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Valerius AR, Webb LM, Sener U. Novel Clinical Trials and Approaches in the Management of Glioblastoma. Curr Oncol Rep 2024; 26:439-465. [PMID: 38546941 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-024-01519-4] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this review is to discuss a wide variety of novel therapies recently studied or actively undergoing study in patients with glioblastoma. This review also discusses current and future strategies for improving clinical trial design in patients with glioblastoma to maximize efficacy in discovering effective treatments. RECENT FINDINGS Over the years, there has been significant expansion in therapy modalities studied in patients with glioblastoma. These therapies include, but are not limited to, targeted molecular therapies, DNA repair pathway targeted therapies, immunotherapies, vaccine therapies, and surgically targeted radiotherapies. Glioblastoma is the most common malignant primary brain tumor in adults and unfortunately remains with poor overall survival following the current standard of care. Given the dismal prognosis, significant clinical and research efforts are ongoing with the goal of improving patient outcomes and enhancing quality and quantity of life utilizing a wide variety of novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lauren M Webb
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Ugur Sener
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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2
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Grozdanić M, Sobotič B, Biasizzo M, Sever T, Vidmar R, Vizovišek M, Turk B, Fonović M. Cathepsin L-mediated EGFR cleavage affects intracellular signalling pathways in cancer. Biol Chem 2024; 405:283-296. [PMID: 37889671 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2023-0213] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Proteolytic activity in the tumour microenvironment is an important factor in cancer development since it can also affect intracellular signalling pathways via positive feedback loops that result in either increased tumour growth or resistance to anticancer mechanisms. In this study, we demonstrated extracellular cathepsin L-mediated cleavage of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and identified the cleavage site in the extracellular domain after R224. To further evaluate the relevance of this cleavage, we cloned and expressed a truncated version of EGFR, starting at G225, in HeLa cells. We confirmed the constitutive activation of the truncated protein in the absence of ligand binding and determined possible changes in intracellular signalling. Furthermore, we determined the effect of truncated EGFR protein expression on HeLa cell viability and response to the EGFR inhibitors, tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) erlotinib and monoclonal antibody (mAb) cetuximab. Our data reveal the nuclear localization and phosphorylation of EGFR and signal trancducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in cells that express the truncated EGFR protein and suggest that these phenomena cause resistance to EGFR inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Grozdanić
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology, Jozef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- International Postgraduate School Jožef Stefan, Jamova cesta 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Barbara Sobotič
- Kymab Ltd, The Bennet Building (B930), Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge CB22 3AT, UK
| | - Monika Biasizzo
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology, Jozef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- International Postgraduate School Jožef Stefan, Jamova cesta 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tilen Sever
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology, Jozef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- International Postgraduate School Jožef Stefan, Jamova cesta 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Robert Vidmar
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology, Jozef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Matej Vizovišek
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology, Jozef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Boris Turk
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology, Jozef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 113, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marko Fonović
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology, Jozef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Macdonald-Obermann JL, Pike LJ. Extracellular domain mutations of the EGF receptor differentially modulate high-affinity and low-affinity responses to EGF receptor ligands. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:105763. [PMID: 38367671 PMCID: PMC10945275 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.105763] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The EGF receptor is mutated in a number of cancers. In most cases, the mutations occur in the intracellular tyrosine kinase domain. However, in glioblastomas, many of the mutations are in the extracellular ligand binding domain. To determine what changes in receptor function are induced by such extracellular domain mutations, we analyzed the binding and biological response to the seven different EGF receptor ligands in three common glioblastoma mutants-R84K, A265V, and G574V. Our data indicate that all three mutations significantly increase the binding affinity of all seven ligands. In addition, the mutations increase the potency of all ligands for stimulating receptor autophosphorylation, phospholipase Cγ, Akt, and MAP kinase activity. In all mutants, the rank order of ligand potency seen at the wild-type receptor was retained, suggesting that the receptors still discriminate among the different ligands. However, the low-affinity ligands, EPR and EPG, did show larger than average enhancements of potency for stimulating Akt and MAPK but not receptor autophosphorylation and phospholipase Cγ activation. Relative to the wild-type receptor, these changes lead to an increase in the responsiveness of these mutants to physiological concentrations of ligands and an alteration in the ratio of activation of the different pathways. This may contribute to their oncogenic potential. In the context of recent findings, our data also suggest that so-called "high"-affinity biological responses arise from activation by isolated receptor dimers, whereas "low"-affinity biological responses require clustering of receptors which occurs at higher concentrations of ligand.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Linda J Pike
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri.
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Huang W, Li J, Zhu H, Qin X, Chen C, Wang B, Wei J, Song Y, Lu X, Li Z, Xia W, He A, Cheng L, Yu X, Shu K, Wang W. A novel EGFR variant EGFRx maintains glioblastoma stem cells through STAT5. Neuro Oncol 2024; 26:85-99. [PMID: 37616578 PMCID: PMC10768976 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noad153] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioblastomas are universally lethal brain tumors containing tumor-propagating glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs). EGFR gene amplification or mutation is frequently detected in GBMs and is associated with poor prognosis. However, EGFR variants in GSCs and their role in the maintenance of GSCs and progression of GBM are unclear. METHODS EGFR variants were detected through bioinformatic HISAT-StringTie-Ballgown pipeline and verified through 5' RACE, RT-PCR, ribonuclease protection, and northern blotting assays. EGFRx function was investigated through neurosphere, cell viability, intracranial xenograft and RNA-seq assays. EGFRx-STAT5 signaling was investigated through western blotting, coimmunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, luciferase reporter, RT-PCR and CUT&Tag assays. RESULTS We identified a novel EGFR variant (EGFRx), that is specifically expressed in GSCs. Unlike the EGFRvIII variant, which lacks exons 2-7, EGFRx is characterized by the absence of exons 2-14, and encodes an EGFR protein that does not possess the entire extracellular ligand-binding domain. We observed that EGFRx exhibits significant glycosylation, is required for GSC self-renewal, proliferation, and tumorigenesis, and highly active in glioblastomas compared to normal brain tissue. Mechanistically, EGFRx constitutively and specifically activates STAT5 in GSCs through spontaneous asymmetric dimerization of the kinase domain. CONCLUSIONS EGFRx plays essential roles in the maintenance of the GSC phenotype through constitutive activation of STAT5 and promotes GBM progression, suggesting that EGFRx-STAT5 signaling represents a promising therapeutic target for GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Huang
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongtao Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xuhui Qin
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chao Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Bing Wang
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jinxia Wei
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanyang Song
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xia Lu
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhongyu Li
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenqing Xia
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Aodi He
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lidong Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xingjiang Yu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kai Shu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Chakraborty J, Chakraborty S, Chakraborty S, Narayan MN. Entanglement of MAPK pathways with gene expression and its omnipresence in the etiology for cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Biochim Biophys Acta Gene Regul Mech 2023; 1866:194988. [PMID: 37739217 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2023.194988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) is one of the most well characterized cellular signaling pathways that controls fundamental cellular processes including proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. These cellular functions are consequences of transcription of regulatory genes that are influenced and regulated by the MAP-Kinase signaling cascade. MAP kinase components such as Receptor Tyrosine Kinases (RTKs) sense external cues or ligands and transmit these signals via multiple protein complexes such as RAS-RAF, MEK, and ERKs and eventually modulate the transcription factors inside the nucleus to induce transcription and other regulatory functions. Aberrant activation, dysregulation of this signaling pathway, and genetic alterations in any of these components results in the developmental disorders, cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders. Over the years, the MAPK pathway has been a prime pharmacological target, to treat complex human disorders that are genetically linked such as cancer, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The current review re-visits the mechanism of MAPK pathways in gene expression regulation. Further, a current update on the progress of the mechanistic understanding of MAPK components is discussed from a disease perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joydeep Chakraborty
- Institute for Advancing Health through Agriculture, Texas A&M Agrilife, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Sayan Chakraborty
- Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell School of Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Sohag Chakraborty
- Human Oncology & Pathogenesis Program (HOPP), Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA
| | - Mahesh N Narayan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Texas, El Paso, TX, USA.
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6
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Chen Y, Pan Y, Gao H, Yi Y, Qin S, Ma F, Zhou X, Guan M. Mechanistic insights into super-enhancer-driven genes as prognostic signatures in patients with glioblastoma. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:12315-12332. [PMID: 37432454 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05121-2] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most common malignant brain tumors in adults and is characterized by high aggressiveness and rapid progression, poor treatment, high recurrence rate, and poor prognosis. Although super-enhancer (SE)-driven genes haven been recognized as prognostic markers for several cancers, whether it can be served as effective prognostic markers for patients with GBM has not been evaluated. METHODS We first combined histone modification data with transcriptome data to identify SE-driven genes associated with prognosis in patients with GBM. Second, we developed a SE-driven differentially expressed genes (SEDEGs) risk score prognostic model by univariate Cox analysis, KM survival analysis, multivariate Cox analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression. Its reliability in predicting was verified by two external data sets. Third, through mutation analysis, immune infiltration, we explored the molecular mechanisms of prognostic genes. Next, Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC) and the Connectivity Map (cMap) database were employed to assess different sensitivities to chemotherapeutic agents and small-molecule drug candidates between high- and low-risk patients. Finally, SEanalysis database was chosen to identify SE-driven transcription factors (TFs) regulating prognostic markers which will reveal a potential SE-driven transcriptional regulatory network. RESULTS First, we developed a 11-gene risk score prognostic model (NCF2, MTHFS, DUSP6, G6PC3, HOXB2, EN2, DLEU1, LBH, ZEB1-AS1, LINC01265, and AGAP2-AS1) selected from 1,154 SEDEGs, which is not only an independent prognostic factor for patients, but also can effectively predict the survival rate of patients. The model can effectively predict 1-, 2- and 3-year survival of patients and was validated in external Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets. Second, the risk score was positively correlated with the infiltration of regulatory T cell, CD4 memory activated T cell, activated NK cell, neutrophil, resting mast cell, M0 macrophage, and memory B cell. Third, we found that high-risk patients showed higher sensitivity than low-risk patients to both 27 chemotherapeutic agents and 4 small-molecule drug candidates which might benefit further precision therapy for GBM patients. Finally, 13 potential SE-driven TFs imply how SE regulates GBM patient's prognosis. CONCLUSION The SEDEG risk model not only helps to elucidate the impact of SEs on the course of GBM, but also provides a bright future for prognosis determination and choice of treatment for GBM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youran Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, 1 Wenyuan Rd., Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yi Pan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, 1 Wenyuan Rd., Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hanyu Gao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, 1 Wenyuan Rd., Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yunmeng Yi
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, 1 Wenyuan Rd., Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shijie Qin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, 1 Wenyuan Rd., Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fei Ma
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, 1 Wenyuan Rd., Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xue Zhou
- School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, Nanjing Normal University Taizhou College, Taizhou, 225300, China.
| | - Miao Guan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, 1 Wenyuan Rd., Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China.
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7
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Rabah N, Ait Mohand FE, Kravchenko-Balasha N. Understanding Glioblastoma Signaling, Heterogeneity, Invasiveness, and Drug Delivery Barriers. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14256. [PMID: 37762559 PMCID: PMC10532387 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814256] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The most prevalent and aggressive type of brain cancer, namely, glioblastoma (GBM), is characterized by intra- and inter-tumor heterogeneity and strong spreading capacity, which makes treatment ineffective. A true therapeutic answer is still in its infancy despite various studies that have made significant progress toward understanding the mechanisms behind GBM recurrence and its resistance. The primary causes of GBM recurrence are attributed to the heterogeneity and diffusive nature; therefore, monitoring the tumor's heterogeneity and spreading may offer a set of therapeutic targets that could improve the clinical management of GBM and prevent tumor relapse. Additionally, the blood-brain barrier (BBB)-related poor drug delivery that prevents effective drug concentrations within the tumor is discussed. With a primary emphasis on signaling heterogeneity, tumor infiltration, and computational modeling of GBM, this review covers typical therapeutic difficulties and factors contributing to drug resistance development and discusses potential therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nataly Kravchenko-Balasha
- The Institute of Biomedical and Oral Research, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91120, Israel; (N.R.); (F.-E.A.M.)
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Osama M, Essibayi MA, Osama M, Ibrahim IA, Nasr Mostafa M, Şakir Ekşi M. The impact of interaction between verteporfin and yes-associated protein 1/transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif-TEA domain pathway on the progression of isocitrate dehydrogenase wild-type glioblastoma. J Cent Nerv Syst Dis 2023; 15:11795735231195760. [PMID: 37600236 PMCID: PMC10439684 DOI: 10.1177/11795735231195760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Verteporfin and 5-ALA are used for visualizing malignant tissue components in different body tumors and as photodynamic therapy in treating isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) wild-type glioblastoma (GBM). Additionally, verteporfin interferes with Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP)/Transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif - TEA domain (TAZ-TEAD) pathway, thus inhibiting the downstream effect of these oncogenes and reducing the malignant properties of GBM. Animal studies have shown verteporfin to be successful in increasing survival rates, which have led to the conduction of phase 1 and 2 clinical trials to further investigate its efficacy in treating GBM. In this article, we aimed to review the novel mechanism of verteporfin's action, the impact of its interaction with YAP/TAZ-TEAD, its effect on glioblastoma stem cells, and its role in inducing ferroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Osama
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nasser Institute for Research and Treatment, Cairo, Egypt
- Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Muhammed Amir Essibayi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, NY, USA
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Mona Osama
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Ismail A. Ibrahim
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Fenerbahce University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Murat Şakir Ekşi
- Neurosurgery Clinic, FSM Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
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9
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Teraiya M, Perreault H, Chen VC. An overview of glioblastoma multiforme and temozolomide resistance: can LC-MS-based proteomics reveal the fundamental mechanism of temozolomide resistance? Front Oncol 2023; 13:1166207. [PMID: 37182181 PMCID: PMC10169742 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1166207] [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] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a primary type of lethal brain tumor. Over the last two decades, temozolomide (TMZ) has remained the primary chemotherapy for GBM. However, TMZ resistance in GBM constitutes an underlying factor contributing to high rates of mortality. Despite intense efforts to understand the mechanisms of therapeutic resistance, there is currently a poor understanding of the molecular processes of drug resistance. For TMZ, several mechanisms linked to therapeutic resistance have been proposed. In the past decade, significant progress in the field of mass spectrometry-based proteomics has been made. This review article discusses the molecular drivers of GBM, within the context of TMZ resistance with a particular emphasis on the potential benefits and insights of using global proteomic techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milan Teraiya
- Chemistry Department, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Helene Perreault
- Chemistry Department, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Vincent C. Chen
- Chemistry Department, Brandon University, Brandon, MB, Canada
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10
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Wälchli T, Bisschop J, Carmeliet P, Zadeh G, Monnier PP, De Bock K, Radovanovic I. Shaping the brain vasculature in development and disease in the single-cell era. Nat Rev Neurosci 2023; 24:271-298. [PMID: 36941369 PMCID: PMC10026800 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-023-00684-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
The CNS critically relies on the formation and proper function of its vasculature during development, adult homeostasis and disease. Angiogenesis - the formation of new blood vessels - is highly active during brain development, enters almost complete quiescence in the healthy adult brain and is reactivated in vascular-dependent brain pathologies such as brain vascular malformations and brain tumours. Despite major advances in the understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms driving angiogenesis in peripheral tissues, developmental signalling pathways orchestrating angiogenic processes in the healthy and the diseased CNS remain incompletely understood. Molecular signalling pathways of the 'neurovascular link' defining common mechanisms of nerve and vessel wiring have emerged as crucial regulators of peripheral vascular growth, but their relevance for angiogenesis in brain development and disease remains largely unexplored. Here we review the current knowledge of general and CNS-specific mechanisms of angiogenesis during brain development and in brain vascular malformations and brain tumours, including how key molecular signalling pathways are reactivated in vascular-dependent diseases. We also discuss how these topics can be studied in the single-cell multi-omics era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Wälchli
- Group of CNS Angiogenesis and Neurovascular Link, Neuroscience Center Zurich, and Division of Neurosurgery, University and University Hospital Zurich, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Division of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Group of Brain Vasculature and Perivascular Niche, Division of Experimental and Translational Neuroscience, Krembil Brain Institute, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Jeroen Bisschop
- Group of CNS Angiogenesis and Neurovascular Link, Neuroscience Center Zurich, and Division of Neurosurgery, University and University Hospital Zurich, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Division of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Group of Brain Vasculature and Perivascular Niche, Division of Experimental and Translational Neuroscience, Krembil Brain Institute, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Peter Carmeliet
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB & Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Heterogeneity, Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Gelareh Zadeh
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Philippe P Monnier
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Donald K. Johnson Research Institute, Krembil Research Institute, Krembil Discovery Tower, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Katrien De Bock
- Laboratory of Exercise and Health, Department of Health Science and Technology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ivan Radovanovic
- Group of Brain Vasculature and Perivascular Niche, Division of Experimental and Translational Neuroscience, Krembil Brain Institute, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
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11
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Almarán B, Ramis G, Fernández de Mattos S, Villalonga P. Rnd3 Is a Crucial Mediator of the Invasive Phenotype of Glioblastoma Cells Downstream of Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Signalling. Cells 2022; 11:cells11233716. [PMID: 36496976 PMCID: PMC9741382 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Enhanced invasiveness is one of the defining biological traits of glioblastoma cells, which exhibit an infiltrative nature that severely hinders surgical resection. Among the molecular lesions responsible for GBM aggressiveness, aberrant receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signalling is well-characterised. Enhanced RTK signalling directly impacts a myriad of cellular pathways and downstream effectors, which include the Rho GTPase family, key regulators of actin cytoskeletal dynamics. Here, we have analysed the functional crosstalk between oncogenic signals emanating from RTKs and Rho GTPases and focused on the specific contribution of Rnd3 to the invasive phenotype of GBM in this context. We found that RTK inhibition with a panel of RTK inhibitors decreased cell motility and cell invasion and promoted dramatic actin cytoskeleton reorganisation through activation of the RhoA/Rho-associated protein kinase 1 (ROCK) axis. RTK inhibition also significantly decreased Rnd3 expression levels. Consistently, shRNA-mediated Rnd3 silencing revealed that Rnd3 depletion promoted substantial changes in the actin cytoskeleton and reduced cell motility and invasion capacity, recapitulating the effects observed upon RTK inhibition. Our results indicate that Rnd3 is a crucial mediator of RTK oncogenic signalling involved in actin cytoskeletal reorganisation, which contributes to determining the invasive phenotype of GBM cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Almarán
- Cancer Cell Biology Laboratory, Institut Universitari d’Investigació en Ciències de la Salut (IUNICS), Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Illes Balears (IdISBa), Universitat de les Illes Balears, 07122 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain
| | - Guillem Ramis
- Cancer Cell Biology Laboratory, Institut Universitari d’Investigació en Ciències de la Salut (IUNICS), Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Illes Balears (IdISBa), Universitat de les Illes Balears, 07122 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain
- Serveis Científico-Tècnics, Universitat de les Illes Balears, 07122 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain
| | - Silvia Fernández de Mattos
- Cancer Cell Biology Laboratory, Institut Universitari d’Investigació en Ciències de la Salut (IUNICS), Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Illes Balears (IdISBa), Universitat de les Illes Balears, 07122 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain
- Departament de Biologia Fonamental i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de les Illes Balears, 07122 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain
| | - Priam Villalonga
- Cancer Cell Biology Laboratory, Institut Universitari d’Investigació en Ciències de la Salut (IUNICS), Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Illes Balears (IdISBa), Universitat de les Illes Balears, 07122 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain
- Departament de Biologia Fonamental i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de les Illes Balears, 07122 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-971-259961
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12
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Abstract
The development of chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy, a specific type of immunotherapy, in recent decades was a fantastic breakthrough for the treatment of hematological malignancies. However, difficulties in collecting normal T cells from patients and the time cost of manufacturing CAR-T cells have limited the application of CAR-T-cell therapy. In addition, the termination of related clinical trials on universal CAR-T cell therapy has made further research more difficult. Natural killer (NK) cells have drawn great attention in recent years. Chimeric antigen receptor-NK (CAR-NK) cell therapy is a promising strategy in the treatment of malignant tumors because of its lack of potential for causing graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). In this review, we will address the advances in and achievements of CAR-NK cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwen Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment and Henan Key Laboratory for Esophageal Cancer Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Translational Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Wenting Song
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment and Henan Key Laboratory for Esophageal Cancer Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Translational Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Zhaoming Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment and Henan Key Laboratory for Esophageal Cancer Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Translational Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Mingzhi Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment and Henan Key Laboratory for Esophageal Cancer Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Translational Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- *Correspondence: Mingzhi Zhang,
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13
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Qi Z, Long X, Liu J, Cheng P. Glioblastoma microenvironment and its reprogramming by oncolytic virotherapy. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:819363. [PMID: 36159398 PMCID: PMC9507431 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.819363] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM), a highly aggressive form of brain tumor, responds poorly to current conventional therapies, including surgery, radiation therapy, and systemic chemotherapy. The reason is that the delicate location of the primary tumor and the existence of the blood-brain barrier limit the effectiveness of traditional local and systemic therapies. The immunosuppressive status and multiple carcinogenic pathways in the complex GBM microenvironment also pose challenges for immunotherapy and single-targeted therapy. With an improving understanding of the GBM microenvironment, it has become possible to consider the immunosuppressive and highly angiogenic GBM microenvironment as an excellent opportunity to improve the existing therapeutic efficacy. Oncolytic virus therapy can exert antitumor effects on various components of the GBM microenvironment. In this review, we have focused on the current status of oncolytic virus therapy for GBM and the related literature on antitumor mechanisms. Moreover, the limitations of oncolytic virus therapy as a monotherapy and future directions that may enhance the field have also been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongbing Qi
- Department of State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiangyu Long
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Oncology, West China Guang’an Hospital, Sichuan University, Guangan, China
| | - Jiyan Liu
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Ping Cheng Jiyan Liu
| | - Ping Cheng
- Department of State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center/Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Ping Cheng Jiyan Liu
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14
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Li X, Zhao L, Chen C, Nie J, Jiao B. Can EGFR be a therapeutic target in breast cancer? Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022;:188789. [PMID: 36064121 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is highly expressed in certain cancer types and is involved in regulating the biological characteristics of cancer progression, including proliferation, metastasis, and drug resistance. Various medicines targeting EGFR have been developed and approved for several cancer types, such as lung and colon cancer. To date, however, EGFR inhibitors have not achieved satisfactory clinical results in breast cancer, which continues to be the most serious malignant tumor type in females. Therefore, clarifying the underlying mechanisms related to the ineffectiveness of EGFR inhibitors in breast cancer and developing new EGFR-targeted strategies (e.g., combination therapy) remain critical challenges. Various studies have demonstrated aberrant expression and maintenance of EGFR levels in breast cancer. In this review, we summarize the regulatory mechanisms underlying EGFR protein expression in breast cancer cells, including EGFR mutations, amplification, endocytic dysfunction, recycling acceleration, and degradation disorders. We also discuss potential therapeutic strategies that act directly or indirectly on EGFR, including reducing EGFR protein expression, treating the target protein to mediate precise clearance, and inhibiting non-EGFR signaling pathways. This review should provide new therapeutic perspectives for breast cancer patients with high EGFR expression.
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15
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Hersh AM, Gaitsch H, Alomari S, Lubelski D, Tyler BM. Molecular Pathways and Genomic Landscape of Glioblastoma Stem Cells: Opportunities for Targeted Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:3743. [PMID: 35954407 PMCID: PMC9367289 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive tumor of the central nervous system categorized by the World Health Organization as a Grade 4 astrocytoma. Despite treatment with surgical resection, adjuvant chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, outcomes remain poor, with a median survival of only 14-16 months. Although tumor regression is often observed initially after treatment, long-term recurrence or progression invariably occurs. Tumor growth, invasion, and recurrence is mediated by a unique population of glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs). Their high mutation rate and dysregulated transcriptional landscape augment their resistance to conventional chemotherapy and radiation therapy, explaining the poor outcomes observed in patients. Consequently, GSCs have emerged as targets of interest in new treatment paradigms. Here, we review the unique properties of GSCs, including their interactions with the hypoxic microenvironment that drives their proliferation. We discuss vital signaling pathways in GSCs that mediate stemness, self-renewal, proliferation, and invasion, including the Notch, epidermal growth factor receptor, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt, sonic hedgehog, transforming growth factor beta, Wnt, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, and inhibitors of differentiation pathways. We also review epigenomic changes in GSCs that influence their transcriptional state, including DNA methylation, histone methylation and acetylation, and miRNA expression. The constituent molecular components of the signaling pathways and epigenomic regulators represent potential sites for targeted therapy, and representative examples of inhibitory molecules and pharmaceuticals are discussed. Continued investigation into the molecular pathways of GSCs and candidate therapeutics is needed to discover new effective treatments for GBM and improve survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M. Hersh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.M.H.); (H.G.); (S.A.); (D.L.)
| | - Hallie Gaitsch
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.M.H.); (H.G.); (S.A.); (D.L.)
- NIH Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program, Wellcome—MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute and Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1TN, UK
| | - Safwan Alomari
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.M.H.); (H.G.); (S.A.); (D.L.)
| | - Daniel Lubelski
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.M.H.); (H.G.); (S.A.); (D.L.)
| | - Betty M. Tyler
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.M.H.); (H.G.); (S.A.); (D.L.)
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16
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Li XQ, Liu BC, Jiang XB, Gao WW, Rong B, Wei Y, Wang FL, Zhao HK, Zhang L. Inhibition of PTPN21 has antitumor effects in glioma by restraining the EGFR/PI3K/AKT pathway. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2022;:116180. [PMID: 35907586 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2022.116180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 21 (PTPN21) has been recognised as a new tumour-associated protein that is implicated in diverse tumours. However, the correlation between PTPN21 and glioma remains unaddressed. This investigation focused on the relevance of PTPN21 in glioma. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) analysis identified PTPN21 as being up-regulated in glioma tissue. The elevation of PTP21 in glioma was validated by evaluating clinical specimen. Kaplan-Meier plot analysis revealed that a high PTPN21 level predicted poor survival rate in glioma patient. Silencing of PTPN21 produced remarkable anticancer effects in glioma cells including proliferation inhibition, cell cycle arrest, metastasis suppression and enhanced chemosensitivity. Mechanistic studies uncovered that PTPN21 contributes to mediation of the phosphatidyl-inositole-3 kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway via the regulation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Restraint of EGFR diminished PTPN21 overexpression-induced promoting effect on PI3K/AKT pathway. Reactivation of AKT reversed PTPN21 silencing-evoked antitumor effect. The tumorigenic potential of PTPN21-silenced glioma cells in vivo was markedly compromised. In summary, this study demonstrates that silencing of PTPN21 produces remarkable anticancer effects in glioma by restraining the EGFR/PI3K/AKT pathway.
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17
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Abstract
The quest of defeating cancer and improving prognosis in survivors has generated remarkable strides forward in research and have advanced the development of new antineoplastic therapies. These achievements, combined with rapid screening and early detection, have considerably extended the life expectancy of patients surviving multiple types of malignancies. Consequently, chemotherapy-related toxicity in several organ systems, especially the cardiovascular system, has surfaced as one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among cancer survivors. Recent evidence classifies chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity as the second-leading cause of morbidity and mortality, closely comparing with secondary cancer malignancies. While a certain degree of cardiotoxicity has been reported to accompany most chemotherapies, including anthracyclines, anti-metabolites, and alkylating agents, even the latest targeted cancer therapies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and tyrosine kinase inhibitors have been associated with acute and chronic cardiac sequelae. In this chapter, we focus on describing the principal mechanism(s) for each class of chemotherapeutic agents that lead to cardiotoxicity and the innovative translational research approaches that are currently being explored to prevent or treat cancer therapy-induced cardiotoxicity and related cardiac complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adolfo G Mauro
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Pauley Heart Center, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Katherine Hunter
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Pauley Heart Center, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Fadi N Salloum
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Pauley Heart Center, Richmond, VA, United States.
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18
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Monteleone L, Marengo B, Musumeci F, Grossi G, Carbone A, Valenti GE, Domenicotti C, Schenone S. Anti-Survival Effect of SI306 and Its Derivatives on Human Glioblastoma Cells. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14071399. [PMID: 35890294 PMCID: PMC9318396 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14071399] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common adult brain tumor and, although many efforts have been made to find valid therapies, the onset of resistance is the main cause of recurrence. Therefore, it is crucial to identify and target the molecular mediators responsible for GBM malignancy. In this context, the use of Src inhibitors such as SI306 (C1) and its prodrug (C2) showed promising results, suggesting that SI306 could be the lead compound useful to derivate new anti-GBM drugs. Therefore, a new prodrug of SI306 (C3) was synthesized and tested on CAS-1 and U87 human GBM cells by comparing its effect to that of C1 and C2. All compounds were more effective on CAS-1 than U87 cells, while C2 was the most active on both cell lines. Moreover, the anti-survival effect was associated with a reduction in the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)WT and EGFR-vIII in U87 and CAS-1 cells, respectively. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that all tested compounds are able to counteract GBM survival, further supporting the role of SI306 as progenitor of promising new drugs to treat malignant GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Monteleone
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), General Pathology Section, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (L.M.); (B.M.); (G.E.V.)
| | - Barbara Marengo
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), General Pathology Section, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (L.M.); (B.M.); (G.E.V.)
- Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Musumeci
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (F.M.); (G.G.); (A.C.); (S.S.)
| | - Giancarlo Grossi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (F.M.); (G.G.); (A.C.); (S.S.)
| | - Anna Carbone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (F.M.); (G.G.); (A.C.); (S.S.)
| | - Giulia E. Valenti
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), General Pathology Section, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (L.M.); (B.M.); (G.E.V.)
| | - Cinzia Domenicotti
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), General Pathology Section, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (L.M.); (B.M.); (G.E.V.)
- Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Pisa, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-010-353-8830
| | - Silvia Schenone
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (F.M.); (G.G.); (A.C.); (S.S.)
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19
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Taiarol L, Bigogno C, Sesana S, Kravicz M, Viale F, Pozzi E, Monza L, Carozzi VA, Meregalli C, Valtorta S, Moresco RM, Koch M, Barbugian F, Russo L, Dondio G, Steinkühler C, Re F. Givinostat-Liposomes: Anti-Tumor Effect on 2D and 3D Glioblastoma Models and Pharmacokinetics. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:2978. [PMID: 35740641 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14122978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive brain tumor, associated with poor prognosis and survival, representing a challenging medical issue for neurooncologists. Dysregulation of histone-modifying enzymes (HDACs) is commonly identified in many tumors and has been linked to cancer proliferation, changes in metabolism, and drug resistance. These findings led to the development of HDAC inhibitors, which are limited by their narrow therapeutic index. In this work, we provide the proof of concept for a delivery system that can improve the in vivo half-life and increase the brain delivery of Givinostat, a pan-HDAC inhibitor. Here, 150-nm-sized liposomes composed of cholesterol and sphingomyelin with or without surface decoration with mApoE peptide, inhibited human glioblastoma cell growth in 2D and 3D models by inducing a time- and dose-dependent reduction in cell viability, reduction in the receptors involved in cholesterol metabolism (from -25% to -75% of protein levels), and reduction in HDAC activity (-25% within 30 min). In addition, liposome-Givinostat formulations showed a 2.5-fold increase in the drug half-life in the bloodstream and a 6-fold increase in the amount of drug entering the brain in healthy mice, without any signs of overt toxicity. These features make liposomes loaded with Givinostat valuable as potential candidates for glioblastoma therapy.
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20
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Huang J, Li YB, Charlebois C, Nguyen T, Liu Z, Bloemberg D, Zafer A, Baumann E, Sodja C, Leclerc S, Fewell G, Liu Q, Prabhakarpandian B, McComb S, Stanimirovic DB, Jezierski A. Application of blood brain barrier models in pre-clinical assessment of glioblastoma-targeting CAR-T based immunotherapies. Fluids Barriers CNS 2022; 19:38. [PMID: 35650594 PMCID: PMC9161615 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-022-00342-y] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Human blood brain barrier (BBB) models derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have become an important tool for the discovery and preclinical evaluation of central nervous system (CNS) targeting cell and gene-based therapies. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy is a revolutionary form of gene-modified cell-based immunotherapy with potential for targeting solid tumors, such as glioblastomas. Crossing the BBB is an important step in the systemic application of CAR-T therapy for the treatment of glioblastomas and other CNS malignancies. In addition, even CAR-T therapies targeting non-CNS antigens, such as the well-known CD19-CAR-T therapies, are known to trigger CNS side-effects including brain swelling due to BBB disruption. In this study, we used iPSC-derived brain endothelial-like cell (iBEC) transwell co-culture model to assess BBB extravasation of CAR-T based immunotherapies targeting U87MG human glioblastoma (GBM) cells overexpressing the tumor-specific mutated protein EGFRvIII (U87vIII). Two types of anti-EGFRvIII targeting CAR-T cells, with varying tonic signaling profiles (CAR-F263 and CAR-F269), and control Mock T cells were applied on the luminal side of BBB model in vitro. CAR-F263 and CAR-F269 T cells triggered a decrease in transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and an increase in BBB permeability. CAR-T cell extravasation and U87vIII cytotoxicity were assessed from the abluminal compartment using flow cytometry and Incucyte real-time viability imaging, respectively. A significant decrease in U87vIII cell viability was observed over 48 h, with the most robust cytotoxicity response observed for the constitutively activated CAR-F263. CAR-F269 T cells showed a similar cytotoxic profile but were approximately four fold less efficient at killing the U87vIII cells compared to CAR-F263, despite similar transmigration rates. Visualization of CAR-T cell extravasation across the BBB was further confirmed using BBTB-on-CHIP models. The described BBB assay was able to discriminate the cytotoxic efficacies of different EGFRvIII-CARs and provide a measure of potential alterations to BBB integrity. Collectively, we illustrate how BBB models in vitro can be a valuable tool in deciphering the mechanisms of CAR-T–induced BBB disruption, accompanying toxicity and effector function on post-barrier target cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jez Huang
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Building M-54, Montreal Road, ON, K1A 0R6, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Ying Betty Li
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Building M-54, Montreal Road, ON, K1A 0R6, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Claudie Charlebois
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Building M-54, Montreal Road, ON, K1A 0R6, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Tina Nguyen
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Building M-54, Montreal Road, ON, K1A 0R6, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Ziying Liu
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Building M-54, Montreal Road, ON, K1A 0R6, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Darin Bloemberg
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Building M-54, Montreal Road, ON, K1A 0R6, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Ahmed Zafer
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Building M-54, Montreal Road, ON, K1A 0R6, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Ewa Baumann
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Building M-54, Montreal Road, ON, K1A 0R6, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Caroline Sodja
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Building M-54, Montreal Road, ON, K1A 0R6, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Sonia Leclerc
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Building M-54, Montreal Road, ON, K1A 0R6, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Gwen Fewell
- SynVivo Inc, Huntsville, AL, USA, 35806, 701 McMillian Way NW
| | - Qing Liu
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Building M-54, Montreal Road, ON, K1A 0R6, Ottawa, Canada
| | | | - Scott McComb
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Building M-54, Montreal Road, ON, K1A 0R6, Ottawa, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada, 451 Smyth Rd, K1H 8M5
| | - Danica B Stanimirovic
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Building M-54, Montreal Road, ON, K1A 0R6, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Anna Jezierski
- Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Building M-54, Montreal Road, ON, K1A 0R6, Ottawa, Canada. .,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada, 451 Smyth Rd, K1H 8M5.
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21
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Calaf GM, Crispin LA, Muñoz JP, Aguayo F, Bleak TC. Muscarinic Receptors Associated with Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092322. [PMID: 35565451 PMCID: PMC9100020 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Recently, cancer research has described the presence of the cholinergic machinery, specifically muscarinic receptors, in a wide variety of cancers due to their activation and signaling pathways associated with tumor progression and metastasis, providing a wide overview of their contribution to different cancer formation and development for new antitumor targets. This review focused on determining the molecular signatures associated with muscarinic receptors in breast and other cancers and the need for pharmacological, molecular, biochemical, technological, and clinical approaches to improve new therapeutic targets. Abstract Cancer has been considered the pathology of the century and factors such as the environment may play an important etiological role. The ability of muscarinic agonists to stimulate growth and muscarinic receptor antagonists to inhibit tumor growth has been demonstrated for breast, melanoma, lung, gastric, colon, pancreatic, ovarian, prostate, and brain cancer. This work aimed to study the correlation between epidermal growth factor receptors and cholinergic muscarinic receptors, the survival differences adjusted by the stage clinical factor, and the association between gene expression and immune infiltration level in breast, lung, stomach, colon, liver, prostate, and glioblastoma human cancers. Thus, targeting cholinergic muscarinic receptors appears to be an attractive therapeutic alternative due to the complex signaling pathways involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria M. Calaf
- Instituto de Alta Investigación, Universidad de Tarapacá, Arica 1000000, Chile; (L.A.C.); (J.P.M.); (T.C.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Leodan A. Crispin
- Instituto de Alta Investigación, Universidad de Tarapacá, Arica 1000000, Chile; (L.A.C.); (J.P.M.); (T.C.B.)
| | - Juan P. Muñoz
- Instituto de Alta Investigación, Universidad de Tarapacá, Arica 1000000, Chile; (L.A.C.); (J.P.M.); (T.C.B.)
| | - Francisco Aguayo
- Laboratorio de Oncovirología, Programa de Virología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380000, Chile;
| | - Tammy C. Bleak
- Instituto de Alta Investigación, Universidad de Tarapacá, Arica 1000000, Chile; (L.A.C.); (J.P.M.); (T.C.B.)
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22
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Kim C, Kong G, Lee H, Tran Q, Vo TT, Kwon SH, Park J, Kim S, Park J. Scavenger receptor class F member 2 (SCARF2) as a novel therapeutic target in glioblastoma. Toxicol Res. [PMID: 35419275 PMCID: PMC8960497 DOI: 10.1007/s43188-022-00125-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Scavenger receptor class F member 2 (SCARF2) is expressed by endothelial cells with very large cytoplasmic domains and is the second isotype, also known as scavenger receptor expressed by endothelial cells 2 (SREC-2). SREC-1 plays an important role in the binding and endocytosis of various endogenous and exogenous ligands. Many studies have been carried out on modified low-density lipoprotein internalization activity, but there have been few studies on SCARF2. Higher expression of SCARF2 has been found in glioblastoma (GBM) than normal brain tissue. Through analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas database, it was confirmed that SCARF2 is widely expressed in GBM, and increased SCARF2 expression correlated with a poor prognosis in patients with glioma. The results of this study showed that the expression of SCARF2 is increased in GBM cell lines and patients, suggesting that SCARF2 may be a potential diagnostic marker and therapeutic molecule for cancers including glioma.
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Eda T, Okada M, Ogura R, Tsukamoto Y, Kanemaru Y, Watanabe J, On J, Aoki H, Oishi M, Takei N, Fujii Y, Natsumeda M. Novel Repositioning Therapy for Drug-Resistant Glioblastoma: In Vivo Validation Study of Clindamycin Treatment Targeting the mTOR Pathway and Combination Therapy with Temozolomide. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:770. [PMID: 35159037 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Given the significant costs and lengthy timelines of drug development and clinical trials, drug repositioning is a promising alternative to find effective treatments for brain tumors quickly and inexpensively. In the present study, using a simple drug screen of macrolides, we found that clindamycin (CLD) had cytotoxic effects on glioblastoma (GBM) cells. Further studies showed the inhibition of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway as the key mechanism of action. Interestingly, we found that co-treatment with temozolomide (TMZ), the alkylating agent considered as standard therapy in GBM, enhanced these effects and proposed the inhibition of O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) protein by CLD as a potential mechanism for this combination effect. Abstract Multimodal therapy including surgery, radiation treatment, and temozolomide (TMZ) is performed on glioblastoma (GBM). However, the prognosis is still poor and there is an urgent need to develop effective treatments to improve survival. Molecular biological analysis was conducted to examine the signal activation patterns in GBM specimens and remains an open problem. Advanced macrolides, such as azithromycin, reduce the phosphorylation of p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70S6K), a downstream mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) effector, and suppress the proliferation of T-cells. We focused on its unique profile and screened for the antitumor activity of approved macrolide antibiotics. Clindamycin (CLD) reduced the viability of GBM cells in vitro. We assessed the effects of the candidate macrolide on the mTOR pathway through Western blotting. CLD attenuated p70S6K phosphorylation in a dose-dependent manner. These effects on GBM cells were enhanced by co-treatment with TMZ. Furthermore, CLD inhibited the expression of the O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) protein in cultured cells. In the mouse xenograft model, CLD and TMZ co-administration significantly suppressed the tumor growth and markedly decreased the number of Ki-67 (clone MIB-1)-positive cells within the tumor. These results suggest that CLD suppressed GBM cell growth by inhibiting mTOR signaling. Moreover, CLD and TMZ showed promising synergistic antitumor activity.
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Fabro F, Lamfers MLM, Leenstra S. Advancements, Challenges, and Future Directions in Tackling Glioblastoma Resistance to Small Kinase Inhibitors. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:600. [PMID: 35158868 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Drug resistance is a major issue in brain tumor therapy. Despite novel promising therapeutic approaches, glioblastoma (GBM) remains refractory in showing beneficial responses to anticancer agents, as demonstrated by the failure in clinical trials of small kinase inhibitors. One of the reasons may lie in the development of different types of drug resistance mechanisms derived from the intrinsic heterogeneous nature of GBM. Obtaining insights into these mechanisms could improve the management of the clinical intervention and monitoring. Such insights could be achieved with the improvement of preclinical in vitro models for studying drug resistance. Abstract Despite clinical intervention, glioblastoma (GBM) remains the deadliest brain tumor in adults. Its incurability is partly related to the establishment of drug resistance, both to standard and novel treatments. In fact, even though small kinase inhibitors have changed the standard clinical practice for several solid cancers, in GBM, they did not fulfill this promise. Drug resistance is thought to arise from the heterogeneity of GBM, which leads the development of several different mechanisms. A better understanding of the evolution and characteristics of drug resistance is of utmost importance to improve the current clinical practice. Therefore, the development of clinically relevant preclinical in vitro models which allow careful dissection of these processes is crucial to gain insights that can be translated to improved therapeutic approaches. In this review, we first discuss the heterogeneity of GBM, which is reflected in the development of several resistance mechanisms. In particular, we address the potential role of drug resistance mechanisms in the failure of small kinase inhibitors in clinical trials. Finally, we discuss strategies to overcome therapy resistance, particularly focusing on the importance of developing in vitro models, and the possible approaches that could be applied to the clinic to manage drug resistance.
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Haryuni RD, Tanaka T, Takahashi JI, Onuma I, Zhou Y, Yokoyama S, Sakurai H. Temozolomide Induces Endocytosis of EGFRvIII via p38-Mediated Non-canonical Phosphorylation in Glioblastoma Cells. Biol Pharm Bull 2021; 44:1681-1687. [PMID: 34719645 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b21-00371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The ligand-induced internalization of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is generally considered to attenuate downstream signaling via its endosomal degradation. However, the endocytosis of an oncogenic EGFR variant III (EGFRvIII) is impaired, which leads to persistent signaling from the cell surface, thereby promoting the proliferation and survival of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cells. Cellular stress triggers the non-canonical endocytosis-recycling of EGFR by p38-mediated phosphorylation. In the present study, we used temozolomide (TMZ), the standard chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of GBM patients, to examine whether EGFRvIII is controlled by a non-canonical mechanism. TMZ triggered the endocytic trafficking of serine phosphorylated EGFRvIII. Moreover, phosphorylation and endocytosis were abrogated by the selective p38 inhibitor SB203580, but not gefitinib, indicating that EGFRvIII is recruited to p38-mediated non-canonical endocytosis. The combination of TMZ and SB203580 also showed potential inhibitory effects on the proliferation and motility of glioblastoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ratna Dini Haryuni
- Department of Cancer Cell Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama.,Center for Radioisotope and Radiopharmaceutical Technology, National Nuclear Energy Agency of Indonesia
| | - Tomohiro Tanaka
- Department of Cancer Cell Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama
| | - Jun-Ichiro Takahashi
- Department of Cancer Cell Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama
| | - Iimi Onuma
- Department of Cancer Cell Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama
| | - Yue Zhou
- Department of Cancer Cell Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama
| | - Satoru Yokoyama
- Department of Cancer Cell Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama
| | - Hiroaki Sakurai
- Department of Cancer Cell Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama
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Zalcman N, Gutreiman M, Shahar T, Weller M, Lavon I. Androgen Receptor Activation in Glioblastoma Can Be Achieved by Ligand-Independent Signaling through EGFR-A Potential Therapeutic Target. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10954. [PMID: 34681618 PMCID: PMC8535837 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222010954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [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: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgen receptor (AR) is a ligand-mediated transcription factor that belongs to the superfamily of steroid receptors. AR is overexpressed in most glioblastomas and is a potential therapeutic target. In prostate and breast cancers, AR activation can be achieved also by a ligand-independent signaling through receptor tyrosine kinases such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Considering its major role in glioblastoma, we explored whether EGFR is involved in AR signaling in this tumor. Analysis of mRNA expression in 28 glioblastoma samples with quantitative real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction revealed a positive and significant correlation between AR and EGFR mRNA expression levels (R = 0.47, p = 0.0092), which was validated by The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset (n = 671) analysis (R = 0.3, p = 0.00006). Using Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining, we showed that the transduced overexpression of EGFR or its variant EGFRvIII in the U87MG cells induced AR protein overexpression and nuclear translocation and Protein kinase B (AKT) S473 and AR S210/213 phosphorylation. The EGFR kinase inhibitor afatinib and the AKT inhibitor MK2206 reduced AR nuclear translocation. Afatinib diminished AKT phosphorylation at 30 min and 6 h in the EGFR- and EGFRvIII-overexpressing cells, respectively, and decreased AR phosphorylation in EGFR-overexpressing cells at 4 h. Afatinib or MK2206 combination therapy with the AR antagonist enzalutamide in the EGFR and EGFRvIII-overexpressing cells had synergistic efficacy. Our findings suggest that EGFR signaling is involved in AR activation in glioblastoma and buttresses the concept of combining an EGFR signaling inhibitor with AR antagonists as a potential glioblastoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nomi Zalcman
- Molecular Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, Leslie and Michael Gaffin Center for Neuro-Oncology, Agnes Ginges Center for Human Neurogenetics, Neurology Department, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, P.O. Box 12000, Jerusalem 91120, Israel; (N.Z.); (M.G.)
| | - Mijal Gutreiman
- Molecular Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, Leslie and Michael Gaffin Center for Neuro-Oncology, Agnes Ginges Center for Human Neurogenetics, Neurology Department, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, P.O. Box 12000, Jerusalem 91120, Israel; (N.Z.); (M.G.)
| | - Tal Shahar
- The Laboratory for Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Department of Neurosurgery, Shaare Zedek-Hebrew University Medical Center, P.O. Box 3235, Jerusalem 9103102, Israel;
| | - Michael Weller
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Department of Neurology, University Hospital, University of Zurich, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Iris Lavon
- Molecular Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, Leslie and Michael Gaffin Center for Neuro-Oncology, Agnes Ginges Center for Human Neurogenetics, Neurology Department, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, P.O. Box 12000, Jerusalem 91120, Israel; (N.Z.); (M.G.)
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27
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Thokala R, Binder ZA, Yin Y, Zhang L, Zhang JV, Zhang DY, Milone MC, Ming GL, Song H, O'Rourke DM. High-Affinity Chimeric Antigen Receptor With Cross-Reactive scFv to Clinically Relevant EGFR Oncogenic Isoforms. Front Oncol 2021; 11:664236. [PMID: 34568006 PMCID: PMC8461175 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.664236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor heterogeneity is a key reason for therapeutic failure and tumor recurrence in glioblastoma (GBM). Our chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell (2173 CAR T cells) clinical trial (NCT02209376) against epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) variant III (EGFRvIII) demonstrated successful trafficking of T cells across the blood–brain barrier into GBM active tumor sites. However, CAR T cell infiltration was associated only with a selective loss of EGFRvIII+ tumor, demonstrating little to no effect on EGFRvIII- tumor cells. Post-CAR T-treated tumor specimens showed continued presence of EGFR amplification and oncogenic EGFR extracellular domain (ECD) missense mutations, despite loss of EGFRvIII. To address tumor escape, we generated an EGFR-specific CAR by fusing monoclonal antibody (mAb) 806 to a 4-1BB co-stimulatory domain. The resulting construct was compared to 2173 CAR T cells in GBM, using in vitro and in vivo models. 806 CAR T cells specifically lysed tumor cells and secreted cytokines in response to amplified EGFR, EGFRvIII, and EGFR-ECD mutations in U87MG cells, GBM neurosphere-derived cell lines, and patient-derived GBM organoids. 806 CAR T cells did not lyse fetal brain astrocytes or primary keratinocytes to a significant degree. They also exhibited superior antitumor activity in vivo when compared to 2173 CAR T cells. The broad specificity of 806 CAR T cells to EGFR alterations gives us the potential to target multiple clones within a tumor and reduce opportunities for tumor escape via antigen loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radhika Thokala
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Glioblastoma Translational Center of Excellence, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Zev A Binder
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Glioblastoma Translational Center of Excellence, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Yibo Yin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Glioblastoma Translational Center of Excellence, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Logan Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Glioblastoma Translational Center of Excellence, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Jiasi Vicky Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Glioblastoma Translational Center of Excellence, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Daniel Y Zhang
- Glioblastoma Translational Center of Excellence, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Biochemistry and Molecular Physics Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Michael C Milone
- Glioblastoma Translational Center of Excellence, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Guo-Li Ming
- Biochemistry and Molecular Physics Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Hongjun Song
- Glioblastoma Translational Center of Excellence, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Department of Neuroscience and Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Donald M O'Rourke
- Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Glioblastoma Translational Center of Excellence, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Vázquez Cervantes GI, González Esquivel DF, Gómez-Manzo S, Pineda B, Pérez de la Cruz V. New Immunotherapeutic Approaches for Glioblastoma. J Immunol Res 2021; 2021:3412906. [PMID: 34557553 DOI: 10.1155/2021/3412906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary malignant brain tumor with a high mortality rate. The current treatment consists of surgical resection, radiation, and chemotherapy; however, the median survival rate is only 12–18 months despite these alternatives, highlighting the urgent need to find new strategies. The heterogeneity of GBM makes this tumor difficult to treat, and the immunotherapies result in an attractive approach to modulate the antitumoral immune responses favoring the tumor eradication. The immunotherapies for GMB including monoclonal antibodies, checkpoint inhibitors, vaccines, and oncolytic viruses, among others, have shown favorable results alone or as a multimodal treatment. In this review, we summarize and discuss promising immunotherapies for GBM currently under preclinical investigation as well as in clinical trials.
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Sun R, Zhou Y, Han L, Pan Z, Chen J, Zong H, Bian Y, Jiang H, Zhang B, Zhu J. A Rational Designed Novel Bispecific Antibody for the Treatment of GBM. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9060640. [PMID: 34204931 PMCID: PMC8230177 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9060640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor variant III (EGFRvIII) is highly and specifically expressed in a subset of lethal glioblastoma (GBM), making the receptor a unique therapeutic target for GBM. Recently, bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) have shown exciting clinical benefits in cancer immunotherapy. Here, we report remarkable results for GBM treatment with a BsAb constructed by the "BAPTS" method. The BsAb was characterized through LC/MS, SEC-HPLC, and SPR. Furthermore, the BsAb was evaluated in vitro for bioactivities through FACS, antigen-dependent T-cell-mediated cytotoxicity, and a cytokine secretion assay, as well as in vivo for antitumor activity and pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters through immunodeficient NOD/SCID and BALB/c mouse models. The results indicated that the EGFRvIII-BsAb eliminated EGFRvIII-positive GBM cells by recruiting and stimulating effector T cells secreting cytotoxic cytokines that killed GBM cells in vitro. The results demonstrated the antitumor potential and long circulation time of EGFRvIII-BsAb in NOD/SCID mice bearing de2-7 subcutaneously heterotopic transplantation tumors and BALB/c mice. In conclusion, our experiments in both in vitro and in vivo have shown the remarkable antitumor activities of EGFRvIII-BsAb, highlighting its potential in clinical applications for the treatment of GBM. Additional merits, including a long circulation time and low immunogenicity, have also made the novel BsAb a promising therapeutic candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Sun
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200240, China; (R.S.); (Y.Z.); (Z.P.); (J.C.); (H.Z.); (Y.B.)
| | - Yuexian Zhou
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200240, China; (R.S.); (Y.Z.); (Z.P.); (J.C.); (H.Z.); (Y.B.)
| | - Lei Han
- Jecho Biopharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. No. 2018 Zhongtian Avenue, Binhai New Area, Tianjin 300457, China; (L.H.); (H.J.)
- Jecho Biopharmaceutical Institute, No. 58 Yuanmei Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Zhidi Pan
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200240, China; (R.S.); (Y.Z.); (Z.P.); (J.C.); (H.Z.); (Y.B.)
| | - Jie Chen
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200240, China; (R.S.); (Y.Z.); (Z.P.); (J.C.); (H.Z.); (Y.B.)
| | - Huifang Zong
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200240, China; (R.S.); (Y.Z.); (Z.P.); (J.C.); (H.Z.); (Y.B.)
| | - Yanlin Bian
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200240, China; (R.S.); (Y.Z.); (Z.P.); (J.C.); (H.Z.); (Y.B.)
| | - Hua Jiang
- Jecho Biopharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. No. 2018 Zhongtian Avenue, Binhai New Area, Tianjin 300457, China; (L.H.); (H.J.)
- Jecho Laboratories Inc., 7320 Executive Way, Frederick, MD 21704, USA
| | - Baohong Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200240, China; (R.S.); (Y.Z.); (Z.P.); (J.C.); (H.Z.); (Y.B.)
- Correspondence: (B.Z.); (J.Z.)
| | - Jianwei Zhu
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai 200240, China; (R.S.); (Y.Z.); (Z.P.); (J.C.); (H.Z.); (Y.B.)
- Jecho Laboratories Inc., 7320 Executive Way, Frederick, MD 21704, USA
- Correspondence: (B.Z.); (J.Z.)
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Mbaveng AT, Wamba BEN, Bitchagno GTM, Tankeo SB, Çelik İ, Atontsa BCK, Nkuété Lonfouo AH, Kuete V, Efferth T. Bioactivity of fractions and constituents of Piper capense fruits towards a broad panel of cancer cells. J Ethnopharmacol 2021; 271:113884. [PMID: 33529639 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.113884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Piper capense is a medicinal spice whose fruits are traditionally used as aqueous decoction to heal several ailments such as trypanosomiasis, helminthic infections, and cancer. AIM OF THE STUDY (1) To perform phytochemical investigation of the methanol extract of Piper capense; (2) to evaluate the cytotoxicity of botanicals (PCF, fractions PCFa-e), isolated phytochemicals on a broad panel of animal and human cancer cell lines; (3) to evaluate the induction of apoptosis of the most active samples. MATERIAL AND METHODS Resazurin reduction assay (RRA) was used to determine the cytotoxicity of the studied samples. Cell cycle distribution (PI staining), apoptosis (annexin V/PI staining), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP; JC-1) and reactive oxygen species (ROS; H2DCFH-DA) were measured by flow cytometry. Column chromatography (CC) was used for the purification of PCF, whilst nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic and mass spectrometric (MS) analyses were applied for structural elucidation. RESULTS The phytochemical investigation of PCF led to the isolation of 11 compounds: licarin B (1), licarin A (2), 7-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-7,8-dihydro-8-methyl-5-(2-propenyl)-furo[3,2-e]-1,3-benzodioxole (3), nitidine isocyanate (4), 5-hydroxy-7,4'-dimethoxyflavone (5), cardamomin (6), sitosterol (7) and stigmasterol (8), β-sitosterol 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (9), oleanolic acid (10) and lupeol (11). Fraction PCFb, compound 2 and doxorubicin (as positive control drug) revealed cytotoxic effects towards the 18 tested cancer cell lines. The IC50 values ranged from 6.1 μg/mL (against CCRF-CEM cells) to 44.2 μg/mL (against BRAF-V600E homozygous mutant melanoma cells) for PSCb; from 4.3 μM (against CCRF-CEM cells) to 21.8 μM (against HCT116 p53-/-) for compound 2 and from 0.02 μM (against CCRF-CEM cells) to 123.0 μM (against CEM/ADR5000 cells) for doxorubicin. PCFb and compound 2 induced apoptosis in CCRF-CEM cells mediated by activation of caspase 3/7, 8 and 9, MMP alteration and increased ROS production. CONCLUSION Piper capense is a source of potent cytotoxic botanicals and phytochemicals that could help to fight various types of cancer including multidrug resistance phenotypes. PCFb and compound 2 should further be explored to develop new drugs to fight malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armelle T Mbaveng
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128, Mainz, Germany; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon.
| | - Brice E N Wamba
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon.
| | - Gabin T M Bitchagno
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon.
| | - Simplice Beaudelaire Tankeo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128, Mainz, Germany; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon.
| | - İlhami Çelik
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Eskişehir Technical University, 26470, Eskişehir, Turkey.
| | - Brice C K Atontsa
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon.
| | | | - Victor Kuete
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128, Mainz, Germany; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon.
| | - Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128, Mainz, Germany.
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31
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Valtorta S, Lo Dico A, Raccagni I, Martelli C, Pieri V, Rainone P, Todde S, Zinnhardt B, De Bernardi E, Coliva A, Politi LS, Viel T, Jacobs AH, Galli R, Ottobrini L, Vaira V, Moresco RM. Imaging Metformin Efficacy as Add-On Therapy in Cells and Mouse Models of Human EGFR Glioblastoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:664149. [PMID: 34012924 PMCID: PMC8126706 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.664149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly aggressive tumor of the brain. Despite the efforts, response to current therapies is poor and 2-years survival rate ranging from 6-12%. Here, we evaluated the preclinical efficacy of Metformin (MET) as add-on therapy to Temozolomide (TMZ) and the ability of [18F]FLT (activity of thymidine kinase 1 related to cell proliferation) and [18F]VC701 (translocator protein, TSPO) Positron Emission Tomography (PET) radiotracers to predict tumor response to therapy. Indeed, TSPO is expressed on the outer mitochondrial membrane of activated microglia/macrophages, tumor cells, astrocytes and endothelial cells. TMZ-sensitive (Gli36ΔEGFR-1 and L0627) or -resistant (Gli36ΔEGFR-2) GBM cell lines representative of classical molecular subtype were tested in vitro and in vivo in orthotopic mouse models. Our results indicate that in vitro, MET increased the efficacy of TMZ on TMZ-sensitive and on TMZ-resistant cells by deregulating the balance between pro-survival (bcl2) and pro-apoptotic (bax/bad) Bcl-family members and promoting early apoptosis in both Gli36ΔEGFR-1 and Gli36ΔEGFR-2 cells. In vivo, MET add-on significantly extended the median survival of tumor-bearing mice compared to TMZ-treated ones and reduced the rate of recurrence in the TMZ-sensitive models. PET studies with the cell proliferation radiopharmaceutical [18F]FLT performed at early time during treatment were able to distinguish responder from non-responder to TMZ but not to predict the duration of the effect. On the contrary, [18F]VC701 uptake was reduced only in mice treated with MET plus TMZ and levels of uptake negatively correlated with animals’ survival. Overall, our data showed that MET addition improved TMZ efficacy in GBM preclinical models representative of classical molecular subtype increasing survival time and reducing tumor relapsing rate. Finally, results from PET imaging suggest that the reduction of cell proliferation represents a common mechanism of TMZ and combined treatment, whereas only the last was able to reduce TSPO. This reduction was associated with the duration of treatment response. TSPO-ligand may be used as a complementary molecular imaging marker to predict tumor microenvironment related treatment effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Valtorta
- Department of Medicine and Surgery and Tecnomed Foundation, University of Milano - Bicocca, Monza, Italy.,Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), Segrate, Italy.,Nuclear Medicine Department, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessia Lo Dico
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Isabella Raccagni
- Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), Segrate, Italy.,Nuclear Medicine Department, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,SYSBIO Centre of Systems Biology ISBE.ITALY, University of Milano - Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Martelli
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Pieri
- Neural Stem Cell Biology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Rainone
- Department of Medicine and Surgery and Tecnomed Foundation, University of Milano - Bicocca, Monza, Italy.,Nuclear Medicine Department, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Sergio Todde
- Department of Medicine and Surgery and Tecnomed Foundation, University of Milano - Bicocca, Monza, Italy.,Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), Segrate, Italy
| | - Bastian Zinnhardt
- European Institute for Molecular Imaging (EIMI), University of Münster, Münster, Germany.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Elisabetta De Bernardi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery and Tecnomed Foundation, University of Milano - Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Angela Coliva
- Nuclear Medicine Department, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Letterio S Politi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Rozzano, Italy.,Department of Neuroradiology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center IRCCS, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Thomas Viel
- PARCC, INSERM, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Andreas H Jacobs
- European Institute for Molecular Imaging (EIMI), University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Rossella Galli
- Neural Stem Cell Biology Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Luisa Ottobrini
- Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), Segrate, Italy.,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Vaira
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Division of Pathology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Rosa Maria Moresco
- Department of Medicine and Surgery and Tecnomed Foundation, University of Milano - Bicocca, Monza, Italy.,Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), Segrate, Italy.,Nuclear Medicine Department, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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Kitamura K, Nimura K. Regulation of RNA Splicing: Aberrant Splicing Regulation and Therapeutic Targets in Cancer. Cells 2021; 10:923. [PMID: 33923658 PMCID: PMC8073995 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [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: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA splicing is a critical step in the maturation of precursor mRNA (pre-mRNA) by removing introns and exons. The combination of inclusion and exclusion of introns and exons in pre-mRNA can generate vast diversity in mature mRNA from a limited number of genes. Cancer cells acquire cancer-specific mechanisms through aberrant splicing regulation to acquire resistance to treatment and to promote malignancy. Splicing regulation involves many factors, such as proteins, non-coding RNAs, and DNA sequences at many steps. Thus, the dysregulation of splicing is caused by many factors, including mutations in RNA splicing factors, aberrant expression levels of RNA splicing factors, small nuclear ribonucleoproteins biogenesis, mutations in snRNA, or genomic sequences that are involved in the regulation of splicing, such as 5' and 3' splice sites, branch point site, splicing enhancer/silencer, and changes in the chromatin status that affect the splicing profile. This review focuses on the dysregulation of RNA splicing related to cancer and the associated therapeutic methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Kitamura
- Division of Gene Therapy Science, Department of Genome Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan;
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Keisuke Nimura
- Division of Gene Therapy Science, Department of Genome Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan;
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Grohmann C, Walker F, Devlin M, Luo MX, Chüeh AC, Doherty J, Vaillant F, Ho GY, Wakefield MJ, Weeden CE, Kamili A, Murray J, Po'uha ST, Weinstock J, Kane SR, Faux MC, Broekhuizen E, Zheng Y, Shield-Artin K, Kershaw NJ, Tan CW, Witchard HM, Ebert G, Charman SA, Street I, Kavallaris M, Haber M, Fletcher JI, Asselin-Labat ML, Scott CL, Visvader JE, Lindeman GJ, Watson KG, Burgess AW, Lessene G. Preclinical small molecule WEHI-7326 overcomes drug resistance and elicits response in patient-derived xenograft models of human treatment-refractory tumors. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:268. [PMID: 33712556 PMCID: PMC7955127 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-03269-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Targeting cell division by chemotherapy is a highly effective strategy to treat a wide range of cancers. However, there are limitations of many standard-of-care chemotherapies: undesirable drug toxicity, side-effects, resistance and high cost. New small molecules which kill a wide range of cancer subtypes, with good therapeutic window in vivo, have the potential to complement the current arsenal of anti-cancer agents and deliver improved safety profiles for cancer patients. We describe results with a new anti-cancer small molecule, WEHI-7326, which causes cell cycle arrest in G2/M, cell death in vitro, and displays efficacious anti-tumor activity in vivo. WEHI-7326 induces cell death in a broad range of cancer cell lines, including taxane-resistant cells, and inhibits growth of human colon, brain, lung, prostate and breast tumors in mice xenografts. Importantly, the compound elicits tumor responses as a single agent in patient-derived xenografts of clinically aggressive, treatment-refractory neuroblastoma, breast, lung and ovarian cancer. In combination with standard-of-care, WEHI-7326 induces a remarkable complete response in a mouse model of high-risk neuroblastoma. WEHI-7326 is mechanistically distinct from known microtubule-targeting agents and blocks cells early in mitosis to inhibit cell division, ultimately leading to apoptotic cell death. The compound is simple to produce and possesses favorable pharmacokinetic and toxicity profiles in rodents. It represents a novel class of anti-cancer therapeutics with excellent potential for further development due to the ease of synthesis, simple formulation, moderate side effects and potent in vivo activity. WEHI-7326 has the potential to complement current frontline anti-cancer drugs and to overcome drug resistance in a wide range of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Grohmann
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
- The University of Melbourne, Department of Medical Biology, Parkville, VIC, 3050, Australia.
| | - Francesca Walker
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- The University of Melbourne, Department of Medical Biology, Parkville, VIC, 3050, Australia
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Mark Devlin
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre building, Melbourne, 3000, Australia
- Cancer Therapeutics CRC, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Meng-Xiao Luo
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- The University of Melbourne, Department of Medical Biology, Parkville, VIC, 3050, Australia
| | - Anderly C Chüeh
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- The University of Melbourne, Department of Medical Biology, Parkville, VIC, 3050, Australia
- Cancer Therapeutics CRC, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Judy Doherty
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre building, Melbourne, 3000, Australia
- Cancer Therapeutics CRC, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - François Vaillant
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- The University of Melbourne, Department of Medical Biology, Parkville, VIC, 3050, Australia
| | - Gwo-Yaw Ho
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- The University of Melbourne, Department of Medical Biology, Parkville, VIC, 3050, Australia
| | - Matthew J Wakefield
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- The University of Melbourne, Department of Medical Biology, Parkville, VIC, 3050, Australia
- The University of Melbourne, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Parkville, VIC, 3050, Australia
| | - Clare E Weeden
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- The University of Melbourne, Department of Medical Biology, Parkville, VIC, 3050, Australia
| | - Alvin Kamili
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Jayne Murray
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Sela T Po'uha
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Janet Weinstock
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- The University of Melbourne, Department of Medical Biology, Parkville, VIC, 3050, Australia
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Serena R Kane
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- The University of Melbourne, Department of Medical Biology, Parkville, VIC, 3050, Australia
| | - Maree C Faux
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- The University of Melbourne, Department of Medical Biology, Parkville, VIC, 3050, Australia
| | - Esmee Broekhuizen
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- The University of Melbourne, Department of Medical Biology, Parkville, VIC, 3050, Australia
| | - Ye Zheng
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- The University of Melbourne, Department of Medical Biology, Parkville, VIC, 3050, Australia
| | - Kristy Shield-Artin
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- The University of Melbourne, Department of Medical Biology, Parkville, VIC, 3050, Australia
| | - Nadia J Kershaw
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- The University of Melbourne, Department of Medical Biology, Parkville, VIC, 3050, Australia
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Chin Wee Tan
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- The University of Melbourne, Department of Medical Biology, Parkville, VIC, 3050, Australia
| | - Helen M Witchard
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Gregor Ebert
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- The University of Melbourne, Department of Medical Biology, Parkville, VIC, 3050, Australia
| | - Susan A Charman
- Centre for Drug Candidate Optimisation, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Ian Street
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Cancer Therapeutics CRC, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Maria Kavallaris
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bionano Science and Technology, Australian Centre for Nanomedicine, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Michelle Haber
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Jamie I Fletcher
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Marie-Liesse Asselin-Labat
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- The University of Melbourne, Department of Medical Biology, Parkville, VIC, 3050, Australia
| | - Clare L Scott
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- The University of Melbourne, Department of Medical Biology, Parkville, VIC, 3050, Australia
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre building, Melbourne, 3000, Australia
- The University of Melbourne, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Parkville, VIC, 3050, Australia
| | - Jane E Visvader
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- The University of Melbourne, Department of Medical Biology, Parkville, VIC, 3050, Australia
| | - Geoffrey J Lindeman
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- The University of Melbourne, Department of Medical Biology, Parkville, VIC, 3050, Australia
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre building, Melbourne, 3000, Australia
- The University of Melbourne, Department of Medicine, Parkville, VIC, 3000, Australia
| | - Keith G Watson
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- The University of Melbourne, Department of Medical Biology, Parkville, VIC, 3050, Australia
| | - Antony W Burgess
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
- The University of Melbourne, Department of Medical Biology, Parkville, VIC, 3050, Australia.
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia.
| | - Guillaume Lessene
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
- The University of Melbourne, Department of Medical Biology, Parkville, VIC, 3050, Australia.
- The University of Melbourne, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Parkville, VIC, 3050, Australia.
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Mbaveng AT, Chi GF, Bonsou IN, Ombito JO, Yeboah SO, Kuete V, Efferth T. Cytotoxic phytochemicals from the crude extract of Tetrapleura tetraptera fruits towards multi-factorial drug resistant cancer cells. J Ethnopharmacol 2021; 267:113632. [PMID: 33253828 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Tetrapleura tetraptera is an African medicinal spice used in traditional medicine to treat several ailments including cancer. AIM OF THE STUDY The present study was designed to evaluate the cytotoxicity of the dichloromethane-methanol (1:1) extract of the fruits of Tetrapleura tetraptera (TTF) and its constituents: (3R, 4S)-3,4-dimethyloxetan-2-one (1), luteolin (2), stigmasterol (4), 3-O-[6'-O-undecanoyl-β-D-glucopyranosyl]stigmasterol (6), olean-12-en-3-β-O-D-glucopyranoside (7), 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-β-D-glucopyranosylurs-12-en-28-oic acid (8), 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 3)-β-D-glucopyranosyl-27-hydroxyolean-12-ene-28-oic acid (9), methyl-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (10), β-D-fructofuranosyl-(2 → 1)-β-D-glucopyranoside (11) towards a panel of cancer cell lines including MDR phenotypes. The cellular mode of induction of apoptosis by TTF and compound 7 was further investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS The resazurin reduction assay (RRA) was applied to determine the cytotoxicity of the studied samples. The cell cycle (PI staining), apoptosis (annexin V/PI staining), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP; JC-1) and reactive oxygen species (ROS; H2DCFH-DA) were measured by flow cytometry. Column chromatography was used for the purification of TTF, whilst nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic analysis was applied for structural elucidation. RESULTS The botanical, TTF and the phytochemicals, 2, 7, 8 and 9 as well as doxorubicin exerted cytotoxicity against 9 cancer cell lines including drug-sensitive and drug resistant phenotypes. TTF, compound 7 and doxorubicin were the most active samples, and displayed IC50 values ranging from 10.27 μg/mL (in CCRF-CEM leukemia cells) to 23.61 μg/mL (against HCT116 p53-/- colon adenocarcinoma cells) for TTF, from 4.76 μM (against CCRF-CEM cells) to 12.92 μM (against HepG2 hepatocarcinoma cells) for compound 7, and from 0.02 μM (against CCRF-CEM cells) to 122.96 μM (against CEM/ADR5000 cells) for doxorubicin. TTF induced apoptosis in CCRF-CEM cells through MMP alteration and increased ROS production while compound 7 induced apoptosis mediated by caspases activation, MMP alteration and increased ROS production. CONCLUSION Tetrapleura tetraptera and some of its constituents, mostly compound 7 are good cytotoxic natural products that should be explored in depth to develop new drugs to fight cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armelle T Mbaveng
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Mainz, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128, Mainz, Germany; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon.
| | - Godloves F Chi
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon.
| | - Idrios N Bonsou
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon.
| | - Japheth O Ombito
- Department of Chemistry, University of Botswana, Private Bag 0022, Gaborone, Botswana.
| | - Samuel O Yeboah
- Department of Chemistry, University of Botswana, Private Bag 0022, Gaborone, Botswana.
| | - Victor Kuete
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Mainz, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128, Mainz, Germany; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon.
| | - Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Mainz, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128, Mainz, Germany.
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Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) has a poor prognosis-despite aggressive primary treatment composed of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, median survival is still around 15 months. It starts to grow again after a year of treatment and eventually nothing is effective at this stage. Recurrent GBM is one of the most disappointing fields for researchers in which their efforts have gained no benefit for patients. They were directed for a long time towards understanding the molecular basis that leads to the development of GBM. It is now known that GBM is a heterogeneous disease and resistance comes mainly from the regrowth of malignant cells after eradicating specific clones by targeted treatment. Epidermal growth factor receptor, platelet derived growth factor receptor, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor are known to be highly active in primary and recurrent GBM through different underlying pathways, despite this bevacizumab is the only Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved drug for recurrent GBM. Immunotherapy is another important promising modality of treatment of GBM, after proper understanding of the microenvironment of the tumour and overcoming the reasons that historically stigmatise GBM as an 'immunologically cold tumour'. Radiotherapy can augment the effect of immunotherapy by different mechanisms. Also, dual immunotherapy which targets immune pathways at different stages and through different receptors further enhances immune stimulation against GBM. Delivery of pro-drugs to be activated at the tumour site and suicidal genes by gene therapy using different vectors shows promising results. Despite using neurotropic viral vectors specifically targeting glial cells (which are the cells of origin of GBM), no significant improvement of overall-survival has been seen as yet. Non-viral vectors 'polymeric and non-polymeric' show significant tumour shrinkage in pre-clinical trials and now at early-stage clinical trials. To this end, in this review, we aim to study the possible role of different molecular pathways that are involved in GBM's recurrence, we will also review the most relevant and recent clinical experience with targeted treatments and immunotherapies. We will discuss trials utilised tyrosine receptor kinase inhibitors, immunotherapy and gene therapy in recurrent GBM pointing to the causes of potential disappointing preliminary results of some of them. Additionally, we are suggesting a possible future treatment based on recent successful clinical data that could alter the outcome for GBM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaimaa M El-Khayat
- Cancer Management and Research Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21568, Egypt
| | - Waleed O Arafat
- Alexandria Clinical Oncology Department, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21568, Egypt
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Humphreys LM, Smith P, Chen Z, Fouad S, D'Angiolella V. The role of E3 ubiquitin ligases in the development and progression of glioblastoma. Cell Death Differ 2021; 28:522-37. [PMID: 33432111 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-020-00696-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite recent advances in our understanding of the disease, glioblastoma (GB) continues to have limited treatment options and carries a dismal prognosis for patients. Efforts to stratify this heterogeneous malignancy using molecular classifiers identified frequent alterations in targetable proteins belonging to several pathways including the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathways. However, these findings have failed to improve clinical outcomes for patients. In almost all cases, GB becomes refractory to standard-of-care therapy, and recent evidence suggests that disease recurrence may be associated with a subpopulation of cells known as glioma stem cells (GSCs). Therefore, there remains a significant unmet need for novel therapeutic strategies. E3 ubiquitin ligases are a family of >700 proteins that conjugate ubiquitin to target proteins, resulting in an array of cellular responses, including DNA repair, pro-survival signalling and protein degradation. Ubiquitin modifications on target proteins are diverse, ranging from mono-ubiquitination through to the formation of polyubiquitin chains and mixed chains. The specificity in substrate tagging and chain elongation is dictated by E3 ubiquitin ligases, which have essential regulatory roles in multiple aspects of brain cancer pathogenesis. In this review, we begin by briefly summarising the histological and molecular classification of GB. We comprehensively describe the roles of E3 ubiquitin ligases in RTK and MAPK, as well as other, commonly altered, oncogenic and tumour suppressive signalling pathways in GB. We also describe the role of E3 ligases in maintaining glioma stem cell populations and their function in promoting resistance to ionizing radiation (IR) and chemotherapy. Finally, we consider how our knowledge of E3 ligase biology may be used for future therapeutic interventions in GB, including the use of blood-brain barrier permeable proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs).
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Foray C, Valtorta S, Barca C, Winkeler A, Roll W, Müther M, Wagner S, Gardner ML, Hermann S, Schäfers M, Grauer OM, Moresco RM, Zinnhardt B, Jacobs AH. Imaging temozolomide-induced changes in the myeloid glioma microenvironment. Theranostics 2021; 11:2020-2033. [PMID: 33500706 PMCID: PMC7797694 DOI: 10.7150/thno.47269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: The heterogeneous nature of gliomas makes the development and application of novel treatments challenging. In particular, infiltrating myeloid cells play a role in tumor progression and therapy resistance. Hence, a detailed understanding of the dynamic interplay of tumor cells and immune cells in vivo is necessary. To investigate the complex interaction between tumor progression and therapy-induced changes in the myeloid immune component of the tumor microenvironment, we used a combination of [18F]FET (amino acid metabolism) and [18F]DPA-714 (TSPO, GAMMs, tumor cells, astrocytes, endothelial cells) PET/MRI together with immune-phenotyping. The aim of the study was to monitor temozolomide (TMZ) treatment response and therapy-induced changes in the inflammatory tumor microenvironment (TME). Methods: Eighteen NMRInu/nu mice orthotopically implanted with Gli36dEGFR cells underwent MRI and PET/CT scans before and after treatment with TMZ or DMSO (vehicle). Tumor-to-background (striatum) uptake ratios were calculated and areas of unique tracer uptake (FET vs. DPA) were determined using an atlas-based volumetric approach. Results: TMZ therapy significantly modified the spatial distribution and uptake of both tracers. [18F]FET uptake was significantly reduced after therapy (-53 ± 84%) accompanied by a significant decrease of tumor volume (-17 ± 6%). In contrast, a significant increase (61 ± 33%) of [18F]DPA-714 uptake was detected by TSPO imaging in specific areas of the tumor. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) validated the reduction in tumor volumes and further revealed the presence of reactive TSPO-expressing glioma-associated microglia/macrophages (GAMMs) in the TME. Conclusion: We confirm the efficiency of [18F]FET-PET for monitoring TMZ-treatment response and demonstrate that in vivo TSPO-PET performed with [18F]DPA-714 can be used to identify specific reactive areas of myeloid cell infiltration in the TME.
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Birzu C, French P, Caccese M, Cerretti G, Idbaih A, Zagonel V, Lombardi G. Recurrent Glioblastoma: From Molecular Landscape to New Treatment Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 13:E47. [PMID: 33375286 PMCID: PMC7794906 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13010047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most frequent and aggressive form among malignant central nervous system primary tumors in adults. Standard treatment for newly diagnosed glioblastoma consists in maximal safe resection, if feasible, followed by radiochemotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy with temozolomide; despite this multimodal treatment, virtually all glioblastomas relapse. Once tumors progress after first-line therapy, treatment options are limited and management of recurrent glioblastoma remains challenging. Loco-regional therapy with re-surgery or re-irradiation may be evaluated in selected cases, while traditional systemic therapy with nitrosoureas and temozolomide rechallenge showed limited efficacy. In recent years, new clinical trials using, for example, regorafenib or a combination of tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immunotherapy were performed with promising results. In particular, molecular targeted therapy could show efficacy in selected patients with specific gene mutations. Nonetheless, some molecular characteristics and genetic alterations could change during tumor progression, thus affecting the efficacy of precision medicine. We therefore reviewed the molecular and genomic landscape of recurrent glioblastoma, the strategy for clinical management and the major phase I-III clinical trials analyzing recent drugs and combination regimens in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Birzu
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, CNRS, UMR S 1127, Institut du Cerveau, ICM, AP-HP, Hôpitaux Universitaires La Pitié Salpêtrière—Charles Foix, Service de Neurologie 2-Mazarin, F-75013 Paris, France; (C.B.); (A.I.)
| | - Pim French
- Department of Neurology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Mario Caccese
- Department of Oncology, Oncology 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, via Gattamelata 54, 35128 Padua, Italy; (M.C.); (G.C.); (V.Z.)
| | - Giulia Cerretti
- Department of Oncology, Oncology 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, via Gattamelata 54, 35128 Padua, Italy; (M.C.); (G.C.); (V.Z.)
| | - Ahmed Idbaih
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, CNRS, UMR S 1127, Institut du Cerveau, ICM, AP-HP, Hôpitaux Universitaires La Pitié Salpêtrière—Charles Foix, Service de Neurologie 2-Mazarin, F-75013 Paris, France; (C.B.); (A.I.)
| | - Vittorina Zagonel
- Department of Oncology, Oncology 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, via Gattamelata 54, 35128 Padua, Italy; (M.C.); (G.C.); (V.Z.)
| | - Giuseppe Lombardi
- Department of Oncology, Oncology 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, via Gattamelata 54, 35128 Padua, Italy; (M.C.); (G.C.); (V.Z.)
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Kim HM, Lee SH, Lim J, Yoo J, Hwang DY. The epidermal growth factor receptor variant type III mutation frequently found in gliomas induces astrogenesis in human cerebral organoids. Cell Prolif 2020; 54:e12965. [PMID: 33283409 PMCID: PMC7848959 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The epidermal growth factor receptor variant type III (EGFRvIII) is the most common mutation of EGFR in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and is found in approximately 25% of all GBMs. Intriguingly, EGFRvIII is mostly found in GFAP+ astrocytic tumour cells in the brain, suggesting connection of EGFRvIII to astrogenesis. In this study, we explored whether EGFRvIII mutation facilitates astrogenesis in human development setting. Materials and methods Using CRISPR‐Cas9, we generated EGFRvIII mutations in H9‐hESCs. Wild type (wt) H9‐hESCs were used as an isogenic control. Next, we generated cerebral organoids using the wt and EGFRvIII‐hESCs and examined the astrogenic differentiation of the brain organoids. Results EGFRvIII‐organoids showed abundant astrocytes (GFAP+, S100β+), while no astrocytes were detected in wt hESC‐derived organoids at day 49. On the contrary, TUJ1+ neurons were more abundant in the wt‐organoids than the EGFRvIII‐organoids. This result suggested that constitutively active EGFRvIII promoted astrogenesis at the expense of neurogenesis. In addition, the EGFRvIII‐organoids were larger in size and retained more Ki67+ cells than wt‐organoids, indicating enhanced cell proliferation by the mutation. The EGFRvIII‐organoids displayed massive apoptotic cell death after treatment with temozolomide and hence, could be used for evaluation of anti‐GBM drugs. Conclusions EGFRvIII mutation‐induced astrogenesis and massive cell proliferation in a human brain development model. These results provide us new insights into the mechanisms relating EGFRvIII mutation‐mediated gliogenesis and gliomagenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Mun Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Sang-Hyeok Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Jaejoon Lim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Jongman Yoo
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Dong-Youn Hwang
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of CHA University, Seongnam, Korea.,Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea
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40
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Ko J, Wang Y, Carlson JCT, Marquard A, Gungabeesoon J, Charest A, Weitz D, Pittet MJ, Weissleder R. Single Extracellular Vesicle Protein Analysis Using Immuno-Droplet Digital Polymerase Chain Reaction Amplification. Adv Biosyst 2020; 4:e1900307. [PMID: 33274611 PMCID: PMC8491538 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.201900307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
There is a need for novel analytical techniques to study the composition of single extracellular vesicles (EV). Such techniques are required to improve the understanding of heterogeneous EV populations, to allow identification of unique subpopulations, and to enable earlier and more sensitive disease detection. Because of the small size of EV and their low protein content, ultrahigh sensitivity technologies are required. Here, an immuno-droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (iddPCR) amplification method is described that allows multiplexed single EV protein profiling. Antibody-DNA conjugates are used to label EV, followed by stochastic microfluidic incorporation of single EV into droplets. In situ PCR with fluorescent reporter probes converts and amplifies the barcode signal for subsequent read-out by droplet imaging. In these proof-of-principle studies, it is shown that multiplex protein analysis is possible in single EV, opening the door for future analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jina Ko
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge St, CPZN 5206, Boston, MA 02114
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Yongcheng Wang
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and Department of Physics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
| | - Jonathan CT Carlson
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge St, CPZN 5206, Boston, MA 02114
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114
| | - Angela Marquard
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge St, CPZN 5206, Boston, MA 02114
| | - Jeremy Gungabeesoon
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge St, CPZN 5206, Boston, MA 02114
| | - Alain Charest
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215
| | - David Weitz
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and Department of Physics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
| | - Mikael J. Pittet
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge St, CPZN 5206, Boston, MA 02114
| | - Ralph Weissleder
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 185 Cambridge St, CPZN 5206, Boston, MA 02114
- Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, 200 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115
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41
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Di Cintio F, Dal Bo M, Baboci L, De Mattia E, Polano M, Toffoli G. The Molecular and Microenvironmental Landscape of Glioblastomas: Implications for the Novel Treatment Choices. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:603647. [PMID: 33324155 PMCID: PMC7724040 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.603647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most frequent and aggressive primary central nervous system tumor. Surgery followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy with alkylating agents constitutes standard first-line treatment of GBM. Complete resection of the GBM tumors is generally not possible given its high invasive features. Although this combination therapy can prolong survival, the prognosis is still poor due to several factors including chemoresistance. In recent years, a comprehensive characterization of the GBM-associated molecular signature has been performed. This has allowed the possibility to introduce a more personalized therapeutic approach for GBM, in which novel targeted therapies, including those employing tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), could be employed. The GBM tumor microenvironment (TME) exerts a key role in GBM tumor progression, in particular by providing an immunosuppressive state with low numbers of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and other immune effector cell types that contributes to tumor proliferation and growth. The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has been successfully introduced in numerous advanced cancers as well as promising results have been shown for the use of these antibodies in untreated brain metastases from melanoma and from non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Consequently, the use of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors has also been proposed in several clinical trials for the treatment of GBM. In the present review, we will outline the main GBM molecular and TME aspects providing also the grounds for novel targeted therapies and immunotherapies using ICIs for GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Di Cintio
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Aviano, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Michele Dal Bo
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Aviano, Italy
| | - Lorena Baboci
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Aviano, Italy
| | - Elena De Mattia
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Aviano, Italy
| | - Maurizio Polano
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Aviano, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Toffoli
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Aviano, Italy
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42
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Vigneswaran K, Boyd NH, Oh SY, Lallani S, Boucher A, Neill SG, Olson JJ, Read RD. YAP/TAZ Transcriptional Coactivators Create Therapeutic Vulnerability to Verteporfin in EGFR-mutant Glioblastoma. Clin Cancer Res 2020; 27:1553-1569. [PMID: 33172899 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-20-0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Glioblastomas (GBMs), neoplasms derived from glia and neuroglial progenitor cells, are the most common and lethal malignant primary brain tumors diagnosed in adults, with a median survival of 14 months. GBM tumorigenicity is often driven by genetic aberrations in receptor tyrosine kinases, such as amplification and mutation of EGFR. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Using a Drosophila glioma model and human patient-derived GBM stem cells and xenograft models, we genetically and pharmacologically tested whether the YAP and TAZ transcription coactivators, effectors of the Hippo pathway that promote gene expression via TEA domain (TEAD) cofactors, are key drivers of GBM tumorigenicity downstream of oncogenic EGFR signaling. RESULTS YAP and TAZ are highly expressed in EGFR-amplified/mutant human GBMs, and their knockdown in EGFR-amplified/mutant GBM cells inhibited proliferation and elicited apoptosis. Our results indicate that YAP/TAZ-TEAD directly regulates transcription of SOX2, C-MYC, and EGFR itself to create a feedforward loop to drive survival and proliferation of human GBM cells. Moreover, the benzoporphyrin derivative verteporfin, a disruptor of YAP/TAZ-TEAD-mediated transcription, preferentially induced apoptosis of cultured patient-derived EGFR-amplified/mutant GBM cells, suppressed expression of YAP/TAZ transcriptional targets, including EGFR, and conferred significant survival benefit in an orthotopic xenograft GBM model. Our efforts led us to design and initiate a phase 0 clinical trial of Visudyne, an FDA-approved liposomal formulation of verteporfin, where we used intraoperative fluorescence to observe verteporfin uptake into tumor cells in GBM tumors in human patients. CONCLUSIONS Together, our data suggest that verteporfin is a promising therapeutic agent for EGFR-amplified and -mutant GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nathaniel H Boyd
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Se-Yeong Oh
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Shoeb Lallani
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Andrew Boucher
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Stewart G Neill
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jeffrey J Olson
- Department of Neurosurgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia.,Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia.,Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Renee D Read
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia. .,Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia.,Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
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43
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Sun L, Chen L, Zhu H, Li Y, Chen CC, Li M. FHL1 promotes glioblastoma aggressiveness through regulating EGFR expression. FEBS Lett 2020; 595:85-98. [PMID: 33053208 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The four-and-a-half LIM domain protein 1 (FHL1) plays a key role in multiple cancers. Here, we characterized its role in glioblastoma (GBM), the most common and incurable form of brain cancer. Overexpression of FHL1 promotes growth, migration, and invasion of GBM cells in vivo and in vitro. In contrast, FHL1 silencing by RNAi exhibits the opposite effects. FHL1 interacts with the transcription factor SP1 to upregulate epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression and activate the downstream signaling cascades, including Src, Akt, Erk1/2, and Stat3, leading to GBM malignancy. FHL1 is highly expressed and positively correlated with EGFR levels in human GBM, particularly those of the classical subtype. Our results suggest that the FHL1-SP1-EGFR axis plays a tumor-promoting role, and highlight the translational potential of inhibiting FHL1 for GBM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Sun
- Central Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education and Department of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Lili Chen
- Central Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Hua Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yumo Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Clark C Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Ming Li
- Central Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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44
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Taher MM, Dairi G, Butt EM, Al-Quthami K, Al-Khalidi H, Jastania RA, Nageeti TH, Bogari NM, Athar M, Al-Allaf FA, Valerie K. EGFRvIII expression and isocitrate dehydrogenase mutations in patients with glioma. Oncol Lett 2020; 20:384. [PMID: 33193845 PMCID: PMC7656109 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.12247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular pathology and personalized medicine are still being evolved in Saudi Arabia, and genetic testing for the detection of mutations as cancer markers have not been established in the diagnostics laboratories in Saudi Arabia. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH1 and IDH2) mutations and epidermal growth factor receptor variant (EGFRv)III transcript expression in Saudi Arabian patients with glioma. Out of 117 brain tumors tested by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR for EGFRvIII, 41 cases tested positive. In the glioblastoma (GBM) category, 28/55 tumors were positive, in astrocytoma tumors 5/22, and in oligodendrogliomas 4/13 cases were positive respectively. EGFRvIII transcript was sequenced by capillary electrophoresis to demonstrate the presence of EGFRvIII-specific junction where exons 2–7 were deleted. In the present study 106 tumors were sequenced for IDH1 exon-4 mutations using the capillary sequencing method. The most common substitution missense mutation c.395G>A was found in 16 tumors. In the case of adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma, a novel missense mutation in c.472C>T was detected in IDH2 gene. Using next-generation sequencing (NGS), 74 tumors were sequenced for the IDH1 gene, and a total of 8 missense variants were identified in 36 tumors in a population of Saudi Arabia. The missense mutation (c.395G>A) was detected in 29/36 of tumors. A novel intronic mutation in c.414+9T>A was found in 13 cases in the IDH1 gene. In addition, one case exhibited a novel synonymous mutation in c.369A>G. Eleven tumors were found to have compound mutations in the IDH1 gene. In IDH2 gene, out of a total of 16 variants found in 6 out of 45 tumors, nine were missense, five were synonymous and one was intronic. This is the first report from Saudi Arabian laboratories analyzing glioma tumors for EGFRvIII expression, and the first study from Saudi Arabia to analyze IDH mutations in gliomas using the capillary and NGS methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohiuddin M Taher
- Medical Genetics Department, College of Medicine, Umm-Al-Qura University, Makkah 24381, Saudi Arabia.,Science and Technology Unit, Umm-Al-Qura University, Makkah 24381, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ghida Dairi
- Medicine and Medical Sciences Research, Umm-Al-Qura University, Makkah 24381, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ejaz Muhammad Butt
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Histopathology Division, Al-Noor Specialty Hospital, Makkah 24242, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Al-Quthami
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Histopathology Division, Al-Noor Specialty Hospital, Makkah 24242, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hisham Al-Khalidi
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia
| | - Raid A Jastania
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Umm-Al-Qura University, Makkah 24381, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, King Abdul Aziz Medical City, Jeddah 21423, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tahani H Nageeti
- Radiation Oncology Department, King Abdullah Medical City, Makkah 24246, Saudi Arabia
| | - Neda M Bogari
- Medical Genetics Department, College of Medicine, Umm-Al-Qura University, Makkah 24381, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Athar
- Medical Genetics Department, College of Medicine, Umm-Al-Qura University, Makkah 24381, Saudi Arabia.,Science and Technology Unit, Umm-Al-Qura University, Makkah 24381, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faisal A Al-Allaf
- Medical Genetics Department, College of Medicine, Umm-Al-Qura University, Makkah 24381, Saudi Arabia.,Science and Technology Unit, Umm-Al-Qura University, Makkah 24381, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kristoffer Valerie
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
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Abstract
Mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) extracellular domain (ECD) are implicated in the development of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), which is a highly aggressive form of brain cancer. Of particular interest to GBM is the EGFR variant known as EGFRvIII, which is distinguished by an in-frame deletion of exons 2-7, which encode ECD residues 6-273. Included within the deleted region is an autoinhibitory tether, whose absence, alongside unique disulfide interactions within the truncated ECD, supports assembly of a constitutively active asymmetric kinase dimer. Previous studies have shown that the binding of growth factors to the ECD of wild-type EGFR leads to the formation of two distinct coiled coil dimers in the cytoplasmic juxtamembrane (JM) segment, whose identities correlate with the downstream phenotype. One coiled coil contains leucine residues at the interhelix interface (EGF-type), whereas the other contains charged and polar side chains (TGF-α-type). It has been proposed that growth-factor-dependent structural changes in the ECD and adjacent transmembrane helix are transduced into distinct JM coiled coils. Here, we show that, in the absence of this growth-factor-induced signal, the JM of EGFRvIII adopts both EGF-type and TGF-α-type structures, providing direct evidence for this hypothesis. These studies confirm that the signals that define JM coiled coil identity begin within the ECD, and support a model in which growth-factor-induced conformational changes are transmitted from the ECD through the transmembrane helix to favor different coiled coil isomers within the JM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepto Mozumdar
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States.,Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, California 94705, United States
| | - Amy Doerner
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
| | - Justin Y Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
| | - Diane N Rafizadeh
- Department of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, United States
| | - Alanna Schepartz
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, California 94705, United States
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46
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Chia PL, Parakh S, Tsao MS, Pham NA, Gan HK, Cao D, Burvenich IJG, Rigopoulos A, Reilly EB, John T, Scott AM. Targeting and Efficacy of Novel mAb806-Antibody-Drug Conjugates in Malignant Mesothelioma. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:E289. [PMID: 33023139 PMCID: PMC7601847 DOI: 10.3390/ph13100289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is highly overexpressed in malignant mesothelioma (MM). MAb806 is a novel anti-EGFR antibody that selectively targets a tumor-selective epitope. MAb806-derived antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), ABT-414, ABBV-221 and ABBV-322, may represent a novel therapeutic strategy in MM. EGFR and mAb806 epitope expressions in mesothelioma cell lines were evaluated using an array of binding assays, and the in vitro cell effects of ABT-414 and ABBV-322 were determined. In vivo therapy studies were conducted in mesothelioma xenograft and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) tumor models. We also performed biodistribution and imaging studies to allow the quantitative targeting of MM by mAb806 using a 89Zr-labeled immunoconjugate-ch806. A high EGFR expression was present in all mesothelioma cell lines evaluated and mAb806 binding present in all cell lines, except NCIH-2452. ABT-414 and ABBV-322 resulted in significant tumor growth inhibition in MM models with high EGFR and mAb806 epitope expressions. In contrast, in an EGFR-expressing PDX model that was negative for the mAb806 epitope, no growth inhibition was observed. We demonstrated the specific targeting of the mAb806 epitope expressing MM tumors using 89Zr-based PET imaging. Our data suggest that targeting EGFR in MM using specific ADCs is a valid therapeutic strategy and supports further investigation of the mAb806 epitope expression as a predictive biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puey-Ling Chia
- Tumour Targeting Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3084, Australia; (P.-L.C.); (S.P.); (H.K.G.); (D.C.); (I.J.G.B.); (A.R.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria 3084, Australia
| | - Sagun Parakh
- Tumour Targeting Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3084, Australia; (P.-L.C.); (S.P.); (H.K.G.); (D.C.); (I.J.G.B.); (A.R.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria 3084, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Plenty Rd &, Kingsbury Dr, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia
| | - Ming-Sound Tsao
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C1, Canada; (M.-S.T.); (N.-A.P.)
| | - Nhu-An Pham
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C1, Canada; (M.-S.T.); (N.-A.P.)
| | - Hui K. Gan
- Tumour Targeting Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3084, Australia; (P.-L.C.); (S.P.); (H.K.G.); (D.C.); (I.J.G.B.); (A.R.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria 3084, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Plenty Rd &, Kingsbury Dr, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia
| | - Diana Cao
- Tumour Targeting Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3084, Australia; (P.-L.C.); (S.P.); (H.K.G.); (D.C.); (I.J.G.B.); (A.R.)
| | - Ingrid J. G. Burvenich
- Tumour Targeting Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3084, Australia; (P.-L.C.); (S.P.); (H.K.G.); (D.C.); (I.J.G.B.); (A.R.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Angela Rigopoulos
- Tumour Targeting Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3084, Australia; (P.-L.C.); (S.P.); (H.K.G.); (D.C.); (I.J.G.B.); (A.R.)
| | | | - Thomas John
- Tumour Targeting Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3084, Australia; (P.-L.C.); (S.P.); (H.K.G.); (D.C.); (I.J.G.B.); (A.R.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria 3084, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Plenty Rd &, Kingsbury Dr, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia
| | - Andrew M. Scott
- Tumour Targeting Laboratory, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria 3084, Australia; (P.-L.C.); (S.P.); (H.K.G.); (D.C.); (I.J.G.B.); (A.R.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Plenty Rd &, Kingsbury Dr, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria 3084, Australia
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47
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Haryuni RD, Tanaka T, Zhou Y, Yokoyama S, Sakurai H. ERK-mediated negative feedback regulation of oncogenic EGFRvIII in glioblastoma cells. Oncol Lett 2020; 20:2477-2482. [PMID: 32782566 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.11760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor receptor variant III (EGFRvIII) is the most common active EGFR mutant in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). The expression of this mutant often correlates with a poor patient prognosis due to its ability to extend downstream signaling. The EGFR pathway is controlled by a negative feedback mechanism that restricts the extent and length of downstream signaling. To date, the role of negative feedback in the oncogenic EGFRvIII mutant remains undetermined. The present study indicated that activation of the MEK-ERK pathway led to the phosphorylation of Thr-402, a conserved negative feedback residue in the juxtamembrane domain corresponding to Thr-669 of wild-type EGFR (EGFRwt), which resulted in a rapid reduction in the tyrosine phosphorylation of EGFRvIII in U87MG human glioblastoma and 293 cells. Moreover, despite the incapability of EGFRvIII to bind ligands, EGF was indicated to downregulate the tyrosine phosphorylation of EGFRvIII by activating the EGFRwt-ERK pathway. These results demonstrated a conserved negative feedback mechanism in the activation of EGFRvIII, which presents a new aspect in functional interactions between EGFRvIII and EGFRwt in glioblastoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ratna Dini Haryuni
- Department of Cancer Cell Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan.,Center for Radioisotope and Radiopharmaceutical Technology, National Nuclear Energy Agency of Indonesia, Serpong, Tangerang Selatan 15343, Indonesia
| | - Tomohiro Tanaka
- Department of Cancer Cell Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Yue Zhou
- Department of Cancer Cell Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Satoru Yokoyama
- Department of Cancer Cell Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Sakurai
- Department of Cancer Cell Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
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48
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Chi AS, Cahill DP, Reardon DA, Wen PY, Mikkelsen T, Peereboom DM, Wong ET, Gerstner ER, Dietrich J, Plotkin SR, Norden AD, Lee EQ, Nayak L, Tanaka S, Wakimoto H, Lelic N, Koerner MV, Klofas LK, Bertalan MS, Arrillaga-Romany IC, Betensky RA, Curry WT, Borger DR, Balaj L, Kitchen RR, Chakrabortty SK, Valentino MD, Skog J, Breakefield XO, Iafrate AJ, Batchelor TT. Exploring Predictors of Response to Dacomitinib in EGFR-Amplified Recurrent Glioblastoma. JCO Precis Oncol 2020; 4:1900295. [PMID: 32923886 DOI: 10.1200/po.19.00295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Despite the high frequency of EGFR genetic alterations in glioblastoma (GBM), EGFR-targeted therapies have not had success in this disease. To improve the likelihood of efficacy, we targeted adult patients with recurrent GBM enriched for EGFR gene amplification, which occurs in approximately half of GBM, with dacomitinib, a second-generation, irreversible epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor that penetrates the blood-brain barrier, in a multicenter phase II trial. PATIENTS AND METHODS We retrospectively explored whether previously described EGFR extracellular domain (ECD)-sensitizing mutations in the context of EGFR gene amplification could predict response to dacomitinib, and in a predefined subset of patients, we measured post-treatment intratumoral dacomitinib levels to verify tumor penetration. RESULTS We found that dacomitinib effectively penetrates contrast-enhancing GBM tumors. Among all 56 treated patients, 8 (14.3%) had a clinical benefit as defined by a duration of treatment of at least 6 months, of whom 5 (8.9%) remained progression free for at least 1 year. Presence of EGFRvIII or EGFR ECD missense mutation was not associated with clinical benefit. We evaluated the pretreatment transcriptome in circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs) by RNA sequencing in a subset of patients and identified a signature that distinguished patients who had durable benefit versus those with rapid progression. CONCLUSION While dacomitinib was not effective in most patients with EGFR-amplified GBM, a subset experienced a durable, clinically meaningful benefit. Moreover, EGFRvIII and EGFR ECD mutation status in archival tumors did not predict clinical benefit. RNA signatures in circulating EVs may warrant investigation as biomarkers of dacomitinib efficacy in GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew S Chi
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Daniel P Cahill
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - David A Reardon
- Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Patrick Y Wen
- Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Tom Mikkelsen
- Ontario Brain Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI
| | | | - Eric T Wong
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | | | - Jorg Dietrich
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Scott R Plotkin
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Andrew D Norden
- Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Eudocia Q Lee
- Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Lakshmi Nayak
- Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Shota Tanaka
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Hiroaki Wakimoto
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Nina Lelic
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Mara V Koerner
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Lindsay K Klofas
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Mia S Bertalan
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | | | | | - William T Curry
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Darrel R Borger
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Leonora Balaj
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - A John Iafrate
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Tracy T Batchelor
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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49
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Lei K, Xia Y, Wang XC, Ahn EH, Jin L, Ye K. C/EBPβ mediates NQO1 and GSTP1 anti-oxidative reductases expression in glioblastoma, promoting brain tumor proliferation. Redox Biol 2020; 34:101578. [PMID: 32526700 PMCID: PMC7287278 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2020.101578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and most aggressive brain tumor, associated with high levels of reactive oxidative species (ROS) due to metabolic and signaling aberrations. High ROS levels are detrimental to cells, but it remains incompletely understood how cancer cells cope with the adverse effects. Here we show that C/EBPβ, a ROS responsive transcription factor, regulates the transcription of NQO1 and GSTP1, two antioxidative reductases, which neutralize ROS in the GBM and mediates their proliferation. C/EBPβ is upregulated in EGFR overexpressed GBM cells, inversely correlated with the survival rates of brain tumor patients. Interestingly, C/EBPβ binds the promoters of NQO1 and GSTP1 and escalates their expression. Overexpression of C/EBPβ selectively decreases the ROS in EGFR-overexpressed U87MG cells and promotes cell proliferation via upregulating NQO1 and GSTP1; whereas knocking down C/EBPβ elevates the ROS and reduces proliferation by repressing the reductases. Accordingly, C/EBPβ mediates the brain tumor growth in vivo, coupling with NQO1 and GSTP1 expression and ROS levels. Hence, C/EBPβ regulates the expression of antioxidative reductases and balances the ROS, promoting brain tumor proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kecheng Lei
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA; Neurotoxin Research Center of Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Neurological Department of Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200065, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiyuan Xia
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA; Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Neurological Diseases, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xiao-Chuan Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Neurological Diseases, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Eun Hee Ahn
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lingjing Jin
- Neurotoxin Research Center of Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration of Ministry of Education, Neurological Department of Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 200065, Shanghai, China.
| | - Keqiang Ye
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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50
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Cristofaro I, Alessandrini F, Spinello Z, Guerriero C, Fiore M, Caffarelli E, Laneve P, Dini L, Conti L, Tata AM. Cross Interaction between M2 Muscarinic Receptor and Notch1/EGFR Pathway in Human Glioblastoma Cancer Stem Cells: Effects on Cell Cycle Progression and Survival. Cells 2020; 9:cells9030657. [PMID: 32182759 PMCID: PMC7140674 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastomas (GBM) are the most aggressive form of primary brain tumors in humans. A key feature of malignant gliomas is their cellular heterogeneity. In particular, the presence of an undifferentiated cell population of defined Glioblastoma Stem cells (GSCs) was reported. Increased expression of anti-apoptotic and chemo-resistance genes in GCSs subpopulation favors their high resistance to a broad spectrum of drugs. Our previous studies showed the ability of M2 muscarinic receptors to negatively modulate the cell growth in GBM cell lines and in the GSCs. The aim of this study was to better characterize the inhibitory effects of M2 receptors on cell proliferation and survival in GSCs and investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the M2-mediated cell proliferation arrest and decreased survival. Moreover, we also evaluated the ability of M2 receptors to interfere with Notch1 and EGFR pathways, whose activation promotes GSCs proliferation. Our data demonstrate that M2 receptors activation impairs cell cycle progression and survival in the primary GSC lines analyzed (GB7 and GB8). Moreover, we also demonstrated the ability of M2 receptor to inhibit Notch1 and EGFR expression, highlighting a molecular interaction between M2 receptor and the Notch-1/EGFR pathways also in GSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Cristofaro
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies Charles Darwin, Sapienza, University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (I.C.); (F.A.); (Z.S.); (C.G.); (L.D.)
| | - Francesco Alessandrini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies Charles Darwin, Sapienza, University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (I.C.); (F.A.); (Z.S.); (C.G.); (L.D.)
| | - Zaira Spinello
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies Charles Darwin, Sapienza, University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (I.C.); (F.A.); (Z.S.); (C.G.); (L.D.)
| | - Claudia Guerriero
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies Charles Darwin, Sapienza, University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (I.C.); (F.A.); (Z.S.); (C.G.); (L.D.)
| | - Mario Fiore
- IBPM, Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, CNR, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.F.); (E.C.); (P.L.)
| | - Elisa Caffarelli
- IBPM, Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, CNR, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.F.); (E.C.); (P.L.)
| | - Pietro Laneve
- IBPM, Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, CNR, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.F.); (E.C.); (P.L.)
| | - Luciana Dini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies Charles Darwin, Sapienza, University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (I.C.); (F.A.); (Z.S.); (C.G.); (L.D.)
| | - Luciano Conti
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology-CIBIO, University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy;
| | - Ada Maria Tata
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies Charles Darwin, Sapienza, University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (I.C.); (F.A.); (Z.S.); (C.G.); (L.D.)
- Research center of Neurobiology, Sapienza, University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-4991-2822
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