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Lin HH, Chang CW, Liao YT, Yeh SD, Lin HP, Ho HM, Cheung CHY, Juan HF, Chen YR, Su YW, Chen LM, Tan TH, Lin WJ. DUSP22 inhibits lung tumorigenesis by suppression of EGFR/c-Met signaling. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:285. [PMID: 38877005 PMCID: PMC11178881 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-02038-8] [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: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
DUSP22, an atypical dual-specificity phosphatase enzyme, plays a significant role in regulating multiple kinase signaling pathways by dephosphorylation. Our study demonstrated that decreased DUSP22 expression is associated with shorter disease-free survival, advanced TNM (tumor, lymph nodes, and metastasis), cancer stage, and higher tumor grade in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) patients. Exogenous DUSP22 expression reduces the colony-forming capacity of lung cancer cells and inhibits xenograft tumor growth primarily by targeting EGFR and suppressing its activity through dephosphorylation. Knockdown of DUSP22 using shRNA enhances EGFR dependency in HCC827 lung cancer cells and increases sensitivity to gefitinib, an EGFR inhibitor. Consistently, genetic deletion of DUSP22 enhances EGFRdel (exon 19 deletion)-driven lung tumorigenesis and elevates EGFR activity. Pharmacological inhibition of DUSP22 activates EGFR, ERK1/2, and upregulates downstream PD-L1 expression. Additionally, lentiviral deletion of DUSP22 by shRNA enhances lung cancer cell migration through EGFR/c-Met and PD-L1-dependent pathways. Gefitinib, an EGFR inhibitor, mechanistically suppresses migration induced by DUSP22 deletion and inhibits c-Met activity. Furthermore, cabozantinib, a c-Met inhibitor, reduces migration and attenuates EGFR activation caused by DUSP22 deletion. Collectively, our findings support the hypothesis that loss of DUSP22 function in lung cancer cells confers a survival advantage by augmenting EGFR signaling, leading to increased activation of downstream c-Met, ERK1/2, and PD-L1 axis, ultimately contributing to the progression of advanced lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiao-Han Lin
- Immunology Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County, 35053, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Wei Chang
- Immunology Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County, 35053, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ting Liao
- Immunology Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County, 35053, Taiwan
| | - Shauh-Der Yeh
- Department of Urology, Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110301, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Ping Lin
- Immunology Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County, 35053, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Min Ho
- Immunology Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County, 35053, Taiwan
| | | | - Hsueh-Fen Juan
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 10617, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Rong Chen
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County, 35053, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Wen Su
- Immunology Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County, 35053, Taiwan
| | - Li-Mei Chen
- Immunology Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County, 35053, Taiwan
| | - Tse-Hua Tan
- Immunology Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County, 35053, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Jye Lin
- Immunology Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County, 35053, Taiwan.
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Recent progress on vascular endothelial growth factor receptor inhibitors with dual targeting capabilities for tumor therapy. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:89. [PMID: 35799213 PMCID: PMC9263050 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01310-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs) are a family of receptor protein tyrosine kinases that play an important role in the regulation of tumor-induced angiogenesis. Currently, VEGFR inhibitors have been widely used in the treatment of various tumors. However, current VEGFR inhibitors are limited to a certain extent due to limited clinical efficacy and potential toxicity, which hinder their clinical application. Thus, the development of new strategies to improve the clinical outcomes and minimize the toxic effects of VEGFR inhibitors is required. Given the synergistic effect of VEGFR and other therapies in tumor development and progression, VEGFR dual-target inhibitors are becoming an attractive approach due to their favorable pharmacodynamics, low toxicity, and anti-resistant effects. This perspective provides an overview of the development of VEGFR dual-target inhibitors from multiple aspects, including rational target combinations, drug discovery strategies, structure–activity relationships and future directions.
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Yan D, Earp HS, DeRyckere D, Graham DK. Targeting MERTK and AXL in EGFR Mutant Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5639. [PMID: 34830794 PMCID: PMC8616094 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
MERTK and AXL are members of the TAM family of receptor tyrosine kinases and are abnormally expressed in 69% and 93% of non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs), respectively. Expression of MERTK and/or AXL provides a survival advantage for NSCLC cells and correlates with lymph node metastasis, drug resistance, and disease progression in patients with NSCLC. The TAM receptors on host tumor infiltrating cells also play important roles in the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Thus, MERTK and AXL are attractive biologic targets for NSCLC treatment. Here, we will review physiologic and oncologic roles for MERTK and AXL with an emphasis on the potential to target these kinases in NSCLCs with activating EGFR mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Yan
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (D.Y.); (D.D.)
| | - H. Shelton Earp
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Deborah DeRyckere
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (D.Y.); (D.D.)
| | - Douglas K. Graham
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (D.Y.); (D.D.)
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Chen CJ, Liu YP. MERTK Inhibition: Potential as a Treatment Strategy in EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor-Resistant Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14020130. [PMID: 33562150 PMCID: PMC7915726 DOI: 10.3390/ph14020130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) are currently the most effective treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, who carry primary EGFR mutations. However, the patients eventually develop drug resistance to EGFR-TKIs after approximately one year. In addition to the acquisition of the EGFR T790M mutation, the activation of alternative receptor-mediated signaling pathways is a common mechanism for conferring the insensitivity of EGFR-TKI in NSCLC. Upregulation of the Mer receptor tyrosine kinase (MERTK), which is a member of the Tyro3-Axl-MERTK (TAM) family, is associated with a poor prognosis of many cancers. The binding of specific ligands, such as Gas6 and PROS1, to MERTK activates phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades, which are the signaling pathways shared by EGFR. Therefore, the inhibition of MERTK can be considered a new therapeutic strategy for overcoming the resistance of NSCLC to EGFR-targeted agents. Although several small molecules and monoclonal antibodies targeting the TAM family are being developed and have been described to enhance the chemosensitivity and converse the resistance of EGFR-TKI, few have specifically been developed as MERTK inhibitors. The further development and investigation of biomarkers which can accurately predict MERTK activity and the response to MERTK inhibitors and MERTK-specific drugs are vitally important for obtaining appropriate patient stratification and increased benefits in clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao-Ju Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan;
| | - Yu-Peng Liu
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Research Center for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-7-3121101
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Wang KH, Ding DC. Dual targeting of TAM receptors Tyro3, Axl, and MerTK: Role in tumors and the tumor immune microenvironment. Tzu Chi Med J 2020; 33:250-256. [PMID: 34386362 PMCID: PMC8323642 DOI: 10.4103/tcmj.tcmj_129_20] [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: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In both normal and tumor tissues, receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) may be pleiotropically expressed. The RTKs not only regulate ordinary cellular processes, including proliferation, survival, adhesion, and migration, but also have a critical role in the development of many types of cancer. The Tyro3, Axl, and MerTK (TAM) family of RTKs (Tyro3, Axl, and MerTK) plays a pleiotropic role in phagocytosis, inflammation, and normal cellular processes. In this article, we highlight the cellular activities of TAM receptors and discuss their roles in cancer and immune cells. We also discuss cancer therapies that target TAM receptors. Further research is needed to elucidate the function of TAM receptors in immune cells toward the development of new targeted immunotherapies for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Hung Wang
- Department of Medical Research, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Dah-Ching Ding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation and Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
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Huelse JM, Fridlyand DM, Earp S, DeRyckere D, Graham DK. MERTK in cancer therapy: Targeting the receptor tyrosine kinase in tumor cells and the immune system. Pharmacol Ther 2020. [PMID: 32417270 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107577107577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
The receptor tyrosine kinase MERTK is aberrantly expressed in numerous human malignancies, and is a novel target in cancer therapeutics. Physiologic roles of MERTK include regulation of tissue homeostasis and repair, innate immune control, and platelet aggregation. However, aberrant expression in a wide range of liquid and solid malignancies promotes neoplasia via growth factor independence, cell cycle progression, proliferation and tumor growth, resistance to apoptosis, and promotion of tumor metastases. Additionally, MERTK signaling contributes to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment via induction of an anti-inflammatory cytokine profile and regulation of the PD-1 axis, as well as regulation of macrophage, myeloid-derived suppressor cell, natural killer cell and T cell functions. Various MERTK-directed therapies are in preclinical development, and clinical trials are underway. In this review we discuss MERTK inhibition as an emerging strategy for cancer therapy, focusing on MERTK expression and function in neoplasia and its role in mediating resistance to cytotoxic and targeted therapies as well as in suppressing anti-tumor immunity. Additionally, we review preclinical and clinical pharmacological strategies to target MERTK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justus M Huelse
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Diana M Fridlyand
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Shelton Earp
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Deborah DeRyckere
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Douglas K Graham
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Antitumor Activity of DFX117 by Dual Inhibition of c-Met and PI3Kα in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11050627. [PMID: 31060329 PMCID: PMC6562471 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11050627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c-Met signaling pathway caused by gene amplification or mutation plays an important role in tumorigenesis. Therefore, c-Met is considered as an attractive target for cancer therapy and c-Met inhibitors have been developed with great interests. However, cancers treated with c-Met inhibitors inevitably develop resistance commonly caused by the activation of PI3K/Akt signal transduction pathway. Therefore, the combination of c-Met and PI3Kα inhibitors showed synergistic activities, especially, in c-Met hyperactivated and PIK3CA-mutated cells. In our previous study, we rationally designed and synthesized DFX117(6-(5-(2,4-difluorophenylsulfonamido)-6-methoxypyridin-3-yl)-N-(2-morpholinoethyl) imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine-3-carboxamide) as a novel PI3Kα selective inhibitor. Herein, the antitumor activity and underlying mechanisms of DFX117 against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells were evaluated in both in vitro and in vivo animal models. Concurrent targeted c-Met and PI3Kα by DFX117 dose-dependent inhibited the cell growth of H1975 cells (PIK3CA mutation and c-Met amplification) and A549 cells (KRAS mutation). DFX117 subsequently induced G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. These data highlight the significant potential of DFX117 as a feasible and efficacious agent for the treatment of NSCLC patients.
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Dratkiewicz E, Pietraszek-Gremplewicz K, Simiczyjew A, Mazur AJ, Nowak D. Gefitinib or lapatinib with foretinib synergistically induce a cytotoxic effect in melanoma cell lines. Oncotarget 2018; 9:18254-18268. [PMID: 29719603 PMCID: PMC5915070 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 02/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is an aggressive cancer type with a high mortality rate and an elevated resistance to conventional treatment. Recently, promising new tools for anti-melanoma targeted therapy have emerged including inhibitors directed against frequently overexpressed receptors of growth factors implicated in the progression of this cancer. The ineffectiveness of single-targeted therapy prompted us to study the efficacy of treatment with a combination of foretinib, a MET (hepatocyte growth factor receptor) inhibitor, and gefitinib or lapatinib, EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) inhibitors. We observed a synergistic cytotoxic effect for the combination of foretinib and lapatinib on the viability and proliferation of the examined melanoma cell lines. This combination of inhibitors significantly decreased Akt and Erk phosphorylation, while the drugs used independently were insufficient. Additionally, after treatment with pairs of inhibitors, cells became larger, with more pronounced stress fibers and abnormally shaped nuclei. We also noticed the appearance of polyploid cells and massive enrichment in the G2/M phase. Therefore, combination treatment was much more effective against melanoma cells than a single-targeted approach. Based on our results, we conclude that both EGFR and MET receptors might be effective targets in melanoma therapy. However, variation in their levels in patients should be taken into consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewelina Dratkiewicz
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | - Aleksandra Simiczyjew
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Antonina Joanna Mazur
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Dorota Nowak
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
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Zhang H, Bao Z, Liao H, Li W, Chen Z, Shen H, Ying S. The efficacy and safety of tivantinib in the treatment of solid tumors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Oncotarget 2017; 8:113153-113162. [PMID: 29348894 PMCID: PMC5762579 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.22615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tivantinib was designed to kill cancers by targeting the mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) protein. Although numerous tivantinib clinical trials are ongoing, tivantinib's efficacy and safety are still not clear. This meta-analysis was done to evaluate tivantinib's efficacy and safety in solid tumor treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS PUBMED, EMBASE, and other databases were searched for eligible tivantinib clinical trials. The hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of progression-free and overall survival (PFS and OS, respectively) were pooled and analyzed to evaluate tivantinib's efficacy. Data concerning adverse events (Grade ≥ 3) were pooled to calculate relative risks (RRs) with 95% CI for tivantinib-treated compared with control arms. FINDINGS Patients (1824) from six randomized control trials (RCTs) were enrolled. Compared with controls, tivantinib produced a significant improvement in PFS (HR, 0.73; 95% CI 0.65-0.83) but not in OS. In the non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) subgroup, tivantinib combined with erlotinib prolonged patients' PFS when compared with controls (HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.65-0.86). In the white population, tivantinib also significantly improve PFS between treatment and control arms (HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.65-0.87). Tivantinib significantly improved OS in patients with high levels of MET expression. Tivantinib was shown to increase the risk of anemia and neutropenia. INTERPRETATION Tivantinib was better in prolonging PFS (not OS) in patients with solid tumors. High MET expression cancers may benefit from tivantinib. Tivantinib appeared to be well-tolerated by patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhengqiang Bao
- Department of Cancer Center, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hongwei Liao
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wen Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhihua Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Huahao Shen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Songmin Ying
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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Lara MS, Holland WS, Chinn D, Burich RA, Lara PN, Gandara DR, Kelly K, Mack PC. Preclinical Evaluation of MET Inhibitor INC-280 With or Without the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitor Erlotinib in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer. Clin Lung Cancer 2016; 18:281-285. [PMID: 28038979 DOI: 10.1016/j.cllc.2016.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Revised: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor erlotinib is initially effective in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with tumors harboring activating mutations of EGFR, most subsequently develop acquired resistance. One recognized resistance mechanism occurs through activation of bypass signaling via the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-MET pathway. INC-280 is a small molecule kinase inhibitor of MET. We sought to demonstrate the activity of INC-280 on select NSCLC cell lines both as a single agent and in combination with erlotinib using exogenous HGF to simulate MET up-regulation. METHODS Four NSCLC cell lines (HCC827, PC9, H1666, and H358) were treated with either single-agent INC-280 or in combination with erlotinib with or without HGF. The activity of the drug treatments was measured by cell viability assays. Immunoblotting was used to monitor expression of EGFR/pEGFR, MET/pMET, GAB1/pGAB1, AKT/pAKT, and ERK/pERK as well as markers of apoptosis (PARP and capase-3 cleavage) in H1666, HCC827, and PC9. RESULTS As a single agent, INC-280 showed minimal cytotoxicity despite potent inhibition of MET kinase activity at concentrations as low as 10 nM. Addition of HGF prevented erlotinib-induced cell death. The addition of INC280 to HGF-mediated erlotinib-resistant models restored erlotinib sensitivity for all cell lines tested, associated with cleavage of both PARP and caspase-3. In these models, INC-280 treatment was sufficient to restore erlotinib-induced inhibition of MET, GAB1, AKT, and ERK in the presence of HGF. CONCLUSION Although the MET inhibitor INC-280 alone had no discernible effect on cell growth, it was able to restore sensitivity to erlotinib and promote apoptosis in NSCLC models rendered erlotinib resistant by HGF. These data provide a preclinical rationale for an ongoing phase 1 clinical trial of erlotinib plus INC-280 in EGFR-mutated NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S Lara
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Davis, CA
| | - William S Holland
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Davis, CA
| | - Danielle Chinn
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Davis, CA
| | - Rebekah A Burich
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Davis, CA
| | - Primo N Lara
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Davis, CA
| | - David R Gandara
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Davis, CA
| | - Karen Kelly
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Davis, CA
| | - Philip C Mack
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Davis, CA.
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Ye S, Li J, Hao K, Yan J, Zhou H. The Efficacy and Risk Profile of c-Met inhibitors in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: a Meta-analysis. Sci Rep 2016; 6:35770. [PMID: 27786238 PMCID: PMC5081544 DOI: 10.1038/srep35770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
c-MET inhibitors are considered as a kind of novel drugs in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment. However, the results of different clinical studies involving c-MET inhibitors were not consistent. In this report, we performed Meta-analysis to investigate the beneficial and harmful effects of these drugs from 9 studies including 1611 patients in target drug groups and 1605 patients in control groups. As a result, patients in target drugs group had longer progression free survival (PFS) (HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.66-0.99, p = 0.04) but not overall survival (OS) than those in control group, especially in Asian (HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.42-0.76, p < 0.001), Non-squamous (HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.64-0.97, p = 0.03), Phase III (HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.50-0.86, p = 0.002), previous treated (HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.63-0.95, p = 0.01) and small molecular compounds subgroups (HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.50-0.78, p < 0.001). In addition, target drugs did not affect the objective response rate (ORR) but improved disease control rate (DCR) (RR 1.22, 95% CI 1.02-1.46, p = 0.03) of NSCLC patients. Our study first indicated that targeting c-MET therapies improved PFS and DCR in advanced or metastatic NSCLC patients, especially in previous treated Asian patients with adenocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sa Ye
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiuke Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ke Hao
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianping Yan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hongbin Zhou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Stella GM, Gentile A, Baderacchi A, Meloni F, Milan M, Benvenuti S. Ockham's razor for the MET-driven invasive growth linking idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and cancer. J Transl Med 2016; 14:256. [PMID: 27590450 PMCID: PMC5010719 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-016-1008-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) identifies a specific lung disorder characterized by chronic, progressive fibrosing interstitial pneumonia of unknown etiology, which lacks effective treatment. According to the current pathogenic perspective, the aberrant proliferative events in IPF resemble those occurring during malignant transformation. MAIN BODY Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) are known to be key players in cancer onset and progression. It has been demonstrated that RTK expression is sometimes also altered and even druggable in IPF. One example of an RTK-the MET proto-oncogene-is a key regulator of invasive growth. This physiological genetic program supports embryonic development and post-natal organ regeneration, as well as cooperating in the evolution of cancer metastasis when aberrantly activated. Growing evidence sustains that MET activation may collaborate in maintaining tissue plasticity and the regenerative potential that characterizes IPF. CONCLUSION The present work aims to elucidate-by applying the logic of simplicity-the bio-molecular mechanisms involved in MET activation in IPF. This clarification is crucial to accurately design MET blockade strategies within a fully personalized approach to IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia M. Stella
- Pneumology Unit, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Department, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation and University of Pavia Medical School, Piazzale Golgi 19, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Investigational Clinical Oncology (INCO), IRCCS Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, Candiolo, 20060 Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gentile
- Experimental Clinical Molecular Oncology (ECMO), IRCCS Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, Candiolo, 20060 Turin, Italy
| | - Alice Baderacchi
- Investigational Clinical Oncology (INCO), IRCCS Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, Candiolo, 20060 Turin, Italy
| | - Federica Meloni
- Pneumology Unit, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Department, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation and University of Pavia Medical School, Piazzale Golgi 19, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Melissa Milan
- Experimental Clinical Molecular Oncology (ECMO), IRCCS Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, Candiolo, 20060 Turin, Italy
| | - Silvia Benvenuti
- Experimental Clinical Molecular Oncology (ECMO), IRCCS Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, Candiolo, 20060 Turin, Italy
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Wu X, Liu X, Koul S, Lee CY, Zhang Z, Halmos B. AXL kinase as a novel target for cancer therapy. Oncotarget 2015; 5:9546-63. [PMID: 25337673 PMCID: PMC4259419 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.2542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The AXL receptor tyrosine kinase and its major ligand, GAS6 have been demonstrated to be overexpressed and activated in many human cancers (such as lung, breast, and pancreatic cancer) and have been correlated with poor prognosis, promotion of increased invasiveness/metastasis, the EMT phenotype and drug resistance. Targeting AXL in different model systems with specific small molecule kinase inhibitors or antibodies alone or in combination with other drugs can lead to inactivation of AXL-mediated signaling pathways and can lead to regained drug sensitivity and improved therapeutic efficacy, defining AXL as a promising novel target for cancer therapeutics. This review highlights the data supporting AXL as a novel treatment candidate in a variety of cancers as well as the current status of drug development targeting the AXL/GAS6 axis and future perspectives in this emerging field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoliang Wu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuewen Liu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China. Division of Hematology/Oncology, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sanjay Koul
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chang Youl Lee
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital Hallym University Medical Center, Chuncheon-si Gangwon-do 200-704 Republic of Korea
| | - Zhenfeng Zhang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Balazs Halmos
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Lung cancer is the most common malignant neoplasm and constitutes the most common neoplastic cause of death globally. The results of therapies employing standard chemotherapy are unsatisfactory. Currently, efforts are being made to personalize the therapy; numerous clinical studies are being conducted around the world to assess the efficacy and safety of agents directed at molecular targets. One of these molecular targets is the c-MET proto-oncogene, whose primary ligand is hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). C-MET hyperactivity has been observed in numerous neoplasms, including non-small-cell lung carcinoma. Prolonged or continuous activity of the receptor leads to excessive cell proliferation and is related to the development or progression of neoplastic disease. C-MET inhibitors can be classified into three groups: small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors of the c-MET receptor (crizotinib, tivantinib, cabozantinib, foretinib), as well as monoclonal antibodies against c-MET (onartuzumab) and against the HGF ligand (ficlatuzumab, rilotumumab). The efficacy and safety of these agents is assessed both in monotherapy and in combination with other molecularly targeted agents. Furthermore, the toxicity profile of c-MET inhibitors is completely different from that of standard chemotherapy. The best understood c-MET inhibitor used in the treatment of non-small-cell lung carcinoma patients is crizotinib. It is registered for patients with the presence of ALK gene rearrangements after the failure of the first line of treatment based on platinum derivatives. The purpose of this present paper is to present clinical studies that assessed the efficacy and safety of c-MET inhibitors for the treatment of non-small-cell lung carcinoma, as well as current indications for the use of these molecules.
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Kawada I, Hasina R, Arif Q, Mueller J, Smithberger E, Husain AN, Vokes EE, Salgia R. Dramatic antitumor effects of the dual MET/RON small-molecule inhibitor LY2801653 in non-small cell lung cancer. Cancer Res 2013; 74:884-95. [PMID: 24305878 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-12-3583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Lung cancer is a heterogeneous disease encompassing a wide array of genetic abnormalities. The MET receptor tyrosine kinase is altered in many lung cancers, especially non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and clinical trials of MET inhibitors that are under way are documenting cases of acquired resistance. On the basis of the evidence that the RON tyrosine kinase receptor can also be overexpressed in NSCLC, we evaluated the potent MET/RON dual kinase inhibitor LY2801653 in this setting. LY2801653 was more efficacious than the MET/ALK/RON/ROS inhibitor crizotinib with a distinct pattern of downstream signaling effects. Using the PamGene platform, we found that inhibition of MET and RON was associated with decreased phosphorylation of CBL, PI3K, and STAT3. In classic and orthotopic mouse xenograft models of lung cancer, LY2801653 decreased tumor growth, dramatically inhibiting mitotic events and angiogenesis. Taken together, our results argued that specific targeting of the MET/RON kinases could provide robust inhibition of cell proliferation and tumor outgrowth in multiple in vitro and in vivo models of NSCLC. These findings offer a robust preclinical proof of concept for MET/RON targeting by LY2801653 as a promising small-molecule modality to treat NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ichiro Kawada
- Authors' Affiliations: Departments of Medicine and Pathology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
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