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Jiang M, Wu W, Xiong Z, Yu X, Ye Z, Wu Z. Targeting autophagy drug discovery: Targets, indications and development trends. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 267:116117. [PMID: 38295689 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116117] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Autophagy plays a vital role in sustaining cellular homeostasis and its alterations have been implicated in the etiology of many diseases. Drugs development targeting autophagy began decades ago and hundreds of agents were developed, some of which are licensed for the clinical usage. However, no existing intervention specifically aimed at modulating autophagy is available. The obstacles that prevent drug developments come from the complexity of the actual impact of autophagy regulators in disease scenarios. With the development and application of new technologies, several promising categories of compounds for autophagy-based therapy have emerged in recent years. In this paper, the autophagy-targeted drugs based on their targets at various hierarchical sites of the autophagic signaling network, e.g., the upstream and downstream of the autophagosome and the autophagic components with enzyme activities are reviewed and analyzed respectively, with special attention paid to those at preclinical or clinical trials. The drugs tailored to specific autophagy alone and combination with drugs/adjuvant therapies widely used in clinical for various diseases treatments are also emphasized. The emerging drug design and development targeting selective autophagy receptors (SARs) and their related proteins, which would be expected to arrest or reverse the progression of disease in various cancers, inflammation, neurodegeneration, and metabolic disorders, are critically reviewed. And the challenges and perspective in clinically developing autophagy-targeted drugs and possible combinations with other medicine are considered in the review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjia Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, China Jiliang University, China
| | - Wayne Wu
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, New York Institute of Technology, USA
| | - Zijie Xiong
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, China Jiliang University, China
| | - Xiaoping Yu
- Department of Biology, China Jiliang University, China
| | - Zihong Ye
- Department of Biology, China Jiliang University, China
| | - Zhiping Wu
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, China Jiliang University, China.
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Obrador E, Moreno-Murciano P, Oriol-Caballo M, López-Blanch R, Pineda B, Gutiérrez-Arroyo JL, Loras A, Gonzalez-Bonet LG, Martinez-Cadenas C, Estrela JM, Marqués-Torrejón MÁ. Glioblastoma Therapy: Past, Present and Future. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2529. [PMID: 38473776 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GB) stands out as the most prevalent and lethal form of brain cancer. Although great efforts have been made by clinicians and researchers, no significant improvement in survival has been achieved since the Stupp protocol became the standard of care (SOC) in 2005. Despite multimodality treatments, recurrence is almost universal with survival rates under 2 years after diagnosis. Here, we discuss the recent progress in our understanding of GB pathophysiology, in particular, the importance of glioma stem cells (GSCs), the tumor microenvironment conditions, and epigenetic mechanisms involved in GB growth, aggressiveness and recurrence. The discussion on therapeutic strategies first covers the SOC treatment and targeted therapies that have been shown to interfere with different signaling pathways (pRB/CDK4/RB1/P16ink4, TP53/MDM2/P14arf, PI3k/Akt-PTEN, RAS/RAF/MEK, PARP) involved in GB tumorigenesis, pathophysiology, and treatment resistance acquisition. Below, we analyze several immunotherapeutic approaches (i.e., checkpoint inhibitors, vaccines, CAR-modified NK or T cells, oncolytic virotherapy) that have been used in an attempt to enhance the immune response against GB, and thereby avoid recidivism or increase survival of GB patients. Finally, we present treatment attempts made using nanotherapies (nanometric structures having active anti-GB agents such as antibodies, chemotherapeutic/anti-angiogenic drugs or sensitizers, radionuclides, and molecules that target GB cellular receptors or open the blood-brain barrier) and non-ionizing energies (laser interstitial thermal therapy, high/low intensity focused ultrasounds, photodynamic/sonodynamic therapies and electroporation). The aim of this review is to discuss the advances and limitations of the current therapies and to present novel approaches that are under development or following clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Obrador
- Scientia BioTech S.L., 46002 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Odontology, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | | | - María Oriol-Caballo
- Scientia BioTech S.L., 46002 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Odontology, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Rafael López-Blanch
- Scientia BioTech S.L., 46002 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Odontology, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Begoña Pineda
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Odontology, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Alba Loras
- Department of Medicine, Jaume I University of Castellon, 12071 Castellon, Spain
| | - Luis G Gonzalez-Bonet
- Department of Neurosurgery, Castellon General University Hospital, 12004 Castellon, Spain
| | | | - José M Estrela
- Scientia BioTech S.L., 46002 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Odontology, University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, 46100 Burjassot, Spain
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Bhattacharyya S, Oblinger JL, Beauchamp RL, Kosa L, Robert F, Plotkin SR, Chang LS, Ramesh V. Preclinical evaluation of the third-generation, bi-steric mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1-selective inhibitor RMC-6272 in NF2-deficient models. Neurooncol Adv 2024; 6:vdae024. [PMID: 38476930 PMCID: PMC10929445 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdae024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Background NF2-associated meningiomas are progressive, highly morbid, and nonresponsive to chemotherapies, highlighting the need for improved treatments. We have established aberrant activation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling in NF2-deficient tumors, leading to clinical trials with first- and second-generation mTOR inhibitors. However, results have been mixed, showing stabilized tumor growth without shrinkage offset by adverse side effects. To address these limitations, here we explored the potential of third-generation, bi-steric mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) inhibitors using the preclinical tool compound RMC-6272. Methods Employing human NF2-deficient meningioma lines, we compared mTOR inhibitors rapamycin (first-generation), INK128 (second-generation), and RMC-6272 (third-generation) using in vitro dose-response testing, cell-cycle analysis, and immunoblotting. Furthermore, the efficacy of RMC-6272 was assessed in NF2-null 3D-spheroid meningioma models, and its in vivo potential was evaluated in 2 orthotopic meningioma mouse models. Results Treatment of meningioma cells revealed that, unlike rapamycin, RMC-6272 demonstrated superior growth inhibitory effects, cell-cycle arrest, and complete inhibition of phosphorylated 4E-BP1 (mTORC1 readout). Moreover, RMC-6272 had a longer retention time than INK128 and inhibited the expression of several eIF4E-sensitive targets on the protein level. RMC-6272 treatment of NF2 spheroids showed significant shrinkage in size as well as reduced proliferation. Furthermore, in vivo studies in mice revealed effective blockage of meningioma growth by RMC-6272, compared with vehicle controls. Conclusions Our study in preclinical models of NF2 supports possible future clinical evaluation of third-generation, investigational mTORC1 inhibitors, such as RMC-5552, as a potential treatment strategy for NF2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srirupa Bhattacharyya
- Department of Neurology and Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Janet L Oblinger
- Center for Childhood Cancer, Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Roberta L Beauchamp
- Department of Neurology and Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lili Kosa
- Department of Neurology and Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Francis Robert
- Department of Biochemistry and Goodman Cancer Research Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Scott R Plotkin
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Long-Sheng Chang
- Center for Childhood Cancer, Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Vijaya Ramesh
- Department of Neurology and Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Kwon H, Yun M, Kwon TH, Bang M, Lee J, Lee YS, Ko HY, Chong K. Fibronectin Type III Domain Containing 3B as a Potential Prognostic and Therapeutic Biomarker for Glioblastoma. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3168. [PMID: 38137388 PMCID: PMC10741045 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a representative malignant brain tumor characterized by a dismal prognosis, with survival rates of less than 2 years and high recurrence rates. Despite surgical resection and several alternative treatments, GBM remains a refractory disease due to its aggressive invasiveness and resistance to anticancer therapy. In this report, we explore the role of fibronectin type III domain containing 3B (FNDC3B) and its potential as a prognostic and therapeutic biomarker in GBM. GBM exhibited a significantly higher cancer-to-normal ratio compared to other organs, and patients with high FNDC3B expression had a poor prognosis (p < 0.01). In vitro studies revealed that silencing FNDC3B significantly reduced the expression of Survivin, an apoptosis inhibitor, and also reduced cell migration, invasion, extracellular matrix adhesion ability, and stem cell properties in GBM cells. Furthermore, we identified that FNDC3B regulates PTEN/PI3K/Akt signaling in GBM cells using MetaCore integrated pathway bioinformatics analysis and a proteome profiler phospho-kinase array with sequential western blot analysis. Collectively, our findings suggest FNDC3B as a potential biomarker for predicting GBM patient survival and for the development of treatment strategies for GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyukjun Kwon
- Department of Neurosurgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06351, Republic of Korea;
| | - Minji Yun
- Photo-Theranosis and Bioinformatics for Tumor Laboratory, Research Institute for Future Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06351, Republic of Korea; (M.Y.); (M.B.)
| | - Taek-Hyun Kwon
- Department of Neurosurgery, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, 148 Gurodong-ro, Guro-gu, Seoul 08308, Republic of Korea; (T.-H.K.); (Y.S.L.)
| | - Minji Bang
- Photo-Theranosis and Bioinformatics for Tumor Laboratory, Research Institute for Future Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06351, Republic of Korea; (M.Y.); (M.B.)
| | - Jungsul Lee
- 3billion Inc., 416, Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06193, Republic of Korea;
| | - Yeo Song Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, 148 Gurodong-ro, Guro-gu, Seoul 08308, Republic of Korea; (T.-H.K.); (Y.S.L.)
| | - Hae Young Ko
- Photo-Theranosis and Bioinformatics for Tumor Laboratory, Research Institute for Future Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06351, Republic of Korea; (M.Y.); (M.B.)
| | - Kyuha Chong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06351, Republic of Korea;
- Photo-Theranosis and Bioinformatics for Tumor Laboratory, Research Institute for Future Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06351, Republic of Korea; (M.Y.); (M.B.)
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Kumari S, Gupta R, Ambasta RK, Kumar P. Multiple therapeutic approaches of glioblastoma multiforme: From terminal to therapy. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188913. [PMID: 37182666 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188913] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive brain cancer showing poor prognosis. Currently, treatment methods of GBM are limited with adverse outcomes and low survival rate. Thus, advancements in the treatment of GBM are of utmost importance, which can be achieved in recent decades. However, despite aggressive initial treatment, most patients develop recurrent diseases, and the overall survival rate of patients is impossible to achieve. Currently, researchers across the globe target signaling events along with tumor microenvironment (TME) through different drug molecules to inhibit the progression of GBM, but clinically they failed to demonstrate much success. Herein, we discuss the therapeutic targets and signaling cascades along with the role of the organoids model in GBM research. Moreover, we systematically review the traditional and emerging therapeutic strategies in GBM. In addition, we discuss the implications of nanotechnologies, AI, and combinatorial approach to enhance GBM therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smita Kumari
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, India
| | - Rohan Gupta
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, India
| | - Rashmi K Ambasta
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, India
| | - Pravir Kumar
- Molecular Neuroscience and Functional Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, India.
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Aurora B Kinase Inhibition by AZD1152 Concomitant with Tumor Treating Fields Is Effective in the Treatment of Cultures from Primary and Recurrent Glioblastomas. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24055016. [PMID: 36902447 PMCID: PMC10003311 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24055016] [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: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) were incorporated into the treatment of glioblastoma, the most malignant brain tumor, after showing an effect on progression-free and overall survival in a phase III clinical trial. The combination of TTFields and an antimitotic drug might further improve this approach. Here, we tested the combination of TTFields with AZD1152, an Aurora B kinase inhibitor, in primary cultures of newly diagnosed (ndGBM) and recurrent glioblastoma (rGBM). AZD1152 concentration was titrated for each cell line and 5-30 nM were used alone or in addition to TTFields (1.6 V/cm RMS; 200 kHz) applied for 72 h using the inovitro™ system. Cell morphological changes were visualized by conventional and confocal laser microscopy. The cytotoxic effects were determined by cell viability assays. Primary cultures of ndGBM and rGBM varied in p53 mutational status; ploidy; EGFR expression and MGMT-promoter methylation status. Nevertheless; in all primary cultures; a significant cytotoxic effect was found following TTFields treatment alone and in all but one, a significant effect after treatment with AZD1152 alone was also observed. Moreover, in all primary cultures the combined treatment had the most pronounced cytotoxic effect in parallel with morphological changes. The combined treatment of TTFields and AZD1152 led to a significant reduction in the number of ndGBM and rGBM cells compared to each treatment alone. Further evaluation of this approach, which has to be considered as a proof of concept, is warranted, before entering into early clinical trials.
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Chen B, Zhou X, Yang L, Zhou H, Meng M, Wu H, Liu Z, Zhang L, Li C. Glioma stem cell signature predicts the prognosis and the response to tumor treating fields treatment. CNS Neurosci Ther 2022; 28:2148-2162. [PMID: 36070228 PMCID: PMC9627385 DOI: 10.1111/cns.13956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Glioma stem cells (GSCs) play an important role in glioma recurrence and chemo-radiotherapy (CRT) resistance. Currently, there is a lack of efficient treatment approaches targeting GSCs. This study aimed to explore the potential personalized treatment of patients with GSC-enriched gliomas. METHODS Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was used to identify the GSC-related genes. Then, machine learning methods were applied for clustering and validation. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and COX regression were used to construct the risk scores. Survival analysis was performed. Additionally, the incidence of chemo-radiotherapy resistance, immunotherapy status, and tumor treating field (TTF) therapy response were evaluated in high- and low-risk scores groups. RESULTS Two GSC clusters exhibited significantly different stemness indices, immune microenvironments, and genomic alterations. Based on GSC clusters, 11-gene GSC risk scores were constructed, which exhibited a high predictive value for prognosis. In terms of therapy, patients with high GSC risk scores had a higher risk of resistance to chemotherapy. TTF therapy can comprehensively inhibit the malignant biological characteristics of the high GSC-risk-score gliomas. CONCLUSION Our study constructed a GSC signature consisting of 11 GSC-specific genes and identified its prognostic value in gliomas. TTF is a promising therapeutic approach for patients with GSC-enriched glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Xiaoxi Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Liting Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina,Hypothalamic‐Pituitary Research Center, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina,Clinical Diagnosis and Therapy Center for Glioma, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Hongshu Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Ming Meng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Third Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Zhixiong Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Liyang Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina,Hypothalamic‐Pituitary Research Center, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina,Clinical Diagnosis and Therapy Center for Glioma, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
| | - Chuntao Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina,Hypothalamic‐Pituitary Research Center, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina,Clinical Diagnosis and Therapy Center for Glioma, Xiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangshaChina
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Li S, Xie X, Peng F, Du J, Peng C. Regulation of temozolomide resistance via lncRNAs: Clinical and biological properties of lncRNAs in gliomas (Review). Int J Oncol 2022; 61:101. [PMID: 35796022 PMCID: PMC9291250 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2022.5391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are a primary types of intracranial malignancies and are characterized by a poor prognosis due to aggressive recurrence profiles. Temozolomide (TMZ) is an auxiliary alkylating agent that is extensively used in conjunction with surgical resection and forms the mainstay of clinical treatment strategies for gliomas. However, the frequent occurrence of TMZ resistance in clinical practice limits its therapeutic efficacy. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that long non‑coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can play key and varied roles in glioma progression. lncRNAs have been reported to inhibit glioma progression by targeting various signaling pathways. In addition, the differential expression of lncRNAs has also been found to mediate the resistance of glioma to several chemotherapeutic agents, particularly to TMZ. The present review article therefore summarizes the findings of previous studies in an aim to report the significance and function of lncRNAs in regulating the chemoresistance of gliomas. The present review may provide further insight into the clinical treatment of gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sui Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of The Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Xiaofang Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, P.R. China
| | - Fu Peng
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of The Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
- Correspondence to: Dr Fu Peng or Professor Junrong Du, Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of The Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, 17 Renmin South Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China, E-mail: , E-mail:
| | - Junrong Du
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of The Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
- Correspondence to: Dr Fu Peng or Professor Junrong Du, Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of The Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, 17 Renmin South Road, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China, E-mail: , E-mail:
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, P.R. China
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Shams S, Patel CB. Anti-cancer mechanisms of action of therapeutic alternating electric fields (tumor treating fields [TTFields]). J Mol Cell Biol 2022; 14:6668799. [PMID: 35973687 PMCID: PMC9912101 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjac047] [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: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite improved survival outcomes across many cancer types, the prognosis remains grim for certain solid organ cancers including glioblastoma and pancreatic cancer. Invariably in these cancers, the control achieved by time-limited interventions such as traditional surgical resection, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy is short-lived. A new form of anti-cancer therapy called therapeutic alternating electric fields (AEFs) or tumor treating fields (TTFields) has been shown, either by itself or in combination with chemotherapy, to have anti-cancer effects that translate to improved survival outcomes in patients. Although the pre-clinical and clinical data are promising, the mechanisms of TTFields are not fully elucidated. Many investigations are underway to better understand how and why TTFields is able to selectively kill cancer cells and impede their proliferation. The purpose of this review is to summarize and discuss the reported mechanisms of action of TTFields from pre-clinical studies (both in vitro and in vivo). An improved understanding of how TTFields works will guide strategies focused on the timing and combination of TTFields with other therapies, to further improve survival outcomes in patients with solid organ cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shadi Shams
- Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, NJ 08028, USA
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Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) Concomitant with Sorafenib Inhibit Hepatocellular Carcinoma In Vitro and In Vivo. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14122959. [PMID: 35740624 PMCID: PMC9220990 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14122959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a highly aggressive liver cancer, is a leading cause of cancer-related death. Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) are electric fields that exert antimitotic effects on cancerous cells. The aims of the current research were to test the efficacy of TTFields in HCC, explore the underlying mechanisms, and investigate the possible combination of TTFields with sorafenib, one of the few front-line treatments for patients with advanced HCC. HepG2 and Huh-7D12 human HCC cell lines were treated with TTFields at various frequencies to determine the optimal frequency eliciting maximal cell count reduction. Clonogenic, apoptotic effects, and autophagy induction were measured. The efficacy of TTFields alone and with concomitant sorafenib was tested in cell cultures and in an orthotopic N1S1 rat model. Tumor volume was examined at the beginning and following 5 days of treatment. At study cessation, tumors were weighed and examined by immunohistochemistry to assess autophagy and apoptosis. TTFields were found in vitro to exert maximal effect at 150 kHz, reducing cell count and colony formation, increasing apoptosis and autophagy, and augmenting the effects of sorafenib. In animals, TTFields concomitant with sorafenib reduced tumor weight and volume fold change, and increased cases of stable disease following treatment versus TTFields or sorafenib alone. While each treatment alone elevated levels of autophagy relative to control, TTFields concomitant with sorafenib induced a significant increase versus control in tumor ER stress and apoptosis levels, demonstrating increased stress under the multimodal treatment. Overall, TTFields treatment demonstrated efficacy and enhanced the effects of sorafenib for the treatment of HCC in vitro and in vivo, via a mechanism involving induction of autophagy.
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Amphiphilic Triazine-Phosphorus Metallodendrons Possessing Anti-Cancer Stem Cell Activity. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14020393. [PMID: 35214126 PMCID: PMC8880151 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14020393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Dendritic molecules bearing metal complexes in their structure (metallodendrimers and metallodendrons) are considered prospective therapeutic entities. In particular, metallodendrons raise interest as antitumor agents for the treatment of poorly curable or drug-resistant tumors. Herein, we have synthesized amphiphilic triazine-phosphorus dendrons bearing multiple copper (II) or gold (III) complexes on the periphery and a branched hydrophobic fragment at the focal point. Due to their amphiphilic nature, metallodendrons formed single micelles (mean diameter ~9 nm) or multi-micellar aggregates (mean diameter ~60 nm) in a water solution. We have tested the antitumor activity of amphiphilic metallodendrons towards glioblastoma, a malignant brain tumor with a notoriously high level of therapy resistance, as a model disease. The metallodendrons exhibit higher cytotoxic activity towards glioblastoma stem cells (BTSC233, JHH520, NCH644, and SF188 cell lines) and U87 glioblastoma cells (IC50 was 3–6 µM for copper-containing dendron and 11–15 µM for gold-containing dendron) in comparison with temozolomide (IC50 >100 µM)—the clinical standard of care for glioblastoma. Our findings show the potential of metallodendron-based nanoformulations as antitumor entities.
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Hong P, Kudulaiti N, Wu S, Nie J, Zhuang D. Tumor treating fields: a comprehensive overview of the underlying molecular mechanism. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2021; 22:19-28. [PMID: 34883030 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2022.2017283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As a novel treatment modality, tumor treating fields (TTFields) exert low-intensity, medium-frequency electric fields on tumor cells. TTFields' effectiveness and safety have been demonstrated clinically and in the real world for treating glioblastoma, the most common and aggressive primary central nervous system tumor. TTFields therapy has also been approved for the management of malignant mesothelioma, and clinical trials are ongoing for NSCLC, gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, and other solid tumors. AREAS COVERED This article comprehensively reviews the currently described evidence of TTFields' mechanism of action. TTFields' most evident therapeutic effect is to induce cell death by disrupting mitosis. Moreover, evidence suggests at additional mechanistic complexity, such as delayed DNA repair and heightened DNA replication stress, reversible increase in cell membrane and blood-brain barrier permeability, induction of immune response, and so on. EXPERT OPINION TTFields therapy has been arising as the fourth anti-tumor treatment besides surgery, radiotherapy, and antineoplastic agents in recent years. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of TTFields are not fully understood and some concepts remain controversial. An in-depth understanding of TTFields' effects on tumor cell and tumor microenvironment would be crucial for informing research aimed at further optimizing TTFields' efficacy and developing new combination therapies for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengjie Hong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai, China
| | - Nijiati Kudulaiti
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuai Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingtao Nie
- Zai Lab Trading (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Dongxiao Zhuang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai, China
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Wilms C, Lepka K, Häberlein F, Edwards S, Felsberg J, Pudelko L, Lindenberg TT, Poschmann G, Qin N, Volbracht K, Prozorovski T, Meuth SG, Kahlert UD, Remke M, Aktas O, Reifenberger G, Bräutigam L, Odermatt B, Berndt C. Glutaredoxin 2 promotes SP-1-dependent CSPG4 transcription and migration of wound healing NG2 glia and glioma cells: Enzymatic Taoism. Redox Biol 2021; 49:102221. [PMID: 34952462 PMCID: PMC8715126 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2021.102221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Redox regulation of specific cysteines via oxidoreductases of the thioredoxin family is increasingly being recognized as an important signaling pathway. Here, we demonstrate that the cytosolic isoform of the vertebrate-specific oxidoreductase Glutaredoxin 2 (Grx2c) regulates the redox state of the transcription factor SP-1 and thereby its binding affinity to both the promoter and an enhancer region of the CSPG4 gene encoding chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan nerve/glial antigen 2 (NG2). This leads to an increased number of NG2 glia during in vitro oligodendroglial differentiation and promotes migration of these wound healing cells. On the other hand, we found that the same mechanism also leads to increased invasion of glioma tumor cells. Using in vitro (human cell lines), ex vivo (mouse primary cells), and in vivo models (zebrafish), as well as glioblastoma patient tissue samples we provide experimental data highlighting the Yin and Yang of redox signaling in the central nervous system and the enzymatic Taoism of Grx2c. CSPG4 promoter binding of the transcription factor SP-1 depends on glutaredoxin 2 Cytosolic glutaredoxin 2 promotes oligodendrocyte differentiation into NG2 glia Migration and wound healing capacity of NG2 glia is increased by glutaredoxin 2 Glutaredoxin 2 increases invasion of human glioblastoma cells in vitro and in vivo
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Wilms
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Klaudia Lepka
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Felix Häberlein
- Institute for Anatomy, Medical Faculty, University Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Jörg Felsberg
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Linda Pudelko
- Zebrafish Core Facility, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Gereon Poschmann
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Proteome Research, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, HeinrichHeineUniversity Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Nan Qin
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Clinical Immunology, Pediatric Neuro-Oncogenomics, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Katrin Volbracht
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Tim Prozorovski
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sven G Meuth
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ulf D Kahlert
- Molecular and Experimental Surgery, University Clinic for General, Visceral and Vascular Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Marc Remke
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Clinical Immunology, Pediatric Neuro-Oncogenomics, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Orhan Aktas
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Guido Reifenberger
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Lars Bräutigam
- Zebrafish Core Facility, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Carsten Berndt
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany.
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Liu H, Qiu W, Sun T, Wang L, Du C, Hu Y, Liu W, Feng F, Chen Y, Sun H. Therapeutic strtegies of glioblastoma (GBM): The current advances in the molecular targets and bioactive small molecule compounds. Acta Pharm Sin B 2021; 12:1781-1804. [PMID: 35847506 PMCID: PMC9279645 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common aggressive malignant tumor in brain neuroepithelial tumors and remains incurable. A variety of treatment options are currently being explored to improve patient survival, including small molecule inhibitors, viral therapies, cancer vaccines, and monoclonal antibodies. Among them, the unique advantages of small molecule inhibitors have made them a focus of attention in the drug discovery of glioblastoma. Currently, the most used chemotherapeutic agents are small molecule inhibitors that target key dysregulated signaling pathways in glioblastoma, including receptor tyrosine kinase, PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, DNA damage response, TP53 and cell cycle inhibitors. This review analyzes the therapeutic benefit and clinical development of novel small molecule inhibitors discovered as promising anti-glioblastoma agents by the related targets of these major pathways. Meanwhile, the recent advances in temozolomide resistance and drug combination are also reviewed. In the last part, due to the constant clinical failure of targeted therapies, this paper reviewed the research progress of other therapeutic methods for glioblastoma, to provide patients and readers with a more comprehensive understanding of the treatment landscape of glioblastoma.
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A Preclinical Pipeline for Translational Precision Medicine-Experiences from a Transdisciplinary Brain Tumor Stem Cell Project. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11090892. [PMID: 34575669 PMCID: PMC8472761 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11090892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Efficient transdisciplinary cooperation promotes the rapid discovery and clinical application of new technologies, especially in the competitive sector of oncology. In this review, written from a clinical-scientist point of view, we used glioblastoma—the most common and most aggressive primary brain tumor as a model disease with a largely unmet clinical need, despite decades of intensive research—to promote transdisciplinary medicine. Glioblastoma stem-like cells (GSCs), a special tumoral cell population analogue to healthy stem cells, are considered largely responsible for the progression of the disease and the mediation of therapy resistance. The presented work followed the concept of translational science, which generates the theoretical backbones of translational research projects, and aimed to close the preclinical gap between basic research and clinical application. Thus, this generated an integrated translational precision medicine pipeline model based on recent theoretical and experimental publications, which supports the accelerated discovery and development of new paths in the treatment of GSCs. The work may be of interest to the general field of precision medicine beyond the field of neuro-oncology such as in Cancer Neuroscience.
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Aguilar AA, Ho MC, Chang E, Carlson KW, Natarajan A, Marciano T, Bomzon Z, Patel CB. Permeabilizing Cell Membranes with Electric Fields. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2283. [PMID: 34068775 PMCID: PMC8126200 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The biological impact of exogenous, alternating electric fields (AEFs) and direct-current electric fields has a long history of study, ranging from effects on embryonic development to influences on wound healing. In this article, we focus on the application of electric fields for the treatment of cancers. In particular, we outline the clinical impact of tumor treating fields (TTFields), a form of AEFs, on the treatment of cancers such as glioblastoma and mesothelioma. We provide an overview of the standard mechanism of action of TTFields, namely, the capability for AEFs (e.g., TTFields) to disrupt the formation and segregation of the mitotic spindle in actively dividing cells. Though this standard mechanism explains a large part of TTFields' action, it is by no means complete. The standard theory does not account for exogenously applied AEFs' influence directly upon DNA nor upon their capacity to alter the functionality and permeability of cancer cell membranes. This review summarizes the current literature to provide a more comprehensive understanding of AEFs' actions on cell membranes. It gives an overview of three mechanistic models that may explain the more recent observations into AEFs' effects: the voltage-gated ion channel, bioelectrorheological, and electroporation models. Inconsistencies were noted in both effective frequency range and field strength between TTFields versus all three proposed models. We addressed these discrepancies through theoretical investigations into the inhomogeneities of electric fields on cellular membranes as a function of disease state, external microenvironment, and tissue or cellular organization. Lastly, future experimental strategies to validate these findings are outlined. Clinical benefits are inevitably forthcoming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alondra A. Aguilar
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (A.A.A.); (M.C.H.); (E.C.); (A.N.)
| | - Michelle C. Ho
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (A.A.A.); (M.C.H.); (E.C.); (A.N.)
| | - Edwin Chang
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (A.A.A.); (M.C.H.); (E.C.); (A.N.)
| | - Kristen W. Carlson
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA;
| | - Arutselvan Natarajan
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (A.A.A.); (M.C.H.); (E.C.); (A.N.)
| | - Tal Marciano
- Novocure, Ltd., 31905 Haifa, Israel; (T.M.); (Z.B.)
| | - Ze’ev Bomzon
- Novocure, Ltd., 31905 Haifa, Israel; (T.M.); (Z.B.)
| | - Chirag B. Patel
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (A.A.A.); (M.C.H.); (E.C.); (A.N.)
- Department of Neurology & Neurological Sciences, Division of Neuro-Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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el Hage A, Dormond O. Combining mTOR Inhibitors and T Cell-Based Immunotherapies in Cancer Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1359. [PMID: 33802831 PMCID: PMC8002586 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061359] [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: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
mTOR regulates several processes that control tumor development, including cancer cell growth, angiogenesis and the immune response to tumor. Accordingly, mTOR inhibitors have been thoroughly explored in cancer therapy but have failed to provide long-lasting anticancer benefits. Several resistance mechanisms that counteract the antitumor effect of mTOR inhibitors have been identified and have highlighted the need to use mTOR inhibitors in combination therapies. In this context, emerging evidence has demonstrated that mTOR inhibitors, despite their immunosuppressive properties, provide anticancer benefits to immunotherapies. In fact, mTOR inhibitors also display immunostimulatory effects, in particular by promoting memory CD8+ T cell generation. Hence, mTOR inhibitors represent a therapeutic opportunity to promote antitumor CD8 responses and to boost the efficacy of different modalities of cancer immunotherapy. In this context, strategies to reduce the immunosuppressive activity of mTOR inhibitors and therefore to shift the immune response toward antitumor immunity will be useful. In this review, we present the different classes of mTOR inhibitors and discuss their effect on immune cells by focusing mainly on CD8+ T cells. We further provide an overview of the different preclinical studies that investigated the anticancer effects of mTOR inhibitors combined to immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Olivier Dormond
- Department of Visceral Surgery, Lausanne University Hospital, University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland;
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Li G, Chen TW, Nickel AC, Muhammad S, Steiger HJ, Tzaridis T, Hänggi D, Zeidler R, Zhang W, Kahlert UD. Carbonic Anhydrase XII is a Clinically Significant, Molecular Tumor-Subtype Specific Therapeutic Target in Glioma with the Potential to Combat Invasion of Brain Tumor Cells. Onco Targets Ther 2021; 14:1707-1718. [PMID: 33692626 PMCID: PMC7939492 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s300623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The metabolic enzyme carbonic anhydrase 12 (CA12/CAXII) emerges as a promising cancer therapeutic target with drug development projects underway. Previous reports proposed the relevance of CA12 in the context of glioma but are limited in patient data quantity, ignore ethnic diversity of patients or rely on semi-quantitative, thereby out of date, methodology. Moreover, little is known on the association of CA12 to brain tumor stemness or on the effect of anti-CAXII-directed monotherapies on glioma stem cells (GSCs), in particular their response regarding mesenchymal differentiation status. Methods We performed in silico analysis on three independent, large-scale patient datasets interrogating state of the art molecular diagnostics alongside clinical outcomes. We analyzed CAXII abundance on a collection of GSCs and functionally tested their response to exposure to CAXII blocking antibody 6A10. Results CA12 is highly expressed in glial tumors compared with normal tissue and predicts for poor clinical course of tumor patients. CA12 expression in glioblastoma significantly correlates with clinically established, molecular markers of IDH1WT DNA, WHO grade IV or absence of 1p/19q chromosome arm co-deletion. Furthermore, tumors with elevated CA12 cluster into the mesenchymal transcription subclass of the disease. CAXII abundance in different GSCs ranges from almost absent to high levels and does not correlate to stem cell marker CD133/AC133 cell surface expression. Moreover, aiming to pharmacologically block CAXII in our cells with antibody 6A10 caused significant functional response only in one of the tested GSCs models, featuring suppression of cell invasion accompanied by reduction of ZEB1 protein and other stem cell markers. Conclusion CA12 represents a clinically relevant and molecular brain tumor-subtype specific therapeutic target. Our correlative data from experimental and clinical samples does not support CA12/CAXII to be GSC specific. 6A10 possesses promising potential to impede the invasive capacity of glioma cells and supports the emerging concept that CAXII interacts with cancer EMT programs. However, further mechanistic studies are required to comprehensively assess the therapeutic potential of 6A10 and to identify different resistance mechanisms of GSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanzhang Li
- Department of Molecular Neuropathology, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting-Wei Chen
- Clinic for Neurosurgery, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ann-Christin Nickel
- Clinic for Neurosurgery, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sajjad Muhammad
- Clinic for Neurosurgery, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Hans-Jakob Steiger
- Clinic for Neurosurgery, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Theophilos Tzaridis
- Division of Clinical Neurooncology, Department of Neurology and Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Bonn, Bonn, 53127, Germany.,Tumor Initiation & Maintenance Program, NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Daniel Hänggi
- Clinic for Neurosurgery, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Reinhard Zeidler
- Department for Otorhinolaryngology, Klinikum der Universität München (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas Network (CGGA) and Asian Glioma Genome Atlas Network (AGGA), Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ulf Dietrich Kahlert
- Department of Molecular Neuropathology, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Clinic for Neurosurgery, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Popova NV, Jücker M. The Role of mTOR Signaling as a Therapeutic Target in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041743. [PMID: 33572326 PMCID: PMC7916160 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this review was to summarize current available information about the role of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling in cancer as a potential target for new therapy options. The mTOR and PI3K/AKT/mTORC1 (mTOR complex 1) signaling are critical for the regulation of many fundamental cell processes including protein synthesis, cell growth, metabolism, survival, catabolism, and autophagy, and deregulated mTOR signaling is implicated in cancer, metabolic dysregulation, and the aging process. In this review, we summarize the information about the structure and function of the mTOR pathway and discuss the mechanisms of its deregulation in human cancers including genetic alterations of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway components. We also present recent data regarding the PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitors in clinical studies and the treatment of cancer, as well the attendant problems of resistance and adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadezhda V. Popova
- Laboratory of Receptor Cell Biology, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya Str., 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Manfred Jücker
- Institute of Biochemistry and Signal Transduction, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(0)-40-7410-56339
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