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Chandrashekar DS, Afaq F, Karthikeyan SK, Athar M, Shrestha S, Singh R, Manne U, Varambally S. Bromodomain inhibitor treatment leads to overexpression of multiple kinases in cancer cells. Neoplasia 2024; 57:101046. [PMID: 39241280 PMCID: PMC11408867 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2024.101046] [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: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 08/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
The bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) family of proteins show altered expression across various cancers. The members of the bromodomain (BRD) family contain epigenetic reader domains that bind to acetylated lysine residues in both histone and non-histone proteins. Since BRD proteins are involved in cancer initiation and progression, therapeutic targeting of these proteins has recently been an area of interest. In experimental settings, JQ1, a commonly used BRD inhibitor, is the first known inhibitor to target BRD-containing protein 4 (BRD4), a ubiquitously expressed BRD and extraterminal family protein. BRD4 is necessary for a normal cell cycle, and its aberrant expression activates pro-inflammatory cytokines, leading to tumor initiation and progression. Various BRD4 inhibitors have been developed recently and tested in preclinical settings and are now in clinical trials. However, as with many targeted therapies, BRD inhibitor treatment can lead to resistance to treatment. Here, we investigated the kinases up-regulated on JQ1 treatment that may serve as target for combination therapy along with BRD inhibitors. To identify kinase targets, we performed a comparative analysis of gene expression data using RNA from BRD inhibitor-treated cells or BRD-modulated cells and identified overexpression of several kinases, including FYN, NEK9, and ADCK5. We further validated, by immunoblotting, the overexpression of FYN tyrosine kinase; NEK9 serine/threonine kinase and ADCK5, an atypical kinase, to confirm their overexpression after BRD inhibitor treatment. Importantly, our studies show that targeting FYN or NEK9 along with BRD inhibitor effectively reduces proliferation of cancer cells. Therefore, our research emphasizes a potential approach of utilizing inhibitors targeting some of the overexpressed kinases in conjunction with BRD inhibitors to enhance therapeutic effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Farrukh Afaq
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | | | - Mohammad Athar
- Department of Dermatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Sadeep Shrestha
- Epidemiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | | | - Upender Manne
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA; O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Sooryanarayana Varambally
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA; O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA; Department of Biomedical Informatics and Data Science, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
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Li SY, Zhang N, Zhang H, Wang N, Du YY, Li HN, Huang CS, Li XR. Deciphering the TCF19/miR-199a-5p/SP1/LOXL2 pathway: Implications for breast cancer metastasis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Cancer Lett 2024; 597:216995. [PMID: 38851313 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216995] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Globally, breast cancer (BC) is the predominant malignancy with a significant death rate due to metastasis. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a fundamental initiator for metastatic progression. Through advanced computational strategies, TCF19 was identified as a critical EMT-associated gene with diagnostic and prognostic significance in BC, based on a novel EMT score. Molecular details and the pro-EMT impact of the TCF19/miR-199a-5p/SP1/LOXL2 axis were explored in BC cell lines through in vitro validations, and the oncogenic and metastatic potential of TCF19 and LOXL2 were investigated using subcutaneous and tail-vein models. Additionally, BC-specific enrichment of TCF19 and LOXL2 was measured using a distribution landscape driven by diverse genomic analysis techniques. Molecular pathways revealed that TCF19-induced LOXL2 amplification facilitated migratory, invasive, and EMT activities of BC cells in vitro, and promoted the growth and metastatic establishment of xenografts in vivo. TCF19 decreases the expression of miR-199a-5p and alters the nuclear dynamics of SP1, modulating SP1's affinity for the LOXL2 promoter, leading to increased LOXL2 expression and more malignant characteristics in BC cells. These findings unveil a novel EMT-inducing pathway, the TCF19/miR-199a-5P/SP1/LOXL2 axis, highlighting the pivotal role of TCF19 and suggesting potential for novel therapeutic approaches for more focused BC interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Yu Li
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Nan Zhang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Ning Wang
- Huzhou Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Huzhou, PR China
| | - Ya-Ying Du
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Han-Ning Li
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China.
| | - Chen-Shen Huang
- Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, PR China.
| | - Xing-Rui Li
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China.
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Khan I, Kashani-Sabet M. Bromodomain inhibition targeting BPTF in the treatment of melanoma and other solid tumors. Clin Exp Metastasis 2024; 41:509-515. [PMID: 38683257 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-024-10265-7] [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: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms have been shown to play an important role in the development of cancer. These include the activation of chromatin remodeling factors in various malignancies, including bromodomain plant homeodomain (PHD) finger transcription factor (BPTF), the largest component of the human nucleosome remodeling factor (NURF). In the last few years, BPTF has been identified as a pro-tumorigenic factor in melanoma, stimulated by research into the molecular mechanisms underlying BPTF function. Developing therapy targeting the BPTF bromodomain would represent a significant advance. Melanoma therapy has been revolutionized by the efficacy of immunotherapeutic and targeted strategies, but the development of drug resistance calls for alternative therapeutic approaches. Recent work has shown both a biomarker as well as functional role for BPTF in melanoma progression and as a possible target for its therapy. BPTF was shown to stimulate the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, which is targeted by selective BRAF inhibitors. The advent of small molecule inhibitors that target bromodomain motifs has shown that bromodomains are druggable. By combining the bromodomain inhibitor bromosporine with existing treatments that target mutant BRAF, BPTF targeting has emerged as a novel and promising therapeutic approach for metastatic melanoma. This article summarizes the functional role of BPTF in tumor progression, reviews the clinical experience to date with bromodomain inhibitors, and discusses the promise of BPTF targeting in melanoma and other solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imran Khan
- California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute, 475 Brannan St, Suite 130, San Francisco, CA, 94107, USA
| | - Mohammed Kashani-Sabet
- California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute, 475 Brannan St, Suite 130, San Francisco, CA, 94107, USA.
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Tian Y, Xin S, Wan Z, Dong H, Liu L, Fan Z, Li T, Peng F, Xiong Y, Han Y. TCF19 promotes cell proliferation and tumor formation in lung cancer by activating the Raf/MEK/ERK signaling pathway. Transl Oncol 2024; 45:101978. [PMID: 38701650 PMCID: PMC11088346 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.101978] [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: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate TCF19's role in lung cancer development, specifically its involvement in the RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway. METHODS Lung cancer tissue analysis revealed significant TCF19 overexpression. In vitro experiments using A549 and Hop62 cells with TCF19 overexpression demonstrated enhanced cell growth. Transgenic mouse models confirmed TCF19's role in primary tumor development. Transcriptome sequencing identified altered gene expression profiles, linking TCF19 to RAF/MEK/ERK pathway activation. Functional assays elucidated underlying mechanisms, revealing increased phosphorylation of Raf1, MEK1/2, and ERK1/2. Inhibiting RAF1 or ERK through shRaf1 or ERK inhibitor reduced cell cycle-related proteins and inhibited TCF19-overexpressing cell growth. RESULTS TCF19 was identified as an oncogene in lung carcinoma, specifically impacting the RAF/MEK/ERK pathway. Elevated TCF19 levels in lung cancer suggest targeting TCF19 or its associated pathways as a promising strategy for disease management. CONCLUSION This study unveils TCF19's oncogenic role in lung cancer, emphasizing its modulation of the RAF/MEK/ERK pathway and presenting a potential therapeutic target for TCF19-overexpressing lung cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yahui Tian
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Air Force Medical Center, Air Force Medical University, 30 Fucheng Rd, Beijing 100142, China; School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Shaowei Xin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Air Force Medical Center, Air Force Medical University, 30 Fucheng Rd, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Zitong Wan
- College of life Science, Northwestern University, Xi'an, China
| | - Honghong Dong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Air Force Medical Center, Air Force Medical University, 30 Fucheng Rd, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Lu Liu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenzhen Fan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomics and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, China
| | - Tian Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Fujun Peng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Second Medical University, Weifang, China.
| | - Yanlu Xiong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Yong Han
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Air Force Medical Center, Air Force Medical University, 30 Fucheng Rd, Beijing 100142, China.
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Dinter L, Karitzky PC, Schulz A, Wurm AA, Mehnert MC, Sergon M, Tunger A, Lesche M, Wehner R, Müller A, Käubler T, Niessner H, Dahl A, Beissert S, Schmitz M, Meier F, Seliger B, Westphal D. BRAF and MEK inhibitor combinations induce potent molecular and immunological effects in NRAS-mutant melanoma cells: Insights into mode of action and resistance mechanisms. Int J Cancer 2024; 154:1057-1072. [PMID: 38078628 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
About 25% of melanoma harbor activating NRAS mutations, which are associated with aggressive disease therefore requiring a rapid antitumor intervention. However, no efficient targeted therapy options are currently available for patients with NRAS-mutant melanoma. MEK inhibitors (MEKi) appear to display a moderate antitumor activity and also immunological effects in NRAS-mutant melanoma, providing an ideal backbone for combination treatments. In our study, the MEKi binimetinib, cobimetinib and trametinib combined with the BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi) encorafenib, vemurafenib and dabrafenib were investigated for their ability to inhibit proliferation, induce apoptosis and alter the expression of immune modulatory molecules in sensitive NRAS-mutant melanoma cells using two- and three-dimensional cell culture models as well as RNA sequencing analyses. Furthermore, NRAS-mutant melanoma cells resistant to the three BRAFi/MEKi combinations were established to characterize the mechanisms contributing to their resistance. All BRAFi induced a stress response in the sensitive NRAS-mutant melanoma cells thereby significantly enhancing the antiproliferative and proapoptotic activity of the MEKi analyzed. Furthermore, BRAFi/MEKi combinations upregulated immune relevant molecules, such as ICOS-L, components of antigen-presenting machinery and the "don't eat me signal" molecule CD47 in the melanoma cells. The BRAFi/MEKi-resistant, NRAS-mutant melanoma cells counteracted the molecular and immunological effects of BRAFi/MEKi by upregulating downstream mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway molecules, inhibiting apoptosis and promoting immune escape mechanisms. Together, our study reveals potent molecular and immunological effects of BRAFi/MEKi in sensitive NRAS-mutant melanoma cells that may be exploited in new combinational treatment strategies for patients with NRAS-mutant melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Dinter
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Dresden, a partnership between German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at TU Dresden, and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
| | - Paula C Karitzky
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Alexander Schulz
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Dresden, a partnership between German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at TU Dresden, and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
| | - Alexander A Wurm
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Dresden, a partnership between German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at TU Dresden, and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
- Department of Translational Medical Oncology, NCT Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Mildred Scheel Early Career Center, NCT Dresden, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Marie-Christin Mehnert
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Dresden, a partnership between German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at TU Dresden, and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
| | - Mildred Sergon
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Antje Tunger
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Dresden, a partnership between German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at TU Dresden, and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Mathias Lesche
- DRESDEN-Concept Genome Center, Technology Platform at the Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Rebekka Wehner
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Dresden, a partnership between German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at TU Dresden, and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anja Müller
- Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Theresa Käubler
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Heike Niessner
- Department of Dermatology, Oncology, University Medical Center, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Andreas Dahl
- DRESDEN-Concept Genome Center, Technology Platform at the Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Stefan Beissert
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Dresden, a partnership between German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at TU Dresden, and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
| | - Marc Schmitz
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Dresden, a partnership between German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at TU Dresden, and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Friedegund Meier
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Dresden, a partnership between German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at TU Dresden, and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
- Skin Cancer Center at the University Cancer Center Dresden, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Barbara Seliger
- Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
- Institute of Translational Immunology, Medical School "Theodor Fontane", Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Dana Westphal
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Dresden, a partnership between German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus at TU Dresden, and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
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6
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Cannon AC, Budagyan K, Uribe-Alvarez C, Kurimchak AM, Araiza-Olivera D, Cai KQ, Peri S, Zhou Y, Duncan JS, Chernoff J. Unique vulnerability of RAC1-mutant melanoma to combined inhibition of CDK9 and immune checkpoints. Oncogene 2024; 43:729-743. [PMID: 38243078 PMCID: PMC11157427 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-02947-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
RAC1P29S is the third most prevalent hotspot mutation in sun-exposed melanoma. RAC1 alterations in cancer are correlated with poor prognosis, resistance to standard chemotherapy, and insensitivity to targeted inhibitors. Although RAC1P29S mutations in melanoma and RAC1 alterations in several other cancers are increasingly evident, the RAC1-driven biological mechanisms contributing to tumorigenesis remain unclear. Lack of rigorous signaling analysis has prevented identification of alternative therapeutic targets for RAC1P29S-harboring melanomas. To investigate the RAC1P29S-driven effect on downstream molecular signaling pathways, we generated an inducible RAC1P29S expression melanocytic cell line and performed RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) coupled with multiplexed kinase inhibitor beads and mass spectrometry (MIBs/MS) to establish enriched pathways from the genomic to proteomic level. Our proteogenomic analysis identified CDK9 as a potential new and specific target in RAC1P29S-mutant melanoma cells. In vitro, CDK9 inhibition impeded the proliferation of in RAC1P29S-mutant melanoma cells and increased surface expression of PD-L1 and MHC Class I proteins. In vivo, combining CDK9 inhibition with anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint blockade significantly inhibited tumor growth only in melanomas that expressed the RAC1P29S mutation. Collectively, these results establish CDK9 as a novel target in RAC1-driven melanoma that can further sensitize the tumor to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa C Cannon
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Konstantin Budagyan
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Cristina Uribe-Alvarez
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alison M Kurimchak
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Daniela Araiza-Olivera
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kathy Q Cai
- Histopathology Facility, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Suraj Peri
- Biostatistics-Bioinformatics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Merck, Bioinformatics Oncology Discovery, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yan Zhou
- Biostatistics-Bioinformatics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - James S Duncan
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jonathan Chernoff
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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7
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Pozniak J, Pedri D, Landeloos E, Van Herck Y, Antoranz A, Vanwynsberghe L, Nowosad A, Roda N, Makhzami S, Bervoets G, Maciel LF, Pulido-Vicuña CA, Pollaris L, Seurinck R, Zhao F, Flem-Karlsen K, Damsky W, Chen L, Karagianni D, Cinque S, Kint S, Vandereyken K, Rombaut B, Voet T, Vernaillen F, Annaert W, Lambrechts D, Boecxstaens V, Saeys Y, van den Oord J, Bosisio F, Karras P, Shain AH, Bosenberg M, Leucci E, Paschen A, Rambow F, Bechter O, Marine JC. A TCF4-dependent gene regulatory network confers resistance to immunotherapy in melanoma. Cell 2024; 187:166-183.e25. [PMID: 38181739 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.11.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
To better understand intrinsic resistance to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), we established a comprehensive view of the cellular architecture of the treatment-naive melanoma ecosystem and studied its evolution under ICB. Using single-cell, spatial multi-omics, we showed that the tumor microenvironment promotes the emergence of a complex melanoma transcriptomic landscape. Melanoma cells harboring a mesenchymal-like (MES) state, a population known to confer resistance to targeted therapy, were significantly enriched in early on-treatment biopsies from non-responders to ICB. TCF4 serves as the hub of this landscape by being a master regulator of the MES signature and a suppressor of the melanocytic and antigen presentation transcriptional programs. Targeting TCF4 genetically or pharmacologically, using a bromodomain inhibitor, increased immunogenicity and sensitivity of MES cells to ICB and targeted therapy. We thereby uncovered a TCF4-dependent regulatory network that orchestrates multiple transcriptional programs and contributes to resistance to both targeted therapy and ICB in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Pozniak
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Dennis Pedri
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory for Membrane Trafficking, Center for Brain and Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ewout Landeloos
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of General Medical Oncology, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Asier Antoranz
- Laboratory of Translational Cell and Tissue Research, Department of Imaging and Pathology, KU Leuven and UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lukas Vanwynsberghe
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ada Nowosad
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Niccolò Roda
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Samira Makhzami
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Greet Bervoets
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lucas Ferreira Maciel
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Carlos Ariel Pulido-Vicuña
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lotte Pollaris
- Data Mining and Modeling for Biomedicine Group, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Applied Mathematics, Computer Science and Statistics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ruth Seurinck
- Data Mining and Modeling for Biomedicine Group, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Applied Mathematics, Computer Science and Statistics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Fang Zhao
- Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Immunology, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Karine Flem-Karlsen
- Department of Dermatology, Yale University, 15 York Street, New Haven, CT 05610, USA
| | - William Damsky
- Departments of Dermatology and Pathology, Yale University, 15 York Street, New Haven, CT 05610, USA
| | - Limin Chen
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Despoina Karagianni
- Immune Regulation and Tumor Immunotherapy Group, Cancer Immunology Unit, Research Department of Haematology, UCL Cancer Institute, London WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Sonia Cinque
- Laboratory for RNA Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sam Kint
- Laboratory of Reproductive Genomics, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; KU Leuven Institute for Single Cell Omics (LISCO), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Katy Vandereyken
- Laboratory of Reproductive Genomics, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; KU Leuven Institute for Single Cell Omics (LISCO), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Benjamin Rombaut
- Data Mining and Modeling for Biomedicine Group, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Applied Mathematics, Computer Science and Statistics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Thierry Voet
- Laboratory of Reproductive Genomics, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; KU Leuven Institute for Single Cell Omics (LISCO), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Wim Annaert
- Laboratory for Membrane Trafficking, Center for Brain and Disease Research, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Diether Lambrechts
- Laboratory of Translational Genetics, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Center for Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Yvan Saeys
- Data Mining and Modeling for Biomedicine Group, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Applied Mathematics, Computer Science and Statistics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Joost van den Oord
- Laboratory of Translational Cell and Tissue Research, Department of Pathology, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Francesca Bosisio
- Laboratory of Translational Cell and Tissue Research, Department of Pathology, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Panagiotis Karras
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - A Hunter Shain
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Marcus Bosenberg
- Departments of Dermatology, Pathology and Immunobiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 05610, USA
| | - Eleonora Leucci
- Laboratory for RNA Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Annette Paschen
- Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Immunology, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Florian Rambow
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Applied Computational Cancer Research, Institute for AI in Medicine (IKIM), University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany; University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | - Oliver Bechter
- Department of General Medical Oncology, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Jean-Christophe Marine
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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8
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Wang ZQ, Zhang ZC, Wu YY, Pi YN, Lou SH, Liu TB, Lou G, Yang C. Bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) proteins: biological functions, diseases, and targeted therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:420. [PMID: 37926722 PMCID: PMC10625992 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01647-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BET proteins, which influence gene expression and contribute to the development of cancer, are epigenetic interpreters. Thus, BET inhibitors represent a novel form of epigenetic anticancer treatment. Although preliminary clinical trials have shown the anticancer potential of BET inhibitors, it appears that these drugs have limited effectiveness when used alone. Therefore, given the limited monotherapeutic activity of BET inhibitors, their use in combination with other drugs warrants attention, including the meaningful variations in pharmacodynamic activity among chosen drug combinations. In this paper, we review the function of BET proteins, the preclinical justification for BET protein targeting in cancer, recent advances in small-molecule BET inhibitors, and preliminary clinical trial findings. We elucidate BET inhibitor resistance mechanisms, shed light on the associated adverse events, investigate the potential of combining these inhibitors with diverse therapeutic agents, present a comprehensive compilation of synergistic treatments involving BET inhibitors, and provide an outlook on their future prospects as potent antitumor agents. We conclude by suggesting that combining BET inhibitors with other anticancer drugs and innovative next-generation agents holds great potential for advancing the effective targeting of BET proteins as a promising anticancer strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Qiang Wang
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Zhao-Cong Zhang
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Yu-Yang Wu
- School of Optometry and Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ya-Nan Pi
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Sheng-Han Lou
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Tian-Bo Liu
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China
| | - Ge Lou
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China.
| | - Chang Yang
- Department of Gynecology Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150086, China.
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9
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Murphy BM, Jensen DM, Arnold TE, Aguilar-Valenzuela R, Hughes J, Posada V, Nguyen KT, Chu VT, Tsai KY, Burd CJ, Burd CE. The OSUMMER lines: A series of ultraviolet-accelerated NRAS-mutant mouse melanoma cell lines syngeneic to C57BL/6. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2023; 36:365-377. [PMID: 37341054 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.13107] [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: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
An increasing number of cancer subtypes are treated with front-line immunotherapy. However, approaches to overcome primary and acquired resistance remain limited. Preclinical mouse models are often used to investigate resistance mechanisms, novel drug combinations, and delivery methods; yet most of these models lack the genetic diversity and mutational patterns observed in human tumors. Here we describe a series of 13 C57BL/6J melanoma cell lines to address this gap in the field. The Ohio State University-Moffitt Melanoma Exposed to Radiation (OSUMMER) cell lines are derived from mice expressing endogenous, melanocyte-specific, and clinically relevant Nras driver mutations (Q61R, Q61K, or Q61L). Exposure of these animals to a single, non-burning dose of ultraviolet B accelerates the onset of spontaneous melanomas with mutational patterns akin to human disease. Furthermore, in vivo irradiation selects against potent tumor antigens, which could prevent the outgrowth of syngeneic cell transfers. Each OSUMMER cell line possesses distinct in vitro growth properties, trametinib sensitivity, mutational signatures, and predicted antigenicity. Analysis of OSUMMER allografts shows a correlation between strong, predicted antigenicity and poor tumor outgrowth. These data suggest that the OSUMMER lines will be a valuable tool for modeling the heterogeneous responses of human melanomas to targeted and immune-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon M Murphy
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Daelin M Jensen
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Tiffany E Arnold
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Renan Aguilar-Valenzuela
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Jase Hughes
- EMD Millipore Corporation, Temecula, California, USA
| | - Valentina Posada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Kimberly T Nguyen
- Center for Genomic and Precision Medicine, Texas A&M Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Vi T Chu
- EMD Millipore Corporation, Temecula, California, USA
| | - Kenneth Y Tsai
- Departments of Pathology and Tumor Biology, The H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Craig J Burd
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Christin E Burd
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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10
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Cannon AC, Budagyan K, Uribe-Alvarez C, Kurimchak AM, Araiza-Olivera D, Cai KQ, Peri S, Zhou Y, Duncan JS, Chernoff J. Unique vulnerability of RAC1-mutant melanoma to combined inhibition of CDK9 and immune checkpoints. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.27.546707. [PMID: 37425776 PMCID: PMC10327161 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.27.546707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
RAC1P29S is the third most prevalent hotspot mutation in sun-exposed melanoma. RAC1 alterations in cancer are correlated with poor prognosis, resistance to standard chemotherapy, and insensitivity to targeted inhibitors. Although RAC1P29S mutations in melanoma and RAC1 alterations in several other cancers are increasingly evident, the RAC1-driven biological mechanisms contributing to tumorigenesis remain unclear. Lack of rigorous signaling analysis has prevented identification of alternative therapeutic targets for RAC1P29S-harboring melanomas. To investigate the RAC1P29S-driven effect on downstream molecular signaling pathways, we generated an inducible RAC1P29S expression melanocytic cell line and performed RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) coupled with multiplexed kinase inhibitor beads and mass spectrometry (MIBs/MS) to establish enriched pathways from the genomic to proteomic level. Our proteogenomic analysis identified CDK9 as a potential new and specific target in RAC1P29S-mutant melanoma cells. In vitro, CDK9 inhibition impeded the proliferation of in RAC1P29S-mutant melanoma cells and increased surface expression of PD-L1 and MHC Class I proteins. In vivo, combining CDK9 inhibition with anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint blockade significantly inhibited tumor growth only in melanomas that expressed the RAC1P29S mutation. Collectively, these results establish CDK9 as a novel target in RAC1-driven melanoma that can further sensitize the tumor to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa C Cannon
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Konstantin Budagyan
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Cristina Uribe-Alvarez
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Alison M Kurimchak
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Daniela Araiza-Olivera
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Kathy Q Cai
- Histopathology Facility, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Suraj Peri
- Biostatistics-Bioinformatics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
- Current Affiliation: Merck, Bioinformatics Oncology Discovery, Boston, MA
| | - Yan Zhou
- Biostatistics-Bioinformatics, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
| | - James S Duncan
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Jonathan Chernoff
- Cancer Signaling and Microenvironment Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA
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11
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BET inhibitors synergize with sunitinib in melanoma through GDF15 suppression. Exp Mol Med 2023; 55:364-376. [PMID: 36720918 PMCID: PMC9981764 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-00936-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeting bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) proteins has shown a promising therapeutic effect on melanoma. The development of strategies to better kill melanoma cells with BET inhibitor treatment may provide new clinical applications. Here, we used a drug synergy screening approach to combine JQ1 with 240 antitumor drugs from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug library and found that sunitinib synergizes with BET inhibitors in melanoma cells. We further demonstrated that BET inhibitors synergize with sunitinib in melanoma by inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Mechanistically, BET inhibitors sensitize melanoma cells to sunitinib by inhibiting GDF15 expression. Strikingly, GDF15 is transcriptionally regulated directly by BRD4 or indirectly by the BRD4/IL6/STAT3 axis. Xenograft assays revealed that the combination of BET inhibitors with sunitinib causes melanoma suppression in vivo. Altogether, these findings suggest that BET inhibitor-mediated GDF15 inhibition plays a critical role in enhancing sunitinib sensitivity in melanoma, indicating that BET inhibitors synergize with sunitinib in melanoma.
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12
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Kang Y, Ji Z, Li H, Tsao H. Divergent BRAF Inhibitor Resistance Mechanisms Revealed through Epigenetic Mapping. J Invest Dermatol 2022; 143:842-853.e6. [PMID: 36529262 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2022.03.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Although tremendous progress has been made in targeted and immune-based treatments for advanced melanoma, there remains a substantial therapeutic failure rate. For patients with BRAF(V600)-mutant melanomas, resistance to BRAF inhibitors remains a significant survival hurdle. Although multiple compensatory mechanisms to bypass BRAF blockade have been discovered, the epigenetic patterns are still poorly characterized. In this report, we generated eight matched pairs of vemurafenib-sensitive/-resistant melanoma lines and subjected these to concurrent RNA-sequencing and H3K27ac chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing analysis. Globally, we identified two classes of epigenetic profiles that correlate with resistance. Class 1 resistance involves fewer RNA expression alterations accompanied by fewer enhancer mark changes with H3K27ac. Class 2 resistance shows widespread alterations in transcription and enhancer profiles, which converge on epithelial‒mesenchymal transition and hypoxia-related pathways. We also observed significant and dynamic changes in superenhancers that underpin these transcriptomic patterns. We subsequently verified the two-class structure in pre-BRAF inhibitors and postrelapse human melanoma specimens. Our findings reveal a broad and underappreciated spectrum of epigenetic plasticity during acquired BRAF inhibitor resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Kang
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Mass General Research Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Zhenyu Ji
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Mass General Research Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - He Li
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Hensin Tsao
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Mass General Research Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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13
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Anestopoulos I, Kyriakou S, Tragkola V, Paraskevaidis I, Tzika E, Mitsiogianni M, Deligiorgi MV, Petrakis G, Trafalis DT, Botaitis S, Giatromanolaki A, Koukourakis MI, Franco R, Pappa A, Panayiotidis MI. Targeting the epigenome in malignant melanoma: Facts, challenges and therapeutic promises. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 240:108301. [PMID: 36283453 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108301] [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: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is the most lethal type of skin cancer with high rates of mortality. Although current treatment options provide a short-clinical benefit, acquired-drug resistance highlights the low 5-year survival rate among patients with advanced stage of the disease. In parallel, the involvement of an aberrant epigenetic landscape, (e.g., alterations in DNA methylation patterns, histone modifications marks and expression of non-coding RNAs), in addition to the genetic background, has been also associated with the onset and progression of melanoma. In this review article, we report on current therapeutic options in melanoma treatment with a focus on distinct epigenetic alterations and how their reversal, by specific drug compounds, can restore a normal phenotype. In particular, we concentrate on how single and/or combinatorial therapeutic approaches have utilized epigenetic drug compounds in being effective against malignant melanoma. Finally, the role of deregulated epigenetic mechanisms in promoting drug resistance to targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors is presented leading to the development of newly synthesized and/or improved drug compounds capable of targeting the epigenome of malignant melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Anestopoulos
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics & Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - S Kyriakou
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics & Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - V Tragkola
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics & Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - I Paraskevaidis
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics & Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - E Tzika
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics & Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | - M V Deligiorgi
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - G Petrakis
- Saint George Hospital, Chania, Crete, Greece
| | - D T Trafalis
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - S Botaitis
- Department of Surgery, Alexandroupolis University Hospital, Democritus University of Thrace School of Medicine, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - A Giatromanolaki
- Department of Pathology, Democritus University of Thrace, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - M I Koukourakis
- Radiotherapy / Oncology, Radiobiology & Radiopathology Unit, Department of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - R Franco
- Redox Biology Centre, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA; School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - A Pappa
- Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - M I Panayiotidis
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics & Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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14
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Rubanov A, Berico P, Hernando E. Epigenetic Mechanisms Underlying Melanoma Resistance to Immune and Targeted Therapies. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235858. [PMID: 36497341 PMCID: PMC9738385 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer reliant on early detection for high likelihood of successful treatment. Solar UV exposure transforms melanocytes into highly mutated tumor cells that metastasize to the liver, lungs, and brain. Even upon resection of the primary tumor, almost thirty percent of patients succumb to melanoma within twenty years. Identification of key melanoma genetic drivers led to the development of pharmacological BRAFV600E and MEK inhibitors, significantly improving metastatic patient outcomes over traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy or pioneering IFN-α and IL-2 immune therapies. Checkpoint blockade inhibitors releasing the immunosuppressive effects of CTLA-4 or PD-1 proved to be even more effective and are the standard first-line treatment. Despite these major improvements, durable responses to immunotherapy and targeted therapy have been hindered by intrinsic or acquired resistance. In addition to gained or selected genetic alterations, cellular plasticity conferred by epigenetic reprogramming is emerging as a driver of therapy resistance. Epigenetic regulation of chromatin accessibility drives gene expression and establishes distinct transcriptional cell states. Here we review how aberrant chromatin, transcriptional, and epigenetic regulation contribute to therapy resistance and discuss how targeting these programs sensitizes melanoma cells to immune and targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey Rubanov
- Department of Pathology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Interdisciplinary Melanoma Cooperative Group, Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Pietro Berico
- Department of Pathology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Interdisciplinary Melanoma Cooperative Group, Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Eva Hernando
- Department of Pathology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Interdisciplinary Melanoma Cooperative Group, Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Correspondence:
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15
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Zheng SY, Hu XM, Huang K, Li ZH, Chen QN, Yang RH, Xiong K. Proteomics as a tool to improve novel insights into skin diseases: what we know and where we should be going. Front Surg 2022; 9:1025557. [PMID: 36338621 PMCID: PMC9633964 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.1025557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Biochemical processes involved in complex skin diseases (skin cancers, psoriasis, and wound) can be identified by combining proteomics analysis and bioinformatics tools, which gain a next-level insight into their pathogenesis, diagnosis, and therapeutic targets. Methods Articles were identified through a search of PubMed, Embase, and MEDLINE references dated to May 2022, to perform system data mining, and a search of the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection was utilized to conduct a visual bibliometric analysis. Results An increased trend line revealed that the number of publications related to proteomics utilized in skin diseases has sharply increased recent years, reaching a peak in 2021. The hottest fields focused on are skin cancer (melanoma), inflammation skin disorder (psoriasis), and skin wounds. After deduplication and title, abstract, and full-text screening, a total of 486 of the 7,822 outcomes met the inclusion/exclusion criteria for detailed data mining in the field of skin disease tooling with proteomics, with regard to skin cancer. According to the data, cell death, metabolism, skeleton, immune, and inflammation enrichment pathways are likely the major part and hotspots of proteomic analysis found in skin diseases. Also, the focuses of proteomics in skin disease are from superficial presumption to depth mechanism exploration within more comprehensive validation, from basic study to a combination or guideline for clinical applications. Furthermore, we chose skin cancer as a typical example, compared with other skin disorders. In addition to finding key pathogenic proteins and differences between diseases, proteomic analysis is also used for therapeutic evaluation or can further obtain in-depth mechanisms in the field of skin diseases. Conclusion Proteomics has been regarded as an irreplaceable technology in the study of pathophysiological mechanism and/or therapeutic targets of skin diseases, which could provide candidate key proteins for the insight into the biological information after gene transcription. However, depth pathogenesis and potential clinical applications need further studies with stronger evidence within a wider range of skin diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-yuan Zheng
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xi-min Hu
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Kun Huang
- Clinical Medicine Eight-Year Program, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zi-han Li
- Clinical Medicine Eight-Year Program, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qing-ning Chen
- Clinical Medicine Eight-Year Program, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Rong-hua Yang
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of 173 Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Correspondence: Rong-hua Yang Kun Xiong
| | - Kun Xiong
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma, Ministry of Education, College of Emergency and Trauma, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Correspondence: Rong-hua Yang Kun Xiong
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16
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Karami Fath M, Azargoonjahromi A, Soofi A, Almasi F, Hosseinzadeh S, Khalili S, Sheikhi K, Ferdousmakan S, Owrangi S, Fahimi M, Zalpoor H, Nabi Afjadi M, Payandeh Z, Pourzardosht N. Current understanding of epigenetics role in melanoma treatment and resistance. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:313. [PMID: 36224606 PMCID: PMC9555085 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02738-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer resulting from genetic mutations in melanocytes. Several factors have been considered to be involved in melanoma progression, including genetic alteration, processes of damaged DNA repair, and changes in mechanisms of cell growth and proliferation. Epigenetics is the other factor with a crucial role in melanoma development. Epigenetic changes have become novel targets for treating patients suffering from melanoma. These changes can alter the expression of microRNAs and their interaction with target genes, which involves cell growth, differentiation, or even death. Given these circumstances, we conducted the present review to discuss the melanoma risk factors and represent the current knowledge about the factors related to its etiopathogenesis. Moreover, various epigenetic pathways, which are involved in melanoma progression, treatment, and chemo-resistance, as well as employed epigenetic factors as a solution to the problems, will be discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Karami Fath
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Asma Soofi
- Department of Physical Chemistry, School of Chemistry, College of Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Faezeh Almasi
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Lab, Department of Microbial Biotechnology, School of Biology and Center of Excellence in Phylogeny of Living Organisms, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahnaz Hosseinzadeh
- Department of Microbiology, Parasitology and Immunology, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Saeed Khalili
- Department of Biology Sciences, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kamran Sheikhi
- School of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Kurdistan, Iran
| | - Saeid Ferdousmakan
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Nargund College of Pharmacy, Bangalore, 560085, India
| | - Soroor Owrangi
- Student Research Committe, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | | | - Hamidreza Zalpoor
- Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Nabi Afjadi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Zahra Payandeh
- Department Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Division Medical Inflammation Research, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Navid Pourzardosht
- Biochemistry Department, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
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17
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Aggarwal R, Starodub AN, Koh BD, Xing G, Armstrong AJ, Carducci MA. Phase Ib Study of the BET Inhibitor GS-5829 as Monotherapy and Combined with Enzalutamide in Patients with Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2022; 28:3979-3989. [PMID: 35816286 PMCID: PMC9475238 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-0175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE A phase Ib study (1604) was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of GS-5829, an oral bromodomain and extraterminal inhibitor, alone and in combination with enzalutamide in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). A phase I study (1599) in solid tumors/lymphoma was also conducted. PATIENTS AND METHODS Men with confirmed mCRPC and disease progression despite abiraterone and/or enzalutamide treatment were enrolled in a 3 + 3 dose escalation paradigm starting at 2 mg daily with GS-5829 alone and in combination with 160 mg daily enzalutamide. The primary efficacy endpoint was nonprogression rate at week 24; secondary endpoints included prostate-specific antigen reduction from baseline, progression-free survival, and GS-5829 pharmacokinetics (PK). PK and safety were also evaluated in Study 1599. RESULTS Thirty-one men, with a median of five prior regimens, received at least 1 dose of study drug in Study 1604. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAE) were reported in 94% of patients; 16% discontinued for TEAEs. There were no dose-dependent increases in the AUCtau or Cmax after once-daily administration of GS-5829 2 to 9 mg, and biomarkers CCR2 inhibition and HEXIM1 induction were increased only at higher doses of monotherapy. A high degree of interpatient variability existed across all doses in PK and pharmacodynamic parameters. The proportion with nonprogression at week 24, estimated by Kaplan-Meier model, was 25% (95% confidence interval, 10-42) for all treated patients. CONCLUSIONS GS-5829 was generally tolerated but demonstrated limited efficacy and lack of dose proportional increases in plasma concentrations in patients with mCRPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Aggarwal
- UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, California.,Corresponding Author: Rahul Aggarwal, UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, 550 16th Street, San Francisco, CA 94158. Phone: 415-476-4616; E-mail:
| | | | | | - Guan Xing
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, California
| | - Andrew J. Armstrong
- Duke Cancer Institute Center for Prostate and Urologic Cancer, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Michael A. Carducci
- Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland
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18
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van der Noord VE, van de Water B, Le Dévédec SE. Targeting the Heterogeneous Genomic Landscape in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer through Inhibitors of the Transcriptional Machinery. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:4353. [PMID: 36139513 PMCID: PMC9496798 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14184353] [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: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer defined by lack of the estrogen, progesterone and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. Although TNBC tumors contain a wide variety of oncogenic mutations and copy number alterations, the direct targeting of these alterations has failed to substantially improve therapeutic efficacy. This efficacy is strongly limited by interpatient and intratumor heterogeneity, and thereby a lack in uniformity of targetable drivers. Most of these genetic abnormalities eventually drive specific transcriptional programs, which may be a general underlying vulnerability. Currently, there are multiple selective inhibitors, which target the transcriptional machinery through transcriptional cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) 7, 8, 9, 12 and 13 and bromodomain extra-terminal motif (BET) proteins, including BRD4. In this review, we discuss how inhibitors of the transcriptional machinery can effectively target genetic abnormalities in TNBC, and how these abnormalities can influence sensitivity to these inhibitors. These inhibitors target the genomic landscape in TNBC by specifically suppressing MYC-driven transcription, inducing further DNA damage, improving anti-cancer immunity, and preventing drug resistance against MAPK and PI3K-targeted therapies. Because the transcriptional machinery enables transcription and propagation of multiple cancer drivers, it may be a promising target for (combination) treatment, especially of heterogeneous malignancies, including TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sylvia E. Le Dévédec
- Division of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
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19
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Dar AA, Bezrookove V, Nosrati M, Ice R, Patino JM, Vaquero EM, Parrett B, Leong SP, Kim KB, Debs RJ, Soroceanu L, Miller JR, Desprez PY, Cleaver JE, Salomonis N, McAllister S, Kashani-Sabet M. Bromodomain inhibition overcomes treatment resistance in distinct molecular subtypes of melanoma. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2206824119. [PMID: 35969744 PMCID: PMC9407673 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2206824119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapy of BRAF-mutant melanoma with selective inhibitors of BRAF (BRAFi) and MEK (MEKi) represents a major clinical advance but acquired resistance to therapy has emerged as a key obstacle. To date, no clinical approaches successfully resensitize to BRAF/MEK inhibition. Here, we develop a therapeutic strategy for melanoma using bromosporine, a bromodomain inhibitor. Bromosporine (bromo) monotherapy produced significant anti-tumor effects against established melanoma cell lines and patient-derived xenografts (PDXs). Combinatorial therapy involving bromosporine and cobimetinib (bromo/cobi) showed synergistic anti-tumor effects in multiple BRAFi-resistant PDX models. The bromo/cobi combination was superior in vivo to standard BRAFi/MEKi therapy in the treatment-naive BRAF-mutant setting and to MEKi alone in the setting of immunotherapy-resistant NRAS- and NF1-mutant melanoma. RNA sequencing of xenografts treated with bromo/cobi revealed profound down-regulation of genes critical to cell division and mitotic progression. Bromo/cobi treatment resulted in marked DNA damage and cell-cycle arrest, resulting in induction of apoptosis. These studies introduce bromodomain inhibition, alone or combined with agents targeting the mitogen activated protein kinase pathway, as a rational therapeutic approach for melanoma refractory to standard targeted or immunotherapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Altaf A. Dar
- Center for Melanoma Research and Treatment, California Pacific Medical Center and Research Institute, San Francisco, CA 94107
| | - Vladimir Bezrookove
- Center for Melanoma Research and Treatment, California Pacific Medical Center and Research Institute, San Francisco, CA 94107
| | - Mehdi Nosrati
- Center for Melanoma Research and Treatment, California Pacific Medical Center and Research Institute, San Francisco, CA 94107
| | - Ryan Ice
- Center for Melanoma Research and Treatment, California Pacific Medical Center and Research Institute, San Francisco, CA 94107
| | - John M. Patino
- Center for Melanoma Research and Treatment, California Pacific Medical Center and Research Institute, San Francisco, CA 94107
| | - Edith M. Vaquero
- Center for Melanoma Research and Treatment, California Pacific Medical Center and Research Institute, San Francisco, CA 94107
| | - Brian Parrett
- Center for Melanoma Research and Treatment, California Pacific Medical Center and Research Institute, San Francisco, CA 94107
| | - Stanley P. Leong
- Center for Melanoma Research and Treatment, California Pacific Medical Center and Research Institute, San Francisco, CA 94107
| | - Kevin B. Kim
- Center for Melanoma Research and Treatment, California Pacific Medical Center and Research Institute, San Francisco, CA 94107
| | - Robert J. Debs
- Center for Melanoma Research and Treatment, California Pacific Medical Center and Research Institute, San Francisco, CA 94107
| | - Liliana Soroceanu
- Center for Melanoma Research and Treatment, California Pacific Medical Center and Research Institute, San Francisco, CA 94107
| | - James R. Miller
- Center for Melanoma Research and Treatment, California Pacific Medical Center and Research Institute, San Francisco, CA 94107
| | - Pierre-Yves Desprez
- Center for Melanoma Research and Treatment, California Pacific Medical Center and Research Institute, San Francisco, CA 94107
| | - James E. Cleaver
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94115
| | - Nathan Salomonis
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229
| | - Sean McAllister
- Center for Melanoma Research and Treatment, California Pacific Medical Center and Research Institute, San Francisco, CA 94107
| | - Mohammed Kashani-Sabet
- Center for Melanoma Research and Treatment, California Pacific Medical Center and Research Institute, San Francisco, CA 94107
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20
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Badodi S, Pomella N, Lim YM, Brandner S, Morrison G, Pollard SM, Zhang X, Zabet NR, Marino S. Combination of BMI1 and MAPK/ERK inhibitors is effective in medulloblastoma. Neuro Oncol 2022; 24:1273-1285. [PMID: 35213723 PMCID: PMC9340634 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noac052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetic changes play a key role in the pathogenesis of medulloblastoma (MB), the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor. METHODS We explore the therapeutic potential of BMI1 and MAPK/ERK inhibition in BMI1High;CHD7Low MB cells and in a preclinical xenograft model. RESULTS We identify a synergistic vulnerability of BMI1High;CHD7Low MB cells to a combination treatment with BMI1 and MAPK/ERK inhibitors. Mechanistically, CHD7-dependent binding of BMI1 to MAPK-regulated genes underpins the CHD7-BMI1-MAPK regulatory axis responsible of the antitumour effect of the inhibitors in vitro and in a preclinical mouse model. Increased ERK1 and ERK2 phosphorylation activity is found in BMI1High;CHD7Low G4 MB patients, raising the possibility that they could be amenable to a similar therapy. CONCLUSIONS The molecular dissection of the CHD7-BMI1-MAPK regulatory axis in BMI1High;CHD7Low MB identifies this signature as a proxy to predict MAPK functional activation, which can be effectively drugged in preclinical models, and paves the way for further exploration of combined BMI1 and MAPK targeting in G4 MB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Badodi
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Nicola Pomella
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Yau Mun Lim
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology and The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Sebastian Brandner
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology and The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Gillian Morrison
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine & Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Steven M Pollard
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine & Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Xinyu Zhang
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Nicolae Radu Zabet
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Silvia Marino
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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21
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Zhou S, Li P, Qin L, Huang S, Dang N. Transcription factor YY1 contributes to human melanoma cell growth through modulating the p53 signaling pathway. Exp Dermatol 2022; 31:1563-1578. [PMID: 35730240 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melanoma has a higher mortality rate than any other skin cancer, and its cases are increasing. The transcription factor YY1 has been proven to be involved in tumor progression; however, the role of YY1 in melanoma is not well understood. METHODS This study investigates how YY1 functions in melanoma progression, and it also elucidates the underlying mechanisms involved. RESULTS We have found that in clinical human melanoma tissues, YY1 is overexpressed compared to YY1 expression in normal melanocytes and skin tissues. Cellular immunofluorescence shows that YY1 is mainly located in the nucleus. YY1 knockdown reduces proliferation, migration, and invasion of melanoma cell lines. Moreover, the apoptosis rate of cells is significantly increased in low-YY1 environments. The overexpression of YY1 resulted in decreased apoptotic rates in melanoma cells. YY1 also affects the expression of EMT-related proteins. Additional experiments reveal that YY1 knockdown disrupts the interaction of MDM2-p53, and that it both stabilizes and increases p53 activity. The upregulation of p53 expression in turn stimulates p21 expression just as it suppresses CDK4 expression, which then induces cells that were arrested in the G1 phase. The effect then is to constrain cell proliferation in melanoma cells. Upon activation of the p53 pathway, Bax, a pro-apoptotic protein, is upregulated, and Bcl-2, an anti-apoptotic protein, was downregulated in A375 cells. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study provide novel insights into the pathology of melanoma as well as the role that YY1 plays in tumor progression. The findings also suggest that targeting YY1 has the potential to improve the diagnosis and treatment of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shumin Zhou
- School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Linyi people's Hospital, Linyi, Shandong, China
| | - Pin Li
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Shandong, China
| | - Li Qin
- School of Clinical Medicine, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Shuhong Huang
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Shandong, China.,Institute of Basic Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Ningning Dang
- Department of Dermatology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
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22
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Novel treatment strategy for NRAS-mutated melanoma through a selective inhibitor of CD147/VEGFR-2 interaction. Oncogene 2022; 41:2254-2264. [PMID: 35217792 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02244-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
More than 70% of human NRASmut melanomas are resistant to MEK inhibitors highlighting the crucial need for efficient therapeutic strategies for these tumors. CD147, a membrane receptor, is overexpressed in most cancers including melanoma and is associated with poor prognosis. We show here that CD147i, a specific inhibitor of CD147/VEGFR-2 interaction represents a potential therapeutic strategy for NRASmut melanoma cells. It significantly inhibited the malignant properties of NRASmut melanomas ex vivo and in vivo. Importantly, NRASmut patient's-derived xenografts, which were resistant to MEKi, became sensitive when combined with CD147i leading to decreased proliferation ex vivo and tumor regression in vivo. Mechanistic studies revealed that CD147i effects were mediated through STAT3 pathway. These data bring a proof of concept on the impact of the inhibition of CD147/VEGFR-2 interaction on melanoma progression and represents a new therapeutic opportunity for NRASmut melanoma when combined with MEKi.
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23
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Yang T, Hu Y, Miao J, Chen J, Liu J, Cheng Y, Gao X. A BRD4 PROTAC nanodrug for glioma therapy via the intervention of tumor cells proliferation, apoptosis and M2 macrophages polarization. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:2658-2671. [PMID: 35755286 PMCID: PMC9214068 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioma is a primary aggressive brain tumor with high recurrence rate. The poor efficiency of chemotherapeutic drugs crossing the blood‒brain barrier (BBB) is well-known as one of the main challenges for anti-glioma therapy. Moreover, massive infiltrated tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in glioma further thwart the drug efficacy. Herein, a therapeutic nanosystem (SPP-ARV-825) is constructed by incorporating the BRD4-degrading proteolytic targeting chimera (PROTAC) ARV-825 into the complex micelle (SPP) composed of substance P (SP) peptide-modified poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(d,l-lactic acid)(SP-PEG-PDLLA) and methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(d,l-lactic acid) (mPEG-PDLLA, PP), which could penetrate BBB and target brain tumor. Subsequently, released drug engenders antitumor effect via attenuating cells proliferation, inducing cells apoptosis and suppressing M2 macrophages polarization through the inhibition of IRF4 promoter transcription and phosphorylation of STAT6, STAT3 and AKT. Taken together, our work demonstrates the versatile role and therapeutic efficacy of SPP-ARV-825 micelle against glioma, which may provide a novel strategy for glioma therapy in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yuzhu Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Junming Miao
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jiagang Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yongzhong Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xiang Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery and Institute of Neurosurgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, West China Medical School, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, China
- Corresponding author. Tel.: +86 28 85422136, fax +86 28 85502796.
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24
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TIMP-2 regulates 5-Fu resistance via the ERK/MAPK signaling pathway in colorectal cancer. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:297-315. [PMID: 35022331 PMCID: PMC8791226 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
5-Fluorouracil (5-Fu) is the first-line chemotherapeutic option for colorectal cancer. However, its efficacy is inhibited by drug resistance. Cytokines play an important role in tumor drug resistance, even though their mechanisms are largely unknown. Using a cytokine array, we established that tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP-2) is highly expressed in 5-Fu resistant colorectal cancer patients. Analysis of samples from 84 patients showed that elevated TIMP-2 expression levels in colorectal patients were correlated with poor prognostic outcomes. In a 5-Fu-resistant patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model, TIMP-2 was also found to be highly expressed. We established an autocrine mechanism through which elevated TIMP-2 protein levels sustained colorectal cancer cell resistance to 5-Fu by constitutively activating the ERK/MAPK signaling pathway. Inhibition of TIMP-2 using an anti-TIMP-2 antibody or ERK/MAPK inhibition by U0126 suppressed TIMP-2 mediated 5-Fu-resistance in CRC patients. In conclusion, a novel TIMP-2-ERK/MAPK mediated 5-Fu resistance mechanism is involved in colorectal cancer. Therefore, targeting TIMP-2 or ERK/MAPK may provide a new strategy to overcome 5-Fu resistance in colorectal cancer chemotherapy.
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25
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Novel Biomarkers and Druggable Targets in Advanced Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 14:cancers14010081. [PMID: 35008245 PMCID: PMC8750474 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy with Ipilimumab or antibodies against programmed death (ligand) 1 (anti-PD1/PDL1), targeted therapies with BRAF-inhibitors (anti-BRAF) and their combinations significantly changed melanoma treatment options in both primary, adjuvant and metastatic setting, allowing for a cure, or at least long-term survival, in most patients. However, up to 50% of those with advance or metastatic disease still have no significant benefit from such innovative therapies, and clinicians are not able to discriminate in advance neither who is going to respond and for how long nor who is going to develop collateral effects and which ones. However, druggable targets, as well as affordable and reliable biomarkers are needed to personalize resources at a single-patient level. In this manuscript, different molecules, genes, cells, pathways and even combinatorial algorithms or scores are included in four biomarker chapters (molecular, immunological, peripheral and gut microbiota) and reviewed in order to evaluate their role in indicating a patient’s possible response to treatment or development of toxicities.
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26
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Du M, Shen P, Tan R, Wu D, Tu S. Aloe-emodin inhibits the proliferation, migration, and invasion of melanoma cells via inactivation of the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:1722. [PMID: 35071416 PMCID: PMC8743696 DOI: 10.21037/atm-21-5437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aloe-emodin is reported as a potential cancer therapeutic agent due to its inhibition of the proliferation, migration, and invasion of cancer cells. This study aimed to confirm the effects of aloe-emodin on the progression of melanoma and identify the underlying molecular mechanisms. METHODS The effects of aloe-emodin treatment (concentrations ranging from 0 to 25 µg, 48 h) on proliferation, apoptosis, distribution of cell cycle, migration, and invasion were detected by performing Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, colony formation assay, flow cytometry, wound healing assay, and Transwell invasion experiments. Rescue experiments were carried out by overexpression of β-catenin to verify the role of β-catenin in the inhibition of melanoma by aloe-emodin. The analysis was carried out at the animal level by constructing tumor-bearing nude mice model. RESULTS The results showed that aloe-emodin prominently reduced the proliferation, migration, and invasion of melanoma cells. Additionally, it was found that aloe-emodin significantly enhanced the cell apoptosis and induced G2 phase arrest of melanoma cells via enhancing the expressions of cleaved-caspase3, bax, and reducing cyclinD1, c-myc, and bcl-2. In addition, aloe-emodin could also inhibit Wnt3a levels, and promote GSK3-beta and beta-catenin phosphorylation. In vivo experiments also showed that overexpression of beta-catenin reversed the effects of aloe-emodin on tumor growth. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, our findings indicated that aloe-emodin might prominently inhibit the tumor growth and metastasis of melanoma via the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway in vitro. Therefore, aloe-emodin may serve as a potential drug for the clinical treatment of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maotao Du
- Department of Integrated Chinese Traditional and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Pan Shen
- Department of Integrated Chinese Traditional and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ranjing Tan
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Dengyan Wu
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shenghao Tu
- Department of Integrated Chinese Traditional and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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27
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Clinical Translation of Combined MAPK and Autophagy Inhibition in RAS Mutant Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212402. [PMID: 34830283 PMCID: PMC8623813 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
RAS (rat sarcoma virus) mutant cancers remain difficult to treat despite the advances in targeted therapy and immunotherapy. Targeted therapies against the components of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, including RAS, RAF, MEK, and ERK, have demonstrated activity in BRAF mutant and, in limited cases, RAS mutant cancer. RAS mutant cancers have been found to activate adaptive resistance mechanisms such as autophagy during MAPK inhibition. Here, we review the recent clinically relevant advances in the development of the MAPK pathway and autophagy inhibitors and focus on their application to RAS mutant cancers. We provide analysis of the preclinical rationale for combining the MAPK pathway and autophagy and highlight the most recent clinical trials that have been launched to capitalize on this potentially synthetic lethal approach to cancer therapy.
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28
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Sun H, Cao S, Mashl RJ, Mo CK, Zaccaria S, Wendl MC, Davies SR, Bailey MH, Primeau TM, Hoog J, Mudd JL, Dean DA, Patidar R, Chen L, Wyczalkowski MA, Jayasinghe RG, Rodrigues FM, Terekhanova NV, Li Y, Lim KH, Wang-Gillam A, Van Tine BA, Ma CX, Aft R, Fuh KC, Schwarz JK, Zevallos JP, Puram SV, Dipersio JF, Davis-Dusenbery B, Ellis MJ, Lewis MT, Davies MA, Herlyn M, Fang B, Roth JA, Welm AL, Welm BE, Meric-Bernstam F, Chen F, Fields RC, Li S, Govindan R, Doroshow JH, Moscow JA, Evrard YA, Chuang JH, Raphael BJ, Ding L. Comprehensive characterization of 536 patient-derived xenograft models prioritizes candidatesfor targeted treatment. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5086. [PMID: 34429404 PMCID: PMC8384880 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25177-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Development of candidate cancer treatments is a resource-intensive process, with the research community continuing to investigate options beyond static genomic characterization. Toward this goal, we have established the genomic landscapes of 536 patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models across 25 cancer types, together with mutation, copy number, fusion, transcriptomic profiles, and NCI-MATCH arms. Compared with human tumors, PDXs typically have higher purity and fit to investigate dynamic driver events and molecular properties via multiple time points from same case PDXs. Here, we report on dynamic genomic landscapes and pharmacogenomic associations, including associations between activating oncogenic events and drugs, correlations between whole-genome duplications and subclone events, and the potential PDX models for NCI-MATCH trials. Lastly, we provide a web portal having comprehensive pan-cancer PDX genomic profiles and source code to facilitate identification of more druggable events and further insights into PDXs' recapitulation of human tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Sun
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA ,grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA
| | - Song Cao
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA ,grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA
| | - R. Jay Mashl
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA ,grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA
| | - Chia-Kuei Mo
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA ,grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA
| | - Simone Zaccaria
- grid.16750.350000 0001 2097 5006Department of Computer Science, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ USA ,grid.83440.3b0000000121901201Computational Cancer Genomics Research Group and Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | - Michael C. Wendl
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA ,grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Mathematics, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA ,grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Genetics, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA
| | - Sherri R. Davies
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA
| | - Matthew H. Bailey
- grid.412722.00000 0004 0515 3663Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - Tina M. Primeau
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA
| | - Jeremy Hoog
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA
| | - Jacqueline L. Mudd
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA
| | - Dennis A. Dean
- grid.492568.4Seven Bridges Genomics, Inc., Cambridge, Charlestown, MA USA
| | - Rajesh Patidar
- grid.418021.e0000 0004 0535 8394Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD USA
| | - Li Chen
- grid.418021.e0000 0004 0535 8394Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD USA
| | - Matthew A. Wyczalkowski
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA ,grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA
| | - Reyka G. Jayasinghe
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA ,grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA
| | - Fernanda Martins Rodrigues
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA ,grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA
| | - Nadezhda V. Terekhanova
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA ,grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA
| | - Yize Li
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA ,grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA
| | - Kian-Huat Lim
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA ,grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA
| | - Andrea Wang-Gillam
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA ,grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA
| | - Brian A. Van Tine
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA ,grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA
| | - Cynthia X. Ma
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA ,grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA
| | - Rebecca Aft
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA
| | - Katherine C. Fuh
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA ,grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA
| | - Julie K. Schwarz
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA ,grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA
| | - Jose P. Zevallos
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA ,grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Otolaryngology, Washington University St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA
| | - Sidharth V. Puram
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA ,grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Otolaryngology, Washington University St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA
| | - John F. Dipersio
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA ,grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA
| | | | | | - Matthew J. Ellis
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XLester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
| | - Michael T. Lewis
- grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XLester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX USA
| | - Michael A. Davies
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Meenhard Herlyn
- grid.251075.40000 0001 1956 6678The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Bingliang Fang
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Jack A. Roth
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Alana L. Welm
- grid.412722.00000 0004 0515 3663Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - Bryan E. Welm
- grid.412722.00000 0004 0515 3663Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - Funda Meric-Bernstam
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Feng Chen
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA
| | - Ryan C. Fields
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA
| | - Shunqiang Li
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA ,grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA
| | - Ramaswamy Govindan
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA ,grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA
| | - James H. Doroshow
- grid.48336.3a0000 0004 1936 8075Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Jeffrey A. Moscow
- grid.48336.3a0000 0004 1936 8075Investigational Drug Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Yvonne A. Evrard
- grid.418021.e0000 0004 0535 8394Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD USA
| | - Jeffrey H. Chuang
- grid.249880.f0000 0004 0374 0039The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT USA
| | - Benjamin J. Raphael
- grid.16750.350000 0001 2097 5006Department of Computer Science, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ USA
| | - Li Ding
- grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA ,grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002McDonnell Genome Institute, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA ,grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Department of Genetics, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA ,grid.4367.60000 0001 2355 7002Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA
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Epigenetic Regulation in Melanoma: Facts and Hopes. Cells 2021; 10:cells10082048. [PMID: 34440824 PMCID: PMC8392422 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma is a lethal disease, even when diagnosed in advanced stages. Although recent progress in biology and treatment has dramatically improved survival rates, new therapeutic approaches are still needed. Deregulation of epigenetics, which mainly controls DNA methylation status and chromatin remodeling, is implied not only in cancer initiation and progression, but also in resistance to antitumor drugs. Epigenetics in melanoma has been studied recently in both melanoma preclinical models and patient samples, highlighting its potential role in different phases of melanomagenesis, as well as in resistance to approved drugs such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and MAPK inhibitors. This review summarizes what is currently known about epigenetics in melanoma and dwells on the recognized and potential new targets for testing epigenetic drugs, alone or together with other agents, in advanced melanoma patients.
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30
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Garcia-Alvarez A, Ortiz C, Muñoz-Couselo E. Current Perspectives and Novel Strategies of NRAS-Mutant Melanoma. Onco Targets Ther 2021; 14:3709-3719. [PMID: 34135599 PMCID: PMC8202735 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s278095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the deadliest cutaneous cancer. Activating mutations in NRAS are found in 20% of melanomas. NRAS-mutant melanoma is more aggressive and, therefore, has poorer outcomes, compared to non-NRAS-mutant melanoma. Despite promising preclinical data, to date immune checkpoint inhibitors remain the standard of care for locally advanced unresectable or metastatic NRAS melanoma. Data for efficacy of immunotherapy for NRAS melanoma mainly come from retrospective cohorts with divergent conclusions. MEK inhibitors have been the most developed targeted therapy approach. Although associated with an increase in progression-free survival, MEK inhibitors do not provide any benefit in terms of overall survival. Combination strategies with PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway and CDK4/6 inhibitors seem to increase MEK inhibitors' benefit. Nevertheless, results from clinical trials are still prelaminar. A greater comprehension of the biology and intracellular interactions of NRAS-mutant melanoma will outline novel impactful strategies which could improve prognosis of these subgroup of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Garcia-Alvarez
- Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Medical Oncology Department, Melanoma and Other Skin Tumors Unit, Vall Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, 08035, Spain
| | - Carolina Ortiz
- Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Medical Oncology Department, Melanoma and Other Skin Tumors Unit, Vall Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, 08035, Spain
| | - Eva Muñoz-Couselo
- Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Medical Oncology Department, Melanoma and Other Skin Tumors Unit, Vall Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Barcelona, 08035, Spain
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31
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NRAS mutant melanoma: Towards better therapies. Cancer Treat Rev 2021; 99:102238. [PMID: 34098219 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2021.102238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Genetic alterations affecting RAS proteins are commonly found in human cancers. Roughly a fourth of melanoma patients carry activating NRAS mutations, rendering this malignancy particularly challenging to treat. Although the development of targeted as well as immunotherapies led to a substantial improvement in the overall survival of non-NRASmut melanoma patients (e.g. BRAFmut), patients with NRASmut melanomas have an overall poorer prognosis due to the high aggressiveness of RASmut tumors, lack of efficient targeted therapies or rapidly emerging resistance to existing treatments. Understanding how NRAS-driven melanomas develop therapy resistance by maintaining cell cycle progression and survival is crucial to develop more effective and specific treatments for this group of melanoma patients. In this review, we provide an updated summary of currently available therapeutic options for NRASmut melanoma patients with a focus on combined inhibition of MAPK signaling and CDK4/6-driven cell cycle progression and mechanisms of the inevitably developing resistance to these treatments. We conclude with an outlook on the most promising novel therapeutic approaches for melanoma patients with constitutively active NRAS. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: An estimated 75000 patients are affected by NRASmut melanoma each year and these patients still have a shorter progression-free survival than BRAFmut melanomas. Both intrinsic and acquired resistance occur in NRAS-driven melanomas once treated with single or combined targeted therapies involving MAPK and CDK4/6 inhibitors and/or checkpoint inhibiting immunotherapy. Oncolytic viruses, mRNA-based vaccinations, as well as targeted triple-agent therapy are promising alternatives, which could soon contribute to improved progression-free survival of the NRASmut melanoma patient group.
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32
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Zhang S, Chen Y, Tian C, He Y, Tian Z, Wan Y, Liu T. Dual-target Inhibitors Based on BRD4: Novel Therapeutic Approaches for Cancer. Curr Med Chem 2021; 28:1775-1795. [PMID: 32520674 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327666200610174453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, cancer continues being a dramatically increasing and serious threat to public health. Although many anti-tumor agents have been developed in recent years, the survival rate of patients is not satisfactory. The poor prognosis of cancer patients is closely related to the occurrence of drug resistance. Therefore, it is urgent to develop new strategies for cancer treatment. Multi-target therapies aim to have additive or synergistic effects and reduce the potential for the development of resistance by integrating different pharmacophores into a single drug molecule. Given the fact that majority of diseases are multifactorial in nature, multi-target therapies are being exploited with increasing intensity, which has brought improved outcomes in disease models and obtained several compounds that have entered clinical trials. Thus, it is potential to utilize this strategy for the treatment of BRD4 related cancers. This review focuses on the recent research advances of dual-target inhibitors based on BRD4 in the aspect of anti-tumor. METHODS We have searched the recent literatures about BRD4 inhibitors from the online resources and databases, such as pubmed, elsevier and google scholar. RESULTS In the recent years, many efforts have been taken to develop dual-target inhibitors based on BRD4 as anti-cancer agents, such as HDAC/BRD4 dual inhibitors, PLK1/BRD4 dual inhibitors and PI3K/BRD4 dual inhibitors and so on. Most compounds display good anti-tumor activities. CONCLUSION Developing new anti-cancer agents with new scaffolds and high efficiency is a big challenge for researchers. Dual-target inhibitors based on BRD4 are a class of important bioactive compounds. Making structural modifications on the active dual-target inhibitors according to the corresponding structure-activity relationships is of benefit to obtain more potent anti-cancer leads or clinical drugs. This review will be useful for further development of new dual-target inhibitors based on BRD4 as anti-cancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sitao Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian 271000, Shandong, China
| | - Yanzhao Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian 271000, Shandong, China
| | - Chengsen Tian
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Qilu Normal University, Jinan, Shandong 250200, China
| | - Yujing He
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian 271000, Shandong, China
| | - Zeru Tian
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, 6100 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Yichao Wan
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical Organic Chemistry and Functional Molecule, Ministry of Education, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Controllable Preparation and Functional Application of Fine Polymers, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan, Hunan 411201, China
| | - Tingting Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Taian 271000, Shandong, China
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Patton EE, Mueller KL, Adams DJ, Anandasabapathy N, Aplin AE, Bertolotto C, Bosenberg M, Ceol CJ, Burd CE, Chi P, Herlyn M, Holmen SL, Karreth FA, Kaufman CK, Khan S, Kobold S, Leucci E, Levy C, Lombard DB, Lund AW, Marie KL, Marine JC, Marais R, McMahon M, Robles-Espinoza CD, Ronai ZA, Samuels Y, Soengas MS, Villanueva J, Weeraratna AT, White RM, Yeh I, Zhu J, Zon LI, Hurlbert MS, Merlino G. Melanoma models for the next generation of therapies. Cancer Cell 2021; 39:610-631. [PMID: 33545064 PMCID: PMC8378471 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2021.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
There is a lack of appropriate melanoma models that can be used to evaluate the efficacy of novel therapeutic modalities. Here, we discuss the current state of the art of melanoma models including genetically engineered mouse, patient-derived xenograft, zebrafish, and ex vivo and in vitro models. We also identify five major challenges that can be addressed using such models, including metastasis and tumor dormancy, drug resistance, the melanoma immune response, and the impact of aging and environmental exposures on melanoma progression and drug resistance. Additionally, we discuss the opportunity for building models for rare subtypes of melanomas, which represent an unmet critical need. Finally, we identify key recommendations for melanoma models that may improve accuracy of preclinical testing and predict efficacy in clinical trials, to help usher in the next generation of melanoma therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Elizabeth Patton
- MRC Human Genetics Unit and Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, MRC Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK.
| | - Kristen L Mueller
- Melanoma Research Alliance, 730 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005, USA.
| | - David J Adams
- Experimental Cancer Genetics, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Niroshana Anandasabapathy
- Department of Dermatology, Meyer Cancer Center, Program in Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10026, USA
| | - Andrew E Aplin
- Department of Cancer Biology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Corine Bertolotto
- Université Côte d'Azur, Nice, France; INSERM, Biology and Pathologies of Melanocytes, Team 1, Equipe Labellisée Ligue 2020, Centre Méditerranéen de Médecine Moléculaire, Nice, France
| | - Marcus Bosenberg
- Departments of Dermatology, Pathology, and Immunobiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Craig J Ceol
- Program in Molecular Medicine and Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Christin E Burd
- Departments of Molecular Genetics, Cancer Biology, and Genetics, The Ohio State University, Biomedical Research Tower, Room 918, 460 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Ping Chi
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA; Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Sheri L Holmen
- Department of Surgery, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Florian A Karreth
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Charles K Kaufman
- Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Department of Developmental Biology, McDonnell Science Building, 4518 McKinley Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Shaheen Khan
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Sebastian Kobold
- Center of Integrated Protein Science Munich (CIPS-M) and Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU, Munich, Germany; Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), German Center for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), partner site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Eleonora Leucci
- Laboratory for RNA Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, LKI, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Trace, Department of Oncology, LKI, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Carmit Levy
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - David B Lombard
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Gerontology, and Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Amanda W Lund
- Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology and Department of Pathology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Kerrie L Marie
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jean-Christophe Marine
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium; Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Richard Marais
- CRUK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Alderley Park, Macclesfield SK10 4TG, UK
| | - Martin McMahon
- Department of Dermatology & Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Carla Daniela Robles-Espinoza
- Laboratorio Internacional de Investigación sobre el Genoma Humano, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus Juriquilla, Boulevard Juriquilla 3001, Santiago de Querétaro 76230, Mexico; Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Ze'ev A Ronai
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Yardena Samuels
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Maria S Soengas
- Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jessie Villanueva
- The Wistar Institute, Molecular and Cellular Oncogenesis Program, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ashani T Weeraratna
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Richard M White
- Department of Cancer Biology & Genetics and Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Iwei Yeh
- Departments of Dermatology and Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jiyue Zhu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, USA
| | - Leonard I Zon
- Stem Cell Program and Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology Department, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marc S Hurlbert
- Melanoma Research Alliance, 730 15th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005, USA
| | - Glenn Merlino
- Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, 37 Convent Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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Many Distinct Ways Lead to Drug Resistance in BRAF- and NRAS-Mutated Melanomas. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11050424. [PMID: 34063141 PMCID: PMC8148104 DOI: 10.3390/life11050424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced melanoma is a relentless tumor with a high metastatic potential. The combat of melanoma by using the targeted therapy is impeded because several major driver mutations fuel its growth (predominantly BRAF and NRAS). Both these mutated oncogenes strongly activate the MAPK (MEK/ERK) pathway. Therefore, specific inhibitors of these oncoproteins or MAPK pathway components or their combination have been used for tumor eradication. After a good initial response, resistant cells develop almost universally and need the drug for further expansion. Multiple mechanisms, sometimes very distant from the MAPK pathway, are responsible for the development of resistance. Here, we review many of the mechanisms causing resistance and leading to the dismal final outcome of mutated BRAF and NRAS therapy. Very heterogeneous events lead to drug resistance. Due to this, each individual mechanism would be in fact needed to be determined for a personalized therapy to treat patients more efficiently and causally according to molecular findings. This procedure is practically impossible in the clinic. Other approaches are therefore needed, such as combined treatment with more drugs simultaneously from the beginning of the therapy. This could eradicate tumor cells more rapidly and greatly diminish the possibility of emerging mechanisms that allow the evolution of drug resistance.
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35
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Appleton KM, Palsuledesai CC, Misek SA, Blake M, Zagorski J, Gallo KA, Dexheimer TS, Neubig RR. Inhibition of the Myocardin-Related Transcription Factor Pathway Increases Efficacy of Trametinib in NRAS-Mutant Melanoma Cell Lines. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13092012. [PMID: 33921974 PMCID: PMC8122681 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Malignant melanoma is the most aggressive skin cancer, and treatment is often ineffective due to the development of resistance to targeted therapeutic agents. The most prevalent form of melanoma with a mutated BRAF gene has an effective treatment, but the second most common mutation in melanoma (NRAS) leads to tumors that lack targeted therapies. In this study, we show that NRAS mutant human melanoma cells that are most resistant to inhibition of the oncogenic pathway have a second activated pathway (Rho). Inhibiting that pathway at one of several points can produce more effective cell killing than inhibition of the NRAS pathway alone. This raises the possibility that such a combination treatment could prove effective in those melanomas that fail to respond to existing targeted therapies such as vemurafenib and trametinib. Abstract The Ras/MEK/ERK pathway has been the primary focus of targeted therapies in melanoma; it is aberrantly activated in almost 80% of human cutaneous melanomas (≈50% BRAFV600 mutations and ≈30% NRAS mutations). While drugs targeting the MAPK pathway have yielded success in BRAFV600 mutant melanoma patients, such therapies have been ineffective in patients with NRAS mutant melanomas in part due to their cytostatic effects and primary resistance. Here, we demonstrate that increased Rho/MRTF-pathway activation correlates with high intrinsic resistance to the MEK inhibitor, trametinib, in a panel of NRAS mutant melanoma cell lines. A combination of trametinib with the Rho/MRTF-pathway inhibitor, CCG-222740, synergistically reduced cell viability in NRAS mutant melanoma cell lines in vitro. Furthermore, the combination of CCG-222740 with trametinib induced apoptosis and reduced clonogenicity in SK-Mel-147 cells, which are highly resistant to trametinib. These findings suggest a role of the Rho/MRTF-pathway in intrinsic trametinib resistance in a subset of NRAS mutant melanoma cell lines and highlight the therapeutic potential of concurrently targeting the Rho/MRTF-pathway and MEK in NRAS mutant melanomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn M. Appleton
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (K.M.A.); (C.C.P.); (M.B.); (J.Z.); (T.S.D.)
| | - Charuta C. Palsuledesai
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (K.M.A.); (C.C.P.); (M.B.); (J.Z.); (T.S.D.)
| | - Sean A. Misek
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (S.A.M.); (K.A.G.)
| | - Maja Blake
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (K.M.A.); (C.C.P.); (M.B.); (J.Z.); (T.S.D.)
| | - Joseph Zagorski
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (K.M.A.); (C.C.P.); (M.B.); (J.Z.); (T.S.D.)
| | - Kathleen A. Gallo
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (S.A.M.); (K.A.G.)
| | - Thomas S. Dexheimer
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (K.M.A.); (C.C.P.); (M.B.); (J.Z.); (T.S.D.)
| | - Richard R. Neubig
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; (K.M.A.); (C.C.P.); (M.B.); (J.Z.); (T.S.D.)
- Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-517-353-7145
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36
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Tewary P, Brooks AD, Xu YM, Wijeratne EMK, Babyak AL, Back TC, Chari R, Evans CN, Henrich CJ, Meyer TJ, Edmondson EF, de Aquino MTP, Kanagasabai T, Shanker A, Gunatilaka AAL, Sayers TJ. Small-Molecule Natural Product Physachenolide C Potentiates Immunotherapy Efficacy by Targeting BET Proteins. Cancer Res 2021; 81:3374-3386. [PMID: 33837043 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-2634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Screening for sensitizers of cancer cells to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis identified a natural product of the 17β-hydroxywithanolide (17-BHW) class, physachenolide C (PCC), as a promising hit. In this study, we show that PCC was also able to sensitize melanoma and renal carcinoma cells to apoptosis in response not only to TRAIL, but also to the synthetic polynucleotide poly I:C, a viral mimetic and immune activator, by reducing levels of antiapoptotic proteins cFLIP and Livin. Both death receptor and TLR3 signaling elicited subsequent increased assembly of a proapoptotic ripoptosome signaling complex. Administration of a combination of PCC and poly I:C in human M14 melanoma xenograft and a syngeneic B16 melanoma model provided significant therapeutic benefit as compared with individual agents. In addition, PCC enhanced melanoma cell death in response to activated human T cells in vitro and in vivo in a death ligand-dependent manner. Biochemical mechanism-of-action studies established bromo and extraterminal domain (BET) proteins as major cellular targets of PCC. Thus, by targeting of BET proteins to reduce antiapoptotic proteins and enhance caspase-8-dependent apoptosis of cancer cells, PCC represents a unique agent that can potentially be used in combination with various immunotherapeutic approaches to promote tumor regression and improve outcome. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings demonstrate that PCC selectively sensitizes cancer cells to immune-mediated cell death, potentially improving the efficacy of cancer immunotherapies. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/81/12/3374/F1.large.jpg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poonam Tewary
- Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Alan D Brooks
- Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Ya-Ming Xu
- Southwest Center for Natural Products Research, School of Natural Resources and the Environment, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - E M Kithsiri Wijeratne
- Southwest Center for Natural Products Research, School of Natural Resources and the Environment, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | | | - Timothy C Back
- Cancer and Inflammation Program, NCI, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Raj Chari
- Genome Modification Core Laboratory Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Christine N Evans
- Genome Modification Core Laboratory Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Curtis J Henrich
- Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Thomas J Meyer
- CCR Collaborative Bioinformatics Resource, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland.,Advanced Biomedical Computational Science, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Elijah F Edmondson
- Molecular Histopathology Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Maria T Prudente de Aquino
- Department of Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Neuroscience and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Thanigaivelan Kanagasabai
- Department of Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Neuroscience and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Anil Shanker
- Department of Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Neuroscience and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee.,Host-Tumor Interactions Research Program, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, Tennessee.,Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology and Inflammation, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - A A Leslie Gunatilaka
- Southwest Center for Natural Products Research, School of Natural Resources and the Environment, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona.
| | - Thomas J Sayers
- Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland
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37
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Khaliq M, Manikkam M, Martinez ED, Fallahi-Sichani M. Epigenetic modulation reveals differentiation state specificity of oncogene addiction. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1536. [PMID: 33750776 PMCID: PMC7943789 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21784-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperactivation of the MAPK signaling pathway motivates the clinical use of MAPK inhibitors for BRAF-mutant melanomas. Heterogeneity in differentiation state due to epigenetic plasticity, however, results in cell-to-cell variability in the state of MAPK dependency, diminishing the efficacy of MAPK inhibitors. To identify key regulators of such variability, we screen 276 epigenetic-modifying compounds, individually or combined with MAPK inhibitors, across genetically diverse and isogenic populations of melanoma cells. Following single-cell analysis and multivariate modeling, we identify three classes of epigenetic inhibitors that target distinct epigenetic states associated with either one of the lysine-specific histone demethylases Kdm1a or Kdm4b, or BET bromodomain proteins. While melanocytes remain insensitive, the anti-tumor efficacy of each inhibitor is predicted based on melanoma cells' differentiation state and MAPK activity. Our systems pharmacology approach highlights a path toward identifying actionable epigenetic factors that extend the BRAF oncogene addiction paradigm on the basis of tumor cell differentiation state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehwish Khaliq
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Mohan Manikkam
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Elisabeth D Martinez
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.,Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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38
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Pistoni M, Rossi T, Donati B, Torricelli F, Polano M, Ciarrocchi A. Long Noncoding RNA NEAT1 Acts as a Molecular Switch for BRD4 Transcriptional Activity and Mediates Repression of BRD4/WDR5 Target Genes. Mol Cancer Res 2021; 19:799-811. [PMID: 33547232 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-20-0324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BRD4 is an epigenome reader known to exert key roles at the interface between chromatin remodeling and transcriptional regulation, and is primarily known for its role in promoting gene expression. In selective contexts, however, BRD4 may work as negative regulator of transcription. Here, we reported that BRD4 binds several long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA). Among these, the lncRNA NEAT1 was found to interfere with BRD4 transcriptional activity. Mechanistically, lncNEAT1 forms a complex with BRD4 and WDR5 and maintains them in a low-activity state. Treatment with Bromodomains and Extraterminal (BET) inhibitor caused the lncRNA NEAT1 to dissociate from the BRD4/WDR5 complex, restored the acetyl-transferase capacity of BRD4, and restored the availability of WDR5 to promote histone trimethylation, thereby promoting BRD4/WDR5 transcriptional activity and activation of target gene expression. In addition, the lncRNA NEAT1 then became available to bind and to inhibit EZH2, cooperatively increasing transcriptional activation. IMPLICATIONS: Our results revealed an epigenetic program that involves the interaction between the lncRNA NEAT1 and BRD4, functioning as a molecular switch between BRD4's activator and repressor chromatin complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariaelena Pistoni
- Laboratory of Translational Research, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy.
| | - Teresa Rossi
- Laboratory of Translational Research, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Benedetta Donati
- Laboratory of Translational Research, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Federica Torricelli
- Laboratory of Translational Research, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Maurizio Polano
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Alessia Ciarrocchi
- Laboratory of Translational Research, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy.
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39
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Shorstova T, Su J, Zhao T, Dahabieh M, Leibovitch M, De Sa Tavares Russo M, Avizonis D, Rajkumar S, Watson IR, Del Rincón SV, Miller WH, Foulkes WD, Witcher M. Reprogramming of Nucleotide Metabolism Mediates Synergy between Epigenetic Therapy and MAP Kinase Inhibition. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 20:64-75. [PMID: 33087508 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-20-0259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Small cell carcinoma of the ovary, hypercalcemic type (SCCOHT) is a rare but often lethal cancer that is diagnosed at a median age of 24 years. Optimal management of patients is not well defined, and current treatment remains challenging, necessitating the discovery of novel therapeutic approaches. The identification of SMARCA4-inactivating mutations invariably characterizing this type of cancer provided insights facilitating diagnostic and therapeutic measures against this disease. We show here that the BET inhibitor OTX015 acts in synergy with the MEK inhibitor cobimetinib to repress the proliferation of SCCOHT in vivo Notably, this synergy is also observed in some SMARCA4-expressing ovarian adenocarcinoma models intrinsically resistant to BETi. Mass spectrometry, coupled with knockdown of newly found targets such as thymidylate synthase, revealed that the repression of a panel of proteins involved in nucleotide synthesis underlies this synergy both in vitro and in vivo, resulting in reduced pools of nucleotide metabolites and subsequent cell-cycle arrest. Overall, our data indicate that dual treatment with BETi and MEKi represents a rational combination therapy against SCCOHT and potentially additional ovarian cancer subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Shorstova
- Departments of Oncology and Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Lady Davis Institute and Segal Cancer Centre, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jie Su
- Departments of Oncology and Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Lady Davis Institute and Segal Cancer Centre, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Tiejun Zhao
- Departments of Oncology and Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Lady Davis Institute and Segal Cancer Centre, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Michael Dahabieh
- Departments of Oncology and Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Lady Davis Institute and Segal Cancer Centre, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Matthew Leibovitch
- Departments of Oncology and Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Lady Davis Institute and Segal Cancer Centre, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Daina Avizonis
- Goodman Cancer Research Centre's (GCRC) Metabolomics Facility, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Shivshankari Rajkumar
- Department of Biochemistry, Goodman Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ian R Watson
- Department of Biochemistry, Goodman Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sonia V Del Rincón
- Departments of Oncology and Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Lady Davis Institute and Segal Cancer Centre, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Wilson H Miller
- Departments of Oncology and Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Lady Davis Institute and Segal Cancer Centre, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - William D Foulkes
- Departments of Oncology and Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Lady Davis Institute and Segal Cancer Centre, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Departments of Oncology and Human Genetics, McGill University, Lady Davis Institute and Segal Cancer Centre, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Michael Witcher
- Departments of Oncology and Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Lady Davis Institute and Segal Cancer Centre, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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40
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Targeting non-canonical activation of GLI1 by the SOX2-BRD4 transcriptional complex improves the efficacy of HEDGEHOG pathway inhibition in melanoma. Oncogene 2021; 40:3799-3814. [PMID: 33958721 PMCID: PMC8175236 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-01783-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Despite the development of new targeted and immune therapies, the prognosis of metastatic melanoma remains bleak. Therefore, it is critical to better understand the mechanisms controlling advanced melanoma to develop more effective treatment regimens. Hedgehog/GLI (HH/GLI) signaling inhibitors targeting the central pathway transducer Smoothened (SMO) have shown to be clinical efficacious in skin cancer; however, several mechanisms of non-canonical HH/GLI pathway activation limit their efficacy. Here, we identify a novel SOX2-BRD4 transcriptional complex driving the expression of GLI1, the final effector of the HH/GLI pathway, providing a novel mechanism of non-canonical SMO-independent activation of HH/GLI signaling in melanoma. Consistently, we find a positive correlation between the expression of GLI1 and SOX2 in human melanoma samples and cell lines. Further, we show that combined targeting of canonical HH/GLI pathway with the SMO inhibitor MRT-92 and of the SOX2-BRD4 complex using a potent Proteolysis Targeted Chimeras (PROTACs)-derived BRD4 degrader (MZ1), yields a synergistic anti-proliferative effect in melanoma cells independently of their BRAF, NRAS, and NF1 mutational status, with complete abrogation of GLI1 expression. Combination of MRT-92 and MZ1 strongly potentiates the antitumor effect of either drug as single agents in an orthotopic melanoma model. Together, our data provide evidence of a novel mechanism of non-canonical activation of GLI1 by the SOX2-BRD4 transcriptional complex, and describe the efficacy of a new combinatorial treatment for a subset of melanomas with an active SOX2-BRD4-GLI1 axis.
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41
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Qu H, Zhao H, Zhang X, Liu Y, Li F, Sun L, Song Z. Integrated Analysis of the ETS Family in Melanoma Reveals a Regulatory Role of ETV7 in the Immune Microenvironment. Front Immunol 2020; 11:612784. [PMID: 33424867 PMCID: PMC7786291 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.612784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The ETS family modulates immune response and drug efficiency to targeted therapies, but their role in melanoma is largely unclear. In this study, the ETS family was systematically analyzed in multiple public data sets. Bioinformatics tools were used to characterize the function of ETV7 in melanoma. A prognostic model was constructed using the LASSO Cox regression method. We found that ETV7 was the only differentially expressed gene with significant prognostic relevance in melanoma. Enrichment analysis of seven independent data sets indicated ETV7 participation in various immune-related pathways. ETV7 particularly showed a strong positive correlation with CD8+ T cell infiltration. The prognostic model based on ETV7 and its hub genes showed a relatively good predictive value in training and testing data sets. Thus, ETV7 can potentially regulate the immune microenvironment in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Qu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Taiyuan, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Pathology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Taiyuan, China
| | - Liyan Sun
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Taiyuan, China
| | - Zewen Song
- Department of Oncology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
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42
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Yang GJ, Wang W, Lei PM, Leung CH, Ma DL. A 7-methoxybicoumarin derivative selectively inhibits BRD4 BD2 for anti-melanoma therapy. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 164:3204-3220. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.08.194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Gandhi M, Nair S. New vistas in malignant mesothelioma: MicroRNA architecture and NRF2/MAPK signal transduction. Life Sci 2020; 257:118123. [PMID: 32710945 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a cancer of the mesothelial lining of the pleura, peritoneum, pericardium and testes. The most common form is asbestos-linked MM that is etiologically linked to repeated asbestos exposure with a long latency period, although non-asbestos MM has also been reported. Late diagnosis, poor survival rates, lack of diagnostic and prognostic markers act as major impediments in the clinical management of MM. Despite advances in immune checkpoint inhibition and CAR T-cell-based therapies, MM which is of different histologic subtypes remains challenging to treat. We review microRNAs (miRNAs) and the miRNA interactome implicated in MM which can be useful as circulating miRNA biomarkers for early diagnosis of MM and as biomarkers for prognostication in MM. Further, we underscore the relevance of the NRF2/MAPK signal transduction pathway that has been implicated in MM which may be useful as druggable targets or as biomarkers of predictive response. In addition, since MM is driven partly by inflammation, we elucidate chemopreventive phytochemicals that are beneficial in MM, either via crosstalk with the NRF2/MAPK pathway or via concerted anticancer mechanisms, and may be of benefit as adjuvants in chemotherapy. Taken together, a multifactorial approach comprising identification of miRNA target hubs and NRF2/MAPK biomarkers along with appropriately designed clinical trials may enable early detection and faster intervention in MM translating into better patient outcomes for this aggressive cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manav Gandhi
- SVKM's Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, University of Mumbai, VL Mehta Road, Vile Parle (West), Mumbai 400 056, India
| | - Sujit Nair
- SVKM's Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, University of Mumbai, VL Mehta Road, Vile Parle (West), Mumbai 400 056, India.
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44
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Bromodomain Epigenetic Protein Promotes Metastatic Potential in Melanoma Cells through Increased Invasiveness and Decreased Macrophage-Mediated Phagocytosis. J Invest Dermatol 2020; 141:454-458.e2. [PMID: 32645364 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2020.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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45
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Hou P, Kapoor A, Zhang Q, Li J, Wu CJ, Li J, Lan Z, Tang M, Ma X, Ackroyd JJ, Kalluri R, Zhang J, Jiang S, Spring DJ, Wang YA, DePinho RA. Tumor Microenvironment Remodeling Enables Bypass of Oncogenic KRAS Dependency in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancer Discov 2020; 10:1058-1077. [PMID: 32341020 PMCID: PMC7334087 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-19-0597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Oncogenic KRAS (KRAS*) is a key tumor maintenance gene in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), motivating pharmacologic targeting of KRAS* and its effectors. Here, we explored mechanisms involving the tumor microenvironment (TME) as a potential basis for resistance to targeting KRAS*. Using the inducible Kras G12D;Trp53 -/- PDAC mouse model, gain-of-function screens of epigenetic regulators identified HDAC5 as the top hit enabling KRAS* independent tumor growth. HDAC5-driven escaper tumors showed a prominent neutrophil-to-macrophage switch relative to KRAS*-driven tumors. Mechanistically, HDAC5 represses Socs3, a negative regulator of chemokine CCL2, resulting in increased CCL2, which recruits CCR2+ macrophages. Correspondingly, enforced Ccl2 promotes macrophage recruitment into the TME and enables tumor recurrence following KRAS* extinction. These tumor-associated macrophages in turn provide cancer cells with trophic support including TGFβ to enable KRAS* bypass in a SMAD4-dependent manner. Our work uncovers a KRAS* resistance mechanism involving immune cell remodeling of the PDAC TME. SIGNIFICANCE: Although KRAS* is required for PDAC tumor maintenance, tumors can recur following KRAS* extinction. The capacity of PDAC cancer cells to alter the TME myeloid cell composition to support KRAS*-independent tumor growth illuminates novel therapeutic targets that may enhance the effectiveness of therapies targeting KRAS* and its pathway components.See related commentary by Carr and Fernandez-Zapico, p. 910.This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 890.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingping Hou
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Avnish Kapoor
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jiexi Li
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Chang-Jiun Wu
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Zhengdao Lan
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Ming Tang
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Xingdi Ma
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jeffrey J Ackroyd
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Raghu Kalluri
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jianhua Zhang
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Shan Jiang
- Institute for Applied Cancer Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Denise J Spring
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Y Alan Wang
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
| | - Ronald A DePinho
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
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Funck-Brentano E, Vizlin-Hodzic D, Nilsson JA, Nilsson LM. BET bromodomain inhibitor HMBA synergizes with MEK inhibition in treatment of malignant glioma. Epigenetics 2020; 16:54-63. [PMID: 32603264 PMCID: PMC7889204 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2020.1786319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: BET bromodomain proteins regulate transcription by binding acetylated histones and attracting key factors for, e.g., transcriptional elongation. BET inhibitors have been developed to block pathogenic processes such as cancer and inflammation. Despite having potent biological activities, BET inhibitors have still not made a breakthrough in clinical use for treating cancer. Multiple resistance mechanisms have been proposed but thus far no attempts to block this in glioma has been made. (2) Methods: Here, we have conducted a pharmacological synergy screen in glioma cells to search for possible combination treatments augmenting the apoptotic response to BET inhibitors. We first used HMBA, a compound that was developed as a differentiation therapy four decades ago but more recently was shown to primarily inhibit BET bromodomain proteins. Data was also generated using other BET inhibitors. (3) Results: In the synergy screen, we discovered that several MEK inhibitors can enhance apoptosis in response to HMBA in rat and human glioma cells in vitro as well as in vivo xenografts. The combination is not unique to HMBA but also other BET inhibitors such as JQ1 and I-BET-762 can synergize with MEK inhibitors. (4) Conclusions: Our findings validate a combination therapy previously demonstrated to exhibit anti-cancer activities in multiple other tumour types but which appears to have been lost in translation to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Funck-Brentano
- From Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg , Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Dzeneta Vizlin-Hodzic
- From Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg , Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jonas A Nilsson
- From Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg , Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lisa M Nilsson
- From Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg , Gothenburg, Sweden
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47
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Tian XP, Cai J, Ma SY, Fang Y, Huang HQ, Lin TY, Rao HL, Li M, Xia ZJ, Kang TB, Xie D, Cai QQ. BRD2 induces drug resistance through activation of the RasGRP1/Ras/ERK signaling pathway in adult T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2020; 40:245-259. [PMID: 32459053 PMCID: PMC7307265 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adult patients with T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL) are treated with high-intensity chemotherapy regimens, but the response rate is still unsatisfactory because of frequent drug resistance. We aimed to investigate the potential mechanisms of drug resistance in adults with T-LBL. METHODS Gene expression microarray was used to identify differential mRNA expression profiles between chemotherapy-resistant and chemotherapy-sensitive adult T-LBL tissues. Real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry were performed to detect the expression of bromodomain-containing protein 2 (BRD2) and c-Myc in fresh-frozen T-LBL tissues from 85 adult patients. The Ras pull-down assay was performed to monitor Ras activation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were used to analyze the binding of E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1)/BRD2 to the RAS guanyl releasing protein 1 (RasGRP1) promoter region. The drug resistance effect and mechanism of BRD2 were determined by both in vivo and in vitro studies. RESULTS A total of 86 chemotherapy resistance-related genes in adult T-LBL were identified by gene expression microarray. Among them, BRD2 was upregulated in chemotherapy-resistant adult T-LBL tissues and associated with worse progression-free survival and overall survival of 85 adult T-LBL patients. Furthermore, BRD2 suppressed doxorubicin (Dox)-induced cell apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. The activation of RasGRP1/Ras/ERK signaling might contribute to the Dox resistance effect of BRD2. Besides, OTX015, a bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET) inhibitor, reversed the Dox resistance effect of BRD2. Patient-derived tumor xenograft demonstrated that the sequential use of OTX015 after Dox showed superior therapeutic effects. CONCLUSIONS Our data showed that BRD2 promotes drug resistance in adult T-LBL through the RasGRP1/Ras/ERK signaling pathway. Targeting BRD2 may be a novel strategy to improve the therapeutic efficacy and prolong survival of adults with T-LBL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Peng Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, P. R. China.,Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Jun Cai
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Shu-Yun Ma
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Yu Fang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Hui-Qiang Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Tong-Yu Lin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Hui-Lan Rao
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Mei Li
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Zhong-Jun Xia
- Department of Hematology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Tie-Bang Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Dan Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, P. R. China
| | - Qing-Qing Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, P. R. China.,Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510060, P. R. China
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48
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Camero S, Camicia L, Marampon F, Ceccarelli S, Shukla R, Mannarino O, Pizer B, Schiavetti A, Pizzuti A, Tombolini V, Marchese C, Dominici C, Megiorni F. BET inhibition therapy counteracts cancer cell survival, clonogenic potential and radioresistance mechanisms in rhabdomyosarcoma cells. Cancer Lett 2020; 479:71-88. [PMID: 32200036 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The antitumour effects of OTX015, a first-in-class BET inhibitor (BETi), were investigated as a single agent or in combination with ionizing radiation (IR) in preclinical in vitro models of rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), the most common childhood soft tissue sarcoma. Herein, we demonstrated the upregulation of BET Bromodomain gene expression in RMS tumour biopsies and cell lines compared to normal skeletal muscle. In vitro experiments showed that OTX015 significantly reduced RMS cell proliferation by altering cell cycle modulators and apoptotic related proteins due to the accumulation of DNA breaks that cells are unable to repair. Interestingly, OTX015 also impaired migration capacity and tumour-sphere architecture by downregulating pro-stemness genes and was able to potentiate ionizing radiation effects by reducing the expression of different drivers of tumour dissemination and resistance mechanisms, including the GNL3 gene, that we correlated for the first time with the RMS phenotype. In conclusion, our research sheds further light on the molecular events of OTX015 action against RMS cells and indicates this novel BETi as an effective option to improve therapeutic strategies and overcome the development of resistant cancer cells in patients with RMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Camero
- Department of Maternal, Infantile, and Urological Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Lucrezia Camicia
- Department of Maternal, Infantile, and Urological Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesco Marampon
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Simona Ceccarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Rajeev Shukla
- Department of Perinatal and Paediatric Pathology, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK.
| | - Olga Mannarino
- Department of Maternal, Infantile, and Urological Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Barry Pizer
- Department of Oncology, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Eaton Road, Liverpool, L12 2AP, UK.
| | - Amalia Schiavetti
- Department of Maternal, Infantile, and Urological Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Antonio Pizzuti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Vincenzo Tombolini
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Cinzia Marchese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Carlo Dominici
- Department of Maternal, Infantile, and Urological Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesca Megiorni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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Comandante-Lou N, Khaliq M, Venkat D, Manikkam M, Fallahi-Sichani M. Phenotype-based probabilistic analysis of heterogeneous responses to cancer drugs and their combination efficacy. PLoS Comput Biol 2020; 16:e1007688. [PMID: 32084135 PMCID: PMC7055924 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1007688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-to-cell variability generates subpopulations of drug-tolerant cells that diminish the efficacy of cancer drugs. Efficacious combination therapies are thus needed to block drug-tolerant cells via minimizing the impact of heterogeneity. Probabilistic models such as Bliss independence have been developed to evaluate drug interactions and their combination efficacy based on probabilities of specific actions mediated by drugs individually and in combination. In practice, however, these models are often applied to conventional dose-response curves in which a normalized parameter with a value between zero and one, generally referred to as fraction of cells affected (fa), is used to evaluate the efficacy of drugs and their combined interactions. We use basic probability theory, computer simulations, time-lapse live cell microscopy, and single-cell analysis to show that fa metrics may bias our assessment of drug efficacy and combination effectiveness. This bias may be corrected when dynamic probabilities of drug-induced phenotypic events, i.e. induction of cell death and inhibition of division, at a single-cell level are used as metrics to assess drug efficacy. Probabilistic phenotype metrics offer the following three benefits. First, in contrast to the commonly used fa metrics, they directly represent probabilities of drug action in a cell population. Therefore, they deconvolve differential degrees of drug effect on tumor cell killing versus inhibition of cell division, which may not be correlated for many drugs. Second, they increase the sensitivity of short-term drug response assays to cell-to-cell heterogeneities and the presence of drug-tolerant subpopulations. Third, their probabilistic nature allows them to be used directly in unbiased evaluation of synergistic efficacy in drug combinations using probabilistic models such as Bliss independence. Altogether, we envision that probabilistic analysis of single-cell phenotypes complements currently available assays via improving our understanding of heterogeneity in drug response, thereby facilitating the discovery of more efficacious combination therapies to block drug-tolerant cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natacha Comandante-Lou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Mehwish Khaliq
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Program in Cancer Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Divya Venkat
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Mohan Manikkam
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Mohammad Fallahi-Sichani
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Program in Cancer Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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50
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Targeting MAPK Signaling in Cancer: Mechanisms of Drug Resistance and Sensitivity. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21031102. [PMID: 32046099 PMCID: PMC7037308 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21031102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 393] [Impact Index Per Article: 98.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways represent ubiquitous signal transduction pathways that regulate all aspects of life and are frequently altered in disease. Here, we focus on the role of MAPK pathways in modulating drug sensitivity and resistance in cancer. We briefly discuss new findings in the extracellular signaling-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway, but mainly focus on the mechanisms how stress activated MAPK pathways, such as p38 MAPK and the Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK), impact the response of cancer cells to chemotherapies and targeted therapies. In this context, we also discuss the role of metabolic and epigenetic aberrations and new therapeutic opportunities arising from these changes.
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