM, Heise RM, Murray ME, Lambo DJ, Daso RE, Banerjee IA. An investigation of binding interactions of tumor-targeted peptide conjugated polyphenols with the kinase domain of ephrin B4 and B2 receptors. Mol Divers 2024; 28:817-849. [PMID: 36847923 PMCID: PMC9969393 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-023-10621-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that Ephrin receptors may be upregulated in several types of cancers including breast, ovarian and endometrial cancers, making them a target for drug design. In this work, we have utilized a target-hopping approach to design new natural product-peptide conjugates and examined their interactions with the kinase-binding domain of EphB4 and EphB2 receptors. The peptide sequences were generated through point mutations of the known EphB4 antagonist peptide TNYLFSPNGPIA. Their anticancer properties and secondary structures were analyzed computationally. Conjugates of most optimum of peptides were then designed by binding the N-terminal of the peptides with the free carboxyl group of the polyphenols sinapate, gallate and coumarate, which are known for their inherent anticancer properties. To investigate if these conjugates have a potential to bind to the kinase domain, we carried out docking studies and MMGBSA free energy calculations of the trajectories based on the molecular dynamics simulations, with both the apo and the ATP bound kinase domains of both receptors. In most cases binding interactions occurred within the catalytic loop region, while in some cases the conjugates were found to spread out across the N-lobe and the DFG motif region. The conjugates were further tested for prediction of pharmacokinetic properties using ADME studies. Our results indicated that the conjugates were lipophilic and MDCK permeable with no CYP interactions. These findings provide an insight into the molecular interactions of these peptides and conjugates with the kinase domain of the EphB4 and EphB2 receptor. As a proof of concept, we synthesized and carried out SPR analysis with two of the conjugates (gallate-TNYLFSPNGPIA and sinapate-TNYLFSPNGPIA). Results indicated that the conjugates showed higher binding with the EphB4 receptor and minimal binding to EphB2 receptor. Sinapate-TNYLFSPNGPIA showed inhibitory activity against EphB4. These studies reveal that some of the conjugates may be developed for further investigation into in vitro and in vivo studies and potential development as therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saige M Mitchell
- Department of Chemistry, Fordham University, 441 E. Fordham Rd, Bronx, NY, 10458, USA
| | - Ryan M Heise
- Department of Chemistry, Fordham University, 441 E. Fordham Rd, Bronx, NY, 10458, USA
| | - Molly E Murray
- Department of Chemistry, Fordham University, 441 E. Fordham Rd, Bronx, NY, 10458, USA
| | - Dominic J Lambo
- Department of Chemistry, Fordham University, 441 E. Fordham Rd, Bronx, NY, 10458, USA
| | - Rachel E Daso
- Department of Chemistry, Fordham University, 441 E. Fordham Rd, Bronx, NY, 10458, USA
| | - Ipsita A Banerjee
- Department of Chemistry, Fordham University, 441 E. Fordham Rd, Bronx, NY, 10458, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pasquale EB. Eph receptors and ephrins in cancer progression. Nat Rev Cancer 2024; 24:5-27. [PMID: 37996538 PMCID: PMC11015936 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-023-00634-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Evidence implicating Eph receptor tyrosine kinases and their ephrin ligands (that together make up the 'Eph system') in cancer development and progression has been accumulating since the discovery of the first Eph receptor approximately 35 years ago. Advances in the past decade and a half have considerably increased the understanding of Eph receptor-ephrin signalling mechanisms in cancer and have uncovered intriguing new roles in cancer progression and drug resistance. This Review focuses mainly on these more recent developments. I provide an update on the different mechanisms of Eph receptor-ephrin-mediated cell-cell communication and cell autonomous signalling, as well as on the interplay of the Eph system with other signalling systems. I further discuss recent advances in elucidating how the Eph system controls tumour expansion, invasiveness and metastasis, supports cancer stem cells, and drives therapy resistance. In addition to functioning within cancer cells, the Eph system also mediates the reciprocal communication between cancer cells and cells of the tumour microenvironment. The involvement of the Eph system in tumour angiogenesis is well established, but recent findings also demonstrate roles in immune cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts and the extracellular matrix. Lastly, I discuss strategies under evaluation for therapeutic targeting of Eph receptors-ephrins in cancer and conclude with an outlook on promising future research directions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena B Pasquale
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ullah A, Razzaq A, Zhou C, Ullah N, Shehzadi S, Aziz T, Alfaifi MY, Elbehairi SEI, Iqbal H. Biological Significance of EphB4 Expression in Cancer. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2024; 25:244-255. [PMID: 37909437 DOI: 10.2174/0113892037269589231017055642] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Eph receptors and their Eph receptor-interacting (ephrin) ligands comprise a vital cell communication system with several functions. In cancer cells, there was evidence of bilateral Eph receptor signaling with both tumor-suppressing and tumor-promoting actions. As a member of the Eph receptor family, EphB4 has been linked to tumor angiogenesis, growth, and metastasis, which makes it a viable and desirable target for drug development in therapeutic applications. Many investigations have been conducted over the last decade to elucidate the structure and function of EphB4 in association with its ligand ephrinB2 for its involvement in tumorigenesis. Although several EphB4-targeting drugs have been investigated, and some selective inhibitors have been evaluated in clinical trials. This article addresses the structure and function of the EphB4 receptor, analyses its possibility as an anticancer therapeutic target, and summarises knowledge of EphB4 kinase inhibitors. To summarise, EphB4 is a difficult but potential treatment option for cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Asmat Ullah
- Clinical Research Institute, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China
| | - Anam Razzaq
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Chuanzan Zhou
- Clinical Research Institute, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, 310014, Zhejiang, China
| | - Najeeb Ullah
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Louisiana Tech University, Ruston, LA, 818 Nelson Ave, 71272, USA
| | - Somia Shehzadi
- University Institute of Medical Laboratory Technology, The University of Lahore, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Tariq Aziz
- Westlake University, School of Engineering, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310024, China
| | - Mohammad Y Alfaifi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 9004, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Haroon Iqbal
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sarwar A, Zhu Z, Zhu M, Tang X, Su Q, Yang T, Tang W, Zhang Y. Homoharringtonine sensitizes pancreatic cancer to erlotinib by direct targeting and miRNA-130b-3p-mediated EphB4-JAK2-STAT3 axis. J Pharm Pharmacol 2023; 75:1294-1309. [PMID: 37463100 DOI: 10.1093/jpp/rgad055] [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: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a very lethal malignancy with a scarcity of treatment options. Although erlotinib- and gemcitabine-based treatments have been approved for PC, their effectiveness is limited. The present study is aimed at exploring the molecular and epigenetic mechanisms of anticancer activities of homoharringtonine (HHT) and its interaction with erlotinib to develop a potential therapeutic strategy for PC. METHODS The RT-qPCR, western blotting, immunofluorescence and expression-vectors and oligonucleotide transfection were employed to determine the expression characteristics of onco-factors. Anticancer activities were determined by MTT, colony forming, and flowcytometric analysis. Dual luciferase assay was conducted to confirm putative target of miR-130b-3p. In-vivo experiments were followed by immunohistochemical assay. KEY FINDINGS The EphB4/JAK2/STAT3 pathway drives the growth and proliferation of PC through induction of prosurvival factors and cell cycle mediators. HHT directly and epigenetically via miR-130b-3p targets EphB4, leading to downregulation of JAK2/STAT3 pathway. The inactivation of STAT3 results in diminution of antiapoptotic factors and cell cycle mediators. HHT also enhances the anticancer activity of erlotinib. CONCLUSIONS HHT demonstrates potential anticancer activities in PC by downregulating EphB4/JAK2/STAT3 signalling. HHT also produces synergistic effects with erlotinib.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ammar Sarwar
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, PR China
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
- State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Zeren Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Man Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Xiaoyu Tang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Qi Su
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Tianfeng Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Wenjun Tang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Yanmin Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, PR China
- State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Nanamiya R, Suzuki H, Kaneko MK, Kato Y. Development of an Anti-EphB4 Monoclonal Antibody for Multiple Applications Against Breast Cancers. Monoclon Antib Immunodiagn Immunother 2023; 42:166-177. [PMID: 37824755 DOI: 10.1089/mab.2023.0015] [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] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular carcinoma (Eph) receptors are the largest receptor tyrosine kinase family. EphB4 is essential for cell adhesion and motility during embryogenesis. Pathologically, EphB4 is overexpressed and contributes to poor prognosis in various tumors. Therefore, specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) should be developed to predict the prognosis for multiple tumors with high EphB4 expression, including breast and gastric cancers. This study aimed to develop specific anti-EphB4 mAbs for multiple applications using the Cell-Based Immunization and Screening method. EphB4-overexpressed Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)-K1 (CHO/EphB4) cells were immunized into mice, and we established an anti-EphB4 mAb (clone B4Mab-7), which is applicable for flow cytometry, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry (IHC). B4Mab-7 reacted with endogenous EphB4-positive breast cancer cell line, MCF-7, but did not react with EphB4-knockout MCF-7 (BINDS-52) in flow cytometry. Dissociation constant (KD) values were determined to be 2.9 × 10-9 M and 1.3 × 10-9 M by flow cytometric analysis for CHO/EphB4 and MCF-7 cells, respectively. B4Mab-7 detected the EphB4 protein bands from breast cancer cells in Western blot, and stained breast cancer tissues in IHC. Altogether, B4Mab-7 is very useful for detecting EphB4 in various applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ren Nanamiya
- Department of Antibody Drug Development, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Suzuki
- Department of Antibody Drug Development, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Mika K Kaneko
- Department of Antibody Drug Development, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yukinari Kato
- Department of Antibody Drug Development, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ghaemi A, Vakili-Azghandi M, Abnous K, Taghdisi SM, Ramezani M, Alibolandi M. Oral non-viral gene delivery platforms for therapeutic applications. Int J Pharm 2023; 642:123198. [PMID: 37406949 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Since gene therapy can regulate gene and protein expression directly, it has a great potential to prevent or treat a variety of genetic or acquired diseases through vaccines such as viral infections, cystic fibrosis, and cancer. Owing to their high efficacy, in vivo gene therapy trials are usually conducted intravenously, which is usually costly and invasive. There are several advantages to oral drug administration over intravenous injections, such as better patient compliance, ease of use, and lower cost. However, gene therapy is successful if the oligonucleotides can cross the cell membrane easily and reach the nucleus after the endosomal escape. In order to accomplish this task and deliver the cargo to the intended location, appropriate delivery systems should be introduced. This review summarizes oral delivery systems developed for effective gene delivery, vaccination, and treatment of various diseases. Studies have also shown that oral delivery approaches are potentially applicable to treat various diseases, especially inflammatory bowel disease, stomach, and colorectal cancers. Also, the current review provides an update overview on the development of non-viral and oral gene delivery techniques for gene therapy and vaccination purposes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Asma Ghaemi
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Masoume Vakili-Azghandi
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Khalil Abnous
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Taghdisi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Targeted Drug Delivery Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ramezani
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Mona Alibolandi
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Psilopatis I, Karniadakis I, Danos KS, Vrettou K, Michaelidou K, Mavridis K, Agelaki S, Theocharis S. May EPH/Ephrin Targeting Revolutionize Lung Cancer Treatment? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010093. [PMID: 36613532 PMCID: PMC9820524 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer (LC) is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular receptors (EPHs) comprise the largest receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) family in mammals. EPHs along with their ligands, EPH-family receptor-interacting proteins (ephrins), have been found to be either up- or downregulated in LC cells, hence exhibiting a defining role in LC carcinogenesis and tumor progression. In their capacity as membrane-bound molecules, EPHs/ephrins may represent feasible targets in the context of precision cancer treatment. In order to investigate available therapeutics targeting the EPH/ephrin system in LC, a literature review was conducted, using the MEDLINE, LIVIVO, and Google Scholar databases. EPHA2 is the most well-studied EPH/ephrin target in LC treatment. The targeting of EPHA2, EPHA3, EPHA5, EPHA7, EPHB4, EPHB6, ephrin-A1, ephrin-A2, ephrin-B2, and ephrin-B3 in LC cells or xenograft models not only directly correlates with a profound LC suppression but also enriches the effects of well-established therapeutic regimens. However, the sole clinical trial incorporating a NSCLC patient could not describe objective anti-cancer effects after anti-EPHA2 antibody administration. Collectively, EPHs/ephrins seem to represent promising treatment targets in LC. However, large clinical trials still need to be performed, with a view to examining the effects of EPH/ephrin targeting in the clinical setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iason Psilopatis
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, Bld 10, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Department of Gynecology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt—Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ioannis Karniadakis
- Second Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, “Laiko” General Hospital, 17 Agiou Thoma Street, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Stylianos Danos
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, Bld 10, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Kleio Vrettou
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, Bld 10, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Kleita Michaelidou
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Vassilika Vouton, 71003 Herakleion, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Mavridis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation of Research and Technology-Hellas, 70013 Herakleion, Greece
| | - Sofia Agelaki
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Vassilika Vouton, 71003 Herakleion, Greece
- Department of Medical Oncology, University General Hospital of Herakleion, Vassilika Vouton, 71110 Herakleion, Greece
- Correspondence: (S.A.); (S.T.)
| | - Stamatios Theocharis
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, Bld 10, Goudi, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: (S.A.); (S.T.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chen X, Yu D, Zhou H, Zhang X, Hu Y, Zhang R, Gao X, Lin M, Guo T, Zhang K. The role of EphA7 in different tumors. Clin Transl Oncol 2022; 24:1274-1289. [PMID: 35112312 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-022-02783-1] [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: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/06/2022]
Abstract
Ephrin receptor A7 (EphA7) is a member of the Eph receptor family. It is widely involved in signal transduction between cells, regulates cell proliferation and differentiation, and participates in developing neural tubes and brain. In addition, EphA7 also has a dual role of tumor promoter and tumor suppressor. It can participate in cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis through various mechanisms, and affect tumor differentiation, staging and prognosis. EphA7 may be a potential diagnostic marker and tumor treatment target. This article reviews the effects of EphA7 on a variety of tumor biological processes and pathological characteristics, as well as specific effects and regulatory mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyi Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 82 Cuiying Men, Lanzhou, 730030, China.,Gansu Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Diseases, Lanzhou, 730030, China.,Xigu District People's Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Dechen Yu
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 82 Cuiying Men, Lanzhou, 730030, China.,Gansu Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Diseases, Lanzhou, 730030, China.,Xigu District People's Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Haiyu Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 82 Cuiying Men, Lanzhou, 730030, China. .,Gansu Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Diseases, Lanzhou, 730030, China. .,Xigu District People's Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030, China.
| | - Xiaobo Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 82 Cuiying Men, Lanzhou, 730030, China.,Gansu Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Diseases, Lanzhou, 730030, China.,Xigu District People's Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Yicun Hu
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 82 Cuiying Men, Lanzhou, 730030, China.,Gansu Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Diseases, Lanzhou, 730030, China.,Xigu District People's Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Ruihao Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 82 Cuiying Men, Lanzhou, 730030, China.,Gansu Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Diseases, Lanzhou, 730030, China.,Xigu District People's Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Xidan Gao
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 82 Cuiying Men, Lanzhou, 730030, China.,Gansu Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Diseases, Lanzhou, 730030, China.,Xigu District People's Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Maoqiang Lin
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 82 Cuiying Men, Lanzhou, 730030, China.,Gansu Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Diseases, Lanzhou, 730030, China.,Xigu District People's Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Taowen Guo
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 82 Cuiying Men, Lanzhou, 730030, China.,Gansu Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Diseases, Lanzhou, 730030, China.,Xigu District People's Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 82 Cuiying Men, Lanzhou, 730030, China.,Gansu Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Diseases, Lanzhou, 730030, China.,Xigu District People's Hospital, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kourani K, Jain P, Kumar A, Jangid AK, Swaminathan G, Durgempudi VR, Jose J, Reddy R, Pooja D, Kulhari H, Kumar LD. Inulin coated Mn 3O 4 nanocuboids coupled with RNA interference reverse intestinal tumorigenesis in Apc knockout murine colon cancer models. NANOMEDICINE : NANOTECHNOLOGY, BIOLOGY, AND MEDICINE 2022; 40:102504. [PMID: 34890821 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2021.102504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This study reports the development and pre-clinical evaluation of biodrug using RNA interference and nanotechnology. The major challenges in achieving targeted gene silencing in vivo include the stability of RNA molecules, accumulation into pharmacological levels, and site-specific targeting of the tumor. We report the use of Inulin for coating the arginine stabilized manganese oxide nanocuboids (MNCs) for oral delivery of shRNA to the gut. Furthermore, bio-distribution analysis exhibited site-specific targeting in the intestines, improved pharmacokinetic properties, and faster elimination from the system without cytotoxicity. To evaluate the therapeutic possibility and effectiveness of this multimodal bio-drug, it was orally delivered to Apc knockout colon cancer mice models. Persistent and efficient delivery of bio-drug was demonstrated by the knockdown of target genes and increased median survival in the treated cohorts. This promising utility of RNAi-Nanotechnology approach advocates the use of bio-drug in an effort to replace chemo-drugs as the future of cancer therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khushboo Kourani
- Cancer Biology, CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, (CCMB) Uppal Road, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Poonam Jain
- School of Nano Sciences, Central University of Gujarat, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
| | - Aviral Kumar
- Cancer Biology, CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, (CCMB) Uppal Road, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Ashok Kumar Jangid
- School of Nano Sciences, Central University of Gujarat, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
| | - Guruprasadh Swaminathan
- Cancer Biology, CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, (CCMB) Uppal Road, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Varsha Reddy Durgempudi
- Cancer Biology, CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, (CCMB) Uppal Road, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Jedy Jose
- Cancer Biology, CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, (CCMB) Uppal Road, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Rithvik Reddy
- Cancer Biology, CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, (CCMB) Uppal Road, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Deep Pooja
- The Centre for Advanced Materials & Industrial Chemistry, School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Hitesh Kulhari
- School of Nano Sciences, Central University of Gujarat, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India.
| | - Lekha Dinesh Kumar
- Cancer Biology, CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, (CCMB) Uppal Road, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wu R, Guo W, Qiu X, Wang S, Sui C, Lian Q, Wu J, Shan Y, Yang Z, Yang S, Wu T, Wang K, Zhu Y, Wang S, Liu C, Zhang Y, Zheng B, Li Z, Zhang Y, Shen S, Zhao Y, Wang W, Bao J, Hu J, Wu X, Jiang X, Wang H, Gu J, Chen L. Comprehensive analysis of spatial architecture in primary liver cancer. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabg3750. [PMID: 34919432 PMCID: PMC8683021 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abg3750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Heterogeneity is the major challenge for cancer prevention and therapy. Here, we first constructed high-resolution spatial transcriptomes of primary liver cancers (PLCs) containing 84,823 spots within 21 tissues from seven patients. The progressive comparison of spatial tumor microenvironment (TME) characteristics from nontumor to leading-edge to tumor regions revealed that the tumor capsule potentially affects intratumor spatial cluster continuity, transcriptome diversity, and immune cell infiltration. Locally, we found that the bidirectional ligand-receptor interactions at the 100-μm-wide cluster-cluster boundary contribute to maintaining intratumor architecture and the PROM1+ and CD47+ cancer stem cell niches are related to TME remodeling and tumor metastasis. Last, we proposed a TLS-50 signature to accurately locate tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) spatially and unveiled that the distinct composition of TLSs is shaped by their distance to tumor cells. Our study provides previous unknown insights into the diverse tumor ecosystem of PLCs and has potential benefits for cancer intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Wu
- The International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai 200438, China
- Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Wenbo Guo
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, BNRIST Bioinformatics Division, Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xinyao Qiu
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Shicheng Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, BNRIST Bioinformatics Division, Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Chengjun Sui
- Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Qiuyu Lian
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, BNRIST Bioinformatics Division, Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jianmin Wu
- Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Yiran Shan
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, BNRIST Bioinformatics Division, Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Zhao Yang
- Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Shuai Yang
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Tong Wu
- The International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Kaiting Wang
- Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Yanjing Zhu
- The International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Shan Wang
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Changyi Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, BNRIST Bioinformatics Division, Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yangqianwen Zhang
- The International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Bo Zheng
- The International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Zhixuan Li
- The International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Yani Zhang
- Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Siyun Shen
- The International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Wenwen Wang
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jinxia Bao
- The International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Ji Hu
- The International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Xuan Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Tenth People’s Hospital of Shanghai, Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Xiaoqing Jiang
- Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Hongyang Wang
- The International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai 200438, China
- Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai 200438, China
- Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer (SMMU), Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
- Corresponding author. (H.W); (J.G.); (L.C.)
| | - Jin Gu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, BNRIST Bioinformatics Division, Department of Automation, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Corresponding author. (H.W); (J.G.); (L.C.)
| | - Lei Chen
- The International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai 200438, China
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai 200438, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Tumor Biology (EHBH), Shanghai, China
- Corresponding author. (H.W); (J.G.); (L.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wang J, Zhang Z, Fu S, Li X, Li X, Wang S, Yuan L. Overexpression of EphB4 promotes neurogenesis, but inhibits neuroinflammation in mice with acute ischemic stroke. Mol Med Rep 2021; 24:756. [PMID: 34476505 PMCID: PMC8436223 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is one of the most common diseases that has a high rate of mortality, and has become a burden to the healthcare system. Previous research has shown that EPH receptor B4 (EphB4) promotes neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation in vitro. However, little is known regarding its role in the neurogenesis of ischemic stroke in vivo. Thus, the present study aimed to verify whether EphB4 was a key regulator of neurogenesis in ischemic stroke in vivo. Cerebral ischemia was induced in C57BL/6J mice via middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), followed by reperfusion. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to evaluate the effect of EphB4 on the neurogenesis in cerebral cortex. The levels of inflammatory cytokines were determined using an ELISA kit. The expression levels of ABL proto-oncogene 1, non-receptor tyrosine kinase (ABL1)/Cyclin D1 signaling pathway-related proteins were detected via western blotting. The current findings indicated that EphB4 expression was significantly increased in the cerebral cortex of MCAO model mice in comparison with sham-operated mice. Moreover, EphB4 appeared to be expressed in neural stem cells (Nestin+), and persisted as these cells became neuronal progenitors (Sox2+), neuroblasts [doublecortin (DCX)+], and eventually mature neurons [neuronal nuclei (NeuN)+]. Overexpression of EphB4 elevated the number of proliferating (bromodeoxyuridine+, Ki67+) and differentiated cells (Nestin+, Sox2+, DCX+ and NeuN+), indicating the promoting effect of EphB4 on the neurogenesis of ischemic stroke. Furthermore, EphB4 overexpression alleviated the inflammation injury in MCAO model mice. The expression levels of proteins-related to the ABL1/Cyclin D1 signaling pathway were significantly increased by the overexpression of EphB4, which suggested that restoration of EphB4 promoted the activation of the ABL1/Cyclin D1 signaling pathway. In conclusion, this study contributes to the current understanding of the mechanisms of EphB4 in exerting neurorestorative effects and may recommend a potential new strategy for ischemic stroke treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jin Wang
- Department of Neurology, Inner Mongolia Baogang Hospital, Baotou, Inner Mongolia 014010, P.R. China
| | - Zun Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Inner Mongolia Baogang Hospital, Baotou, Inner Mongolia 014010, P.R. China
| | - Shaojing Fu
- Department of Neurology, Inner Mongolia Baogang Hospital, Baotou, Inner Mongolia 014010, P.R. China
| | - Xiaojie Li
- Department of Neurology, Inner Mongolia Baogang Hospital, Baotou, Inner Mongolia 014010, P.R. China
| | - Xinhui Li
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital of Baotou Medical College, Baotou, Inner Mongolia 014016, P.R. China
| | - Shaobin Wang
- Department of Neurology, Inner Mongolia Baogang Hospital, Baotou, Inner Mongolia 014010, P.R. China
| | - Lihe Yuan
- Department of Neurology, Inner Mongolia Baogang Hospital, Baotou, Inner Mongolia 014010, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
EphB4 as a Novel Target for the EGFR-Independent Suppressive Effects of Osimertinib on Cell Cycle Progression in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168522. [PMID: 34445227 PMCID: PMC8395224 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Osimertinib is the latest generation epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitor used for patients with EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We aimed to explore the novel mechanisms of osimertinib by particularly focusing on EGFR-independent effects, which have not been well characterized. We explored the EGFR-independent effects of osimertinib on cell proliferation using NSCLC cell lines, an antibody array analysis, and the association between the action of osimertinib and the ephrin receptor B4 (EphB4). We also studied the clinicopathological significance of EphB4 in 84 lung adenocarcinoma patients. Osimertinib exerted significant inhibitory effects on cell growth and cell cycle progression by promoting the phosphorylation of p53 and p21 and decreasing cyclin D1 expression independently of EGFR. EphB4 was significantly suppressed by osimertinib and promoted cell growth and sensitivity to osimertinib. The EphB4 status in carcinoma cells was positively correlated with tumor size, T factor, and Ki-67 labeling index in all patients and was associated with poor relapse-free survival in EGFR mutation-positive patients. EphB4 is associated with the EGFR-independent suppressive effects of osimertinib on cell cycle and with a poor clinical outcome. Osimertinib can exert significant growth inhibitory effects in EGFR-mutated NSCLC patients with a high EphB4 status.
Collapse
|
13
|
Tyrosine Phosphoproteomics of Patient-Derived Xenografts Reveals Ephrin Type-B Receptor 4 Tyrosine Kinase as a Therapeutic Target in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13143404. [PMID: 34298619 PMCID: PMC8303779 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest solid malignancies. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma accounts for 90% of pancreatic cancer cases with minimal response to traditional chemotherapies. Protein tyrosine kinases have been shown to be hyperactivated in cancers and thus can serve as therapeutic targets. Patient-derived tumor xenografts (PDXs) in animal models such as mice are an appropriate resource to identify such activated kinases. PDXs models are excellent for the identification of therapeutic targets as compared to cell line models as they better reflect an in vivo environment. We identified ephrin type-B receptor 4 (EphB4) as hyperactivated in PDXs derived from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is a recalcitrant tumor with minimal response to conventional chemotherapeutic approaches. Oncogenic signaling by activated tyrosine kinases has been implicated in cancers resulting in activation of diverse effector signaling pathways. Thus, the discovery of aberrantly activated tyrosine kinases is of great interest in developing novel therapeutic strategies in the treatment and management of pancreatic cancer. Patient-derived tumor xenografts (PDXs) in mice serve as potentially valuable preclinical models as they maintain the histological and molecular heterogeneity of the original human tumor. Here, we employed high-resolution mass spectrometry combined with immunoaffinity purification using anti-phosphotyrosine antibodies to profile tyrosine phosphoproteome across 13 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma PDX models. This analysis resulted in the identification of 1199 tyrosine-phosphorylated sites mapping to 704 proteins. The mass spectrometric analysis revealed widespread and heterogeneous activation of both receptor and non-receptor tyrosine kinases. Preclinical studies confirmed ephrin type-B receptor 4 (EphB4) as a potential therapeutic target based on the efficacy of human serum albumin-conjugated soluble EphB4 in mice bearing orthotopic xenografts. Immunohistochemistry-based validation using tissue microarrays from 346 patients with PDAC showed significant expression of EphB4 in >70% of patients. In summary, we present a comprehensive landscape of tyrosine phosphoproteome with EphB4 as a promising therapeutic target in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
Collapse
|
14
|
Kubo H, Yagyu S, Nakamura K, Yamashima K, Tomida A, Kikuchi K, Iehara T, Nakazawa Y, Hosoi H. Development of non-viral, ligand-dependent, EPHB4-specific chimeric antigen receptor T cells for treatment of rhabdomyosarcoma. MOLECULAR THERAPY-ONCOLYTICS 2021; 20:646-658. [PMID: 33816783 PMCID: PMC7985479 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2021.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Ephrin type-B receptor 4 (EPHB4), expressed in tumors including rhabdomyosarcoma, is a suitable target for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells. Ligand-independent activation of EPHB4 causes cell proliferation and malignant transformation in rhabdomyosarcoma, whereas ligand-dependent stimulation of EPHB4 induces apoptosis in rhabdomyosarcoma. Therefore, we hypothesized that ligand-based, EPHB4-specific CAR-T cells may kill rhabdomyosarcoma cells without stimulating downstream cell proliferation mechanisms. We developed novel CAR-T cells by targeting EPHB4 via EPHRIN B2, a natural ligand of EPHB4. The generation of EPHB4-CAR-T cells via piggyBac (PB) transposon-based gene transfer resulted in sufficient T cell expansion and CAR positivity (78.5% ± 5.9%). PB-EPHB4-CAR-T cells displayed a dominant stem cell memory fraction (59.4% ± 7.2%) as well as low PD-1 expression (0.60% ± 0.21%) after 14 days of expansion. The PB-EPHB4-CAR-T cells inhibited EPHB4-positive tumor cells without activating cell proliferation downstream of EPHB4, even after multiple tumor re-challenges and suppressed tumor growth in xenograft-bearing mice. Therefore, PB-EPHB4-CAR-T cells possess a memory-rich fraction without early T cell exhaustion and show potential as promising therapeutic agents for treating rhabdomyosarcoma and other EPHB4-positive tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Kubo
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Shigeki Yagyu
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Kayoko Nakamura
- Department of Pediatrics, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Kumiko Yamashima
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Akimasa Tomida
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Ken Kikuchi
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Tomoko Iehara
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Yozo Nakazawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan.,Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Interdisciplinary Cluster for Cutting Edge Research, Shinshu University, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Hajime Hosoi
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Davenport ML, Echols JB, Silva AD, Anderson JC, Owens P, Yates C, Wei Q, Harada S, Hurst DR, Edmonds MD. miR-31 Displays Subtype Specificity in Lung Cancer. Cancer Res 2021; 81:1942-1953. [PMID: 33558335 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-2769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
miRNA rarely possess pan-oncogenic or tumor-suppressive properties. Most miRNAs function under tissue-specific contexts, acting as either tumor suppressors in one tissue, promoting oncogenesis in another, or having no apparent role in the regulation of processes associated with the hallmarks of cancer. What has been less clear is the role of miRNAs within cell types of the same tissue and the ability within each cell type to contribute to oncogenesis. In this study, we characterize the role of one such tissue-specific miRNA, miR-31, recently identified as the most oncogenic miRNA in lung adenocarcinoma, across the histologic spectrum of human lung cancer. Compared with normal lung tissue, miR-31 was overexpressed in patient lung adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, but not small-cell carcinoma or carcinoids. miR-31 promoted tumor growth in mice of xenografted human adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma cell lines, but not in large- or small-cell carcinoma lines. While miR-31 did not promote primary tumor growth of large- and small-cell carcinoma, it did promote spontaneous metastasis. Mechanistically, miR-31 altered distinct cellular signaling programs within each histologic subtype, resulting in distinct phenotypic differences. This is the first report distinguishing diverse functional roles for this miRNA across the spectrum of lung cancers and suggests that miR-31 has broad clinical value in human lung malignancy. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings demonstrate the oncogenic properties of miR-31 in specific subtypes of lung cancer and highlight it as a potential therapeutic target in these subtypes. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/81/8/1942/F1.large.jpg.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - John B Echols
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Austin D Silva
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Joshua C Anderson
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Philip Owens
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado.,Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs, Denver, Colorado
| | - Clayton Yates
- Department of Biology, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, Alabama
| | - Qing Wei
- Pathology Department, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Shuko Harada
- Pathology Department, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Douglas R Hurst
- Pathology Department, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Mick D Edmonds
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Anderton M, van der Meulen E, Blumenthal MJ, Schäfer G. The Role of the Eph Receptor Family in Tumorigenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13020206. [PMID: 33430066 PMCID: PMC7826860 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The Eph receptor family is implicated in both tumour promotion and suppression, depending on the tissue-specific context of available receptor interactions with ligands, adaptor proteins and triggered downstream signalling pathways. This complex interplay has not only consequences for tumorigenesis but also offers a basis from which new cancer-targeting strategies can be developed. This review comprehensively summarises the current knowledge of Eph receptor implications in oncogenesis in a tissue- and receptor-specific manner, with the aim to develop a better understanding of Eph signalling pathways for potential targeting in novel cancer therapies. Abstract The Eph receptor tyrosine kinase family, activated by binding to their cognate ephrin ligands, are important components of signalling pathways involved in animal development. More recently, they have received significant interest due to their involvement in oncogenesis. In most cases, their expression is altered, affecting the likes of cell proliferation and migration. Depending on the context, Eph receptors have the potential to act as both tumour promoters and suppressors in a number of cancers, such as breast cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, brain cancer and Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS), the latter being intrinsically linked to EphA2 as this is the receptor used for endothelial cell entry by the Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). In addition, EphA2 deregulation is associated with KS, indicating that it has a dual role in this case. Associations between EphA2 sequence variation and KSHV infection/KS progression have been detected, but further work is required to formally establish the links between EphA2 signalling and KS oncogenesis. This review consolidates the available literature of the role of the Eph receptor family, and particularly EphA2, in tumorigenesis, with the aim to develop a better understanding of Eph signalling pathways for potential targeting in novel cancer therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meg Anderton
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; (M.A.); (E.v.d.M.)
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Emma van der Meulen
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; (M.A.); (E.v.d.M.)
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Melissa J. Blumenthal
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; (M.A.); (E.v.d.M.)
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
- Division of Medical Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
- Correspondence: (M.J.B.); (G.S.); Tel.: +27-21-4047630 (M.J.B.)
| | - Georgia Schäfer
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; (M.A.); (E.v.d.M.)
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
- Division of Medical Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
- Correspondence: (M.J.B.); (G.S.); Tel.: +27-21-4047630 (M.J.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Srivastava S, Pang KM, Iida M, Nelson MS, Liu J, Nam A, Wang J, Mambetsariev I, Pillai R, Mohanty A, McDaniel N, Behal A, Kulkarni P, Wheeler DL, Salgia R. Activation of EPHA2-ROBO1 Heterodimer by SLIT2 Attenuates Non-canonical Signaling and Proliferation in Squamous Cell Carcinomas. iScience 2020; 23:101692. [PMID: 33196021 PMCID: PMC7644594 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The tyrosine kinase receptor ephrin receptor A2 (EPHA2) is overexpressed in lung (LSCC) and head and neck (HNSCC) squamous cell carcinomas. Although EPHA2 can inhibit tumorigenesis in a ligand-dependent fashion via phosphorylation of Y588 and Y772, it can promote tumorigenesis in a ligand-independent manner via phosphorylation of S897. Here, we show that EPHA2 and Roundabout Guidance Receptor 1 (ROBO1) interact to form a functional heterodimer. Furthermore, we show that the ROBO1 ligand Slit Guidance Ligand 2 (SLIT2) and ensartinib, an inhibitor of EPHA2, can attenuate growth of HNSCC cells and act synergistically in LSCC cells. Our results suggest that patients with LSCC and HNSCC may be stratified and treated based on their EPHA2 and ROBO1 expression patterns. Although ~73% of patients with LSCC could benefit from SLIT2+ensartinib treatment, ~41% of patients with HNSCC could be treated with either SLIT2 or ensartinib. Thus, EPHA2 and ROBO1 represent potential LSCC and HNSCC theranostics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saumya Srivastava
- Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 East Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Ka Ming Pang
- Department of Surgery, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Mari Iida
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Wisconsin Institute for Medical Research, Madison, WI 53705-2275, USA
| | - Michael S. Nelson
- Light Microscopy Core, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Jiayi Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 East Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Arin Nam
- Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 East Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Jiale Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 East Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Isa Mambetsariev
- Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 East Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Raju Pillai
- Department of Pathology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Atish Mohanty
- Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 East Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Nellie McDaniel
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Wisconsin Institute for Medical Research, Madison, WI 53705-2275, USA
| | - Amita Behal
- Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 East Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Prakash Kulkarni
- Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 East Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Deric L. Wheeler
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Wisconsin Institute for Medical Research, Madison, WI 53705-2275, USA
| | - Ravi Salgia
- Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 East Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Wan X, Saban DV, Kim SN, Weng Y, Dammann P, Keyvani K, Sure U, Zhu Y. PDCD10-Deficiency Promotes Malignant Behaviors and Tumor Growth via Triggering EphB4 Kinase Activity in Glioblastoma. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1377. [PMID: 32850441 PMCID: PMC7427606 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously reported an angiogenic and tumor-suppressor-like function of programmed cell death 10 (PDCD10) in glioblastoma (GBM). However, the underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated. We hypothesized that loss of PDCD10 activates GBM cells and tumor progression via EphB4. To this end, PDCD10 was knocked down in U87 and T98g by lentiviral mediated shRNA transduction (shPDCD10). GBM cell phenotype in vitro and tumor growth in a mouse xenograft model were investigated in presence or absence of the treatment with a specific EphB4 kinase inhibitor NVP-BHG712 (NVP). We demonstrated that knockdown of PDCD10 in GBM cells significantly upregulated the mRNA and protein expression of EphB4 accompanied by the activation of Erk1/2. EphB4 kinase activity, reflected by phospho-EphB4, significantly increased in shPDCD10 GBM cells, and in tumors derived from shPDCD10 GBM xenografts, which was abolished by the treatment with NVP. Furthermore, NVP treatment significantly suppressed PDCD10-knockdown mediated aggressive GBM cell phenotype in vitro and extensive tumor cell proliferation, the tumor neo-angiogenesis, and a quick progression of tumor formation in vivo. In summary, loss of PDCD10 activates GBM cells and promotes tumor growth via triggering EphB4. Targeting EphB4 might be an effective strategy particularly for the personalized therapy in GBM patients with PDCD10-deficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xueyan Wan
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.,Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dino Vitali Saban
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Su Na Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Yinlun Weng
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Philipp Dammann
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Kathy Keyvani
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ulrich Sure
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Yuan Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Durai P, Ko YJ, Pan CH, Park K. Evolutionary chemical binding similarity approach integrated with 3D-QSAR method for effective virtual screening. BMC Bioinformatics 2020; 21:309. [PMID: 32664863 PMCID: PMC7362480 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-020-03643-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite continued efforts using chemical similarity methods in virtual screening, currently developed approaches suffer from time-consuming multistep procedures and low success rates. We recently developed a machine learning-based chemical binding similarity model considering common structural features from molecules binding to the same, or evolutionarily related targets. The chemical binding similarity measures the resemblance of chemical compounds in terms of binding site similarity to better describe functional similarities that arise from target binding. In this study, we have shown how the chemical binding similarity could be used in virtual screening together with the conventional structure-based methods. RESULTS The chemical binding similarity, receptor-based pharmacophore, chemical structure similarity, and molecular docking methods were evaluated to identify an effective virtual screening procedure for desired target proteins. When we tested the chemical binding similarity method with test sets of 51 kinases, it outperformed the traditional structural similarity-based methods as well as structure-based methods, such as molecular docking and receptor-based pharmacophore modeling, in terms of finding active compounds. We further validated the results by performing virtual screening (using the chemical binding similarity and receptor-based pharmacophore methods) against a completely blind dataset for mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1 (MEK1), ephrin type-B receptor 4 (EPHB4) and wee1-like protein kinase (WEE1). The in vitro kinase binding assay confirmed that 6 out of 13 (46.2%) for MEK1 and 2 out of 12 (16.7%) for EPHB4 were newly identified only by the chemical binding similarity model. CONCLUSIONS We report that the virtual screening results could further be improved by combining the chemical binding similarity model with 3D-QSAR pharmacophore and molecular docking models. Not only the new inhibitors are identified in this study, but also many of the identified molecules have low structural similarity scores against already reported inhibitors and that show the revelation of novel scaffolds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prasannavenkatesh Durai
- Natural Product Informatics Research Center, KIST Gangneung Institute of Natural Products, Gangneung, 25451, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Joon Ko
- Natural Product Informatics Research Center, KIST Gangneung Institute of Natural Products, Gangneung, 25451, Republic of Korea
- Department of Bioinformatics and Life Science, Soongsil University, Seoul, 06978, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheol-Ho Pan
- Natural Product Informatics Research Center, KIST Gangneung Institute of Natural Products, Gangneung, 25451, Republic of Korea
| | - Keunwan Park
- Natural Product Informatics Research Center, KIST Gangneung Institute of Natural Products, Gangneung, 25451, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Pristimerin Exacerbates Cellular Injury in Conditionally Reprogrammed Patient-Derived Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells by Aggravating Mitochondrial Impairment and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress through EphB4/CDC42/N-WASP Signaling. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2020; 2020:7409853. [PMID: 32733636 PMCID: PMC7369684 DOI: 10.1155/2020/7409853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Lung cancer is the most common and lethal malignant disease for which the development of efficacious chemotherapeutic agents remains an urgent need. Pristimerin (PRIS), a natural bioactive component isolated from various plant species in the Celastraceae and Hippocrateaceae families, has been reported to exhibit outstanding antitumor effects in several types of cells. However, the underlying mechanisms involved remain poorly understood. Here, we reported the novel finding that PRIS significantly suppressed lung cancer growth in conditionally reprogrammed patient-derived lung adenocarcinoma cells (CRLCs). We demonstrated that PRIS inhibited the cell viabilities, migrative and invaded abilities, and capillary structure formation of CRLCs. Furthermore, our results clarified that PRIS induced mitochondrial dysfunction through reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, activation of caspase-9, caspase-3, and caspase-4, and expression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-associated proteins. Inhibition of ER stress by 4-PBA (4-phenylbutyric acid, a specific ER stress inhibitor) or CHOP siRNA transfection ameliorated PRIS-induced loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and intrinsic apoptosis. The present study also provides mechanistic evidence that PRIS suppressed the EphB4/CDC42/N-WASP signaling pathway, which is required for mitochondrial-mediated intrinsic apoptosis, activation of ER stress, and stimulation of caspase-4 induced by PRIS, and consequently resulting in suppressed cell viability, migration, and angiogenesis in CRLCs. Taken together, by providing a mechanistic insight into the modulation of ER stress-induced cell death in CRLCs by PRIS, we suggest that PRIS has a strong potential of being a new antitumor therapeutic agent with applications in the fields of human lung adenocarcinoma.
Collapse
|
21
|
Tatehana M, Kimura R, Mochizuki K, Inada H, Osumi N. Comprehensive histochemical profiles of histone modification in male germline cells during meiosis and spermiogenesis: Comparison of young and aged testes in mice. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0230930. [PMID: 32267870 PMCID: PMC7141650 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0230930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Human epidemiological studies have shown that paternal aging as one of the risk factors for neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism, in offspring. A recent study has suggested that factors other than de novo mutations due to aging can influence the biology of offspring. Here, we focused on epigenetic alterations in sperm that can influence developmental programs in offspring. In this study, we qualitatively and semiquantitatively evaluated histone modification patterns in male germline cells throughout spermatogenesis based on immunostaining of testes taken from young (3 months old) and aged (12 months old) mice. Although localization patterns were not obviously changed between young and aged testes, some histone modification showed differences in their intensity. Among histone modifications that repress gene expression, histone H3 lysine 9 trimethylation (H3K9me3) was decreased in the male germline cells of the aged testis, while H3K27me2/3 was increased. The intensity of H3K27 acetylation (ac), an active mark, was lower/higher depending on the stages in the aged testis. Interestingly, H3K27ac was detected on the putative sex chromosomes of round spermatids, while other chromosomes were occupied by a repressive mark, H3K27me3. Among other histone modifications that activate gene expression, H3K4me2 was drastically decreased in the male germline cells of the aged testis. In contrast, H3K79me3 was increased in M-phase spermatocytes, where it accumulates on the sex chromosomes. Therefore, aging induced alterations in the amount of histone modifications and in the differences of patterns for each modification. Moreover, histone modifications on the sex chromosomes and on other chromosomes seems to be differentially regulated by aging. These findings will help elucidate the epigenetic mechanisms underlying the influence of paternal aging on offspring development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Misako Tatehana
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Center for Advanced Research and Translational Medicine (ART), Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Ryuichi Kimura
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Center for Advanced Research and Translational Medicine (ART), Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Kentaro Mochizuki
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Center for Advanced Research and Translational Medicine (ART), Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
- Department of Medical Genetics, Life Sciences Institute, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Hitoshi Inada
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Center for Advanced Research and Translational Medicine (ART), Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Noriko Osumi
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Center for Advanced Research and Translational Medicine (ART), Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Ding J, Yao Y, Huang G, Wang X, Yi J, Zhang N, Liu C, Wang K, Zhang Y, Wang M, Liu P, Ye M, Li M, Cheng H. Targeting the EphB4 receptor tyrosine kinase sensitizes HER2-positive breast cancer cells to Lapatinib. Cancer Lett 2020; 475:53-64. [PMID: 32006616 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.01.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Clinical data analysis reveals that the expression of the EphB4 receptor tyrosine kinase is significantly elevated in HER2-positive breast cancer and high levels of EphB4 strongly correlate with poor disease prognosis. However, the impact of EphB4 activation on HER2-positive breast cancer cells and the potential of EphB4 as a therapeutic target remain to be explored. Here, we show that EphB4 overexpression confers gain-of-function activities to HER2-positive breast cancer cells, rendering resistance to a HER2/EGFR inhibitor Lapatinib. Furthermore, using integrated transcriptomic and tyrosine phosphoproteomic analyses, followed by biochemical confirmation, we establish that EphB4 activation engages the SHP2/GAB1-MEK signaling cascade and downstream c-MYC activation, and thereby limits the overall drug responses to Lapatinib. Finally, we demonstrate that, in HER2-positive breast tumors, inhibition of EphB4 combined with Lapatinib is more effective than either alone. These findings provide new insights into the signaling networks dictating therapeutic response to Lapatinib as well as a rationale for co-targeting EphB4 in HER2-positive breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinlei Ding
- Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Cancer Therapy, Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yating Yao
- Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, National Chromatographic R&A Center, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Dalian, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Gena Huang
- Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Cancer Therapy, Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xiaonan Wang
- Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Cancer Therapy, Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jingyan Yi
- Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Cancer Therapy, Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Cancer Therapy, Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Chongya Liu
- Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Cancer Therapy, Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Kainan Wang
- Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Cancer Therapy, Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Cancer Therapy, Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Min Wang
- Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Cancer Therapy, Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Pixu Liu
- Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Cancer Therapy, Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
| | - Mingliang Ye
- Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences for Analytical Chemistry, National Chromatographic R&A Center, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Dalian, China.
| | - Man Li
- Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Cancer Therapy, Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
| | - Hailing Cheng
- Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Cancer Therapy, Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Sagar V, Vatapalli R, Lysy B, Pamarthy S, Anker JF, Rodriguez Y, Han H, Unno K, Stadler WM, Catalona WJ, Hussain M, Gill PS, Abdulkadir SA. EPHB4 inhibition activates ER stress to promote immunogenic cell death of prostate cancer cells. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:801. [PMID: 31641103 PMCID: PMC6805914 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-2042-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The EPHB4 receptor is implicated in the development of several epithelial tumors and is a promising therapeutic target, including in prostate tumors in which EPHB4 is overexpressed and promotes tumorigenicity. Here, we show that high expression of EPHB4 correlated with poor survival in prostate cancer patients and EPHB4 inhibition induced cell death in both hormone sensitive and castration-resistant prostate cancer cells. EPHB4 inhibition reduced expression of the glucose transporter, GLUT3, impaired glucose uptake, and reduced cellular ATP levels. This was associated with the activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress and tumor cell death with features of immunogenic cell death (ICD), including phosphorylation of eIF2α, increased cell surface calreticulin levels, and release of HMGB1 and ATP. The changes in tumor cell metabolism after EPHB4 inhibition were associated with MYC downregulation, likely mediated by the SRC/p38 MAPK/4EBP1 signaling cascade, known to impair cap-dependent translation. Together, our study indicates a role for EPHB4 inhibition in the induction of immunogenic cell death with implication for prostate cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vinay Sagar
- Department of Urology, The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Rajita Vatapalli
- Department of Urology, The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Barbara Lysy
- Department of Urology, The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Sahithi Pamarthy
- Atrin Pharmaceuticals, Pennsylvania Biotechnology Center, Doylestown, PA, 18902, USA
| | - Jonathan F Anker
- Department of Urology, The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Yara Rodriguez
- Department of Urology, The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Huiying Han
- Department of Urology, The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Kenji Unno
- Department of Urology, The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Walter M Stadler
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - William J Catalona
- Department of Urology and Medical Social Sciences (DEV), Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Maha Hussain
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Parkash S Gill
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Sarki A Abdulkadir
- Department of Urology, The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA. .,Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Li J, Sun Y, Wang X, Wang J, Zhu Y. The expressions of EphB4 and ephrinB2 in lung adenocarcinomas: a high level of the EphB4 protein is associated with lymph node metastasis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2019; 12:3447-3452. [PMID: 31934189 PMCID: PMC6949841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Eph tyrosine kinase receptors and their ephrin ligands are involved in normal development and tumorigenesis. Eph receptors are frequently over expressed in a wide variety of human malignant tumors, being associated with tumor growth, invasion, angiogenesis, and metastasis. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical significance of EphB4 and its ligand of ephrinB2 protein expressions in human lung adenocarcinomas. EphB4 and ephrinB2 protein expressions were assessed immunohistochemically on paraffin embedded tissues obtained from 93 patients with lung adenocarcinoma. Fifty-one out of 93 (54.8%) specimens were negative for EphB4 expression, and 42 out of 93 (45.2%) were positive for EphB4 expression. EphrinB2 expression was consistently negative in all tissues. EphB4 expression was significantly associated with tumor differentiation (P = 0.001), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.021), and Ki67 (P = 0.012). No significant relationship was found between EphB4 expression and gender, age, or ALK mutation. Our data show that EphB4 is differentially expressed in lung adenocarcinoma tissues. A high level of EphB4 protein expression was associated with lymph node metastasis in lung adenocarcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ji Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhou 215006, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Affiliated Jiangyin Hospital of Southeast University Medical College163 Shoushan Road, Jiangyin 214400, China
| | - Yuejun Sun
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Jiangyin Hospital of Southeast University Medical College163 Shoushan Road, Jiangyin 214400, China
| | - Xiaoxia Wang
- Department of Pathology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of MedicineZhong Shan Dong Lu 305, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Jiandong Wang
- Department of Pathology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of MedicineZhong Shan Dong Lu 305, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Yehang Zhu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhou 215006, Jiangsu, China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Kawahara Y, Furuta T, Sabit H, Tamai S, Dong Y, Jiapaer S, Zhang J, Zhang G, Oishi M, Miyashita K, Hayashi Y, Nakada M. Ligand-dependent EphB4 activation serves as an anchoring signal in glioma cells. Cancer Lett 2019; 449:56-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
|
26
|
Pharmacogenomic landscape of patient-derived tumor cells informs precision oncology therapy. Nat Genet 2018; 50:1399-1411. [DOI: 10.1038/s41588-018-0209-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
27
|
Park SL, Patel YM, Loo LWM, Mullen DJ, Offringa IA, Maunakea A, Stram DO, Siegmund K, Murphy SE, Tiirikainen M, Le Marchand L. Association of internal smoking dose with blood DNA methylation in three racial/ethnic populations. Clin Epigenetics 2018; 10:110. [PMID: 30139389 PMCID: PMC6108111 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-018-0543-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death. While cigarette smoking is the primary cause of this malignancy, risk differs across racial/ethnic groups. For the same number of cigarettes smoked, Native Hawaiians compared to whites are at greater risk and Japanese Americans are at lower risk of developing lung cancer. DNA methylation of specific CpG sites (e.g., in AHRR and F2RL3) is the most common blood epigenetic modification associated with smoking status. However, the influence of internal smoking dose, measured by urinary nicotine equivalents (NE), on DNA methylation in current smokers has not been investigated, nor has a study evaluated whether for the same smoking dose, circulating leukocyte DNA methylation patterns differ by race. METHODS We conducted an epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) of NE in 612 smokers from three racial/ethnic groups: whites (n = 204), Native Hawaiians (n = 205), and Japanese Americans (n = 203). Genome-wide DNA methylation profiling of blood leukocyte DNA was measured using the Illumina 450K BeadChip array. Average β value, the ratio of signal from a methylated probe relative to the sum of the methylated and unmethylated probes at that CpG, was the dependent variables in linear regression models adjusting for age, sex, race (for pan-ethnic analysis), and estimated cell-type distribution. RESULTS We found that NE was significantly associated with six differentially methylated CpG sites (Bonferroni corrected p < 1.48 × 10-7): four in or near the FOXK2, PBX1, FNDC7, and FUBP3 genes and two in non-annotated genetic regions. Higher levels of NE were associated with increasing methylation beta-valuesin all six sites. For all six CpG sites, the association was only observed in Native Hawaiians, suggesting that the influence of smoking dose on DNA methylation patterns is heterogeneous across race/ethnicity (p interactions < 8.8 × 10-8). We found two additional CpG sites associated with NE in only Native Hawaiians. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, internal smoking dose was associated with increased DNA methylation in circulating leukocytes at specific sites in Native Hawaiian smokers but not in white or Japanese American smokers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sungshim L Park
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1450 Biggy Street, NRT 1509G, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA.
| | - Yesha M Patel
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1450 Biggy Street, NRT 1509G, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Lenora W M Loo
- Epidemiology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, 701 Ilalo Street, Honolulu, HI, 96813, USA
| | - Daniel J Mullen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90032, USA
| | - Ite A Offringa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90032, USA
| | - Alika Maunakea
- University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI, 96813, USA
| | - Daniel O Stram
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1450 Biggy Street, NRT 1509G, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Kimberly Siegmund
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1450 Biggy Street, NRT 1509G, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Sharon E Murphy
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Maarit Tiirikainen
- Epidemiology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, 701 Ilalo Street, Honolulu, HI, 96813, USA
| | - Loïc Le Marchand
- Epidemiology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, 701 Ilalo Street, Honolulu, HI, 96813, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Bhatia S, Sharma J, Bukkapatnam S, Oweida A, Lennon S, Phan A, Milner D, Uyanga N, Jimeno A, Raben D, Somerset H, Heasley L, Karam SD. Inhibition of EphB4-Ephrin-B2 Signaling Enhances Response to Cetuximab-Radiation Therapy in Head and Neck Cancers. Clin Cancer Res 2018; 24:4539-4550. [PMID: 29848571 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-18-0327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: The clinical success of targeted therapies such as cetuximab and radiotherapy (RT) is hampered by the low response rates and development of therapeutic resistance. In the current study, we investigated the involvement of EphB4-ephrin-B2 protumorigenic signaling in mediating resistance to EGFR inhibition and RT in head and neck cancers.Experimental Design: We used patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and HNSCC cell lines to test our hypothesis. Tumor tissues were subjected to PhosphoRTK array, and Western blotting to detect changes in EphB4-ephrin-B2 targets. mRNA sequencing and microarray data analysis were performed on PDX tumors and HNSCC cell lines, respectively, to determine differences in gene expression of molecules involved in tumor cell growth, proliferation, and survival pathways. Effects on cell growth were determined by MTT assay on HNSCC cells downregulated for EphB4/ephrin-B2 expression, with and without EGFR inhibitor and radiation.Results: Our data from locally advanced HNSCC patients treated with standard-of-care definitive chemo-RT show elevated EphB4 and ephrin-B2 levels after failure of treatment. We observed significant response toward cetuximab and RT following EphB4-ephrin-B2 inhibition, resulting in improved survival in tumor-bearing mice. Tumor growth inhibition was accompanied by a decrease in the levels of proliferation and prosurvival molecules and increased apoptosis.Conclusions: Our findings underscore the importance of adopting rational drug combinations to enhance therapeutic effect. Our study documenting enhanced response of HNSCC to cetuximab-RT with EphB4-ephrin-B2 blockade has the potential to translate into the clinic to benefit this patient population. Clin Cancer Res; 24(18); 4539-50. ©2018 AACR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shilpa Bhatia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Jaspreet Sharma
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Sanjana Bukkapatnam
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Ayman Oweida
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Shelby Lennon
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Andy Phan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Dallin Milner
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Nomin Uyanga
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Antonio Jimeno
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - David Raben
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Hilary Somerset
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Lynn Heasley
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Sana D Karam
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Salgia R, Kulkarni P, Gill PS. EphB4: A promising target for upper aerodigestive malignancies. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2018; 1869:128-137. [PMID: 29369779 PMCID: PMC5955724 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2018.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Revised: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular carcinoma (Eph) receptors are the largest family of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) that include two major subclasses, EphA and EphB. They form an important cell communication system with critical and diverse roles in a variety of biological processes during embryonic development. However, dysregulation of the Eph/ephrin interactions is implicated in cancer contributing to tumour growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Here, we focus on EphB4 and review recent developments in elucidating its role in upper aerodigestive malignancies to include lung cancer, head and neck cancer, and mesothelioma. In particular, we summarize information regarding EphB4 structure/function and role in disease pathobiology. We also review the data supporting EphB4 as a potential pharmacological and immunotherapy target and finally, progress in the development of new therapeutic strategies including small molecule inhibitors of its activity is discussed. The emerging picture suggests that EphB4 is a valuable and attractive therapeutic target for upper aerodigestive malignancies.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use
- Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics
- Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/genetics
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/pathology
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Head and Neck Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Head and Neck Neoplasms/genetics
- Head and Neck Neoplasms/metabolism
- Head and Neck Neoplasms/pathology
- Humans
- Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Lung Neoplasms/genetics
- Lung Neoplasms/metabolism
- Lung Neoplasms/pathology
- Mesothelioma/drug therapy
- Mesothelioma/genetics
- Mesothelioma/metabolism
- Mesothelioma/pathology
- Mesothelioma, Malignant
- Molecular Targeted Therapy
- Receptor, EphB4/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, EphB4/genetics
- Receptor, EphB4/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ravi Salgia
- Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 East Duarte Road, Duarte, CA, United States.
| | - Prakash Kulkarni
- Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 East Duarte Road, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Prakash S Gill
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Kou CTJ, Kandpal RP. Differential Expression Patterns of Eph Receptors and Ephrin Ligands in Human Cancers. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:7390104. [PMID: 29682554 PMCID: PMC5851329 DOI: 10.1155/2018/7390104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Eph receptors constitute the largest family of receptor tyrosine kinases, which are activated by ephrin ligands that either are anchored to the membrane or contain a transmembrane domain. These molecules play important roles in the development of multicellular organisms, and the physiological functions of these receptor-ligand pairs have been extensively documented in axon guidance, neuronal development, vascular patterning, and inflammation during tissue injury. The recognition that aberrant regulation and expression of these molecules lead to alterations in proliferative, migratory, and invasive potential of a variety of human cancers has made them potential targets for cancer therapeutics. We present here the involvement of Eph receptors and ephrin ligands in lung carcinoma, breast carcinoma, prostate carcinoma, colorectal carcinoma, glioblastoma, and medulloblastoma. The aberrations in their abundances are described in the context of multiple signaling pathways, and differential expression is suggested as the mechanism underlying tumorigenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chung-Ting Jimmy Kou
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Raj P. Kandpal
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Chen Y, Zhang H, Zhang Y. Targeting receptor tyrosine kinase EphB4 in cancer therapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2017; 56:37-46. [PMID: 28993206 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2017.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Revised: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Eph receptors and their Eph receptor-interacting (ephrin) ligands together form an important cell communication system with diverse roles. Experimental evidence demonstrated Eph receptor bidirectional signaling with both tumor-suppressing and tumor-promoting activities in cancer cells. The tyrosine kinase EphB4, a member of the Eph receptor family, has been associated with tumor angiogenesis, growth and metastasis, thus making it a valuable and attractive target for drug design for therapeutic applications. In the past decade, many studies have focused on elucidating the structure and function of EphB4 in complex with its ligand ephrinB2 for their role in carcinogenesis. Meanwhile, an array of compounds targeting EphB4 have been studied and several selective inhibitors have been tested in clinical studies. This review discusses the structure and function of the EphB4 receptor, analyzes its potential as a target for anticancer therapy, and summarizes the information about inhibitors of EphB4 kinase activity. Conclusively, EphB4 is a challenging but promising therapeutic target in cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yinnan Chen
- School of Molecular Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Hongmei Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Xinhua Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
| | - Yanmin Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 76, Yanta West Street, #54, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province 710061, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Li Y, Wang H, Chen X, Mai H, Li C, Wen F. Aberrant EPHB4 gene methylation and childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Oncol Lett 2017; 14:4433-4440. [PMID: 29085439 PMCID: PMC5649587 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.6755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the association between aberrant DNA methylation of the promoter region of the ephrin type-B receptor 4 (EPHB4) gene and the development of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Bisulfite sequencing polymerase chain reaction (BSP) was performed to determine the methylation density of cytosine-guanine pair islands in the promoter region of EPHB4, in bone marrow samples from 40 children with ALL. The mRNA and protein expression levels of EPHB4 were detected using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. A total of 10 children with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) were recruited as controls. The results revealed that the average methylation density of the bone marrow samples from the patients with ALL was significantly higher, compared with the patients with ITP (P=0.046). The relative mRNA expression levels of EPHB4 in the patients with ITP (25.08±4.03) and the patients with ALL without methylation (12.33±2.16) were significantly higher, compared with that observed in the patients with ALL with methylation (6.48±2.73; P<0.01). Pearson analysis revealed a significant negative linear correlation between EPHB4 gene methylation and its expression levels (r=−0.957; P<0.01). Western blot analysis indicated that EPHB4 protein expression levels were low in the methylated ALL samples. An evaluation of the two-year disease-free survival (DFS) of the patients with ALL was performed, which revealed that the patients with unmethylated ALL exhibited a significantly higher two-year DFS rate, as compared with patients with methylated ALL (P=0.036). These results suggest that the methylation of the EPHB4 gene is prevalent in childhood ALL and may result in expressional inactivation, which consequently promotes ALL pathogenesis and is associated with an unfavorable prognosis. Therefore, the EPHB4 gene may function as a potential tumor suppressor in childhood ALL.
Collapse
|
33
|
Differential responsiveness of MET inhibition in non-small-cell lung cancer with altered CBL. Sci Rep 2017; 7:9192. [PMID: 28835699 PMCID: PMC5569108 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-09078-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Casitas B-lineage lymphoma (CBL) is an E3 ubiquitin ligase and a molecule of adaptor that we have shown is important for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We investigated if MET is a target of CBL and if enhanced in CBL-altered NSCLC. We showed that CBL wildtype cells have lower MET expression than CBL mutant cells. Ubiquitination of MET was also decreased in CBL mutant cells compared to wildtype cells. Mutant cells were also more sensitive to MET inhibitor SU11274 than wild-type cells. sh-RNA-mediated knockdown of CBL enhanced cell motility and colony formation in NSCLC cells, and these activities were inhibited by SU11274. Assessment of the phospho-kinome showed decreased phosphorylation of pathways involving MET, paxillin, EPHA2, and VEGFR. When CBL was knocked down in the mutant cell line H1975 (erlotinib-resistant), it became sensitive to MET inhibition. Our findings suggest that CBL status is a potential positive indicator for MET-targeted therapeutics in NSCLC.
Collapse
|
34
|
Intersecting transcriptomic profiling technologies and long non-coding RNA function in lung adenocarcinoma: discovery, mechanisms, and therapeutic applications. Oncotarget 2017; 8:81538-81557. [PMID: 29113413 PMCID: PMC5655308 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.18432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Previously thought of as junk transcripts and pseudogene remnants, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have come into their own over the last decade as an essential component of cellular activity, regulating a plethora of functions within multicellular organisms. lncRNAs are now known to participate in development, cellular homeostasis, immunological processes, and the development of disease. With the advent of next generation sequencing technology, hundreds of thousands of lncRNAs have been identified. However, movement beyond mere discovery to the understanding of molecular processes has been stymied by the complicated genomic structure, tissue-restricted expression, and diverse regulatory roles lncRNAs play. In this review, we will focus on lncRNAs involved in lung cancer, the most common cause of cancer-related death in the United States and worldwide. We will summarize their various methods of discovery, provide consensus rankings of deregulated lncRNAs in lung cancer, and describe in detail the limited functional analysis that has been undertaken so far.
Collapse
|
35
|
Liu T, Zeng X, Sun F, Hou H, Guan Y, Guo D, Ai H, Wang W, Zhang G. EphB4 Regulates Self-Renewal, Proliferation and Neuronal Differentiation of Human Embryonic Neural Stem Cells in Vitro. Cell Physiol Biochem 2017; 41:819-834. [DOI: 10.1159/000459693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims: EphB4 belongs to the largest family of Eph receptor tyrosine kinases. It contributes to a variety of pathological progresses of cancer malignancy. However, little is known about its role in neural stem cells (NSCs). This study examined whether EphB4 is required for proliferation and differentiation of human embryonic neural stem cells (hNSCs) in vitro. Methods: We up- and down-regulated EphB4 expression in hNSCs using lentiviral over-expression and shRNA knockdown constructs and then investigated the influence of EphB4 on the properties of hNSCs. Results: Our results show that shRNA-mediated EphB4 reduction profoundly impaired hNSCs self-renewal and proliferation. Furthermore, detection of differentiation revealed that knockdown of EphB4 inhibited hNSCs differentiation towards a neuronal lineage and promoted hNSCs differentiation to glial cells. In contrast, EphB4 overexpression promoted hNSCs self-renewal and proliferation, further induced hNSCs differentiation towards a neuronal lineage and inhibited hNSCs differentiation to glial cells. Moreover, we found that EphB4 regulates cell proliferation mediated by the Abl-CyclinD1 pathway. Conclusion: These studies provide strong evidence that fine tuning of EphB4 expression is crucial for the proliferation and neuronal differentiation of hNSCs, suggesting that EphB4 might be an interesting target for overcoming some of the therapeutic limitations of neuronal loss in brain diseases.
Collapse
|
36
|
Dong LD, Cheng XL, Zhou L, Huang Q, Li JC, Yi CJ. Overexpression of erythropoietin-producing hepatocyte receptor B4 and ephrin-B2 is associated with estrogen receptor expression in endometrial adenocarcinoma. Oncol Lett 2017; 13:2109-2114. [PMID: 28454369 PMCID: PMC5403707 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.5698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometrial adenocarcinoma (EC) is one of the most frequently diagnosed types of endometrial cancer and is typically a consequence of continuous estrogen receptor stimulation. Erythropoietin-producing hepatocyte receptor B4 (EphB4) and its ligand ephrin-B2 have been reported to be overexpressed in EC cells; however, the function in EC remains unclear. The present study aimed to elucidate the role of EphB4 and ephrin-B2 in EC. The protein expression pattern of EphB4 and ephrin-B2 was analyzed through immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis in endometrium with adenomyosis or simple endometrial hyperplasia, atypical endometrial hyperplasia, double-positive estrogen receptor (ER)/progesterone receptor (PR) EC and double-negative ER/PR EC. The expression of EphB4 and ephrin-B2 was demonstrated to be increased in atypical EH and ER/PR-positive EC, but not ER/PR-negative EC. Furthermore, EphB4 and ephrin-B2 expression was positively associated with ER expression in EC tissue. The results of the present study suggest that the overexpression of EphB4 and ephrin-B2 in the endometrium serves a role in the pathogenesis of EC, in addition to being associated with ER expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Dan Dong
- Department of Central Laboratory of Basic Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434000, P.R. China
| | - Xiang-Lin Cheng
- Department of Central Laboratory of Basic Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434000, P.R. China
| | - Long Zhou
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434000, P.R. China
| | - Qing Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434000, P.R. China
| | - Jun-Chuan Li
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434000, P.R. China
| | - Cun-Jian Yi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434000, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Enhancing radiosensitization in EphB4 receptor-expressing Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas. Sci Rep 2016; 6:38792. [PMID: 27941840 PMCID: PMC5150255 DOI: 10.1038/srep38792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2016] [Accepted: 11/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Members of the Eph family of receptor tyrosine kinases have been implicated in a wide array of human cancers. The EphB4 receptor is ubiquitously expressed in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and has been shown to impart tumorigenic and invasive characteristics to these cancers. In this study, we investigated whether EphB4 receptor targeting can enhance the radiosensitization of HNSCC. Our data show that EphB4 is expressed at high to moderate levels in HNSCC cell lines and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) tumors. We observed decreased survival fractions in HNSCC cells following EphB4 knockdown in clonogenic assays. An enhanced G2 cell cycle arrest with activation of DNA damage response pathway and increased apoptosis was evident in HNSCC cells following combined EphB4 downregulation and radiation compared to EphB4 knockdown and radiation alone. Data using HNSCC PDX models showed significant reduction in tumor volume and enhanced delay in tumor regrowth following sEphB4-HSA administration with radiation compared to single agent treatment. sEphB4-HSA is a protein known to block the interaction between the EphB4 receptor and its ephrin-B2 ligand. Overall, our findings emphasize the therapeutic relevance of EphB4 targeting as a radiosensitizer that can be exploited for the treatment of human head and neck carcinomas.
Collapse
|
38
|
Cell-Free RNA Content in Peripheral Blood as Potential Biomarkers for Detecting Circulating Tumor Cells in Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17111845. [PMID: 27827952 PMCID: PMC5133845 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17111845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2016] [Revised: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have been implicated in tumor progression and prognosis. Techniques detecting CTCs in the peripheral blood of patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) may help to identify individuals likely to benefit from early systemic treatment. However, the detection of CTCs with a single marker is challenging, owing to low specificity and sensitivity and due to the heterogeneity and rareness of CTCs. Herein, the probability of cell-free RNA content in the peripheral blood as a potential biomarker for detecting CTCs in cancer patients was investigated. An immunomagnetic enrichment of real-time reverse-transcription PCR (RT-PCR) technology for analysis of CTCs in NSCLC patients was also developed. The mRNA levels of four candidate genes, cytokeratin 7 (CK7), E74-like factor 3 (ELF3), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular carcinoma receptor B4 (EphB4) that were significantly elevated in tumor tissues and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were determined. The expression of CK7 and ELF3 in tumor tissues and EGFR in PBMCs was associated with lymph node metastasis (all p < 0.05). The expression of CK7 in PBMCs was correlated with age and EphB4 in PBMCs correlated with histopathological type, respectively (all p < 0.05). The expression of all four genes in tumor tissues and PBMCs was significantly correlated with the clinical stage (all p < 0.01). Survival analysis showed that the patients with enhanced expression of CK7, ELF3, EGFR, and EphB4 mRNA in PBMCs had poorer disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) than those without (all p < 0.0001). The present study showed that this alteration of cell-free RNA content in peripheral blood might have clinical ramifications in the diagnosis and treatment of NSCLC patients.
Collapse
|
39
|
PI3 Kinase Pathway and MET Inhibition is Efficacious in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma. Sci Rep 2016; 6:32992. [PMID: 27623107 PMCID: PMC5021085 DOI: 10.1038/srep32992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive cancer that is commonly associated with prior asbestos exposure. Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) such as MET and its downstream target PI3K are overexpressed and activated in a majority of MPMs. Here, we studied the combinatorial therapeutic efficacy of the MET/ALK inhibitor crizotinib, with either a pan-class I PI3K inhibitor, BKM120, or with a PI3K/mTOR dual inhibitor, GDC-0980, in mesothelioma. Cell viability results showed that MPM cells were highly sensitive to crizotinib, BKM120 and GDC-0980 when used individually and their combination was more effective in suppressing growth. Treatment of MPM cells with these inhibitors also significantly decreased cell migration, and the combination of them was synergistic. Treatment with BKM120 alone or in combination with crizotinib induced G2-M arrest and apoptosis. Both crizotinib and BKM120 strongly inhibited the activity of MET and PI3K as evidenced by the decreased phosphorylation of MET, AKT and ribosomal S6 kinase. Using a PDX mouse model, we showed that a combination of crizotinib with BKM120 was highly synergetic in inhibiting MPM tumor growth. In conclusion our findings suggest that dual inhibition of PI3K and MET pathway is an effective strategy in treating MPM as compared to a single agent.
Collapse
|
40
|
KSR1 and EPHB4 Regulate Myc and PGC1β To Promote Survival of Human Colon Tumors. Mol Cell Biol 2016; 36:2246-61. [PMID: 27273865 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00087-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Identification and characterization of survival pathways active in tumor cells but absent in normal tissues provide opportunities to develop effective anticancer therapies with reduced toxicity to the patient. We show here that, like kinase suppressor of Ras 1 (KSR1), EPH (erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular carcinoma) receptor B4 (EPHB4) is aberrantly overexpressed in human colon tumor cell lines and selectively required for their survival. KSR1 and EPHB4 support tumor cell survival by promoting the expression of downstream targets, Myc and the transcriptional coactivator peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1β (PGC1β). While KSR1 promotes the aberrant expression of Myc and the PGC1β protein via a posttranscriptional mechanism, EPHB4 has a greater effect on Myc and PGC1β expression via its ability to elevate mRNA levels. Subsequent analysis of the posttranscriptional regulation demonstrated that KSR1 promotes the translation of Myc protein. These findings reveal novel KSR1- and EPHB4-dependent signaling pathways supporting the survival of colorectal cancer cells through regulation of Myc and PGC1β, suggesting that inhibition of KSR1 or EPHB4 effectors may lead to selective toxicity in colorectal tumors.
Collapse
|
41
|
Yerlikaya G, Balendran S, Pröstling K, Reischer T, Birner P, Wenzl R, Kuessel L, Streubel B, Husslein H. Comprehensive study of angiogenic factors in women with endometriosis compared to women without endometriosis. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2016; 204:88-98. [PMID: 27541444 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2016.07.500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2016] [Revised: 06/12/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Endometriosis is a benign gynaecological disease, affecting women during their reproductive years. Angiogenesis represents a crucial step in the pathogenesis of endometriosis, because endometriotic lesions require neovascularization. In this study several angiogenesis-related genes have been studied in the context of endometriosis. Some of the analyzed angiogenic factors as well as their interactions were studied the first time regarding a possible association with endometriosis. STUDY DESIGN This case-control study consisted of 205 biopsies of 114 patients comprising 61 endometriosis patients and 53 control patients. Among them in 29 cases paired samples were obtained. VEGFA, VEGFR2, HIF1A, HGF, NRP1, PDGFB, FGF18, TNFα, TGFB2, EPHB4, EPO and ANG mRNA expression was analyzed by qRT-PCR in ectopic tissue samples, in eutopic endometrium of women with and without endometriosis, and in unaffected peritoneum of women with and without endometriosis. RESULTS VEGFR2, HIF1A, HGF, PDGFB, NRP1 and EPHB4 are overexpressed in ectopic lesions compared to eutopic tissues. VEGFR2, HGF, PDGFB, NRP1, and EPHB4 showed highest mRNA levels in peritoneal implants, in contrast HIF1A showed the highest expression in ovarian endometriomas. Correlation analyses of angiogenic factors in ectopic lesions revealed the strongest associations between VEGFR2, PDGFB, and EPHB4. We further showed a significant upregulation of VEGFR2, HIF1A and EPHB4 in eutopic endometrium of women with endometriosis compared to that of controls and a trend towards upregulation of HGF. Additionally, a significant downregulation for HIF1A, HGF and EPHB4 was observed in unaffected peritoneal tissues of women with endometriosis compared to controls. CONCLUSION We identified new genes (EPHB4 and NRP1) that may contribute to angiogenesis in endometriosis beside known factors (VEGFA, VEGFR2, HIF1A, HGF, and PDGFB). Correlation studies revealed the putative importance of EBHB4 in association with endometriosis. Our analyses support preliminary reports that angiogenic factors seem to be differently expressed in peritoneal implants, ovarian endometriomas and deep infiltrating endometriosis. Our observation that angiogenic factors are differently expressed in the unaffected peritoneum of women with endometriosis compared to women without endometriosis underlines the importance of the peritoneum in the establishment of endometriosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gülen Yerlikaya
- Department of Obstetric and Gynecology, Medical University Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria(); Fetal Medicine Research Institute, King's College Hospital, 16-20 Windsor Walk, Denmark Hill, London SE58B, United Kingdom.
| | - Sukirthini Balendran
- Clinical Institute of Pathology, Medical University Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Katharina Pröstling
- Department of Obstetric and Gynecology, Medical University Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria().
| | - Theresa Reischer
- Department of Obstetric and Gynecology, Medical University Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria().
| | - Peter Birner
- Clinical Institute of Pathology, Medical University Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Rene Wenzl
- Department of Obstetric and Gynecology, Medical University Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria().
| | - Lorenz Kuessel
- Department of Obstetric and Gynecology, Medical University Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria().
| | - Berthold Streubel
- Clinical Institute of Pathology, Medical University Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Heinrich Husslein
- Department of Obstetric and Gynecology, Medical University Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria().
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Stephenson SA, Douglas EL, Mertens-Walker I, Lisle JE, Maharaj MSN, Herington AC. Anti-tumour effects of antibodies targeting the extracellular cysteine-rich region of the receptor tyrosine kinase EphB4. Oncotarget 2016; 6:7554-69. [PMID: 25831049 PMCID: PMC4480699 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2015] [Accepted: 01/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
EphB4 is a membrane-bound receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) commonly over-produced by many epithelial cancers but with low to no expression in most normal adult tissues. EphB4 over-production promotes ligand-independent signaling pathways that increase cancer cell viability and stimulate migration and invasion. Several studies have shown that normal ligand-dependent signaling is tumour suppressive and therefore novel therapeutics which block the tumour promoting ligand-independent signaling and/or stimulate tumour suppressive ligand-dependent signaling will find application in the treatment of cancer. An EphB4-specific polyclonal antibody, targeting a region of 200 amino acids in the extracellular portion of EphB4, showed potent in vitro anti-cancer effects measured by an increase in apoptosis and a decrease in anchorage independent growth. Peptide exclusion was used to identify the epitope targeted by this antibody within the cysteine-rich region of the EphB4 protein, a sequence defined as a potential ligand interacting interface. Addition of antibody to cancer cells resulted in phosphorylation and subsequent degradation of the EphB4 protein, suggesting a mechanism that is ligand mimetic and tumour suppressive. A monoclonal antibody which specifically targets this identified extracellular epitope of EphB4 significantly reduced breast cancer xenograft growth in vivo confirming that EphB4 is a useful target for ligand-mimicking antibody-based anti-cancer therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sally-Anne Stephenson
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Translational Research Institute, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Queensland, Australia.,Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre-Queensland, Queensland University of Technology, Translational Research Institute, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Queensland, Australia.,Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Evelyn L Douglas
- The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Inga Mertens-Walker
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Translational Research Institute, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Queensland, Australia.,Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre-Queensland, Queensland University of Technology, Translational Research Institute, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Queensland, Australia.,Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jessica E Lisle
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Translational Research Institute, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Queensland, Australia.,Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre-Queensland, Queensland University of Technology, Translational Research Institute, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Queensland, Australia.,Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mohanan S N Maharaj
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Translational Research Institute, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Queensland, Australia.,Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre-Queensland, Queensland University of Technology, Translational Research Institute, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Queensland, Australia.,Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Adrian C Herington
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Translational Research Institute, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Queensland, Australia.,Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre-Queensland, Queensland University of Technology, Translational Research Institute, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Queensland, Australia.,Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
EphB4 promotes the proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis of human colorectal cancer. Exp Mol Pathol 2016; 100:402-8. [PMID: 27072105 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2016.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2015] [Revised: 03/25/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Eph/Ephrin signalling plays an important role in tumorigenesis, neovascularization, and vasculogenesis. However, studies concerning the role of EphB4 in colorectal cancer (CRC) show inconsistent results, and the function of EphB4 in the formation of CRC-related blood vessels is not fully understood. The aim of this study is to investigate the EphB4 expression in CRC and the role of EphB4 in tumour angiogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS EphB4 and EphrinB2 expressions were detected in 200 CRC samples and 50 paired colorectal mucosae by immunohistochemistry. Xenograft animal models were established by stable knockdown and stable overexpression of EphB4, and control cell lines were used to investigate the role of EphB4 in CRC. Microvessels were stained with anti-CD34, and microvessel density (MVD) was assessed. RESULTS EphB4 protein was more highly expressed in CRC tissues compared with adjacent normal mucosae (P<0.05), while EphrinB2 levels were unchanged. Modulation of EphB4 levels in colon cancer cell line SW480 resulted in significant effects on tumour growth and invasion in vivo, with stable overexpression of EphB4 associated with faster growth and invasion. Furthermore, microvessel density values in xenograft tumours were significantly correlated with EphB4 (P<0.05). CONCLUSION EphB4 acts as a tumour promoter associated with proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis, and may be used as a potential CRC therapeutic target.
Collapse
|
44
|
Zhang F, Zhang Z, Sun D, Dong S, Xu J, Dai F. Periostin: A Downstream Mediator of EphB4-Induced Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Stem Cells Int 2016; 2016:7241829. [PMID: 26788070 PMCID: PMC4695675 DOI: 10.1155/2016/7241829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2015] [Revised: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Erythropoietin-producing hepatocyte B4 (EphB4) has been reported to be a key molecular switch in the regulation of bone homeostasis, but the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the role of EphB4 in regulating the expression of periostin (POSTN) within bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and assessed its effect and molecular mechanism of osteogenic induction in vitro. Treatment with ephrinB2-FC significantly increased the expression of POSTN in MSCs, and the inhibition of EphB4 could abrogate this effect. In addition, osteogenic markers were upregulated especially in MSCs overexpressing EphB4. To elucidate the underlying mechanism of cross talk between EphB4 and the Wnt pathway, we detected the change in protein expression of phosphorylated-glycogen synthase kinase 3β-serine 9 (p-GSK-3β-Ser9) and β-catenin, as well as the osteogenic markers Runx2 and COL1. The results showed that GSK-3β activation and osteogenic marker expression levels were downregulated by ephrinB2-FC treatment, but these effects were inhibited by blocking integrin αvβ3 in MSCs. Our findings demonstrate that EphB4 can promote osteogenic differentiation of MSCs via upregulation of POSTN expression. It not only helps to reveal the interaction mechanism between EphB4 and Wnt pathway but also brings a better understanding of EphB4/ephrinB2 signaling in bone homeostasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fei Zhang
- National & Regional United Engineering Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
- Department of Orthopaedics, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Zehua Zhang
- National & Regional United Engineering Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
- Department of Orthopaedics, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Dong Sun
- National & Regional United Engineering Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
- Department of Orthopaedics, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Shiwu Dong
- National & Regional United Engineering Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
- Department of Biomedical Materials Science, School of Biomedical Engineering, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Jianzhong Xu
- National & Regional United Engineering Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
- Department of Orthopaedics, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
- *Jianzhong Xu: and
| | - Fei Dai
- National & Regional United Engineering Laboratory of Tissue Engineering, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
- Department of Orthopaedics, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
- *Fei Dai:
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Dimasi N, Fleming R, Hay C, Woods R, Xu L, Wu H, Gao C. Development of a Trispecific Antibody Designed to Simultaneously and Efficiently Target Three Different Antigens on Tumor Cells. Mol Pharm 2015; 12:3490-501. [PMID: 26176328 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.5b00268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Targeting Eph (erythropoietin producing hepatoma) receptors with monoclonal antibodies is being explored as therapy for several types of cancer. To test whether simultaneous targeting of EphA2, EphA4, and EphB4 would be an effective approach to cancer therapy, we generated a recombinant trispecific antibody using the variable domain genes of anti-EphA2, anti-EphA4, and anti-EphB4 monoclonal antibodies. A multidisciplinary approach combining biochemical, biophysical, and cellular-based assays was used to characterize the trispecific antibody in vitro and in vivo. Here we demonstrate that the trispecific antibody is expressed at high levels by mammalian cells, monodispersed in solution, thermostable, capable of simultaneously binding the three receptors, and able to activate the three targets effectively as evidenced by receptor internalization and degradation both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, pharmacokinetic analysis using tumor-bearing nude mice showed that the trispecific antibody remains in the circulation similarly to its respective parental antibodies. These results indicate that simultaneous blockade of EphA2, EphA4, and EphB4 could be an attractive approach to cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nazzareno Dimasi
- Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering and ‡Oncology Research, MedImmune , Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878, United States
| | - Ryan Fleming
- Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering and ‡Oncology Research, MedImmune , Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878, United States
| | - Carl Hay
- Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering and ‡Oncology Research, MedImmune , Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878, United States
| | - Rob Woods
- Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering and ‡Oncology Research, MedImmune , Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878, United States
| | - Linda Xu
- Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering and ‡Oncology Research, MedImmune , Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878, United States
| | - Herren Wu
- Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering and ‡Oncology Research, MedImmune , Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878, United States
| | - Changshou Gao
- Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering and ‡Oncology Research, MedImmune , Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878, United States
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Abstract
Ephrin receptors (Ephs) are frequently overexpressed in a wide variety of human malignant tumors, being associated with tumor growth, invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis. The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical significance of EphB4 and EphB6 protein expression in human malignant and benign thyroid lesions. EphB4 and EphB6 protein expression was assessed immunohistochemically on paraffin-embedded thyroid tissues obtained from 127 patients with benign (n = 71) and malignant (n = 56) thyroid lesions. Enhanced EphB4 and EphB6 expression was more frequently observed in malignant compared to benign thyroid lesions (p = 0.0508 and p = 0.0006, respectively). EphB4 and EphB6 expression also provided a distinct discrimination between papillary carcinoma and hyperplastic nodules (p = 0.0302 and p = 0.0013, respectively). In malignant thyroid lesions, enhanced EphB4 expression was significantly associated with larger tumor size (p = 0.0366). Enhanced EphB6 expression was significantly associated with larger tumor size (p = 0.0366), the presence of lymph node metastases (p = 0.0023), the presence of capsular (p = 0.0038), lymphatic (p = 0.0053) and vascular invasion (p = 0.0018) and increased risk of recurrence rate (p = 0.0038). The present study supported evidence that EphB4 and mainly EphB6 may participate in the malignant thyroid transformation, reinforcing their utility as useful biomarkers and possible therapeutic targets in this type of neoplasia.
Collapse
|
47
|
Ferguson BD, Carol Tan YH, Kanteti RS, Liu R, Gayed MJ, Vokes EE, Ferguson MK, John Iafrate A, Gill PS, Salgia R. Novel EPHB4 Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Mutations and Kinomic Pathway Analysis in Lung Cancer. Sci Rep 2015; 5:10641. [PMID: 26073592 PMCID: PMC4466581 DOI: 10.1038/srep10641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2014] [Accepted: 04/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer outcomes remain poor despite the identification of several potential therapeutic targets. The EPHB4 receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) has recently emerged as an oncogenic factor in many cancers, including lung cancer. Mutations of EPHB4 in lung cancers have previously been identified, though their significance remains unknown. Here, we report the identification of novel EPHB4 mutations that lead to putative structural alterations as well as increased cellular proliferation and motility. We also conducted a bioinformatic analysis of these mutations to demonstrate that they are mutually exclusive from other common RTK variants in lung cancer, that they correspond to analogous sites of other RTKs’ variations in cancers, and that they are predicted to be oncogenic based on biochemical, evolutionary, and domain-function constraints. Finally, we show that EPHB4 mutations can induce broad changes in the kinome signature of lung cancer cells. Taken together, these data illuminate the role of EPHB4 in lung cancer and further identify EPHB4 as a potentially important therapeutic target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin D Ferguson
- Department of Surgery, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Yi-Hung Carol Tan
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Rajani S Kanteti
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Ren Liu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Matthew J Gayed
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Everett E Vokes
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Mark K Ferguson
- Department of Surgery, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America.,Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - A John Iafrate
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Parkash S Gill
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Ravi Salgia
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America.,Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Elevated serum levels of cysteine and tyrosine: early biomarkers in asymptomatic adults at increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:418681. [PMID: 25821801 PMCID: PMC4364114 DOI: 10.1155/2015/418681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
As there is effective intervention for delaying or preventing metabolic diseases, which are often present for years before becoming clinically apparent, novel biomarkers that would mark metabolic complications before the onset of metabolic disease should be identified. We investigated the role of fasting serum amino acids and their associations with inflammatory markers, adipokines, and metabolic syndrome (MetS) components in subjects prior to the onset of insulin resistance (IR). Anthropometric measurements, food records, adipokines, biochemical markers, and serum levels of amino acids were determined in 96 asymptomatic subjects aged 25–49 years divided into three groups according to the number of MetS components present. Cysteine and tyrosine were significantly higher already in group with one component of MetS present compared to subjects without MetS components. Serum amino acid levels correlated with markers of inflammation and adipokines. Alanine and glycine explained 10% of insulin resistance variability. The role of tyrosine and cysteine, that were higher already with 1 component of MetS present, should be further investigated as they might point to future insulin disturbances.
Collapse
|
49
|
Ferguson BD, Tretiakova MS, Lingen MW, Gill PS, Salgia R. Expression of the EPHB4 receptor tyrosine kinase in head and neck and renal malignancies--implications for solid tumors and potential for therapeutic inhibition. Growth Factors 2014; 32:202-6. [PMID: 25391996 PMCID: PMC4278660 DOI: 10.3109/08977194.2014.980904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Solid malignancies are often characterized by overexpression of various receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) against which many targeted therapies are currently in use and in active development. EPHB4 has recently emerged as a frequently overexpressed RTK in many types of cancer. Here, we demonstrate expression patterns of EPHB4 in two solid malignancies: squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC) and renal cell carcinoma (RCC), by immunohistochemical analysis. We demonstrate the first association between EPHB4 expression and progression of HNSCC from normal tissue to dysplasia and to cancer. Interestingly, most RCC subtypes exhibited expression patterns that were opposite from that found in HNSCC, possibly owing to their unique biology and high degree of organ and tumor vasculature. Taken together, these results suggest a possible role for EPHB4 as a therapeutic target in these malignancies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin D. Ferguson
- Department of Surgery, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Maria S. Tretiakova
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Mark W. Lingen
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Parkash S. Gill
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Ravi Salgia
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Corresponding author: , + 1 773-702-4399
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Abstract
The erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular carcinoma (Eph) receptor tyrosine kinase family plays important roles in developmental processes, adult tissue homeostasis, and various diseases. Interaction with Eph receptor-interacting protein (ephrin) ligands on the surface of neighboring cells triggers Eph receptor kinase-dependent signaling. The ephrins can also transmit signals, leading to bidirectional cell contact-dependent communication. Moreover, Eph receptors and ephrins can function independently of each other through interplay with other signaling systems. Given their involvement in many pathological conditions ranging from neurological disorders to cancer and viral infections, Eph receptors and ephrins are increasingly recognized as attractive therapeutic targets, and various strategies are being explored to modulate their expression and function. Eph receptor/ephrin upregulation in cancer cells, the angiogenic vasculature, and injured or diseased tissues also offer opportunities for Eph/ephrin-based targeted drug delivery and imaging. Thus, despite the challenges presented by the complex biology of the Eph receptor/ephrin system, exciting possibilities exist for therapies exploiting these molecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Barquilla
- Cancer Center, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037; ,
| | | |
Collapse
|