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Majumder A. HER3: Toward the Prognostic Significance, Therapeutic Potential, Current Challenges, and Future Therapeutics in Different Types of Cancer. Cells 2023; 12:2517. [PMID: 37947595 PMCID: PMC10648638 DOI: 10.3390/cells12212517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 3 (HER3) is the only family member of the EGRF/HER family of receptor tyrosine kinases that lacks an active kinase domain (KD), which makes it an obligate binding partner with other receptors for its oncogenic role. When HER3 is activated in a ligand-dependent (NRG1/HRG) or independent manner, it can bind to other receptors (the most potent binding partner is HER2) to regulate many biological functions (growth, survival, nutrient sensing, metabolic regulation, etc.) through the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway. HER3 has been found to promote tumorigenesis, tumor growth, and drug resistance in different cancer types, especially breast and non-small cell lung cancer. Given its ubiquitous expression across different solid tumors and role in oncogenesis and drug resistance, there has been a long effort to target HER3. As HER3 cannot be targeted through its KD with small-molecule kinase inhibitors via the conventional method, pharmaceutical companies have used various other approaches, including blocking either the ligand-binding domain or extracellular domain for dimerization with other receptors. The development of treatment options with anti-HER3 monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies, and different combination therapies showed limited clinical efficiency for various reasons. Recent reports showed that the extracellular domain of HER3 is not required for its binding with other receptors, which raises doubt about the efforts and applicability of the development of the HER3-antibodies for treatment. Whereas HER3-directed antibody-drug conjugates showed potentiality for treatment, these drugs are still under clinical trial. The currently understood model for dimerization-induced signaling remains incomplete due to the absence of the crystal structure of HER3 signaling complexes, and many lines of evidence suggest that HER family signaling involves more than the interaction of two members. This review article will significantly expand our knowledge of HER3 signaling and shed light on developing a new generation of drugs that have fewer side effects than the current treatment regimen for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avisek Majumder
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
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Abstract
The oncogene ERBB2 encoding the receptor tyrosine-protein kinase erbB-2 (HER2) is frequently overexpressed or amplified and occasionally mutated in a variety of human cancers. The early discovery of this oncogene, its established oncogenic relevance in diverse cancers, its substantial expression on the surface of cancer cells, and its druggable catalytic activity have made it one of the most pursued targets in the history of cancer drug development. Initiatives targeting HER2 provided the early stimulus for several transformational pharmaceutical technologies, including mAbs, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, antibody-drug conjugates, and others. The seismic impact of these efforts has been felt in treatment of many cancers, including breast, gastroesophageal, lung, colorectal, and others. This impact continues to broaden with increasing indications on the horizon and a plethora of novel agents in development. However, implementation of these therapeutic strategies has been complex. The clinical translation of every one of these classes of agents has been notable for underperformance or overperformance characteristics that have informed new lines of research providing deeper insights into the mechanistic complexities and unrealized opportunities provided by this molecular target. Despite all the successes to date, the preponderance of scientific evidence indicates that the full potential of HER2 as a target for cancer therapeutics is far greater than currently realized, and numerous lines of investigation are ongoing to deepen and broaden the scope of impact of HER2 as a signaling, homing, or immunologic target. In this review, we explore the existing data and evolving paradigms surrounding this remarkable target for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanwal P.S. Raghav
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC), Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mark M. Moasser
- Department of Medicine (Hematology/Oncology), Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA, USA
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Yamasaki A, Maruyama-Takahashi K, Nishida K, Okazaki S, Okita K, Akiyama Y, Suzuki H, Endo Y, Masuko K, Masuko T, Tomioka Y. CD98 regulates the phosphorylation of HER2 and a bispecific anti-HER2/CD98 antibody inhibits the growth signal of human breast cancer cells. Genes Cells 2023; 28:374-382. [PMID: 36811310 DOI: 10.1111/gtc.13016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) family proteins are currently major targets of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies against various epithelial cancers. However, the resistance of cancer cells to HER family-targeted therapies, which may be caused by cancer heterogeneity and persistent HER phosphorylation, often reduces overall therapeutic effects. We herein showed that a newly discovered molecular complex between CD98 and HER2 affected HER function and cancer cell growth. The immunoprecipitation of the HER2 or HER3 protein from lysates of SKBR3 breast cancer (BrCa) cells revealed the HER2-CD98 or HER3-CD98 complex. The knockdown of CD98 by small interfering RNAs inhibited the phosphorylation of HER2 in SKBR3 cells. A bispecific antibody (BsAb) that recognized the HER2 and CD98 proteins was constructed from a humanized anti-HER2 (SER4) IgG and an anti-CD98 (HBJ127) single chain variable fragment, and this BsAb significantly inhibited the cell growth of SKBR3 cells. Prior to the inhibition of AKT phosphorylation, BsAb inhibited the phosphorylation of HER2, however, significant inhibition of HER2 phosphorylation was not observed in anti-HER2 pertuzumab, trastuzumab, SER4 or anti-CD98 HBJ127 in SKBR3 cells. The dual targeting of HER2 and CD98 has potential as a new therapeutic strategy for BrCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akitaka Yamasaki
- Laboratory of Oncology Pharmacy Practice and Science, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai-shi, Japan.,Cell Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kindai University, Higashiosaka-shi, Japan
| | - Kumiko Maruyama-Takahashi
- Department of Hygienic Chemistry (April 1975-March 1994), Pharmaceutical Institute, Tohoku University, Sendai-shi, Japan
| | - Kento Nishida
- Laboratory of Oncology Pharmacy Practice and Science, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai-shi, Japan
| | - Shogo Okazaki
- Cell Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kindai University, Higashiosaka-shi, Japan.,Department of Microbiology, Division of Immunology and Pathobiology, Nihon University School of Density, Chiyoda-ku, Japan
| | - Kouki Okita
- Cell Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kindai University, Higashiosaka-shi, Japan.,Production and Manufacturing, Carna Biosciences Inc., Chuo-ku, Japan
| | - Yasutoshi Akiyama
- Laboratory of Oncology Pharmacy Practice and Science, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai-shi, Japan
| | - Hideaki Suzuki
- Department of Hygienic Chemistry (April 1975-March 1994), Pharmaceutical Institute, Tohoku University, Sendai-shi, Japan
| | - Yuichi Endo
- Laboratory of Natural Drug Resources, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kindai University, Higashiosaka-shi, Japan
| | - Kazue Masuko
- Cell Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kindai University, Higashiosaka-shi, Japan.,Department of Hygienic Chemistry (April 1975-March 1994), Pharmaceutical Institute, Tohoku University, Sendai-shi, Japan
| | - Takashi Masuko
- Cell Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kindai University, Higashiosaka-shi, Japan.,Department of Hygienic Chemistry (April 1975-March 1994), Pharmaceutical Institute, Tohoku University, Sendai-shi, Japan.,Laboratory of Natural Drug Resources, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kindai University, Higashiosaka-shi, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Tomioka
- Laboratory of Oncology Pharmacy Practice and Science, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai-shi, Japan.,Department of Hygienic Chemistry (April 1975-March 1994), Pharmaceutical Institute, Tohoku University, Sendai-shi, Japan
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Abstract
Simple Summary Trastuzumab is a humanized antibody that has significantly improved the management and treatment outcomes of patients with cancers that overexpress HER2. Many research groups, both in academia and industry, have contributed towards understanding the various mechanisms engaged by trastuzumab to mediate its anti-tumor effects. Nevertheless, data from several clinical studies have indicated that a significant proportion of patients exhibit primary or acquired resistance to trastuzumab therapy. In this article, we discuss underlying mechanisms that contribute towards to resistance. Furthermore, we discuss the potential strategies to overcome some of the mechanisms of resistance to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of trastuzumab and other therapies based on it. Abstract One of the most impactful biologics for the treatment of breast cancer is the humanized monoclonal antibody, trastuzumab, which specifically recognizes the HER2/neu (HER2) protein encoded by the ERBB2 gene. Useful for both advanced and early breast cancers, trastuzumab has multiple mechanisms of action. Classical mechanisms attributed to trastuzumab action include cell cycle arrest, induction of apoptosis, and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). Recent studies have identified the role of the adaptive immune system in the clinical actions of trastuzumab. Despite the multiple mechanisms of action, many patients demonstrate resistance, primary or adaptive. Newly identified molecular and cellular mechanisms of trastuzumab resistance include induction of immune suppression, vascular mimicry, generation of breast cancer stem cells, deregulation of long non-coding RNAs, and metabolic escape. These newly identified mechanisms of resistance are discussed in detail in this review, particularly considering how they may lead to the development of well-rationalized, patient-tailored combinations that improve patient survival.
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Moasser MM. Inactivating amplified HER2: challenges, dilemmas, and future directions. Cancer Res 2022; 82:2811-2820. [PMID: 35731927 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-22-1121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The pharmaceutical inactivation of driver oncogenes has revolutionized the treatment of cancer replacing cytotoxic chemotherapeutic approaches with kinase inhibitor therapies for many types of cancers. This approach has not yet been realized for the treatment of HER2-amplified cancers. The monotherapy activities associated with HER2-targeting antibodies and kinase inhibitors are modest, and their clinical use has been in combination with, and not in replacement of cytotoxic chemotherapies. This stands in sharp contrast to achievements in the treatment of many other oncogene-driven cancers. The mechanism-based treatment hypothesis regarding the inactivation of HER2 justifies expectations far beyond what is currently realized. Overcoming this barrier requires mechanistic insights that can fuel new directions for pursuit, but scientific investigation of this treatment hypothesis, particularly with regards to trastuzumab, has been complicated by conflicting and confusing data sets, ironclad dogma, and mechanistic conclusions that have repeatedly failed to translate clinically. We are now approaching a point of convergence regarding the challenges and resiliency in this tumor driver, and I will provide here a review and opinion to inform where we currently stand with this treatment hypothesis and where the future potential lies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark M Moasser
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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Campbell MR, Ruiz-Saenz A, Peterson E, Agnew C, Ayaz P, Garfinkle S, Littlefield P, Steri V, Oeffinger J, Sampang M, Shan Y, Shaw DE, Jura N, Moasser MM. Targetable HER3 functions driving tumorigenic signaling in HER2-amplified cancers. Cell Rep 2022; 38:110291. [PMID: 35108525 PMCID: PMC8889928 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.110291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Effective inactivation of the HER2-HER3 tumor driver has remained elusive because of the challenging attributes of the pseudokinase HER3. We report a structure-function study of constitutive HER2-HER3 signaling to identify opportunities for targeting. The allosteric activation of the HER2 kinase domain (KD) by the HER3 KD is required for tumorigenic signaling and can potentially be targeted by allosteric inhibitors. ATP binding within the catalytically inactive HER3 KD provides structural rigidity that is important for signaling, but this is mimicked, not opposed, by small molecule ATP analogs, reported here in a bosutinib-bound crystal structure. Mutational disruption of ATP binding and molecular dynamics simulation of the apo KD of HER3 identify a conformational coupling of the ATP pocket with a hydrophobic AP-2 pocket, analogous to EGFR, that is critical for tumorigenic signaling and feasible for targeting. The value of these potential target sites is confirmed in tumor growth assays using gene replacement techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcia R Campbell
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Ana Ruiz-Saenz
- Departments of Cell Biology & Medical Oncology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Elliott Peterson
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Christopher Agnew
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Pelin Ayaz
- D. E. Shaw Research, New York, NY 10036, USA
| | | | - Peter Littlefield
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Veronica Steri
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Julie Oeffinger
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Maryjo Sampang
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Yibing Shan
- D. E. Shaw Research, New York, NY 10036, USA
| | - David E Shaw
- D. E. Shaw Research, New York, NY 10036, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Natalia Jura
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Mark M Moasser
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
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