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Nie JH, Yang T, Li H, Li S, Li TT, Ye HS, Lu MD, Chu X, Zhong GQ, Zhou JL, Wu ML, Zhang Y, Liu J. Frequently Expressed Glypican-3 As A Promising Novel Therapeutic Target for Osteosarcomas. Cancer Sci 2022; 113:3618-3632. [PMID: 35946078 PMCID: PMC9530858 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15521] [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: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common bone malignancy without a reliable therapeutic target. Glypican-3 (GPC3) mutation and upregulation have been detected in multi-drug resistant OS, and anti-GPC3 immunotherapy can effectively suppress the growth of organoids. Further profiling of GPC3 mutations and expression patterns in OS is of clinical significance. To address these issues, fresh OS specimens were collected from 24 patients for cancer-targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) and three-dimensional patient-derived organoid (PDO) culture. A tumor microarray was prepared using 37 archived OS specimens. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was performed on OS specimens and microarrays to profile GPC3 and CD133 expression as well as intratumoral distribution patterns. RT-PCR was conducted to semi-quantify GPC3 and CD133 expression levels in the OS tissues. Anti-GPC3 immunotherapy was performed on OS organoids with or without GPC3 expression and its efficacy was analyzed using multiple experimental approaches. No OS cases with GPC3 mutations were found, except for the positive control (OS-08). IHC staining revealed GPC3 expression in 73.77% (45/61) of OSs in weak (+; 29/45), moderate (++; 8/45), and strong (+++; 8/45) immunolabeling densities. The intratumoral distribution of GPC3-positive cells was variable in the focal (+; 10-30%; 8/45), partial (++; 31-70%; 22/45), and the most positive patterns (+++; > 71%; 15/45), which coincided with CD133 immunolabeling (P = 9.89×10-10 ). The anti-GPC3 antibody efficiently inhibits Wnt/β-catenin signaling and induces apoptosis in GPC3-positive PDOs and PDXs, as opposed to GPC3-negative PDOs and PDXs. The high frequency of GPC3 and CD133 co-expression and the effectiveness of anti-wildtype GPC3-ab therapy in GPC3-positive OS models suggest that GPC3 is a novel prognostic parameter and a promising therapeutic target for osteosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Hua Nie
- South China University of Technology School of Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tao Yang
- Department of Orthopedic Oncology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to South China University of Technology School of Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hong Li
- BioMed Laboratory, Guangzhou Jingke Biotech Group, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sheng Li
- BioMed Laboratory, Guangzhou Jingke Biotech Group, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ting-Ting Li
- BioMed Laboratory, Guangzhou Jingke Biotech Group, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hai-Shan Ye
- South China University of Technology School of Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meng-Di Lu
- South China University of Technology School of Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao Chu
- Department of Orthopedic Oncology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to South China University of Technology School of Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guo-Qing Zhong
- Department of Orthopedic Oncology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to South China University of Technology School of Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie-Long Zhou
- Department of Orthopedic Oncology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to South China University of Technology School of Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mo-Li Wu
- Liaoning Laboratory of Cancer Genomics and Epigenomics, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Orthopedic Oncology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to South China University of Technology School of Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia Liu
- South China University of Technology School of Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,Liaoning Laboratory of Cancer Genomics and Epigenomics, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
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Li D, Lin S, Hong J, Ho M. Immunotherapy for hepatobiliary cancers: Emerging targets and translational advances. Adv Cancer Res 2022; 156:415-449. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2022.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Bakrania A, Zheng G, Bhat M. Nanomedicine in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A New Frontier in Targeted Cancer Treatment. Pharmaceutics 2021; 14:41. [PMID: 35056937 PMCID: PMC8779722 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14010041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related death and is associated with a dismal median survival of 2-9 months. The fundamental limitations and ineffectiveness of current HCC treatments have led to the development of a vast range of nanotechnologies with the goal of improving the safety and efficacy of treatment for HCC. Although remarkable success has been achieved in nanomedicine research, there are unique considerations such as molecular heterogeneity and concomitant liver dysfunction that complicate the translation of nanotheranostics in HCC. This review highlights the progress, challenges, and targeting opportunities in HCC nanomedicine based on the growing literature in recent years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Bakrania
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada;
- Ajmera Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2N2, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C1, Canada;
| | - Gang Zheng
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C1, Canada;
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Mamatha Bhat
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada;
- Ajmera Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2N2, Canada
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
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Nakamura M, Xu C, Diack C, Ohishi N, Lee RM, Iida S, Kawanishi T, Ohtomo T, Abou-Alfa GK, Chen YC. Time-to-event modelling of effect of codrituzumab on overall survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2018; 84:944-951. [PMID: 29381229 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.13530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Revised: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Codrituzumab (GC33) is a recombinant, humanized mAb that binds to glypican-3 (GPC3), an oncofetal protein highly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This investigation aimed to identify clinically relevant factors that may affect the overall survival (OS) in HCC patients treated with codrituzumab and to quantitatively annotate their effects. METHODS Codrituzumab exposure was estimated by a population pharmacokinetics model with a nonlinear elimination pathway. Analysis of OS was performed using a time-to-event model in 181 patients with advanced HCC. The model was tested with the addition of various covariates, including levels of immune biomarkers, such as CD16 (measured in terms of molecules of equivalent soluble fluorophore; CD16MESF ) and CD4, codrituzumab exposure and potential prognostic biomarkers of HCC such as baseline tumour size and soluble GPC3. RESULTS The time-to-event model estimated a prolonged OS (>3 months) in patients with codrituzumab exposure of ≥230 μg ml-1 and high CD16MESF level (>5.26 × 105 MESF at least). The Weibull model was selected as the base hazard model. The baseline tumour size was included in the hazard model as a parameter independent of the drug effect. A logistic model was applied to explain the effects of drug exposure and CD16MESF level. CONCLUSIONS The final model indicates that adequate drug exposure plus a favourable immune environment are associated with prolonged OS. This quantitative model should be further validated with emerging data so as to guide study design in future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikiko Nakamura
- Translational Clinical Research Science & Strategy Dept., Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chao Xu
- Translational and Clinical Research Center, Hoffmann-La Roche Inc., New York City, USA
| | - Cheikh Diack
- Clinical Pharmacology, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Norihisa Ohishi
- Translational Clinical Research Science & Strategy Dept., Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ruey-Min Lee
- Translational and Clinical Research Center, Hoffmann-La Roche Inc., New York City, USA
| | - Satofumi Iida
- Translational Clinical Research Science & Strategy Dept., Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takehiko Kawanishi
- Translational Clinical Research Science & Strategy Dept., Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshihiko Ohtomo
- Project Planning & Coordination Dept., Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Ya-Chi Chen
- Translational and Clinical Research Center, Hoffmann-La Roche Inc., New York City, USA
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Turato C, Balasso A, Carloni V, Tiribelli C, Mastrotto F, Mazzocca A, Pontisso P. New molecular targets for functionalized nanosized drug delivery systems in personalized therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. J Control Release 2017; 268:184-197. [PMID: 29051062 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2017.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Revised: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/14/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma, the most frequent solid tumor of the liver, has a very poor prognosis, being the second most common cause of death from cancer worldwide. The incidence and mortality of this liver tumor are increasing in most areas of the world as a consequence of aging and the emerging of new risk factors such as the metabolic syndrome, beside the recognized role of hepatitis B and C viral infections and alcohol abuse. Despite the increasing knowledge on the molecular mechanisms underlying hepatic carcinogenesis, effective therapeutic strategies are still an unmet clinical need. Efforts have been made to develop selective drugs as well as effective targeted drug delivery systems. The development of novel drug carriers for therapeutic molecules can indeed offer a valuable strategy to ameliorate the efficacy of HCC treatment. In this review, we discuss recent drug delivery strategies for HCC treatment based on the exploitation of targeted nanoparticles (NPs). Indeed, a few of these platforms have achieved an advanced stage of preclinical development. Here, we review the most promising drug nanovehicles based on both synthetic and natural polymers, including polysaccharides that have emerged for their biocompatibility and biodegradability. To maximize site-selectivity and therapeutic efficacy, drug delivery systems should be functionalized with ligands which can specifically recognize and bind targets expressed by HCC, namely cell membrane associated antigens, receptors or biotransporters. Cell surface and intracellular molecular targets are exploited either to selectively deliver drug-loaded nanovehicles or to design novel selective therapeutics. In conclusion, the combination of novel and safe drug delivery strategies based on site-specific targeted drug nanovehicles with therapeutic molecular targets may significantly improve the pharmacological efficacy for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Balasso
- Department of Pharmaceutical & Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Vinicio Carloni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Mastrotto
- Department of Pharmaceutical & Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Antonio Mazzocca
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy.
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Zhou F, Shang W, Yu X, Tian J. Glypican-3: A promising biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis and treatment. Med Res Rev 2017. [PMID: 28621802 DOI: 10.1002/med.21455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Liver cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type. Therefore, molecular targets are urgently required for the early detection of HCC and the development of novel therapeutic approaches. Glypican-3 (GPC3), an oncofetal proteoglycan anchored to the cell membrane, is normally detected in the fetal liver but not in the healthy adult liver. However, in HCC patients, GPC3 is overexpressed at both the gene and protein levels, and its expression predicts a poor prognosis. Mechanistic studies have revealed that GPC3 functions in HCC progression by binding to molecules such as Wnt signaling proteins and growth factors. Moreover, GPC3 has been used as a target for molecular imaging and therapeutic intervention in HCC. To date, GPC3-targeted magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, and near-infrared imaging have been investigated for early HCC detection, and various immunotherapeutic protocols targeting GPC3 have been developed, including the use of humanized anti-GPC3 cytotoxic antibodies, treatment with peptide/DNA vaccines, immunotoxin therapies, and genetic therapies. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the structure, function, and biology of GPC3 with a focus on its clinical potential as a diagnostic molecule and a therapeutic target in HCC immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fubo Zhou
- Department of Interventional Ultrasound, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Wenting Shang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Xiaoling Yu
- Department of Interventional Ultrasound, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Jie Tian
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
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Yao H, Yang Z, Liu Z, Miao X, Yang L, Li D, Zou Q, Yuan Y. Glypican-3 and KRT19 are markers associating with metastasis and poor prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Cancer Biomark 2017; 17:397-404. [PMID: 27689616 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-160655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly malignant tumor with metastasis in most patients at diagnosis. The molecular mechanisms associated with its high malignancy have not been fully elucidated. This study investigated the clinicopathological significances of GPC3 and KRT19 expression in PDAC. METHODS GPC3, KRT19, and CA19-9 protein expression were measured by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS GPC3 and KRT19 protein levels were overexpressed in PDAC tumors compared to normal pancreatic tissues, benign pancreatic tissues, and peritumoral tissues (P< 0.01). The percentage of positive GPC3 and KRT19 expression were significantly higher in PDAC patients with larger tumor size, poorly differentiated tumor, lymph node metastasis, invasion, and TNM stage III/IV disease than in patients with small tumor size, well-differentiated tumor, no lymph node metastasis and invasion, as well as TNM stage I/II stage disease (P< 0.05 or P< 0.01). Benign pancreatic lesions with positive GPC3 and KRT19 protein expression exhibited dysplasia or intraepithelial neoplasia. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that PDAC patients with positive GPC3 and KRT19 expression survived significantly shorter than patients with negative GPC3 and KRT19 expression (P < 0.05 or P< 0.001). Cox multivariate analysis revealed that positive GPC3 and KRT19 expression were independent poor prognosis factors in PDAC patients. CONCLUSIONS GPC3 and KRT19 overexpression are associated with carcinogenesis, progression, and poor prognosis in patients with PDAC and a valuable biomarker for diagnosis of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongliang Yao
- Department of General Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhulin Yang
- Research Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ziru Liu
- Research Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiongying Miao
- Research Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Leping Yang
- Research Laboratory of Hepatobiliary Diseases, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Daiqiang Li
- Department of Pathology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qiong Zou
- Department of Pathology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Department of Pathology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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8
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Abou-Alfa GK, Puig O, Daniele B, Kudo M, Merle P, Park JW, Ross P, Peron JM, Ebert O, Chan S, Poon TP, Colombo M, Okusaka T, Ryoo BY, Minguez B, Tanaka T, Ohtomo T, Ukrainskyj S, Boisserie F, Rutman O, Chen YC, Xu C, Shochat E, Jukofsky L, Reis B, Chen G, Di Laurenzio L, Lee R, Yen CJ. Randomized phase II placebo controlled study of codrituzumab in previously treated patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hepatol 2016; 65:289-95. [PMID: 27085251 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2016.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2015] [Revised: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Codrituzumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody against Glypican-3 (GPC3) that is expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), interacts with CD16/FcγRIIIa and triggers antibody-dependent cytotoxicity. Codrituzumab was studied vs. placebo in a randomized phase II trial in advanced HCC patients who had failed prior systemic therapy. METHODS Patients with advanced HCC who had failed prior systemic therapy, ⩾18years, Eastern cooperative oncology group (ECOG) 0-1, Child-Pugh A were randomized 2:1 to biweekly codrituzumab 1600mg vs. placebo. Patients were stratified based on GPC3 immunohistochemical expression: 2+/3+, 1+, and 0. Primary endpoint was progression free survival. Secondary endpoints include overall survival (OS), tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and an exploratory endpoint in biomarkers analysis. RESULTS 185 patients were enrolled: 125 received codrituzumab and 60 placebo: Median age 64/63, 85/75% male, 46/42% Asian, ECOG 0 65/63%, 74/77% having vascular invasion and/or extra-hepatic metastasis. 84%/70% had prior sorafenib. Drug exposure was 98.4% of planned dose, with an identical adverse events profile between the 2 groups. The median progression free survival and overall survival in the codrituzumab vs. placebo groups in months were: 2.6 vs. 1.5 (hazard ratios 0.97, p=0.87), and 8.7 vs. 10 (hazard ratios 0.96, p=0.82). Projected Ctrough at cycle 3day 1 based exposure, high CD16/FcγRIIIa on peripheral immune cells, and GPC3 expression in the tumor, were all associated with prolonged progression free survival and overall survival. CONCLUSIONS Codrituzumab did not show clinical benefit in this previously treated HCC population. Whether higher codrituzumab drug exposure or the use of CD16 and GPC3 as potential biomarkers would improve outcome remain unanswered questions. LAY SUMMARY Codrituzumab is a manufactured antibody against a liver cancer protein called glypican-3. In this clinical trial, codrituzumab was not found be effective against liver cancer. It was suggested though that a higher dose of codrituzumab or selecting patients with high level of glypican-3 or its mediator CD16 might improve outcome. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial is registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01507168).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghassan K Abou-Alfa
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA; Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Oscar Puig
- Roche Innovation Center New York, Hoffmann-La Roche Inc., USA
| | | | | | - Philippe Merle
- Hopital de la Croix-Rousse, Hepatologie et Gastroenterologie, Lyon, France
| | | | - Paul Ross
- King's College Hospital, United Kingdom
| | | | - Oliver Ebert
- II. Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Beatriz Minguez
- Liver Unit, Hospital Universitario Vall d́Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Olga Rutman
- Roche Innovation Center New York, Hoffmann-La Roche Inc., USA
| | - Ya-Chi Chen
- Roche Innovation Center New York, Hoffmann-La Roche Inc., USA
| | - Chao Xu
- Roche Innovation Center New York, Hoffmann-La Roche Inc., USA
| | - Eliezer Shochat
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, Hoffmann-La Roche, Switzerland
| | - Lori Jukofsky
- Roche Innovation Center New York, Hoffmann-La Roche Inc., USA
| | - Bernhard Reis
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, Hoffmann-La Roche, Switzerland
| | - Gong Chen
- Roche Innovation Center New York, Hoffmann-La Roche Inc., USA
| | | | - Ray Lee
- Roche Innovation Center New York, Hoffmann-La Roche Inc., USA
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Liu Y, Zheng D, Liu M, Bai J, Zhou X, Gong B, Lü J, Zhang Y, Huang H, Luo W, Huang G. Downregulation of glypican-3 expression increases migration, invasion, and tumorigenicity of human ovarian cancer cells. Tumour Biol 2015; 36:7997-8006. [PMID: 25967456 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-015-3528-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Glypican-3 (GPC3) is a membrane of heparan sulfate proteoglycan family involved in cell proliferation, adhesion, migration, invasion, and differentiation during the development of the majority of mesodermal tissues and organs. GPC3 is explored as a potential biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma screening. However, as a tumor-associated antigen, its role in ovarian cancer remains elusive. In this report, the expression levels of GPC3 in the various ovarian cancer cells were determined with quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and GPC3 expression in ovarian cancer UCI 101 and A2780 cells was knocked down by siRNA transfection, and the effects of GPC3 knockdown on in vitro cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were respectively analyzed by 3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and Transwell migration assay. Additionally, the effect of GPC3 knockdown on in vivo tumorigenesis were investigated in athymic nude mice. The results indicated that GPC3 knockdown significantly promoted cell proliferation and increased cell migration and invasion by upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 expression and downregulation of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 expression. Additionally, GPC3 knockdown also increased in vivo tumorigenicity of UCI 101 and A2780 cells and final tumor weights and volumes after subcutaneous cell injection in the nude mice. The results of immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting both demonstrated a lower expression of GPC3 antigen in the tumors of GPC3 knockdown groups than that of negative control groups. Moreover, transforming growth factor-β2 protein expression in the tumors of GPC3 knockdown groups was significantly increased, which at least contributed to tumor growth in the nude mice. Taken together, these findings suggest that GPC3 knockdown promotes the progression of human ovarian cancer cells by increasing their migration, invasion, and tumorigenicity, and suggest that GPC3 is a potential therapeutic target for ovarian cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei Province, China
| | - Dongping Zheng
- Ultrasonic Imaging Division, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei Province, China
| | - Mingming Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jiao Bai
- Ultrasonic Imaging Division, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei Province, China
| | - Xi Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei Province, China
| | - Baolan Gong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jieyu Lü
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei Province, China
| | - Hui Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei Province, China
| | - Wenying Luo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical College, Zhanjiang, 524001, China
| | - Guangrong Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei Province, China.
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Ofuji K, Saito K, Yoshikawa T, Nakatsura T. Critical analysis of the potential of targeting GPC3 in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2014; 1:35-42. [PMID: 27508174 PMCID: PMC4918265 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s48517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The treatment options for patients with advanced HCC are limited, and novel treatment strategies are required urgently. Glypican-3 (GPC3), a member of the glypican family of heparan sulfate proteoglycans, is overexpressed in 72%−81% of HCC cases, and is correlated with a poor prognosis. GPC3 regulates both stimulatory and inhibitory signals, and plays a key role in regulating cancer cell growth. GPC3 is released into the serum, and so might be a useful diagnostic marker for HCC. GPC3 is also used as an immunotherapeutic target in HCC. A Phase I study of a humanized anti-GPC3 monoclonal antibody, GC33, revealed a good safety profile and potential antitumor activity, and a Phase II trial is currently ongoing. In addition, the authors’ investigator-initiated Phase I study of a GPC3-derived peptide vaccine showed good safety and tolerability, and demonstrated that the GPC3 peptide-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte frequency in peripheral blood correlated with overall survival in HCC patients. A sponsor-initiated Phase I clinical trial of a three-peptide cocktail vaccine, which includes a GPC3-derived peptide, is also underway. GPC3 is currently recognized as a promising therapeutic target and diagnostic marker for HCC. This review introduces the recent progress in GPC3 research, from biology to clinical impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuya Ofuji
- Division of Cancer Immunotherapy, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Keigo Saito
- Division of Cancer Immunotherapy, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Toshiaki Yoshikawa
- Division of Cancer Immunotherapy, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Nakatsura
- Division of Cancer Immunotherapy, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center, Kashiwa, Japan
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11
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Feng M, Ho M. Glypican-3 antibodies: a new therapeutic target for liver cancer. FEBS Lett 2013; 588:377-82. [PMID: 24140348 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2013.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2013] [Revised: 10/02/2013] [Accepted: 10/04/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Glypican-3 (GPC3) is an emerging therapeutic target in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), even though the biological function of GPC3 remains elusive. Currently human (MDX-1414 and HN3) and humanized mouse (GC33 and YP7) antibodies that target GPC3 for HCC treatment are under different stages of preclinical or clinical development. Humanized mouse antibody GC33 is being evaluated in a phase II clinical trial. Human antibodies MDX-1414 and HN3 are under different stages of preclinical evaluation. Here, we summarize current evidence for GPC3 as a new target in liver cancer, discuss both its oncogenic function and its mode of actions for current antibodies, and evaluate potential challenges for GPC3-targeted anti-cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingqian Feng
- Antibody Therapy Section, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Mitchell Ho
- Antibody Therapy Section, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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Li Y, Siegel DL, Scholler N, Kaplan DE. Validation of glypican-3-specific scFv isolated from paired display/secretory yeast display library. BMC Biotechnol 2012; 12:23. [PMID: 22564378 PMCID: PMC3425314 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6750-12-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2011] [Accepted: 05/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glypican-3 (GPC3) is a heparan-sulfate proteoglycan frequently expressed on the cell membrane of malignant hepatocytes in hepatocellular carcinoma. The capacity for screening potential antibodies in vitro using human hepatocellular lines is critical to ensure binding to this highly post-translationally modified glycophosphatidylinositiol-linked protein. We hypothesized that we could utilize a recently described paired display/secretory yeast library to isolate human-derived scFv against glypican-3 for potential diagnostic and/or therapeutic application. RESULTS Using two different biotinylated antigen targets, a synthesized 29mer fragment GPC3(550-558) and a truncated GPC3(368-548) fused with glutathione S-transferase (GST) we enriched the yeast display library to greater than 30% target-specific yeast with both positive selection and depletion of streptavidin- and GST-specific clones. After cloning of scFv cDNA from the enriched sub-library, scFv specificity was validated by ELISA for binding to recombinant protein from prokaryotic and eukaryotic sources and ultimately naturally presented human protein on the cell membrane of human hepatocellular cell lines. Specificity was confirmed using non-expressing cell lines and shRNA knockdown. Ultimately, five unique scFv with affinity EC(50) ranging from 5.0-110.9 nM were identified. CONCLUSIONS Using a paired display/secretory yeast library, five novel and unique scFvs for potential humoral or chimeric therapeutic development in human hepatocellular carcinoma were isolated and characterized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonghai Li
- Medicine and Research Services, Philadelphia VA Medical Center, PA 19104, USA
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Ho M. Advances in liver cancer antibody therapies: a focus on glypican-3 and mesothelin. BioDrugs 2012; 25:275-84. [PMID: 21942912 DOI: 10.2165/11595360-000000000-00000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) are the two most common primary liver cancers, yet there have been no significant advances in effective therapeutics. There is an urgent need to identify molecular targets for the development of novel therapeutic approaches. In this review, glypican-3 (GPC3) and mesothelin are discussed, with a focus on their potential as targets for antibody therapy in liver cancer. GPC3 and mesothelin are glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored proteins present on the cell surface. They are attractive candidates for liver cancer therapy given that GPC3 and mesothelin show high expression in HCC and CCA, respectively. Antibody drugs targeting GPC3 or mesothelin have shown anti-cancer activity in mice. Humanized or chimeric IgG molecules based on first-generation murine monoclonal antibodies against these antigens are being evaluated in clinical studies. Recently, fully human monoclonal antibodies against GPC3 and mesothelin have been isolated by antibody phage display technology that may provide opportunities for novel cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell Ho
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-4264, USA.
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Allegretta M, Filmus J. Therapeutic potential of targeting glypican-3 in hepatocellular carcinoma. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2011; 11:543-8. [PMID: 21554204 DOI: 10.2174/187152011796011109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2011] [Accepted: 04/29/2011] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Glypican-3 (GPC3) is a developmentally-regulated oncofetal protein that has been established as a clinically-relevant biomarker for early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It is one of the first transcripts to appear during malignant hepatocyte transformation, and is expressed at the protein level in approximately half of high-grade dysplastic macronodules in cirrhotic liver. Several studies show it is expressed in most (75 to 100%) of HCCs confirmed by histopathology. The protein is anchored to the hepatocyte membrane by a glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor and shows consistent membrane immunostaining pattern, making it a viable target for immunotherapeutic approaches. Targeting GPC3 for therapeutic intervention is a promising approach for the clinical management of HCC and selected other tumors that express the marker.
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Nambotin SB, Wands JR, Kim M. Points of therapeutic intervention along the Wnt signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2011; 11:549-59. [PMID: 21554202 DOI: 10.2174/187152011796011019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2011] [Accepted: 04/29/2011] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. However, there is little known about targeted therapeutics for the treatment of this devastating tumor. Among the growth factor signaling cascades deregulated in HCC, evidences suggest that the WNT/Frizzled-mediated signaling pathway plays a key role in the hepatic carcinogenesis. Aberrant activation of the signaling in HCC is mostly due to deregulated expression of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling components. This leads to the activation of the β-catenin/TCF dependent target genes, which controls cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis or motility. It has been shown that disruption of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade displayed anti-cancer properties in HCC. Currently, no therapeutic molecules targeting the WNT pathway are available or under clinical evaluation for the treatment of HCC. This review will discuss the identified potential molecular targets related to the canonical WNT signaling pathway and their potential therapeutic usefulness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah B Nambotin
- Liver Research Center, Rhode Island Hospital and The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
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Generation of a humanized anti-glypican 3 antibody by CDR grafting and stability optimization. Anticancer Drugs 2011; 21:907-16. [PMID: 20847643 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0b013e32833f5d68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Glypican 3 (GPC3), a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored heparan sulfate proteoglycan, is expressed in a majority of hepatocellular carcinoma tissues. The murine monoclonal antibody GC33 that specifically binds to the COOH-terminal part of GPC3 causes strong antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity against hepatocellular carcinoma cells and exhibits strong antitumor activity in the xenograft models. To apply GC33 for clinical use, we generated a humanized GC33 from complementarity-determining region grafting with the aid of both the hybrid variable region and two-step design methods. The humanized antibody bound to GPC3 specifically and induced antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity as effectively as a chimeric GC33 antibody. To improve stability of the humanized GC33, we further optimized humanized GC33 by replacing the amino acid residues that may affect the structure of the variable region of a heavy chain. Substitution of Glu6 with Gln in the heavy chain significantly improved the stability under high temperatures. GC33 also has the risk of deamidation of the -Asn-Gly- sequence in the complementarity-determining region 1 of the light chain. As substitution of Asn diminished the antigen binding, we changed the neighboring Gly to Arg to avoid deamidation. The resulting humanized anti-GPC3 antibody was as efficacious as chimeric GC33 against the HepG2 xenograft and is now being evaluated in clinical trials.
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Ho M, Kim H. Glypican-3: a new target for cancer immunotherapy. Eur J Cancer 2010; 47:333-8. [PMID: 21112773 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2010.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2010] [Accepted: 10/27/2010] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a common malignant cancer worldwide. There is an urgent need to identify new molecular targets for the development of novel therapeutic approaches. Herein, we review the structure, function and biology of glypican-3 (GPC3) and its role in human cancer with a focus on its potential as a therapeutic target for immunotherapy. GPC3 is a cell-surface protein that is over-expressed in HCC. Loss-of-function mutations of GPC3 cause Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome (SGBS), a rare X-linked overgrowth condition. GPC3 binds Wnt and Hedgehog (Hh) signalling proteins. GPC3 is also able to bind basic growth factors such as fibroblast growth factor 2 through its heparan sulphate glycan chains. GPC3 is a promising candidate for liver cancer therapy given that it shows high expression in HCC. An anti-GPC3 monoclonal antibody has shown anti-cancer activity in mice and its humanised IgG molecule is currently undergoing clinical evaluation in patients with HCC. There is also evidence that soluble GPC3 may be a useful serum biomarker for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell Ho
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-4264, USA.
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