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Samban SS, Hari A, Nair B, Kumar AR, Meyer BS, Valsan A, Vijayakurup V, Nath LR. An Insight Into the Role of Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) in the Development and Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Mol Biotechnol 2023:10.1007/s12033-023-00890-0. [PMID: 37782430 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-00890-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the primary malignancy of hepatocytes and the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality across the globe. Despite significant advancements in screening, diagnosis, and treatment modalities for HCC, the mortality-to-incidence ratio remain unacceptably high. A recent study indicates that a minor population of HCCs are AFP negative or express the normal range of AFP levels. Although it is a gold standard and a more reliable biomarker in the advanced stage of HCC and poorly differentiated tumors, it does not serve as a suitable means for screening HCC. AFP plays a significant role in the development and progression of HCC and understanding its role is crucial. By examining the molecular mechanisms involved in AFP-mediated tumorigenesis, we can better understand HCC pathogenesis and identify potential therapeutic targets. This article details the role of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in the carcinogenic transformation of hepatocytes. The article also focuses on information about the structure, biosynthesis, and regulation of AFP at the gene level. Additionally, it discusses the immune evasion, metastasis, and control of gene expression that AFP mediates during HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swathy S Samban
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, AIMS Health Science Campus, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Ponekkara P.O., Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Aparna Hari
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, AIMS Health Science Campus, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Ponekkara P.O., Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Bhagyalakshmi Nair
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, AIMS Health Science Campus, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Ponekkara P.O., Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Ayana R Kumar
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, AIMS Health Science Campus, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Ponekkara P.O., Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Benjamin S Meyer
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Arun Valsan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amrita Institute of Medical Science, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara P.O., Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Vinod Vijayakurup
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
| | - Lekshmi R Nath
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, AIMS Health Science Campus, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Ponekkara P.O., Kochi, Kerala, India.
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Lower Expression of TWEAK is Associated with Poor Survival and Dysregulate TIICs in Lung Adenocarcinoma. DISEASE MARKERS 2022; 2022:8661423. [PMID: 35707713 PMCID: PMC9192298 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8661423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death worldwide, and the most subtype is lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) greatly impact the prognosis of LUAD. Tumor necrosis factor–like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK), signal via its receptor fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 (Fn14), dysregulates immune cell recruitment within tumor environment, thus promoting the progression of autoimmune diseases and cancer. We aimed to explore its role in LUAD. Methods. The expression level of TWEAK was explored in Tumor Immune Estimation Resource 2.0 (TIMER2.0) and Oncomine databases. The Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) and Lung Cancer Explorer (LCE) databases were applied to evaluate the survival in correlation to TWEAK expression. TIICs were assessed with TIMER2.0 and TIDE datasets. The expression of TWEAK protein was detected in LUAD cell lines and also in tissue samples from LUAD patients via western blotting or combination with immunochemistry. Results. Our results showed that TWEAK was downregulated in LUAD tumors compared to normal tissues in TIMER2.0, Oncomine, cell lines, and clinical specimens. Poor survival was uncovered in lower TWEAK expression of LUAD patients in LCE (
[95% CI, 0.76-0.92]) and TCGA (
,
) and GSE13213@PRECOG (
,
) in TIDE. Multiple tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) were found closely correlated with TWEAK expression in LUAD, especially hematopoietic stem cell (
,
), common lymphoid progenitor (
,
), and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) (
,
). Conclusion. Lower level of TWEAK was linked with poor survival and aberrant recruitment and phenotype of TIICs in LUAD, which might motivate immune escape and weaken the effects of immunotherapy.
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Chen K, Zhu P, Liao Y, Yan L, Feng R, Zhai W. An Apoptotic Gene Signature for the Prognosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Onco Targets Ther 2021; 14:1589-1604. [PMID: 33688206 PMCID: PMC7936856 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s293610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major public health burden worldwide owing to high incidence and poor prognosis. Although numerous apoptotic genes were disclosed in HCC, the prognostic value and clinical utility of the genes remained unclear. Methods The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the microarray and RNA sequencing data from public databases. The apoptosis-related differentially expressed genes (AR-DEGs) were selected to construct a Lasso-penalized Cox regression model. The signature including five apoptotic genes was used to calculate risk score. Then, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and survival analysis were conducted based on the signature. A nomogram containing the signature and clinical characteristics was plotted to visualized the prognosis prediction. Finally, the enrichment analysis was performed in the Gene Ontology (GO) to investigate the potential mechanism. Results Patients with high risk scores were related to worse overall survival than those with low risk. The 3-year and 5-year area under curve (AUC) values of the signature were above 0.7 in databases. And the nomogram presented reliable net benefits for the survival prediction. The nomogram was also tested by probability calibration curves and Decision Curve Analysis (DCA). Furthermore, the five differentially expressed genes were verified again in the HCC clinical specimens with real-time PCR and Western Blot. Conclusion Collectively, the present study formed a novel signature based on five apoptotic genes, and this possibly predicted prognosis and strengthened the communication with HCC patients about the likely treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunlun Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Pengfei Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Liao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Yan
- Department of Emergency Surgery, Henan Oilfield General Hospital, Nanyang, Henan, 473000, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruo Feng
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenlong Zhai
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, People's Republic of China
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Poveda J, Vázquez-Sánchez S, Sanz AB, Ortiz A, Ruilope LM, Ruiz-Hurtado G. TWEAK-Fn14 as a common pathway in the heart and the kidneys in cardiorenal syndrome. J Pathol 2021; 254:5-19. [PMID: 33512736 DOI: 10.1002/path.5631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
There is a complex relationship between cardiac and renal disease, often referred to as the cardiorenal syndrome. Heart failure adversely affects kidney function, and both acute and chronic kidney disease are associated with structural and functional changes to the myocardium. The pathological mechanisms and contributing interactions that surround this relationship remain poorly understood, limiting the opportunities for therapeutic intervention. The cytokine tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) and its receptor, fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14 (Fn14), are abundantly expressed in injured kidneys and heart. The TWEAK-Fn14 axis promotes responses that drive tissue injury such as inflammation, proliferation, fibrosis, and apoptosis, while restraining the expression of tissue protective factors such as the anti-aging factor Klotho and the master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α). High levels of TWEAK induce cardiac remodeling, and promote inflammation, tubular and podocyte injury and death, fibroblast proliferation, and, ultimately, renal fibrosis. Accordingly, targeting the TWEAK-Fn14 axis is protective in experimental kidney and heart disease. TWEAK has also emerged as a biomarker of kidney damage and cardiovascular outcomes and has been successfully targeted in clinical trials. In this review, we update our current knowledge of the roles of the TWEAK-Fn14 axis in cardiovascular and kidney disease and its potential contribution to the cardiorenal syndrome. © 2021 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonay Poveda
- Cardiorenal Translational Laboratory, Institute of Research i+12, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Vázquez-Sánchez
- Cardiorenal Translational Laboratory, Institute of Research i+12, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana B Sanz
- Research Institute - Fundacion Jimenez Diaz, Autonoma University, Madrid, Spain.,REDINREN, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Ortiz
- Research Institute - Fundacion Jimenez Diaz, Autonoma University, Madrid, Spain.,REDINREN, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis M Ruilope
- Cardiorenal Translational Laboratory, Institute of Research i+12, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.,School of Doctoral Studies and Research, European University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,CIBER-CV, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gema Ruiz-Hurtado
- Cardiorenal Translational Laboratory, Institute of Research i+12, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain.,CIBER-CV, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
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Wu AY, Gu LY, Cang W, Cheng MX, Wang WJ, Di W, Huang L, Qiu LH. Fn14 overcomes cisplatin resistance of high-grade serous ovarian cancer by promoting Mdm2-mediated p53-R248Q ubiquitination and degradation. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2019; 38:176. [PMID: 31023317 PMCID: PMC6485139 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-019-1171-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is the most lethal of all gynecological malignancies. Patients often suffer from chemoresistance. Several studies have reported that Fn14 could regulate migration, invasion, and angiogenesis in cancer cells. However, its functional role in chemoresistance of HGSOC is still unknown. METHODS The expression of Fn14 in tissue specimens was detected by IHC. CCK-8 assay was performed to determine changes in cell viability. Apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry. The potential molecular mechanism of Fn14-regulated cisplatin resistance in HGSOC was investigated using qRT-PCR, western blotting, and Co-IP assays. The role of Fn14 in HGSOC was also investigated in a xenograft mouse model. RESULTS In this study, we found that Fn14 was significantly downregulated in patients with cisplatin resistance. Patients with low Fn14 expression were associated with shorter progression-free survival and overall survival. Overexpression of Fn14 suppressed cisplatin resistance in OVCAR-3 cells, whereas knockdown of Fn14 did not affect cisplatin resistance in SKOV-3 cells. Interestingly, Fn14 could exert anti-chemoresistance effect only in OVCAR-3 cells harboring a p53-R248Q mutation, but not in SKOV-3 cells with a p53-null mutation. We isolated and identified primary cells from two patients with the p53-R248Q mutation from HGSOC patients and the anti-chemoresistance effect of Fn14 was observed in both primary cells. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that overexpression of Fn14 could reduce the formation of a Mdm2-p53-R248Q-Hsp90 complex by downregulating Hsp90 expression, indicating that degradation of p53-R248Q was accelerated via Mdm2-mediated ubiquitin-proteasomal pathway. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate for the first time that Fn14 overcomes cisplatin resistance through modulation of the degradation of p53-R248Q and restoration of Fn14 expression might be a novel strategy for the treatment of HGSOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- An-Yue Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai, 200127, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Li-Ying Gu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai, 200127, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Wei Cang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai, 200127, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Meng-Xing Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai, 200127, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Wen-Jing Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Wen Di
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai, 200127, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai, 200127, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Lei Huang
- Department of Histoembryology, Genetics and Developmental Biology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 280 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Li-Hua Qiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai, 200127, China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai, 200127, China.
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Prigozhina TB, Szafer F, Aronin A, Tzdaka K, Amsili S, Makdasi E, Shani N, Dranitzki Elhalel M. Fn14·TRAIL fusion protein is oligomerized by TWEAK into a superefficient TRAIL analog. Cancer Lett 2017; 400:99-109. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2017] [Revised: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanglei Hu
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Weihui Zeng
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yumin Xia
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
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Hendriks D, He Y, Koopmans I, Wiersma VR, van Ginkel RJ, Samplonius DF, Helfrich W, Bremer E. Programmed Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1)-targeted TRAIL combines PD-L1-mediated checkpoint inhibition with TRAIL-mediated apoptosis induction. Oncoimmunology 2016; 5:e1202390. [PMID: 27622071 PMCID: PMC5007955 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2016.1202390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Revised: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibodies that block PD-L1/PD-1 immune checkpoints restore the activity of functionally-impaired antitumor T cells. These antibodies show unprecedented clinical benefit in various advanced cancers, particularly in melanoma. However, only a subset of cancer patients responds to current PD-L1/PD-1-blocking strategies, highlighting the need for further advancements in PD-L1/PD-1-based immunotherapy. Here, we report on a novel approach designed to combine PD-L1 checkpoint inhibition with the tumor-selective induction of apoptosis by TNF-related Apoptosis Inducing Ligand (TRAIL). In brief, a new bi-functional fusion protein, designated anti-PD-L1:TRAIL, was constructed comprising a PD-L1-blocking antibody fragment genetically fused to the extracellular domain of the pro-apoptotic tumoricidal protein TRAIL. Treatment of PD-L1-expressing cancer cells with anti-PD-L1:TRAIL induced PD-L1-directed TRAIL-mediated cancer cell death. Treatment of T cells with anti-PD-L1:TRAIL augmented T cell activation, as evidenced by increased proliferation, secretion of IFNγ and enhanced killing of cancer cell lines and primary patient-derived cancer cells in mixed T cell/cancer cell culture experiments. Of note, elevated levels of IFNγ further upregulated PD-L1 on cancer cells and simultaneously sensitized cancer cells to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis by anti-PD-L1:TRAIL. Additionally, anti-PD-L1:TRAIL converted immunosuppressive PD-L1-expressing myeloid cells into pro-apoptotic effector cells that triggered TRAIL-mediated cancer cell death. In conclusion, combining PD-L1 checkpoint inhibition with TRAIL-mediated induction of apoptosis using anti-PD-L1:TRAIL yields promising multi-fold and mutually reinforcing anticancer activity that may be exploited to enhance the efficacy of therapeutic PD-L1/PD-1 checkpoint inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Djoke Hendriks
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Department of Surgery, Laboratory for Translational Surgical Oncology , Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Yuan He
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Department of Surgery, Laboratory for Translational Surgical Oncology , Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Iris Koopmans
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Department of Surgery, Laboratory for Translational Surgical Oncology , Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Valerie R Wiersma
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Department of Surgery, Laboratory for Translational Surgical Oncology , Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Robert J van Ginkel
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Department of Surgery, Laboratory for Translational Surgical Oncology , Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Douwe F Samplonius
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Department of Surgery, Laboratory for Translational Surgical Oncology , Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Wijnand Helfrich
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Department of Surgery, Laboratory for Translational Surgical Oncology , Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Edwin Bremer
- University of Exeter Medical School, St Luke's Campus, Exeter, Devon, UK; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Experimental Hematology, Section Immunohematology, Cancer Research Center Groningen (CRCG), Groningen, the Netherlands
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de Miguel D, Lemke J, Anel A, Walczak H, Martinez-Lostao L. Onto better TRAILs for cancer treatment. Cell Death Differ 2016; 23:733-47. [PMID: 26943322 PMCID: PMC4832109 DOI: 10.1038/cdd.2015.174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 230] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2015] [Revised: 12/11/2015] [Accepted: 12/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), also known as Apo-2 ligand (Apo2L), is a member of the TNF cytokine superfamily. By cross-linking TRAIL-Receptor (TRAIL-R) 1 or TRAIL-R2, also known as death receptors 4 and 5 (DR4 and DR5), TRAIL has the capability to induce apoptosis in a wide variety of tumor cells while sparing vital normal cells. The discovery of this unique property among TNF superfamily members laid the foundation for testing the clinical potential of TRAIL-R-targeting therapies in the cancer clinic. To date, two of these therapeutic strategies have been tested clinically: (i) recombinant human TRAIL and (ii) antibodies directed against TRAIL-R1 or TRAIL-R2. Unfortunately, however, these TRAIL-R agonists have basically failed as most human tumors are resistant to apoptosis induction by them. It recently emerged that this is largely due to the poor agonistic activity of these agents. Consequently, novel TRAIL-R-targeting agents with increased bioactivity are currently being developed with the aim of rendering TRAIL-based therapies more active. This review summarizes these second-generation novel formulations of TRAIL and other TRAIL-R agonists, which exhibit enhanced cytotoxic capacity toward cancer cells, thereby providing the potential of being more effective when applied clinically than first-generation TRAIL-R agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- D de Miguel
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - J Lemke
- UCL Cancer Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - A Anel
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - H Walczak
- UCL Cancer Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - L Martinez-Lostao
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Aragón, Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Nanociencia de Aragón, Zaragoza, Spain
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Cheng E, Armstrong CL, Galisteo R, Winkles JA. TWEAK/Fn14 Axis-Targeted Therapeutics: Moving Basic Science Discoveries to the Clinic. Front Immunol 2013; 4:473. [PMID: 24391646 PMCID: PMC3870272 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2013.00473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2013] [Accepted: 12/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The TNF superfamily member TWEAK (TNFSF12) is a multifunctional cytokine implicated in physiological tissue regeneration and wound repair. TWEAK is initially synthesized as a membrane-anchored protein, but furin cleavage within the stalk region can generate a secreted TWEAK isoform. Both TWEAK isoforms bind to a small cell surface receptor named Fn14 (TNFRSF12A) and this interaction stimulates various cellular responses, including proliferation and migration. Fn14, like other members of the TNF receptor superfamily, is not a ligand-activated protein kinase. Instead, TWEAK:Fn14 engagement promotes Fn14 association with members of the TNFR associated factor family of adapter proteins, which triggers activation of various signaling pathways, including the classical and alternative NF-κB pathways. Numerous studies have revealed that Fn14 gene expression is significantly elevated in injured tissues and in most solid tumor types. Also, sustained Fn14 signaling has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemia, chronic inflammatory diseases, and cancer. Accordingly, several groups are developing TWEAK- or Fn14-targeted agents for possible therapeutic use in patients. These agents include monoclonal antibodies, fusion proteins, and immunotoxins. In this article, we provide an overview of some of the TWEAK/Fn14 axis-targeted agents currently in pre-clinical animal studies or in human clinical trials and discuss two other potential approaches to target this intriguing signaling node.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Cheng
- Department of Surgery, Center for Vascular and Inflammatory Diseases and Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Cheryl L. Armstrong
- Department of Surgery, Center for Vascular and Inflammatory Diseases and Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rebeca Galisteo
- Department of Surgery, Center for Vascular and Inflammatory Diseases and Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jeffrey A. Winkles
- Department of Surgery, Center for Vascular and Inflammatory Diseases and Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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