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Deng C, Deng G, Chu H, Chen S, Chen X, Li X, He Y, Sun C, Zhang C. Construction of a hypoxia-immune-related prognostic panel based on integrated single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing analyses in gastric cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1140328. [PMID: 37180146 PMCID: PMC10169567 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1140328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most common tumor, contributing to the third-highest number of cancer-related deaths. Hypoxia is a major feature of the tumor microenvironment. This study aimed to explore the influence of hypoxia in GC and establish a hypoxia-related prognostic panel. Methods The GC scRNA-seq data and bulk RNA-seq data were downloaded from the GEO and TCGA databases, respectively. AddModuleScore() and AUCell() were used to calculate module scores and fractions of enrichment for hypoxia-related gene expression in single cells. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator cox (LASSO-COX) regression analysis was utilized to build a prognostic panel, and hub RNAs were validated by qPCR. The CIBERSORT algorithm was adopted to evaluate immune infiltration. The finding of immune infiltration was validated by a dual immunohistochemistry staining. The TIDE score, TIS score and ESTIMATE were used to evaluate the immunotherapy predictive efficacy. Results Hypoxia-related scores were the highest in fibroblasts, and 166 differentially expressed genes were identified. Five hypoxia-related genes were incorporated into the hypoxia-related prognostic panel. 4 hypoxia-related genes (including POSTN, BMP4, MXRA5 and LBH) were significantly upregulated in clinical GC samples compared with the normal group, while APOD expression decreased in GC samples. Similar results were found between cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and normal fibroblasts (NFs). A high hypoxia score was associated with advanced grade, TNM stage, N stage, and poorer prognosis. Decreased antitumor immune cells and increased cancer-promoting immune cells were found in patients with high hypoxia scores. Dual immunohistochemistry staining showed high expression of CD8 and ACTA2 in gastric cancer tissue. In addition, the high hypoxia score group possessed higher TIDE scores, indicating poor immunotherapy benefit. A high hypoxia score was also firmly related to sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs. Discussion This hypoxia-related prognostic panel may be effective in predicting the clinical prognosis, immune infiltrations, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy in GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuncan Deng
- Digestive Diseases Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guofei Deng
- Digestive Diseases Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hongwu Chu
- Digestive Diseases Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Songyao Chen
- Digestive Diseases Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiancong Chen
- Digestive Diseases Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xing Li
- Digestive Diseases Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yulong He
- Digestive Diseases Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Chunhui Sun
- Digestive Diseases Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Changhua Zhang
- Digestive Diseases Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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Sahgal P, Huffman BM, Patil DT, Chatila WK, Yaeger R, Cleary JM, Sethi NS. Early TP53 Alterations Shape Gastric and Esophageal Cancer Development. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5915. [PMID: 34885025 PMCID: PMC8657039 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13235915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric and esophageal (GE) adenocarcinomas are the third and sixth most common causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide, accounting for greater than 1.25 million annual deaths. Despite the advancements in the multi-disciplinary treatment approaches, the prognosis for patients with GE adenocarcinomas remains poor, with a 5-year survival of 32% and 19%, respectively, mainly due to the late-stage diagnosis and aggressive nature of these cancers. Premalignant lesions characterized by atypical glandular proliferation, with neoplastic cells confined to the basement membrane, often precede malignant disease. We now appreciate that premalignant lesions also carry cancer-associated mutations, enabling disease progression in the right environmental context. A better understanding of the premalignant-to-malignant transition can help us diagnose, prevent, and treat GE adenocarcinoma. Here, we discuss the evidence suggesting that alterations in TP53 occur early in GE adenocarcinoma evolution, are selected for under environmental stressors, are responsible for shaping the genomic mechanisms for pathway dysregulation in cancer progression, and lead to potential vulnerabilities that can be exploited by a specific class of targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranshu Sahgal
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (P.S.); (B.M.H.); (J.M.C.)
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Brandon M. Huffman
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (P.S.); (B.M.H.); (J.M.C.)
| | - Deepa T. Patil
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA;
| | - Walid K. Chatila
- Tri-Institutional Program in Computational Biology and Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021, USA;
- Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Rona Yaeger
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | - James M. Cleary
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (P.S.); (B.M.H.); (J.M.C.)
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Nilay S. Sethi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (P.S.); (B.M.H.); (J.M.C.)
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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High ELK3 expression is associated with the VEGF-C/VEGFR-3 axis and gastric tumorigenesis and enhances infiltration of M2 macrophages. Future Med Chem 2020; 12:2209-2224. [PMID: 33191789 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2019-0337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To assess the expression and effect of ELK3 in gastric cancer, along with its associations with the VEGF-C/VEGFR-3 axis, IC50 of the VEGFR-3 inhibitor axitinib and immune infiltration of M2-polarized macrophages in gastric cancer, and to analyze the possible epigenetic regulation mechanism. Materials & methods: Expression profiles and methylation data from 1645 samples were obtained and examined from multi-institutional public datasets. The associations were assessed by multiple analysis methods. Results: Elevated ELK3 is associated with the VEGF-C/VEGFR-3 axis and tumorigenesis, reduces the effect of axitinib in vitro, enhances immune infiltration of M2 macrophages and affects clinical outcomes. Hypomethylation contributes to the upregulation of ELK3 in gastric cancer. Conclusions: ELK3 is a potential therapeutic target which reduces the effect of axitinib and enhances infiltration of M2-polarized macrophages.
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Yang L, Yu Y, Zhang Q, Li X, Zhang C, Mao T, Liu S, Tian Z. Anti-gastric cancer effect of Salidroside through elevating miR-99a expression. ARTIFICIAL CELLS, NANOMEDICINE, AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2019; 47:3500-3510. [PMID: 31432697 DOI: 10.1080/21691401.2019.1652626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Salidroside is an active ingredient extracted from Rhodiola rosea that has anti-tumor activities. The current paper attempted to assess the impact of Salidroside on gastric cancer (GC) and explore the potential mechanism. GC cell lines (SNU-216 and MGC803) and gastric epithelial cell line GES-1 were treated with Salidroside. CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, flow cytometry and Transwell assay were respectively performed to evaluate GC cells phenotype. qRT-PCR and western blot were conducted to reveal the downstream genes and signaling of Salidroside. We found that 800 μM Salidroside was capable of reducing GC cells viability, while has no such impacts on GES-1 cells. Salidroside inhibited GC cells proliferation, migration, invasion and promoted apoptosis, which coupled with the down-regulation of p21, Bcl-2, MMP2, RhoA, p-ROCK1, Vimentin and the up-regulations of CyclinD1, Bax, cleaved caspases. miR-99a was found to be highly expressed in response to Salidroside treatment. Besides, the inhibition of MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling induced by Salidroside was attenuated by miR-99a silence and in this process, IGF1R worked as a target of miR-99a. The anti-GC effect of Salidroside was also confirmed in a mouse model of GC. The promoting effect of Salidroside on miR-99a expression was also verified in vivo. Furthermore, Salidroside promoted the cisplatin-sensitivity of SGC7901/DDP cells. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that Salidroside possessed anti-GC effects through regulating miR-99a/IGF1R axis and inhibiting MAPK/ERK and PI3K/AKT pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University , Qingdao , China
| | - Yanan Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University , Qingdao , China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University , Qingdao , China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University , Qingdao , China
| | - Cuiping Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University , Qingdao , China
| | - Tao Mao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University , Qingdao , China
| | - Siliang Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University , Qingdao , China
| | - Zibin Tian
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University , Qingdao , China
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Bu JY, Lv WZ, Liao YF, Xiao XY, Lv BJ. Long non-coding RNA LINC00978 promotes cell proliferation and tumorigenesis via regulating microRNA-497/NTRK3 axis in gastric cancer. Int J Biol Macromol 2018; 123:1106-1114. [PMID: 30452981 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.11.162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2018] [Revised: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is the most common gastrointestinal malignancy in the digestive system. Recent studies have proven that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are closely related to tumor growth and metastasis. The study aimed to explore the effect of LINC00978 on GC cells proliferation and tumorigenesis. LINC00978 was up-regulated in GC tissues and cell lines. Up-regulation of LINC00978 was positively correlated with low survival rate. LINC00978 silence inhibited proliferation, metastasis, and promoted apoptosis in BGC-823 cells. Additionally, LINC00978 functioned as competing endogenous RNA to inhibit miR-497 expression. Further, NTRK3 was confirmed as a target gene of miR-497. Up-regulation of NTRK3 was found in GC tissues, and the positive correlation was presented between LINC00978 and NTRK3. Further, LINC00978 promoted cell proliferation and tumor weight by regulation of NTRK3. These findings demonstrated that LINC00978 promoted cell proliferation and tumorigenesis by regulating miR-497/NTRK3 axis in GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju-Yuan Bu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong 519000, China
| | - Wei-Ze Lv
- Department of Interventional Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong 519000, China
| | - Yi-Feng Liao
- Department of Tumor Chemotherapy, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong 519000, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Xiao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong 519000, China
| | - Bao-Jun Lv
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai, Guangdong 519000, China.
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Stomatitis and VEGFR-Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (VR-TKIs): A Review of Current Literature in 4369 Patients. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:5035217. [PMID: 29992147 PMCID: PMC5994328 DOI: 10.1155/2018/5035217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2018] [Revised: 02/25/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Background Multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) represent a new class of target-specific antineoplastic agents. These agents show some specific adverse events such as fatigue/asthenia, anorexia/loss of appetite, dysgeusia, diarrhea/abdominal pain, hypothyroidism, hypertension, myelosuppression, and stomatitis. Materials and Methods A systematic search was performed on PubMed online database using a combination of MESH terms and free text words, “sunitinib” OR “sorafenib” OR “axitinib” OR “cabozantinib” OR “pazopanib” OR “regorafenib” OR “nintedanib” OR “vatalanib” combined through the use of Boolean operator AND with the key words “stomatitis” OR “mucositis,” (i) on human subjects, (ii) written in the English language, and (iii) reporting about the incidence of stomatitis or oral mucositis. Results The incidence of stomatitis of any grade was 35.2% for sunitinib, 20.52% for sorafenib, 20.63% for axitinib, and 34.21% for cabozantinib. All the agents showed high rates of low-grade stomatitis (G1-G2), while the onset of severe stomatitis (G3-G4) was very low. Conclusions Analysis of the reports with patients treated with sunitinib, sorafenib, axitinib, and cabozantinib showed a clear prevalence of stomatitis grade 1 or grade 2. These data differ from those of patients treated with conventional chemotherapy in which mucositis is predominantly of grade 3 or grade 4.
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Chen LT, Oh DY, Ryu MH, Yeh KH, Yeo W, Carlesi R, Cheng R, Kim J, Orlando M, Kang YK. Anti-angiogenic Therapy in Patients with Advanced Gastric and Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer: A Systematic Review. Cancer Res Treat 2017; 49:851-868. [PMID: 28052652 PMCID: PMC5654167 DOI: 10.4143/crt.2016.176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite advancements in therapy for advanced gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancers, their prognosis remains dismal. Tumor angiogenesis plays a key role in cancer growth and metastasis, and recent studies indicate that pharmacologic blockade of angiogenesis is a promising approach to therapy. In this systematic review, we summarize current literature on the clinical benefit of anti-angiogenic agents in advanced gastric cancer. We conducted a systematic search of PubMed and conference proceedings including the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the European Society for Medical Oncology, and the European Cancer Congress. Included studies aimed to prospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of anti-angiogenic agents in advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer. Each trial investigated at least one of the following endpoints: overall survival, progression-free survival/time to progression, and/or objective response rate. Our search yielded 139 publications. Forty-two met the predefined inclusion criteria. Included studies reported outcomes with apatinib, axitinib, bevacizumab, orantinib, pazopanib, ramucirumab, regorafenib, sorafenib, sunitinib, telatinib, and vandetanib. Second-line therapy with ramucirumab and third-line therapy with apatinib are the only anti-angiogenic agents so far shown to significantly improve survival of patients with advanced gastric cancer. Overall, agents that specifically target the vascular endothelial growth factor ligand or receptor have better safety profile compared to multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Tzong Chen
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes and National Cheng Kung University Hospital, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Do-Youn Oh
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Min-Hee Ryu
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kun-Huei Yeh
- Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Winnie Yeo
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | | | | | | | - Yoon-Koo Kang
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Pinto MP, Owen GI, Retamal I, Garrido M. Angiogenesis inhibitors in early development for gastric cancer. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2017; 26:1007-1017. [PMID: 28770623 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2017.1361926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Angiogenesis, or the generation of new blood vessels from pre-existent ones is a critical process for tumor growth and progression. Hence, the development of angiogenesis inhibitors with therapeutic potential has been a central focus for researchers. Most angiogenesis inhibitors target the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) pathway, however a number of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) and inhibitors of the mammalian Target-Of-Rapamycin (mTOR) pathway also display antiangiogenic activity. Areas covered: Here we review the effectiveness of a variety of compounds with antiangiogenic properties in preclinical and clinical settings in gastric cancer (GC). Expert opinion: In coming years angiogenesis will remain as a therapeutic target in GC. To date, ramucirumab a monoclonal antibody that targets VEGFR2 is the most successful antiangiogenic tested in clinical studies, and it is now well established as a second-line therapy in GC. The arrival of precision medicine and the success of immune checkpoint inhibitors will increase the number of clinical trials using targeted agents like ramucirumab in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors. A hypothetical working model that combines ramucirumab with immunotherapy is presented. Also, the impact of nanotechnology and a molecular subtype classification of GC are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio P Pinto
- a School of Biological Sciences, Department of Physiology , Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile , Santiago , Chile
- b Center UC for Investigation in Oncology (CITO) , Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile , Santiago , Chile
- c School of Chemistry and Biology, Laboratory on the Immunology of Reproduction , Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile , Santiago , Chile
| | - Gareth I Owen
- a School of Biological Sciences, Department of Physiology , Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile , Santiago , Chile
- b Center UC for Investigation in Oncology (CITO) , Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile , Santiago , Chile
- d School of Medicine, Department of Hematology and Oncology , Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile , Santiago , Chile
| | - Ignacio Retamal
- b Center UC for Investigation in Oncology (CITO) , Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile , Santiago , Chile
- d School of Medicine, Department of Hematology and Oncology , Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile , Santiago , Chile
| | - Marcelo Garrido
- b Center UC for Investigation in Oncology (CITO) , Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile , Santiago , Chile
- d School of Medicine, Department of Hematology and Oncology , Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile , Santiago , Chile
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Choi Y, Ko YS, Park J, Choi Y, Kim Y, Pyo JS, Jang BG, Hwang DH, Kim WH, Lee BL. HER2-induced metastasis is mediated by AKT/JNK/EMT signaling pathway in gastric cancer. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:9141-9153. [PMID: 27895401 PMCID: PMC5107595 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i41.9141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Revised: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigated the relationships between HER2, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and protein kinase B (AKT) with respect to metastatic potential of HER2-positive gastric cancer (GC) cells.
METHODS Immunohistochemistry was performed on tissue array slides containing 423 human GC specimens. Using HER2-positve GC cell lines SNU-216 and NCI-N87, HER2 expression was silenced by RNA interference, and the activations of JNK and AKT were suppressed by SP600125 and LY294002, respectively. Transwell assay, Western blot, semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence staining were used in cell culture experiments.
RESULTS In GC specimens, HER2, JNK, and AKT activations were positively correlated with each other. In vitro analysis revealed a positive regulatory feedback loop between HER2 and JNK in GC cell lines and the role of JNK as a downstream effector of AKT in the HER2/AKT signaling pathway. JNK inhibition suppressed migratory capacity through reversing EMT and dual inhibition of JNK and AKT induced a more profound effect on cancer cell motility.
CONCLUSION HER2, JNK and AKT in human GC specimens are positively associated with each other. JNK and AKT, downstream effectors of HER2, co-operatively contribute to the metastatic potential of HER2-positive GC cells. Thus, targeting of these two molecules in combination with HER2 downregulation may be a good approach to combat HER2-positive GC.
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