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Papanikolaou V, Chrysovergis A, Mastronikolis S, Tsiambas E, Ragos V, Peschos D, Spyropoulou D, Pantos P, Niotis A, Mastronikolis N, Kyrodimos E. Impact of K-Ras Over-expression in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. In Vivo 2021; 35:1611-1615. [PMID: 33910843 DOI: 10.21873/invivo.12418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Oncogene up-regulation combined with suppressor gene down-regulation is a crucial genetic combination that promotes cell neoplastic phenotype and progressively malignant transformation in solid malignancies, including laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). Among oncogenes, the Kirsten ras oncogene homolog (K-Ras) is involved in LSCC onset and progression. PATIENTS AND METHODS Sixty (n=60) primary LSCC tissue sections were analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Digital image analysis (DIA) was also implemented for measuring K-Ras protein expression levels. RESULTS High K-Ras protein expression levels were observed in 20/60 (33.3%) LSCC tissue sections, whereas the rest of the cases (n=40; 66.7%) demonstrated low expression. Overall K-Ras expression was borderline significantly associated to the grade of the examined malignancies (p=0.048), whereas no other strong statistical correlations were identified. A progressive K-Ras overexpression was observed in all grades of the examined cases. CONCLUSION K-Ras over expression is correlated to a progressive dedifferentiation in LSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Vasileios Ragos
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Peschos
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Despoina Spyropoulou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Pavlos Pantos
- 1 ENT Department, Hippocration Hospital, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - Efthymios Kyrodimos
- 1 ENT Department, Hippocration Hospital, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Significance of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and its potential as a target for anti-metastasis therapy. Oncotarget 2018; 8:38755-38766. [PMID: 28418888 PMCID: PMC5503569 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.16333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is the most lethal hallmark of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The aim of the study is to identify key signaling pathways that control metastasis in ESCC. Highly invasive ESCC sublines (designated I3 cells) were established through three rounds of selection of cancer cells invading through matrigel-coated chambers. Gene expression profile of one of the I3 sublines was compared with that of its parental cell line using cDNA microarray analysis. Gene ontology and pathway analyses of the differentially expressed genes (both upregulated and downregulated) indicated that genes associated with cellular movement and the AKT pathway were associated with increased cancer cell invasiveness. Western blot analysis confirmed increased phosphorylated AKT (p-AKT), N-cadherin and decreased E-cadherin expression in the I3 cells. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the clinical significance of p-AKT expression in ESCC, and the results showed higher p-AKT nuclear expression in lymph node metastases when compared with primary carcinoma. Inactivation of the PI3K/AKT pathway with specific inhibitors, or with PTEN overexpression, resulted in reversed cadherin switching and inhibited cancer cell motility. Inhibition of the pathway by treatment with wortmannin markedly suppressed experimental metastasis in nude mice. Our data demonstrated the importance of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in ESCC metastasis and support PI3K/AKT as a valid therapeutic target in treatment of metastatic ESCC.
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Matsuo FS, Andrade MF, Loyola AM, da Silva SJ, Silva MJB, Cardoso SV, de Faria PR. Pathologic significance of AKT, mTOR, and GSK3β proteins in oral squamous cell carcinoma-affected patients. Virchows Arch 2018; 472:983-997. [PMID: 29713826 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-018-2318-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Revised: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Phosphatidylinositol-3-kinases are kinases that lead to AKT phosphorylation and thus mTOR and GSK3β activation. These proteins are linked to tumorigenesis, but their roles in driving cervical lymph node (CLN) metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells are unknown. This study aimed to investigate the role of AKT, mTOR, and GSK3β proteins in the occurrence of CLN metastasis in OSCC patients. Ninety and 18 paraffin-embedded OSCC and oral mucosa samples were included, respectively. We divided our OSCC patients into non-metastasizing (PNM) and metastasizing (PM) groups, and the expression of total AKT, pAKT1Thr308, pAKTSer473, GSK3β, pGSK3βSer9, and pmTORSer2448 was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The mean expression of GSK3β, pGSK3βSer9, total AKT, and pmTOR2448 was always higher in the OSCC tissues than that in the controls. A positive correlation was also found among these proteins. Total AKT, pmTORSer2448, and pGSK3βSer9 expression was significantly higher in the PNM and PM groups than that in the control group. However, only GSK3β expression was significantly higher in the PM group compared with the PNM group. High expression levels of GSK3β and pGSK3βSer9 were significantly associated with CLN metastasis, but only GSK3β remained an independent predictor of CLN metastasis. pGSK3βSer9 and CLN metastasis were associated with a poor prognosis, but only the latter remained an independent prognostic parameter. Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that pGSK3βSer9 and CLN metastasis were significantly related to reduced survival rates. These results suggest that AKT and mTOR proteins are involved in OSCC biology and that GSK3β itself may drive CLN metastatic spread of OSCC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flávia Sayuri Matsuo
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Pathogenic Bioagents, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, 1900 Bandeirantes Avenue, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marília Ferreira Andrade
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, 1720 Pará Avenue, Block 4C, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, 38400-902, Brazil
| | - Adriano Mota Loyola
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Uberlândia, 1720 Pará Avenue, Block 4L, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, 38400-902, Brazil
| | - Sindeval José da Silva
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Federal University of Uberlândia, 1720 Pará Avenue, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, 38400-902, Brazil
| | - Marcelo José Barbosa Silva
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, 1720 Pará Avenue, Block 4C, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, 38400-902, Brazil
| | - Sérgio Vitorino Cardoso
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Uberlândia, 1720 Pará Avenue, Block 4L, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, 38400-902, Brazil
| | - Paulo Rogério de Faria
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Uberlândia, 1720 Pará Avenue, Block 2B, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, 38400-902, Brazil. .,Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Laboratório de Histologia, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Avenida Amazonas S/N, Bloco 2B, Sala 2B-254, Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, 38405-320, Brazil.
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Choi MS, Moon SM, Lee SA, Park BR, Kim JS, Kim DK, Kim YH, Kim CS. Adenosine induces intrinsic apoptosis via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in human pharyngeal squamous carcinoma FaDu cells. Oncol Lett 2018; 15:6489-6496. [PMID: 29616118 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.8089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenosine has been identified to occur abundantly intra-and extracellularly, and to exert diverse biological functions, including the suppression of cell proliferation and the induction of apoptosis. Adenosine has been reported to induce apoptosis in several cancer cell lines; however, to the best of our knowledge, the effect of adenosine on head and neck cancer cells has not been investigated. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate whether adenosine exerts any anticancer effect via induction of apoptosis in human pharyngeal squamous carcinoma FaDu cells. An MTT assay demonstrated that adenosine-treated FaDu cells inhibited a dose-dependent rate of cell growth, whereas human oral keratinocytes cells were unaffected by adenosine treatment. In addition, A1 and A2a adenosine receptor mRNA was detected in FaDu cells by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and adenosine-induced FaDu cell death was significantly suppressed by treatment with ATL-444, an antagonist of these receptors. Furthermore, adenosine-induced cell growth inhibition was exerted via apoptosis, as confirmed by the analysis of DNA fragmentation, Hoechst nuclear staining and flow cytometry with Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate and propidium iodide staining. Adenosine was also demonstrated to induce an increase in Bcl-associated X expression, a decrease in B-cell lymphoma 2 expression, the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria, and the activation of caspase-3, -9 and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase in FaDu cells. Finally, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), RAC serine/threonine-protein kinase (Akt) and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) phosphorylation was found to be significantly inhibited in adenosine-treated FaDu cells, as was phosphorylation of the mTOR downregulators, S6 kinase β1, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1, and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4 γ1. Taken together, these results indicate that adenosine induces apoptosis via the mitochondrial intrinsic pathway, and activates caspase-3 and -9 activity via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Suk Choi
- Department of Dental Hygiene, Chodang University, Muan-ro, Muan-eup, Muan 534-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Min Moon
- CStech Research Institute, Gwangju, South Jeolla 61007, Republic of Korea
| | - Seul Ah Lee
- Department of Oral Biochemistry, College of Dentistry, Chosun University, Gwangju, South Jeolla 501-759, Republic of Korea
| | - Bo-Ram Park
- Department of Dental Hygiene, Chodang University, Muan-ro, Muan-eup, Muan 534-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Sung Kim
- Pre-Dentistry, College of Dentistry, Chosun University, Gwangju, South Jeolla 501-759, Republic of Korea
| | - Do Kyung Kim
- Department of Oral Physiology, College of Dentistry, Chosun University, Gwangju, South Jeolla 501-759, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Hwan Kim
- Department of Crop Science and Biotechnology, College of Life and Resource Science, Cheonan, Chungnam 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Chun Sung Kim
- Department of Oral Biochemistry, College of Dentistry, Chosun University, Gwangju, South Jeolla 501-759, Republic of Korea
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Zhang Y, Xu Z, Sun Y, Chi P, Lu X. Knockdown of KLK11 reverses oxaliplatin resistance by inhibiting proliferation and activating apoptosis via suppressing the PI3K/AKT signal pathway in colorectal cancer cell. Onco Targets Ther 2018; 11:809-821. [PMID: 29497313 PMCID: PMC5820466 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s151867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Kallikrein 11 (KLK11) plays a crucial role in drug-resistance to oxaliplatin (L-OHP) in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). The study aimed to investigate the role of KLK11 in chemoresistance, and to clarify the mechanism underlying reverse of L-OHP resistance by knockdown of KLK11. Materials and Methods Resistance to oxaliplatin was induced in HCT-8 (HCT-8/L-OHP) colorectal adenocarcinoma cell lines by exposing cells to increasing concentrations of L-OHP. MTT, RT-qPCR, and Western blot were used to evaluate the resistance to L-OHP. We then knocked down KLK11 in HCT-8/L-OHP cells to explore the mechanism through which KLK11 reverses L-OHP resistance. The mRNA and protein expression of KLK11 in tissues from mCRC patients were detected by RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry. Results The drug resistance index (RI) of HCT-8/L-OHP cell line to L-OHP, 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), Irinotecan (CPT-11), Vincristine (VCR) and Cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (CDDP) were 10, 5.35, 3.23, 1.28, and 6.64, respectively. Increased expression of multi-drug resistant genes ABCC1, ABCB1, GSTP1 and ERCC1 were detected in HCT-8/L-OHP cell line. Moreover, the activated PI3K/AKT pathway was related to L-OHP-resistance. Knockdown of KLK11 in HCT-8/L-OHP cell reversed L-OHP-resistance by inhibiting cell growth and activating apoptosis via suppressing the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Moreover, high expression of KLK11 in chemoresistant-patients was associated with lymph node metastases and histopathology. Conclusion KLK11 was highly expressed in chemoresistant-patients and L-OHP-resistant cell lines. Moreover, L-OHP resistance was associated with activated PI3K/AKT signal pathway. Knockdown of KLK11 can reverse L-OHP resistance by blocking PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyi Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zongbin Xu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanwu Sun
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Pan Chi
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingrong Lu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
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Cheng Y, Wang Y, Li J, Chang I, Wang CY. A novel read-through transcript JMJD7-PLA2G4B regulates head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell proliferation and survival. Oncotarget 2017; 8:1972-1982. [PMID: 28030848 PMCID: PMC5341748 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.14081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent findings on the existence of oncogenic fusion genes in a wide array of solid tumors, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), suggests that fusion genes have become attractive targets for cancer diagnosis and treatment. In this study, we showed for the first time that a read-through fusion gene JMJD7-PLA2G4B is presented in HNSCC, splicing neighboring jumonji domain containing 7 (JMJD7) and phospholipase A2, group IVB (PLA2G4B) genes together. Ablation of JMJD7-PLA2G4B significantly inhibited proliferation of HNSCC cells by promoting G1 cell cycle arrest and increased starvation-induced cell death compared to JMJD7-only knockdown HNSCC cells. Mechanistically, we found that JMJD7-PLA2G4B modulates phosphorylation of Protein Kinase B (AKT) to promote HNSCC cell survival. Moreover, JMJD7-PLA2G4B also regulated an E3 ligase S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (SKP2) to control the cell cycle progression from G1 phase to S phase by inhibiting Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1 (p21) and 1B (p27) expression. Our study provides novel insights into the oncogenic control of JMJD7-PLA2G4B in HNSCC cell proliferation and survival, and suggests that JMJD7-PLA2G4B may serve as an important therapeutic target and prognostic marker for HNSCC development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingduan Cheng
- The Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, School of Dentistry, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Yi Wang
- The Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, School of Dentistry, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jiong Li
- The Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, School of Dentistry, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Insoon Chang
- The Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, School of Dentistry, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Cun-Yu Wang
- The Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, School of Dentistry, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Chang F, Xing P, Song F, Du X, Wang G, Chen K, Yang J. The role of T-box genes in the tumorigenesis and progression of cancer. Oncol Lett 2016; 12:4305-4311. [PMID: 28105146 PMCID: PMC5228544 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2016.5296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The T-box (TBX) genes are part of an evolutionarily conserved family of transcription factors involved in organ development. They serve key roles in a number of molecular mechanisms, including proliferation, cell fate and organ identity. In addition, previous studies suggest that TBX genes have essential functions in the tumorigenesis and progression of various types of cancer. For example, TBX proteins served significant roles in carcinogenesis, proliferation and differentiation, senescence and apoptosis, invasion and migration, mesenchymal-epithelial and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, oncogenic signaling pathways and drug sensitivity. However, the exact mechanisms by which TBX genes carry out these functions have not yet been fully elucidated. The present review focuses on the role of TBX genes in cancer, with the aim of further clarifying their function. As altered levels of TBX proteins have detrimental consequences in numerous types of cancer, there is a need for further research into TBX genes, which this review may aid through providing a comprehensive insight into the topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangyuan Chang
- Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor Department, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China; National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
| | - Peipei Xing
- Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor Department, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China; National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
| | - Fengju Song
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China; Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoling Du
- Department of Diagnostics, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300061, P.R. China
| | - Guowen Wang
- Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor Department, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China; National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
| | - Kexin Chen
- National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China; Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
| | - Jilong Yang
- Bone and Soft Tissue Tumor Department, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China; National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, Tianjin 300060, P.R. China
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WP1066 sensitizes oral squamous cell carcinoma cells to cisplatin by targeting STAT3/miR-21 axis. Sci Rep 2014; 4:7461. [PMID: 25514838 PMCID: PMC4268632 DOI: 10.1038/srep07461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence reveals that activation of STAT3 and miR-21 contributes to chemoresistance in multiple tumors. We examined the expression of STAT3 and miR-21 in 43 oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) tumors and classified them into cisplatin sensitive or resistant group. Tca8113 and Tca8113/DDP cells were treated with cisplatin (DDP), WP1066 (STAT3 inhibitor) or in combination. MTT, colony formation, wound healing, 3-D culture, and transwell chamber assays were used to evaluate the malignant phenotype of OSCC cells. We evaluated the effect of WP1066 on the expression of STAT3 and miR-21. A Tca8113/DDP OSCC xenograft tumor model was established to evaluate the therapeutic effect of WP1066 in combination with DDP. The expression of STAT3/miR-21 was significantly increased in DDP-resistant OSCC samples and Tca8113/DDP cells compared to its parental cell. Treatment of DDP combined with WP1066 efficiently inhibited Tca8113 and Tca8113/DDP cell proliferation, migration and invasion. STAT3 mediated OSCC cell survival and DDP resistance through upregulating the expression of miR-21 and downregulating miR-21 downstream targets, including PTEN, TIMP3 and PDCD4. WP1066 plus DDP treatment could inhibit Tca8113 and Tca8113/DDP cell growth by inhibiting STAT3 phosphorylation and miR-21 expression. These results indicated that STAT3/miR-21 axis could be a candidate therapeutic target for OSCC chemoresistance.
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Islam MR, Ellis IR, Macluskey M, Cochrane L, Jones SJ. Activation of Akt at T308 and S473 in alcohol, tobacco and HPV-induced HNSCC: is there evidence to support a prognostic or diagnostic role? Exp Hematol Oncol 2014; 3:25. [PMID: 25352995 PMCID: PMC4210546 DOI: 10.1186/2162-3619-3-25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2014] [Accepted: 10/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Tobacco, alcohol and HPV infection are associated with increased risk of HNSCC. However, little is known about the underlying signaling events influencing risk. We aimed to investigate the relationship between these risk factors and Akt phosphorylation, to determine prognostic value. Method VEGF-positive HNSCC biopsies, with known HPV status, were analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) for Akt, phosphorylated at residues S473 and T308. Comparisons between the tissues were carried out using a Mann–Whitney U test. Associations between the variables and continuous immunohistochemical parameters were evaluated with general linear models. Patient characteristics and pAkt IHC score were analyzed for possible association with overall survival by Cox proportional hazard models. Results Immunohistochemistry revealed that cancer patients had significantly higher levels of pAkt T308 than S473 (P < 0.001). Smoking and alcohol were found to be independent risk factors for Akt phosphorylation at T308 (P = 0.022 and 0.027, respectively). Patients with tumors positive for HPV or pAkt S473 had a poorer prognosis (P = 0.005, and 0.004, respectively). Patients who were heavy drinkers were 49 times more likely to die than non-drinkers (P = 0.003). Patients with low pAkt T308 were more likely to be HPV positive (P = 0.028). Non-drinkers were also found to have lower levels of pAkt T308 and were more likely to have tumors positive for HPV than heavy drinkers (P = 0.044 and 0.007, respectively). Conclusion This study suggests different mechanisms of carcinogenesis are initiated by smoking, alcohol and HPV. Our data propose higher phosphorylation of Akt at T308 as a reliable biomarker for smoking and alcohol induced HNSCC progression and higher phosphorylation of Akt at S473 as a prognostic factor for HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad R Islam
- Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Clinical Sciences, The Dental School, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 4HR UK
| | - Ian R Ellis
- Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Clinical Sciences, The Dental School, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 4HR UK
| | - Michaelina Macluskey
- Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Clinical Sciences, The Dental School, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 4HR UK
| | - Lynda Cochrane
- Division of Population Health Science, Medical Research Institute, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD2 4BF UK
| | - Sarah J Jones
- Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Clinical Sciences, The Dental School, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 4HR UK
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Ji WT, Chen HR, Lin CH, Lee JW, Lee CC. Monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) modulates pro-survival signaling to promote progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. PLoS One 2014; 9:e88952. [PMID: 24586454 PMCID: PMC3929549 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0088952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2013] [Accepted: 01/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) recruits monocytes and macrophages to inflammation sites, and inflammatory infiltration correlates with the progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This study aims to determine whether MCP-1 expression is related to HNSCC malignancy and patient survival. We also investigated the relationship between MCP-1 expression and the phosphorylation state of the pro-survival pathway factors Akt, ERK, and STAT3. Methods Expression of MCP-1 and related proteins in HNSCC cell lines was investigated using western blotting. HNSCC patients (34) without distant metastasis at diagnosis were recruited for tissue specimen evaluation of MCP-1 expression and clinical outcomes. The relationship between MCP-1 expression and survival was evaluated using the Cox proportional hazard model with stepwise selection. Results High-grade HNSCC cell lines were found to have higher levels of active Akt, ERK, and/or STAT3 than did lower grade cell lines under serum-free condition. OCSL, the most malignant cell line, had the highest level of endogenous MCP-1. Administration of exogenous recombinant MCP-1 increased phosphorylation of Akt, ERK, and STAT3 in a dose- and time-dependent manner and increased cellular resistance to serum starvation. Inhibition of Akt, ERK, or STAT3 reduced cell growth and caused cell death. Long-term survival of HNSCC patients was negatively associated with the histological intensity of MCP-1, implicating MCP-1 as a potential prognostic marker for HNSCC. Conclusions These results suggest that overexpressed MCP-1 in cancer cells may promote HNSCC progression through upregulating pro-survival signaling pathways. High cellular MCP-1 expression is related to poor overall survival rate in HNSCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Tsai Ji
- Department of Life Science, Institute of Molecular Biology and Institute of Biomedical Science, College of Science, National Chung Cheng University, Min-Hsiung, Chia-Yi, Taiwan
| | - Hau-Ren Chen
- Department of Life Science, Institute of Molecular Biology and Institute of Biomedical Science, College of Science, National Chung Cheng University, Min-Hsiung, Chia-Yi, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hsuan Lin
- Department of Medical Research, Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Chia-Yi, Taiwan
| | - Jeng-Woei Lee
- Department of Life Sciences, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu-Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (C-CL); (J-WL)
| | - Ching-Chih Lee
- Department of Otolaryngology, Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Chia-Yi, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualian, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (C-CL); (J-WL)
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Saiz-Ladera C, Lara MF, Garín M, Ruiz S, Santos M, Lorz C, García-Escudero R, Martínez-Fernández M, Bravo A, Fernández-Capetillo O, Segrelles C, Paramio JM. p21 suppresses inflammation and tumorigenesis on pRB-deficient stratified epithelia. Oncogene 2013; 33:4599-4612. [PMID: 24121270 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2013.417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2013] [Revised: 07/24/2013] [Accepted: 08/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The retinoblastoma gene product (pRb) controls proliferation and differentiation processes in stratified epithelia. Importantly, and in contrast to other tissues, Rb deficiency does not lead to spontaneous skin tumor formation. As the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21 regulates proliferation and differentiation in the absence of pRb, we analyzed the consequences of deleting p21 in pRb-ablated stratified epithelia (hereafter pRb(ΔEpi);p21-/-). These mice display an enhancement of the phenotypic abnormalities observed in pRb(ΔEpi) animals, indicating that p21 partially compensates pRb absence. Remarkably, pRb(ΔEpi);p21-/- mice show an acute skin inflammatory phenotype and develop spontaneous epithelial tumors, particularly affecting tongue and oral tissues. Biochemical analyses and transcriptome studies reveal changes affecting multiple pathways, including DNA damage and p53-dependent signaling responses. Comparative metagenomic analyses, together with the histopathological profiles, indicate that these mice constitute a faithful model for human head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that p21, in conjunction with pRb, has a central role in regulating multiple epithelial processes and orchestrating specific tumor suppressor functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Saiz-Ladera
- Molecular Oncology Unit. Division of Biomedicine, CIEMAT (ed70A). Ave. Complutense 40, E-28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - María Fernanda Lara
- Molecular Oncology Unit. Division of Biomedicine, CIEMAT (ed70A). Ave. Complutense 40, E-28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marina Garín
- Division of Hematopoietic Innovative Therapies (HIT). Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT)/Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBER-ER). Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergio Ruiz
- Genomic Instability Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Center, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mirentxu Santos
- Molecular Oncology Unit. Division of Biomedicine, CIEMAT (ed70A). Ave. Complutense 40, E-28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Corina Lorz
- Molecular Oncology Unit. Division of Biomedicine, CIEMAT (ed70A). Ave. Complutense 40, E-28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ramón García-Escudero
- Molecular Oncology Unit. Division of Biomedicine, CIEMAT (ed70A). Ave. Complutense 40, E-28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mónica Martínez-Fernández
- Molecular Oncology Unit. Division of Biomedicine, CIEMAT (ed70A). Ave. Complutense 40, E-28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Bravo
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences Veterinary Faculty, University of Santiago de Compostela, E-27002 Lugo, Spain
| | | | - Carmen Segrelles
- Molecular Oncology Unit. Division of Biomedicine, CIEMAT (ed70A). Ave. Complutense 40, E-28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús M Paramio
- Molecular Oncology Unit. Division of Biomedicine, CIEMAT (ed70A). Ave. Complutense 40, E-28040 Madrid, Spain
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12
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Deguelin induces both apoptosis and autophagy in cultured head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells. PLoS One 2013; 8:e54736. [PMID: 23372762 PMCID: PMC3553079 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0054736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2012] [Accepted: 12/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) represents more than 5% of all cancers diagnosed annually in United States and around the world. Despite advances in the management of patients with this disease, the survival has not been significantly improved, and the search for potential alternative therapies is encouraging. Here we demonstrate that deguelin administration causes a significant HNSCC cell death. Deguelin induces both cell apoptosis and autophagy by modulating multiple signaling pathways in cultured HNSCC cells. Deguelin inhibits Akt signaling, and down-regulates survivin and cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (Cdk4) expressions, by disrupting their association with heat shock protein-90 (Hsp-90). Deguelin induces ceramide production through de novo synthase pathway to promote HNSCC cell death. Importantly, increased ceramide level activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which then directly phosphorylates Ulk1 and eventually leads to cell autophagy. We found that a low dose of deguelin sensitized HNSCC cells to 5-FU. Finally, using a nude mice Hep-2 xenograft model, we also showed a significant anti-tumor ability of deguelin in vivo. Together, we suggest that deguelin may represent a novel and effective chemo-agent against HNSCC.
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13
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Worsham MJ, Ali H, Dragovic J, Schweitzer VP. Molecular characterization of head and neck cancer: how close to personalized targeted therapy? Mol Diagn Ther 2012; 16:209-22. [PMID: 22873739 DOI: 10.2165/11635330-000000000-00000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Molecular targeted therapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) continues to make strides, and holds much promise. Cetuximab remains the sole US FDA-approved molecular targeted therapy available for HNSCC, though several new biologic agents targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and other pathways are currently in the regulatory approval pipeline. While targeted therapies have the potential to be personalized, their current use in HNSCC is not personalized. This is illustrated for EGFR-targeted drugs, where EGFR as a molecular target has yet to be individualized for HNSCC. Future research needs to identify factors that correlate with response (or lack of one) and the underlying genotype-phenotype relationship that dictates this response. Comprehensive exploration of genetic and epigenetic landscapes in HNSCC is opening new frontiers to further enlighten and mechanistically inform newer as well as existing molecular targets, and to set a course for eventually translating these discoveries into therapies for patients. This opinion offers a snapshot of the evolution of molecular subtyping in HNSCC and its current clinical applicability, as well as new emergent paradigms with implications for controlling this disease in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria J Worsham
- Department of OtolaryngologyHead and Neck Surgery, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.
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14
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Costa C, Santos M, Segrelles C, Dueñas M, Lara MF, Agirre X, Prosper F, García-Escudero R, Paramio JM. A novel tumor suppressor network in squamous malignancies. Sci Rep 2012; 2:828. [PMID: 23145321 PMCID: PMC3494016 DOI: 10.1038/srep00828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2012] [Accepted: 10/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The specific ablation of Rb1 gene in stratified epithelia (RbF/F;K14cre) promotes proliferation and altered differentiation but is insufficient to produce spontaneous tumors. The pRb relative, p107, compensates some of the functions of pRb in these tissues; however, RbF/F;K14cre;p107−/− mice die postnatally. Here we show, using an inducible mouse model (RbF/F;K14creERTM), that p107 exerts specific tumor suppressor functions in the absence of pRb in stratified epithelia. The simultaneous absence of pRb and p107 produces impaired p53 transcriptional functions and reduction of Pten expression, allowing spontaneous squamous carcinoma development. These tumors display significant overlap with human squamous carcinomas, supporting that RbF/F;K14creERTM;p107−/− mice might constitute a new model for these malignancies. Remarkably tumor development in vivo is partially alleviated by mTOR inhibition. These data demonstrate the existence of a previously unreported functional connection between pRb, Pten and p53 tumor suppressors, through p107, of a particular relevance in squamous tumor development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clotilde Costa
- Molecular Oncology Unit, Department of Basic Research, CIEMAT (Ed 70A), Ave Complutense 40. 28040 Madrid, Spain
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15
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Burgucu D, Guney K, Sahinturk D, Ozbudak IH, Ozel D, Ozbilim G, Yavuzer U. Tbx3 represses PTEN and is over-expressed in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. BMC Cancer 2012; 12:481. [PMID: 23082988 PMCID: PMC3517435 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-12-481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2012] [Accepted: 10/17/2012] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Despite advances in diagnostic and treatment strategies, head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) constitutes one of the worst cancer types in terms of prognosis. PTEN is one of the tumour suppressors whose expression and/or activity have been found to be reduced in HNSCC, with rather low rates of mutations within the PTEN gene (6-8%). We reasoned that low expression levels of PTEN might be due to a transcriptional repression governed by an oncogene. Tbx2 and Tbx3, both of which are transcriptional repressors, have been found to be amplified or over-expressed in various cancer types. Thus, we hypothesize that Tbx3 may be over expressed in HNSCC and may repress PTEN, thus leading to cancer formation and/or progression. Methods Using immunohistochemistry and quantitative PCR (qPCR), protein and mRNA levels of PTEN and Tbx3 were identified in samples excised from cancerous and adjacent normal tissues from 33 patients who were diagnosed with HNSCC. In addition, HeLa and HEK cell lines were transfected with a Tbx3 expressing plasmid and endogenous PTEN mRNA and protein levels were determined via qPCR and flow cytometry. Transcription assays were performed to demonstrate effects of Tbx3 on PTEN promoter activity. Mann–Whitney, Spearman’s Correlation and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to analyze the data. Results We demonstrate that in HNSCC samples, Tbx3 mRNA levels are increased with respect to their normal tissue counterparts (p<0.001), whereas PTEN mRNA levels are significantly reduced in cancer tissues. Moreover, Tbx3 protein is also increased in HNSCC tissue sections. Over-expression of Tbx3 in HeLa and HEK cell lines causes reduction in endogenous PTEN mRNA and protein levels. In addition, transcription activity assays reveal that Tbx3 is capable of repressing both the basal and induced promoter activity of PTEN. Conclusions We show that Tbx3 is up-regulated in tissue samples of HNSCC patients and that Tbx3 represses PTEN transcription. Thus, our data not only reveals a new mechanism that may be important in cancer formation, but also suggests that Tbx3 can be used as a potential biomarker in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Durmus Burgucu
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya 07058, Turkey
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16
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Snietura M, Jaworska M, Mlynarczyk-Liszka J, Goraj-Zajac A, Piglowski W, Lange D, Wozniak G, Nowara E, Suwinski R. PTEN as a prognostic and predictive marker in postoperative radiotherapy for squamous cell cancer of the head and neck. PLoS One 2012; 7:e33396. [PMID: 22413021 PMCID: PMC3296680 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0033396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2011] [Accepted: 02/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tumor suppressor PTEN is known to control a variety of processes related to cell survival, proliferation, and growth. PTEN expression is considered as a prognostic factor in some human neoplasms like breast, prostate, and thyroid cancer. Methodology/Principal Findings In this study we analyzed the influence of PTEN expression on the outcome of a randomized clinical trial of conventional versus 7-days-a-week postoperative radiotherapy for squamous cell cancer of the head and neck. The patients with cancer of the oral cavity, oropharynx, and larynx were randomized to receive 63 Gy in fractions of 1.8 Gy given 5 days a week (CF) or 7 days a week (p-CAIR). Out of 279 patients enrolled in the study, 147 paraffin blocks were available for an immunohistochemical assessment of PTEN. To evaluate the prognostic value of PTEN expression and the effect of fractionation relative to PTEN, the data on the outcome of a randomized clinical trial were analyzed. Tumors with a high intensity of PTEN staining had significant gain in the loco-regional control (LRC) from p-CAIR (5-year LRC 92.7% vs. 70.8%, for p-CAIR vs. CF, p = 0.016, RR = 0.26). By contrast, tumors with low intensity of PTEN did not gain from p-CAIR (5-year LRC 56.2% vs. 47.2%, p = 0.49, RR = 0.94). The intensity of PTEN highly affected the LRC in a whole group of 147 patients (5-year LRC 80.9% vs. 52.3% for high vs. low PTEN, p = 0.0007, RR = 0.32). In multivariate Cox analysis, including neck node involvement, EGFR, nm23, Ki-67, p53, cyclin D1, tumor site and margins, PTEN remained an independent predictor of LRC (RR = 2.8 p = 0.004). Conclusions/Significance These results suggest that PTEN may serve as a potent prognostic and predictive marker in postoperative radiotherapy for high-risk squamous cell cancer of the head and neck.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miroslaw Snietura
- Tumor Pathology Department, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Cancer Center and Institute of Oncology, Gliwice Branch, Poland.
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Frederick MJ, VanMeter AJ, Gadhikar MA, Henderson YC, Yao H, Pickering CC, Williams MD, El-Naggar AK, Sandulache V, Tarco E, Myers JN, Clayman GL, Liotta LA, Petricoin EF, Calvert VS, Fodale V, Wang J, Weber RS. Phosphoproteomic analysis of signaling pathways in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patient samples. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2011; 178:548-71. [PMID: 21281788 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2010.10.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2010] [Revised: 10/02/2010] [Accepted: 10/28/2010] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Molecular targeted therapy represents a promising new strategy for treating cancers because many small-molecule inhibitors targeting protein kinases have recently become available. Reverse-phase protein microarrays (RPPAs) are a useful platform for identifying dysregulated signaling pathways in tumors and can provide insight into patient-specific differences. In the present study, RPPAs were used to examine 60 protein end points (predominantly phosphoproteins) in matched tumor and nonmalignant biopsy specimens from 23 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma to characterize the cancer phosphoproteome. RPPA identified 18 of 60 analytes globally elevated in tumors versus healthy tissue and 17 of 60 analytes that were decreased. The most significantly elevated analytes in tumor were checkpoint kinase (Chk) 1 serine 345 (S345), Chk 2 S33/35, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1) S65, protein kinase C (PKC) ζ/ι threonine 410/412 (T410/T412), LKB1 S334, inhibitor of kappaB alpha (IκB-α) S32, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) S209, Smad2 S465/67, insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) S612, mitogen-activated ERK kinase 1/2 (MEK1/2) S217/221, and total PKC ι. To our knowledge, this is the first report of elevated PKC ι in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma that may have significance because PKC ι is an oncogene in several other tumor types, including lung cancer. The feasibility of using RPPA for developing theranostic tests to guide personalized therapy is discussed in the context of these data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell J Frederick
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
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18
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Rahman MA, Amin ARMR, Shin DM. Chemopreventive potential of natural compounds in head and neck cancer. Nutr Cancer 2011; 62:973-87. [PMID: 20924973 DOI: 10.1080/01635581.2010.509538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most fatal cancers worldwide. Despite advances in the management of HNSCC, the overall survival for patients has not improved significantly due to advanced stages at diagnosis, high recurrence rate after surgical removal, and second primary tumor development, which underscore the importance of novel strategies for cancer prevention. Cancer chemoprevention, the use of natural or synthetic compounds to prevent, arrest, or reverse the process of carcinogenesis at its earliest stages, aims to reverse premalignancies and prevent second primary tumors. Genomics and proteomics information including initial mutation, cancer promotion, progression, and susceptibility has brought molecularly targeted therapies for drug development. The development of preventive approaches using specific natural or synthetic compounds, or both, requires a depth of understanding of the cross-talk between cancer signaling pathways and networks to retain or enhance chemopreventive activity while reducing known toxic effects. Many natural dietary compounds have been identified with multiple molecular targets, effective in the prevention and treatment of cancer. This review describes recent advances in the understanding of the complex signaling networks driving cancer progression and of molecularly targeted natural compounds under preclinical and clinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Aminur Rahman
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA
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Abstract
IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the eighth leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Despite advances in surgery and chemoradiation therapy, there has been little improvement in survival rates over the past 4 decades. Additionally, surgery and chemoradiotherapy have serious side effects. The development of agents with greater efficacy and tolerability is needed. AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW EGFR is the only proven molecular target for HNSCC therapy. Cetuximab, the sole FDA-approved molecular targeted HNSCC therapy, and other potential targeted therapies are being evaluated in preclinical, clinical and post-marketing studies. Here, we review the emerging targets for biological agents in HNSCC and the rationale for their selection. WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN Key information in the development of new drug targets and the emergence of new biomarkers are discussed. Readers will gain insight regarding the limitations of current therapies, the impact of recently approved targeted therapies and the influence that predictive biomarkers will have on drug development. TAKE HOME MESSAGE The head and neck cancer drug market is rapidly evolving. Coordination between drug and biomarker development efforts may soon yield targeted therapies that can achieve the promise of personalized cancer medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Fung
- University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Department of Otolaryngology, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Physician-Scientist Training Program, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Medical Fellows Program, Chevy Chase, Maryland, USA
| | - Jennifer R Grandis
- University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Department of Otolaryngology, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- University of Pittsburgh and University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Department of Pharmacology, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Eye and Ear Institute, 200 Lothrop St., Suite 500, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Mishra R. Glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta: can it be a target for oral cancer. Mol Cancer 2010; 9:144. [PMID: 20537194 PMCID: PMC2906469 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-9-144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2009] [Accepted: 06/11/2010] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite progress in treatment approaches for oral cancer, there has been only modest improvement in patient outcomes in the past three decades. The frequent treatment failure is due to the failure to control tumor recurrence and metastasis. These failures suggest that new targets should be identified to reverse oral epithelial dysplastic lesions. Recent developments suggest an active role of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3 β) in various human cancers either as a tumor suppressor or as a tumor promoter. GSK3β is a Ser/Thr protein kinase, and there is emerging evidence that it is a tumor suppressor in oral cancer. The evidence suggests a link between key players in oral cancer that control transcription, accelerated cell cycle progression, activation of invasion/metastasis and anti-apoptosis, and regulation of these factors by GSK3β. Moreover, the major upstream kinases of GSK3β and their oncogenic activation by several etiological agents of oral cancer support this hypothesis. In spite of all this evidence, a detailed analysis of the role of GSK3β in oral cancer and of its therapeutic potential has yet to be conducted by the scientific community. The focus of this review is to discuss the multitude of roles of GSK3β, its possible role in controlling different oncogenic events and how it can be targeted in oral cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajakishore Mishra
- Dept, of Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Loyola University Medical Center, 2160 South First Avenue, Bldg 102, Maywood, IL-60153, USA.
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Inhibition of glutathione and thioredoxin metabolism enhances sensitivity to perifosine in head and neck cancer cells. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2009; 2009:519563. [PMID: 19746172 PMCID: PMC2738856 DOI: 10.1155/2009/519563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2009] [Accepted: 06/17/2009] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The hypothesis that the Akt inhibitor, perifosine (PER), combined with inhibitors of glutathione (GSH) and thioredoxin (Trx) metabolism will induce cytotoxicity via metabolic oxidative stress in human head and neck cancer (HNSCC) cells was tested. PER induced increases in glutathione disulfide (%GSSG) in FaDu, Cal-27, and SCC-25 HNSCCs as well as causing significant clonogenic cell killing in FaDu and Cal-27, which was suppressed by simultaneous treatment with N-acetylcysteine (NAC). An inhibitor of GSH synthesis, buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), sensitized Cal-27 and SCC-25 cells to PER-induced clonogenic killing as well as decreased total GSH and increased %GSSG. Additionally, inhibition of thioredoxin reductase activity (TrxRed) with auranofin (AUR) was able to induce PER sensitization in SCC-25 cells that were initially refractory to PER. These results support the conclusion that PER induces oxidative stress and clonogenic killing in HNSCC cells that is enhanced with inhibitors of GSH and Trx metabolism.
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Ratushny V, Astsaturov I, Burtness BA, Golemis EA, Silverman JS. Targeting EGFR resistance networks in head and neck cancer. Cell Signal 2009; 21:1255-68. [PMID: 19258037 PMCID: PMC2770888 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2009.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2009] [Accepted: 02/17/2009] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
A core set of oncoproteins is overexpressed or functionally activated in many types of cancer, and members of this group have attracted significant interest as subjects for development of targeted therapeutics. For some oncoproteins such as EGFR/ErbB1, both small molecule and antibody agents have been developed and applied in the clinic for over a decade. Analysis of clinical outcomes has revealed an initially unexpected complexity in the response of patients to these agents. Diverse factors, including developmental lineage of the tumor progenitor cell, co-mutation or epigenetic modulation of genes encoding proteins in an extended EGFR signaling network or regulating core survival responses in individual tumors, and environmental factors including inflammatory agents and viral infection, all have been identified as modulating response to treatment with EGFR-targeted drugs. Second and third generation therapeutic strategies increasingly incorporate knowledge of cancer type-specific signaling environments, in a more personalized treatment approach. This review takes squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) as a specific example of an EGFR-involved cancer with idiosyncratic biological features that influence design of treatment modalities, with particular emphasis on commonalities and differences with other cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir Ratushny
- Programs in Head and Neck Cancer and Molecular Medicine, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Ave., Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
- Program in Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics, Drexel University College of Medicine, 2900 W. Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19129
| | - Igor Astsaturov
- Programs in Head and Neck Cancer and Molecular Medicine, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Ave., Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Ave., Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
| | - Barbara A. Burtness
- Programs in Head and Neck Cancer and Molecular Medicine, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Ave., Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Ave., Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
| | - Erica A. Golemis
- Programs in Head and Neck Cancer and Molecular Medicine, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Ave., Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
| | - Joshua S. Silverman
- Programs in Head and Neck Cancer and Molecular Medicine, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Ave., Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 333 Cottman Ave., Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
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